Portugal
Working in Lisbon
The capital where Portugal's startup scene, its tourism economy and a wave of remote-first arrivals all compete for the same hillside apartments.
What the city runs on
Technology and startups — the Web Summit moved here for a reason — alongside tourism, shipping-adjacent services in the port, and a growing base of international companies running back-office and engineering functions out of Lisbon rather than pricier capitals further north.
Why the tax regime matters more than the city
IFICI is national, not local, but Lisbon is where most qualifying offers originate: certified startups, research institutions and the Portuguese arms of foreign tech companies cluster here. The 20% flat rate on qualifying income runs for ten years regardless of which Portuguese city you live in — the decision that actually depends on the city is where you can afford to live on what's left after rent, which has risen sharply in central Lisbon.
What to check before you sign
Whether your specific role and employer fall inside IFICI's eligible categories — the list is narrower than "any tech job in Lisbon", and the whole value of the regime depends on qualifying for it at all.
This page is information, not advice. We are not an employer, a recruitment agency, a visa centre or an immigration adviser, and we are not affiliated with any government body. Rules change — confirm against the official source before you act.