Queers Beyond Borders

Lisbon (EN)

This page is also available in the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic.

 

Hello LISBON!

As Portugal's sun-kissed capital, Lisbon captivates everyone with its hilly streets adorned with pastel-coloured buildings. Besides delicious pasteis de nata, the city also has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene that invites everyone to freely express themselves.

The following sections have been developed with colleagues at GAT, and contain everything you need to know about coming to Lisbon as a queer migrant.

 
 
 

Checklist

Just arrived in Lisbon? Here is a list of essentials to get you started:

 

⃞ Getting a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)

If you want to live in Portugal, you are going to need to get a NIF, also known as “número de contribuinte”- a unique identification number that is used for tax purposes, but also a lot more. It is essential to have one to carry out any legal or administrative processes, such as opening a bank account, signing an employment contract, or buying or renting a house. You can apply for a NIF online or in person. For more details on the process, go to this link.

⃞ Getting a Portuguese Security Identification Number (NISS)

The NISS allows access to rights and obligations in Social Security. You can apply for NISS online or in person. For more details on the process, go to this link.

⃞ Opening a bank account

Most Portuguese banks will ask you to provide your NIF, a valid photo ID, proof of address, and proof of employment. If you are not employed, you can still open an account if you have proof of registration with the Portuguese employment center (Centro de Emprego). Depending on your bank of choice, you might be able to open an account online or in person. 

⃞ Getting a SIM card

Having a Portuguese phone number is extremely useful for getting around, accessing services and making appointments. You can easily buy a SIM card either online or in any mobile shop or supermarket.

⃞ Getting around 

Lisbon has an extensive public transport network, making it very easy to move around with no need for a car. For frequent travellers, the easiest and cheapest way to pay is by getting a Navegante travel card, which you can top up with travel passes or money . To get a Navegante card you will need to have a NIF number.  For more details, go to the Metro Lisboa website.

 
 

Health information

Healthcare in Portugal is not entirely free, but it has been designed to be affordable and accessible for the majority of the population.

This section contains everything you need to know about accessing healthcare services in Lisbon as a queer migrant.

 

  • In order to access public healthcare services in Portugal, you first need to be registered as a resident. Afterwards, go to your local health centre (centro de saúde) to register for healthcare. If you have a residence permit, you’ll get a national health number (número de utente de saúde), which you will have to show when you visit a doctor. Most essential medical services are available free of charge, while non-essential services and treatments require a small co-payment.

    People without a National Health Number who need medical assistance should go to the local Personalized Health Care Unit “Unidade de cuidados de saúde personalizados (UCSP)” or to the hospital emergency service, in the event of an emergency.

    If you need medical assistance, before going to a health center or hospital, it is recommended to call the Saúde 24 telephone line 808 24 24 24. The health professionals who work in this line will indicate which health service you should go to or which medication you should take. For more details, go to this link.

  • You can still access public healthcare even if you don’t have legal residence in Portugal. You will need to present a document from your Parish board (Junta de freguesia) that certifies that you have been residing in Portugal for more than 90 days. Note that you might be required to pay for the treatments received, except in cases of emergency care. HIV treatment is free regardless of your residence status.

  • If you are registered in the Portuguese national health service, your GP will be able to provide most sexual health services that you need. Alternatively, Lisbon has a bunch of centres where you can get tested for STIs:

    • The organisation GAT runs CheckpointLX, aimed specifically at men who have sex with men. They offer testing for HIV, syphilis, and HBV or HCV. Go to their website for more information. If you want to get tested for any other STDs, see the centres below.

    • Centro de Saúde da Lapa is a sexual health clinic. They offer testing for all STIs and treatment. The service is free* and anonymous. However, it can be difficult to get an appointment due to long waiting times. They see patients on a first come, first serve basis so we recommend getting there at 8am or earlier to increase your chances.

    • The Dermatology department of Hospital de Santo António dos Capuchos also offers free* STD testing. Appointments here are also limited and we recommend arriving early.

    • The Hospital Garcia de Orta also offers free* STD testing. It is located in Almada, on the opposite side of the river from Lisbon - you can get there easily by public transport.

    *Services are free for everyone registered in the Portuguese national health service. If you are undocumented, you might have to pay a small fee.

  • You can get tested for HIV at any of the centres/checkpoints mentioned above, or at any pharmacy or laboratory for clinical analyses.

  • If you are HIV negative and think you have been at risk of contracting HIV in the past 72 hours, you can ask for PEP.

    PEP is a combination of drugs that can stop HIV. It needs to be taken for 28 days.

    You can get PEP at the emergency department of any public hospital in Lisbon.

  • PrEP is a way of preventing HIV by taking a pill before sex and continued after sex. It’s taken by someone who doesn’t have HIV, to prevent them from getting HIV.

    You can get PrEP for free at any public hospital in Portugal. If you need help or guidance, you can get in touch with CheckpointLX.

  • Our partners at GAT offer a service called GAT IN Mouraria to support chemsex users, which includes STI screening for drug users, counselling and social support, and distribution of materials for safe drug use. They are open on weekdays from 14h to 20h. For more information and to book an appointment, go to this link.

  • In order to access gender affirming care in Portugal, you will first need to consult your GP, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. They can refer you to the clinical sexology department of any public hospital. You will be assessed for gender dysphoria and will then be able to access hormonal therapy. For more details on treatments available and navigating the Portuguese health system, have a look at this guide.

  • Most sexual health services aimed at the LGBTQ+ community focus on health care for men who have sex with men and transgender people. There is a widespread misconception that cis women who have sex with women are not at risk of STIs. In addition, many queer women and non-binary individuals are hesitant to get the gynaecological care that they need due to prejudices related to sexuality and gender.

    This site has a list of queer-friendly gynaecologists in Portugal, including several based in Lisbon.

  • You can get preventive mpox vaccination in Portugal if you belong to any of the following groups:

    • At-risk groups:

      • Men who have sex with men, women and trans people who are on PrEP AND have had multiple sexual partners in the past 6 months

      • Men who have sex with men and trans people living with HIV AND who have had multiple sexual partners in the past 6 months

      • Men who have sex with men and trans people who engage in sex work

      • Men who have sex with men with serious immunosuppressive conditions

      • Professional health workers at high risk of being exposed to the virus

    • Close contacts with confirmed monkeypox cases: people who are asymptomatic and with no previous history of infection should be vaccinated ideally up to 4 days before being exposed.

    In Lisbon, you can get vaccinated at Centro de Saúde da Lapa or at GAT - this requires booking an appointment in advance. If you have any doubts, get in touch with GAT’s Mpox line at 911050019 - either by calling or messaging on WhatsApp. They are available Monday to Friday from 10h to 18h.

  • It is recommended that men who have sex with men are vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, especially if you’re having lots of sex. You can get vaccinated for free by your GP or at a sexual health clinic. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but you can take precautions to avoid getting it - see below.

  • Hepatitis C is more common in some groups of men who have sex with men. If you’re having lots of sex, have particular types of sex (including fisting), or have injected drugs, getting tested for Hep C at your regular sexual health check-ups is recommended. For more information about the virus and how to prevent transmission, go to this link.

 
 

Mental health support

Moving to a new place often means being far away from family, friends, and the people that make up our support network back home. Struggling with loneliness and homesickness as a migrant is very common.

If you need help, this section can help you access the resources that are available to you.

 

  • The organisation ILGA Portugal runs an LGBT Centre in Lisbon, a community space for queer people. They organise cultural activities and events, as well as support groups for different collectives. For more details and to sign up, follow this link.

    You can also find support here:

    • Casa Qui - Support for LGBTQI+ youth victims of violence.

    • Clínica Social - They have a social clinic with psychology, psychiatry and child psychiatry consultations with social prices (depending on the person's income) for anyone, especially Queer people.

    • Gabinete de Apoio à Vítima: free psychological support for LGBTQIA+ youth victims of any type of violence (including discrimination and lgbtphobia)

  • There are several organisations in Lisbon that specialise in mental health services for refugees and migrants, or that can help you find the support that you need:

    • Serviço Jesuíta aos Refugiados (Jesuit Refugee Service) offers free psychology and psychiatry services to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. You can find out more and book an appointment in this link.

    • CEPAC (Centro Padre Alves Correia) is a clinic that provides support and psychological services to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in precarious situations. Go to their website to find out more.

    • The association CRESCER runs a project called ‘NO BORDER’ which aims to provide services to refugees and asylum seekers - including psychological and social support, among many others. Find out more about the project here, or by emailing info@crescer.org

  • GAT runs a centre that supports people who use drugs - GAT IN Mouraria - which includes counselling and social support, among other services. Have a look at this link for more information.

 
 

Social groups & Community

Making connections, building community and having a good support network around us can help us feel less alone and settle into a new city or country. You might be looking to get involved with the local LGBTQ+ scene, or meet other queer migrants from your country of origin.

Here you can find links and resources to make queer connections and explore what Lisbon has to offer.

 

  • The Centro LGBT run by ILGA offers an extensive social and cultural programme - from book and music clubs to game nights and even an LGBTQ+ choir! To see what they have coming up, go to this link.

  • Learning Portuguese can make your life in Lisbon significantly easier, allowing you to make friends, get a job, communicate with your doctor, and much more. Attending Portuguese classes is also a great opportunity to meet other migrants that might be in a similar situation as you.

    The Portuguese government offers Portuguese Host Language (PLA) courses for migrants at beginner and intermediate levels. They take place in different schools and learning centres across the country - find a list of all of them here. If you are interested in attending a course, you should contact the centre of your choice to register and know more details.

    For more information on eligibility and the structure of the courses, go to this page.

  • Lisbon does not have a lot of spaces targeted specifically to queer migrants. However, the Centro LGBT runs many events and activities that cater to a very diverse demographic - see their programme here.

    If you are looking to meet other fellow migrants, you can check out the Casa do Brasil de Lisboa - aimed mainly at Brazilian migrants, but open to all nationalities. They work to support migrants in Portugal, and also run cultural and social events. Go to their website for more information.

  • Lisbon hosts every year an international queer film festival, called Queer Lisboa. To see their full programme, go to their website.

    You can also check out Queer Art Lab, which organises many different cultural activities. Have a look at their Instagram to see what they have coming up.

    There are also lots of events and cultural activities that take place each year during Pride, organised by ILGA. For more information and to see their programme, follow this link.

 
 

Legal advice

We know - bureaucracy is a nightmare. This section is here to make it a bit more bearable for you.

 

For refugees and asylum seekers

  • You do not need a lawyer to apply for asylum in Portugal. However, there are several organisations that can give you advice and guide you through the asylum procedure if you need help. All asylum seekers are entitled to legal counselling, free of charge.

    The Portuguese Refugee Council (CPR) offers legal support throughout the whole process. Go to their website for more details on the services they offer. You can reach out to them by emailing apoio.juridico@cpr.pt or geral@cpr.pt, or calling (+351) 21 831 43 72.

  • You can apply for asylum in Portugal if you are at risk of being persecuted in your home country due to various factors - including your gender and sexual identity.

    The entity that manages the asylum system in Portugal is the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). If you want to apply for asylum, you can submit your application to SEF’s Asylum and Refugees Department (GAR), or go to any other police authority. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible once you’ve arrived in Portugal.

    If your application is accepted, you will then be interviewed by a SEF employee. You can have an interpreter if you do not speak Portuguese. You must disclose your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. To back your case, you will also have to explain why you are seeking protection and why you are in danger in your home country with as much detail as possible.

    You will receive a decision shortly after your interview. If the decision is negative, you are entitled to appeal within 15 days.

    It is important to keep in mind that the steps to take during the asylum process change often. For this reason, we advise you to get in touch with an organisation that specialises in international protection, such as CPR, so that they can inform you on how the process currently works.

  • There are several organisations in Lisbon that offer support to refugees and asylum seekers. While their services are not specifically for queer refugees, they can still provide help on these matters and guide you through the asylum seeking process:

    • The Portuguese Refugee Council (CPR) provides legal advice as well as social support to help with the integration of refugees.

    • The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a Catholic organisation that offers support at all levels to refugees and asylum seekers - from social and legal support to job coaching and housing.

    • The Lisbon Project is an organisation that seeks to empower migrants and refugees. They offer a wide range of social activities, legal advice, and much more to help with the integration of refugees.

General immigration questions

  • Portugal recognises same sex partnerships, which means that you can immigrate to the country to be with your partner under the same conditions as anyone in a heterosexual relationship. In order to immigrate to Portugal long term and get a residence permit, you will need to be married or in a civil partnership with your partner, since that makes you eligible for a family reunion visa (visto de residência para reagrupamento familiar). For more information on the process, go to this page.

    If you are a refugee in Portugal and have a partner back in your home country, you also have a right to family reunification. You do not need to be married to your partner, but you must have proof of being in a stable relationship. For more details on the procedure, go to this website.

  • You may risk being deported from Portugal if you are residing in the country without a valid visa or residence permit, or if you ‘threaten national security or public order’. If you meet any of these criteria, the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF) may start the expulsion process. You will be summoned to a trial and, if the judge decides to deport you, you will be granted a period of 10 to 20 days to leave Portugal. You can also appeal the decision before a court.

    We strongly advise getting support from a lawyer if you have been summoned to a trial or you think that you are at risk of being deported. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you might be able to get legal aid. Go to this page for details.

  • Selling sex is legal in Portugal, but any form of organised sex work is prohibited. The law is quite broad, and profiting from, promoting, encouraging or facilitating ‘prostitution’ are also criminal offences. Because sex work is not recognised as work, sex workers unfortunately do not have any rights or protection as workers. For more guidance and advice on how to stay safe as a sex worker, we recommend getting in touch with Movimiento dxs Trabalhadorxs do Sexo (MTS), an activist group that fights for the rights of sex workers in Portugal.

  • A hate crime is an act of violence or hostility towards a person because of who they are. The Portuguese penal code recognises gender and sexual orientation as grounds for which you could be the victim of a hate crime.

    If you have experienced a hate crime, you can report it to the police if you feel comfortable doing so. Regardless of your immigration status, you have the right to report a crime to the authorities and to receive adequate support. Alternatively, you can get in touch with APAV - Support Unit for Migrant and Discrimination Victims, an organisation that supports migrants in Portugal who have been the victims of any sort of crime. They offer legal, psychological and social support.

    If you are undocumented, keep in mind that police agents have the obligation to communicate to the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) that they have become aware of the situation of an undocumented migrant, which might put you at risk of deportation. For this reason, we recommend reaching out to APAV if you are undocumented and need support.

  • If you are HIV positive and have sex with someone without disclosing that you have HIV, and HIV is transmitted to the other person, it is theoretically possible that you could be charged with HIV transmission. Although Portugal does not have any HIV-specific laws, the Penal Code contains general provisions which have been used to criminalise the transmission of HIV on a few occasions.

    Laws relating to HIV status disclosure are different from country-to-country, and can frequently change. The HIV Justice Network provides an extensive database of HIV criminalisation law around the world and provides up-to-date information globally.

 
 

Housing advice

If you are tired of going to viewings and dealing with unresponsive landlords, this section will hopefully make your experience a bit more bearable and help you manage challenging situations.

 

  • If you are looking to rent a room in a shared house, the most popular website you can use is Idealista. It has a filter to find rooms in LGBTQ+ friendly households.

    If you are in a vulnerable situation, you can contact:

    • National Social Emergency Line 144 - This service will provide a place to sleep and social support.

    • Casa Qui - Projeto ReAJo: apartments for young people (18-23) who are in a situation of social vulnerability and/or in a situation of violence. It is enough for the person to contact the team and then the team does the triage.

  • Lisbon is one of the world’s most queer-friendly cities, with a very lively LGBTQ+ scene. Queer people can be found all around the city, and there is no particular area that is more LGBTQ-friendly than others.

    However, Lisbon does have a gaybourhood where most queer venues are concentrated: Bairro Alto and next to it, Principe Real. If you want to be as close as possible to the LGBTQ+ scene in Lisbon, this is the place to be. Nonetheless, these are quite affluent areas located right in the city centre - we recommend also checking out other areas a bit further out, where you are most likely to find affordable housing.

  • The Jesuit Refugee Service runs a housing service for refugees who are homeless. Besides housing, they also offer social support and individual help to integrate. Go to this link for more information.

    The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa also offers emergency housing to vulnerable populations, including refugees and asylum seekers who are homeless. They also offer housing and social support if your application for asylum has been rejected and you have lodged an appeal. For more details, check out this page.

  • GAT runs a service called ‘Housing First’ for LGBTQ+ individuals, cis and trans women, aging users, and people living with HIV who are 50+. They offer housing as well as social support for homeless people in these groups. Go to this page for more information and to see their contact details.

  • Portugal recently passed a law that sets a cap on rent increases, limiting them to 2%. If your landlord is attempting to increase your rent above this limit, you are legally entitled to refuse. You cannot get evicted for refusing to pay above a 2% rent increase.

  • You might be at risk of being evicted if you have not paid rent on time, or if your contract has ended and you have not left the place that you are renting. If your landlord decides to evict you, you will be notified 30 days in advance, and you can choose to leave or make an appeal. If you decide to appeal, you are going to need a lawyer - if you cannot afford one, you are entitled to a pro bono lawyer - go here for more information.

    If you think you are at risk of being evicted or need advice, you can reach out to organisations such as Habita! or to SOS Despejos, a service from the Lisbon City Hall. You can call 800 919 075 for free between 9h and 18h, or email infodespejos@cm-lisboa.pt.

  • Portuguese law prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation, among other factors. If a landlord refuses to rent their property to you, treats you unfairly or tries to evict you for being queer, you can take action against them. We recommend getting in touch with APAV - Support Unit for Migrant and Discrimination Victims. Go to their website for more information.

  • If your flatmates are discriminating or being abusive towards you for being queer, the best thing to do for your safety is to leave as soon as possible. If you feel comfortable, you can report the issue to your landlord/estate agent to explain why you want to move out, or try to find a solution.

    You will normally have to give at least one month’s notice to move out. If you feel like your safety is at risk and you need to leave immediately, you can reach out to Lisbon’s Homeless Planning and Intervention Center (NPISA) for advice and to find temporary accommodation.

  • Most landlords will require you to go through a reference and identity check process before renting out their property to you, and may not accept tenants who are undocumented or cannot provide proof of income. However, some landlords might accept cash payments if you ask them.

    If you are a sex worker, you do not have to disclose your occupation - the most important thing is to provide proof that you earn enough to afford rent. If you can afford it, you can offer to pay several months’ rent in advance to increase your chances of securing a place to live.

 
 

Sex & Connections

Looking for a hookup? Wanna know what the hottest dating apps are? Looking to find someone with the same kinks as you? Regardless of your preferences, Lisbon is bound to have something for you.

Feel free to explore this section, and don’t forget to always take the necessary precautions.

 

  • Besides dating apps, Lisbon has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with plenty of venues where you can meet people. They are mostly concentrated around the Bairro Alto and Principe Real neighbourhoods. We encourage you to research and see which ones are the best fit for you - have a look at this guide for an overview.

  • Hooking up and dating as a queer woman can be tricky due to a general lack of apps and spaces that cater to this demographic. However, besides mainstream dating apps, HER is quite popular in Lisbon and worth a try.

    Although unfortunately Lisbon currently does not have any lesbian bars, there are many queer clubs that are worth visiting if you would like to meet queer women in person. Check out this guide to get an idea of the best venues to visit.

  • Lisbon is a big city with plenty of options if you are looking to engage in casual sex. Mobile apps such as Grindr, Scruff, HER or Lex are very popular amongst queer people to find dates and hookups. As in any city, it's important to follow these safety tips:

    • Consider meeting your hookup in public first: if you met on an app, consider meeting in a public space, so that you can make sure they really are who they claimed to be, and assess whether or not you feel comfortable and safe with them before taking things further.

    • Let someone know where you’re going and who you’re going with: tell someone you trust that you are going for a hookup, so that if they do not hear from you after several hours they can check up on you. You can also share your location with them so that they know where you are in case you need help!

    • Discuss your boundaries and preferences: communicate clearly with your hookup about what type of sex you want to have (and if you want sex at all!). You should never do anything that you don’t feel fully comfortable doing.

    • Always ask for consent! Even if you have already discussed beforehand what you would like to do, you still need to get consent from the other person before you actually engage in any sexual activity. Remember that it is also okay to change your mind and say no if you no longer feel comfortable having sex with someone.

  • The overwhelming majority of queer spaces and dating apps in Lisbon are trans-friendly. If you are looking for events and activities specifically aimed at trans people, we recommend checking out the programme of the Centro LGBT - they often organise trans events.

    If you are looking to hookup, it is best to always take some safety precautions. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, get away as soon as you can and if possible get help from a friend or anyone you feel safe with.

  • Cruising - looking for people to have sex with in a public place, such as a park - is not illegal in Portugal. However, you might risk getting in trouble if someone sees you having sex in public. Be careful when choosing a spot and make sure no one can see you.

    You still need to make sure you are safe while cruising: if you are going to a new location, find out where the exits, dead ends and shortcuts are. Remember that consent is still important and you always have the right to say no - stick to your boundaries!

  • Lisbon has way more places to connect beyond the commercial ‘scene’. Many of us don’t have the money to hang out in pubs or bars, or we might be sober or in recovery and want to avoid being around alcohol.

    Lisbon’s LGBTI Centre runs many events and activities for the queer community. It also has a Café-Bar, board games, and music instruments, making it a great space to hang out and meet new people. Go to their website to see their full programme.