Lisbon and Porto ranked among the top 10 best European cities for digital nomads in 2026.
Pedro Barata, Senior Investment Migration Advisor at Immigrant Invest, spoke about the ranking results and why digital nomads choose Portugal.
What the ranking is based on
The analytical platform PlayersTime studied 35 European cities to compile a ranking of the best destinations for digital nomads[1]. The methodology is based on comparing key indicators:
- cost of living;
- safety index;
- Internet speed;
- overall score.
The expenses include 30-day accommodation rent through Airbnb, food, Internet, and transport. The data for the ranking was collected from open sources, including Airbnb and Numbeo.
Top 10 cities in Europe for digital nomads
Krakow, Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest entered the top 5 of the ranking thanks to a combination of affordable rental prices, inexpensive food, reliable Internet, and a high level of safety.
Warsaw has the lowest cost of living, at around €1,265. The highest expenses are in Dublin, Reykjavik, and Amsterdam, at around €5,000 a month.
Pedro Barata,
Senior Investment Migration Advisor
The ranking results confirm that Portugal remains competitive thanks to its quality of life and flexible migration policy. From October 2022 to September 2025, more than 9,300 applications were submitted for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa[2].
Lisbon: balance between cost and quality of life
Lisbon took 8th place in the ranking, scoring 122 points out of a possible 175. The Portuguese capital combines developed infrastructure, an international community, and a relatively affordable cost of living compared with other Western European capitals.
The average cost of living is estimated at around €1,497 a month. The safety index reaches 67 points, which is above average for major European cities.
The pleasant climate and high quality of infrastructure are also noted separately, making Lisbon attractive for long-term residence with a family.
Porto: more affordable alternative to the Portuguese capital
Porto took 10th place in the ranking with a score of 116 points. The city offers lower expenses compared with Lisbon.
The average property rental cost is around €1,309 a month, while food expenses are €165. Porto has a calmer pace of life and a compact urban environment.
Rabelo boats are one of Porto’s main symbols: they were once used to transport barrels of port wine. Today, they decorate the city’s waterfront.
How to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa for Portugal
Portugal offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote specialists and their family members. Applicants obtain a residence permit for 2 years, which can be extended for another 3 years.
Requirements for applicants:
- income of €3,680 a month;
- proof of remote work;
- rental accommodation, with no cost requirements;
- health insurance.
After 5 years, digital nomads can obtain permanent residence in Portugal and later apply for citizenship.
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