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🇵🇹 Portugal · City guide

Moving to Lisbon: Language & First Steps

Portugal's sunny capital and a top remote-work destination; you'll need your NIF early.

Living in Lisbon

Portugal's sunny capital and a top remote-work base; get your NIF early. Newcomers favour Alfama, Graça, Arroios and across the river in Almada as central rents have climbed. English is widely spoken, but Portuguese helps with Finanças and SEF/AIMA.

To settle into Lisbon you'll need Portuguese — and the practical kind: your NIF tax number and residency registration (and, from AIMA, your residence permit), opening a bank account, and seeing a doctor. Here's what to do first and the phrases to learn.

Sources: Language Lab's Portuguese curriculum & culture notes; city/official processes vary — confirm with Lisbon's local authority. · Join the beta →

What to do in your first week in Lisbon?

1. Register your address / residency — your NIF tax number and residency registration (and, from AIMA, your residence permit).
2. Open a local bank account so you can get paid and pay rent.
3. Register with a local doctor (GP) and sort health insurance.
4. Get a local SIM / mobile plan and set up any required digital ID.
5. Learn your transport options — tickets, passes and routes.

Portuguese phrasebooks for Lisbon

For the full country picture, see our guide to moving to Portugal.