Safety is certainly one of the most important factors remote workers must consider when they choose a new destination and so for those asking if Lisbon is safe for remote workers, this short guide seeks to explore some of the pressing local issues. After all, how safe a new city is will dictate where you rent an apartment, the sort of activities you carry out and how much you enjoy the city overall. Thankfully, Lisbon is not only an incident-free destination, it is actually one of the safest cities you can visit in Europe and the world.
Remote workers will always prefer a stable destination where there is little or no worries of social unrest. Thankfully, Portugal is an incredibly politically stable country meaning there is little chance of protests or civil unrest affecting your time in Lisbon.
Furthermore, the Euro is a generally stable currency, and Portugal’s currency has seen huge improvements in its overall economic position in recent years. The country is very rarely the target of terrorism and foreigners here are common and feel generally safe and welcomed. As such, you can rest assured that Lisbon is safe for remote workers.
One of the things that also makes Lisbon safe for remote workers is the excellent security infrastructure in place in the city and around the country. If you require emergency assistance in Lisbon, you can readily call 112 and request emergency services. Equally, if you need to file a report, you can visit the offices of the Tourism Police located just of Praça dos Restauradores on the southeast end of Avenida Liberdade. Here, you can receive immediate assistance with theft reports, if you lose your ID documents or need to report a crime. Beyond this, food standards are high across Portugal, meaning that if you exercise the usual caution then you can eat worry-free some of the city’s delicious culinary offerings.
Despite the fact Lisbon is safe for Remote Workers, you should certainly be aware of the forms of petty crime which are common in the city. By far, pickpocketing is the biggest issue in Lisbon. You should always be careful on busy tram and metro routes to keep an eye on your belongings and not keep any valuables in your back pockets. Of course, pickpockets are likely to operate in touristic areas around the city, as well as crowded nightlife areas. Petty crime is not particularly high in Lisbon, but with a recent surge in poverty driven by the Covid-19 pandemic and the migration crisis in Europe, it has certainly been on the rise. You should also be aware that Portugal has a relaxed attitude towards drugs - it is not uncommon to be offered drugs on the streets in certain parts of the city, and the police usually turn a blind eye to reasonable consumption.
Natural disasters are also rare in Portugal. Long-term visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with earthquake protocol since the country is in a seismic zone, but quakes are generally uncommon here. Beaches along the coast close to Lisbon are very well-managed, and a flag system is used to ensure the safety of all swimmers. You should also be cautious during the summer months when high temperatures are likely, and always carry plenty of water with you.
Overall, we can definitively say that Lisbon is safe for remote workers. Its liberal attitude mean it is a generally safe place for female solo travelers, minorities and LGBTQ+ individuals. If you exercise the usual caution required of a visitor in any new city, you are bound to enjoy everything Lisbon has to offer!
For more information about living in Lisbon as a remote worker, check out our complete Lisbon section.