English-Speaking Jobs in Lisbon: Expat Career Guide 2025
By Ana Fernandes, International Recruitment Manager, Lisbon
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Summary
Lisbon emerged as a major tech hub since Web Summit relocated here. Portugal's Tech Visa and IFICI tax regime attract international talent.
Lisbon hosts Farfetch, OutSystems, Unbabel, Feedzai, and hundreds of startups. English is default in most tech offices. The IFICI regime offers 20% flat income tax for qualifying tech and innovation professionals for up to 10 years.
Research your visa: Tech Visa, D7, or EU right to work
Get a NIF at the local Finanças office
Arrange mandatory health insurance
Open a Portuguese bank account
Research the IFICI tax regime
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lisbon attracting so many English-speaking professionals?
Lisbon combines a low cost of living, year-round sunshine, a welcoming expat community, fast-growing tech scene, and EU membership. Web Summit relocated there in 2016, catalysing the startup ecosystem.
What visa options are available for non-EU workers in Lisbon?
Portugal offers the Tech Visa for technology professionals, the D3 Highly Qualified Activity Visa for skilled workers, and the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) for remote workers. All provide pathways to permanent residence.
Which companies hire English speakers in Lisbon?
Farfetch, Feedzai, Talkdesk, OutSystems, and international companies including Mercedes-Benz, Google, and Natixis have major operations in Lisbon.
How much does a software engineer earn in Lisbon?
Junior engineers earn 25,000-40,000 EUR. Mid-level earn 40,000-60,000 EUR. Senior engineers at scale-ups earn 60,000-90,000 EUR. Cost of living is 30-40% cheaper than Northern Europe.