Lisbon has become one of Europe's most sought-after destinations for expats, digital nomads, and remote workers. With its year-round sunshine, thriving tech scene, rich culture, incredible food, and relatively affordable lifestyle compared to other Western European capitals, it's easy to see why thousands of internationals are making the Portuguese capital their home.

But there's a catch: finding an apartment in Lisbon is increasingly competitive. High demand from tourists, digital nomads, and foreign investors has tightened the rental market, driven up prices, and created fierce competition for quality apartments — especially in central neighborhoods.

If you're planning your move to Lisbon, knowing where to look (and how to avoid scams) can make the difference between securing your dream apartment and spending months in temporary accommodation. This guide covers the best websites to find an apartment in Lisbon — from trusted Portuguese platforms to expat-friendly international sites.

And once you find that perfect place? Exodo is here to help you understand your rental contract, get your NIF (tax number), register your address with the Junta de Freguesia, and navigate all the Portuguese paperwork that comes with settling into your new home.

How the Lisbon Housing Market Works

Before diving into specific platforms, here's what you need to know about renting in Lisbon in 2025:

The market is competitive: Tourism recovery, Portugal's digital nomad visa, and Lisbon's growing tech ecosystem have all contributed to high housing demand. In popular neighborhoods, good apartments receive dozens of inquiries within hours of being listed.

Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood:

• 1-bedroom apartment: €900–€1,700/month (central areas like Santos, Estrela, Campo de Ourique)
• Room in shared flat: €400–€700/month
• Studio: €800–€1,400/month

Cheaper areas like Benfica, Alvalade, or neighborhoods outside the city center (Amadora, Oeiras) offer more affordable options, though you'll trade proximity for savings.

NIF is essential: Many landlords and rental platforms require a Portuguese tax number (Número de Identificação Fiscal) before signing contracts. Start your NIF application as soon as possible — it's the key that unlocks most Portuguese administrative processes.

Deposits are standard: Expect to pay 1-2 months' rent as a deposit (caução), plus the first month's rent upfront. Some landlords may also request a guarantor (fiador), especially if you're self-employed or new to Portugal.

Best Websites to Find an Apartment in Lisbon

Idealista — The #1 Portal for Apartments in Lisbon

Idealista is Portugal's largest and most trusted real estate platform — the first place both locals and expats check when searching for apartments. With thousands of active listings updated daily, it's the gold standard for housing in Lisbon.

Why it dominates:

• Comprehensive filters by price, neighborhood, size, furnished/unfurnished status
• Many listings include virtual tours and extensive photo galleries
• Both private landlords and professional agencies post here
• Mobile app makes searching convenient
• Email alerts notify you immediately when matching properties are listed

Best for: Anyone seeking long-term rentals (1+ year contracts) in any Lisbon neighborhood.

Pro tip: Check Idealista multiple times daily. The best apartments disappear within hours. Set up saved searches with email notifications to stay ahead of the competition.

Imovirtual — Major Portuguese Real Estate Platform

Imovirtual is Portugal's second-largest rental platform and a strong alternative to Idealista. Owned by OLX Portugal, it focuses primarily on verified listings from property owners and agencies.

Why expats love it:

• Clean interface with excellent filtering options
• Strong presence across Lisbon, Porto, and other Portuguese cities
• Many listings come directly from owners, avoiding agency fees
• Good balance of furnished and unfurnished options
• Transparent about whether listings include agencies

Best for: Long-term unfurnished apartments and connecting directly with property owners to avoid intermediary fees.

OLX Portugal — Good for Local Deals & Private Landlords

OLX Portugal is a classifieds platform that includes a robust housing section. While it mixes professional listings with private ads, it's an excellent resource for finding apartments without agency fees — though it requires more caution.

Advantages:

• Direct contact with landlords (no middleman)
• Often cheaper options than Idealista
• Good for finding rooms in shared apartments
• Strong local user base

Disadvantages:

• Higher risk of scams or misleading listings
• Less verification than professional platforms
• Requires more due diligence

Safety tips: Never transfer money before viewing the apartment, always request official contracts, and verify the landlord's identity and property ownership.

Spotahome — Best for International Renters (English-Friendly)

Spotahome was designed specifically for international renters who need to book apartments remotely — perfect if you're still abroad and planning your move to Lisbon.

Why internationals choose it:

• 100% online booking with verified photos and video tours
• English-language platform with multilingual customer support
• All properties are visited and verified by Spotahome staff
• Secure payment system with protection against scams
• No need to visit Portugal before signing

Trade-off: Higher service fees (typically one month's rent) in exchange for convenience and security.

Best for: Digital nomads, remote workers, and professionals relocating to Lisbon who need housing secured before arrival.

HousingAnywhere — Students & Young Professionals

HousingAnywhere has become the go-to platform for Erasmus students, international students, and young professionals seeking mid-term rentals in Lisbon.

What makes it special:

• Specializes in 1-12 month stays (perfect for temporary relocations)
• Secure payment system with money-back guarantees
• Verified landlords and student-focused listings
• Strong presence near universities (Universidade de Lisboa, ISCTE, Nova)
• Book entirely online without visiting

Best for: Students, interns, and anyone needing flexible mid-term housing (3-6 months) near educational institutions or central areas.

Uniplaces — Mid-Term Rentals + Student-Friendly

Uniplaces combines the convenience of online booking with curated, quality-checked listings — particularly strong for medium-term stays between 3-12 months.

Key features:

• Modern, user-friendly interface
• All properties inspected before listing
• Multilingual customer support
• No deposit required in many cases
• Ideal for digital nomads testing Lisbon before committing long-term

Best for: Remote workers, digital nomads, and professionals wanting flexible rental periods without traditional long-term contracts.

Facebook Groups — Popular but Needs Caution

Facebook groups remain surprisingly effective for finding apartments in Lisbon, especially for shared accommodations and sublets. However, they require extra vigilance against scams.

Recommended groups:

• "Lisbon Apartments for Rent"
• "Expats Lisbon Housing"
• "Lisboa: Quartos e Apartamentos"
• "Lisbon Rooms and Apartments"
• "Affordable Housing Lisbon"

Advantages:

• Direct contact with current tenants or landlords
• Sometimes find unlisted gems before they hit major platforms
• Good for understanding real prices and neighborhood insights
• Active expat community willing to help newcomers

Red flags to avoid:

• Requests for payment before viewing
• No official contract offered
• "Too good to be true" prices
• Pressure to decide immediately
• Landlord refusing video calls or property visits

Local Real Estate Agencies

For those prioritizing safety, transparency, and professional support, established Portuguese real estate agencies remain the most reliable option — though they come with fees.

Trusted agencies in Lisbon:

• Remax Portugal: Largest network with extensive listings
• Century 21: Strong international presence and English-speaking agents
• ERA Portugal: Well-established with local expertise
• Keller Williams: Growing presence with professional service

Pros:

• Verified properties and legitimate contracts
• Professional support throughout the rental process
• Help with paperwork and contract negotiation
• English-speaking agents available

Cons:

• Agency fees (typically 1 month's rent paid by tenant)
• Slightly higher overall costs
• Less flexibility than direct landlord arrangements

Best for: Families, professionals seeking long-term stability, or anyone who values professional support over cost savings.

Quick Neighborhood Guide

Not sure where to live in Lisbon? Here's a snapshot of popular areas:

Santos / Estrela: Trendy, walkable, beautiful architecture, great cafés — favored by young professionals and creatives
Campo de Ourique: Family-friendly, quiet residential vibe, excellent local market, slightly more expensive
Alfama / Mouraria: Historic charm, steep hills, authentic but increasingly tourist-heavy
Parque das Nações: Modern, spacious apartments, waterfront, great for families, less traditional character
Alvalade / Benfica: More local atmosphere, affordable, good transport links, fewer tourists
Cais do Sodré / Príncipe Real: Central, nightlife hub, trendy, higher prices
Areeiro / Saldanha: Business district, convenient metro access, less charm but practical

Documents Needed to Rent an Apartment in Lisbon

When you apply for an apartment, landlords typically request:

✅ NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — Your Portuguese tax number (essential for contracts)
✅ Passport or national ID — Proof of identity
✅ Proof of income — Recent payslips, bank statements, or employment contract
✅ Guarantor (fiador) — Sometimes required, especially for students or self-employed applicants
✅ Deposit — Usually 1-2 months' rent as security deposit
✅ First month's rent — Paid upfront upon signing
✅ Rental contract (Contrato de Arrendamento) — Official agreement between landlord and tenant

Use Exodo to upload your Portuguese rental contract — our AI explains the legal terms, required deposits, notice periods, and your tenant rights in plain language.

Tips to Avoid Scams and Bad Deals

Lisbon's competitive housing market unfortunately attracts scammers. Protect yourself:

🚫 Never pay before seeing the apartment — No deposits, no "reservation fees" without viewing (virtually or in person)
✅ Request property documentation — Ask for caderneta predial (property ownership certificate) to verify legitimacy
🚫 Beware of Airbnb conversions — Some landlords illegally offer short-term rentals as long-term contracts (violates Portuguese law and offers you no legal protection)
✅ Always sign a contract — Never accept verbal agreements; insist on official written contracts
✅ Meet the landlord — Use video calls if you're abroad; legitimate landlords will accommodate this
✅ Check utilities — Clarify what's included (water, electricity, internet, gas) and what you'll pay separately
✅ Understand termination terms — Know your notice period and deposit return conditions

How Exodo Helps You Settle in Lisbon

Finding the apartment is just the beginning. Portuguese bureaucracy — NIF applications, NISS registration, address registration, understanding rental contracts — can feel overwhelming when you're new to the country.

Exodo simplifies everything:

✅ AI-powered contract analysis — Upload your Contrato de Arrendamento and get instant explanations of deposit rules, termination clauses, and your legal rights as a tenant
✅ NIF and NISS guidance — Step-by-step instructions for getting your tax number and social security registration
✅ Address registration support — Know exactly what documents to bring to your local Junta de Freguesia for your Atestado de Residência
✅ Personalized checklists — AI-generated task lists covering every administrative step of your Lisbon relocation
✅ Secure document vault — Store your passport, NIF, rental contract, and utility bills in one organized digital space
✅ Multilingual support — Get Portuguese bureaucracy explained in English, Spanish, French, or your preferred language

Found your Lisbon apartment on Idealista? Let Exodo handle your paperwork so you can focus on enjoying life in the city of seven hills.

Conclusion

Lisbon's housing market is competitive, but with the right platforms and preparation, finding your perfect apartment is absolutely achievable. Whether you're using Idealista for comprehensive local listings, Spotahome for secure remote booking, or Facebook groups for hidden gems, staying persistent and organized is key.

Remember: protect yourself from scams, understand your rental contract thoroughly, and complete your NIF application early. These steps will save you time, money, and stress as you settle into your new Portuguese life.

The bureaucratic side of moving to Lisbon doesn't have to be daunting. With the right support, it becomes just another manageable step in your exciting relocation journey.

Ready to make your Lisbon move seamless? Visit Exodo.io and let our AI assistant guide you through rental contracts, NIF applications, address registration, and every other administrative step. We speak your language and make Portuguese bureaucracy finally make sense.