AI Engineer Jobs in Lisbon
Europe's Rising Tech Hub.
Lisbon offers a unique blend of lower costs, quality of life, and growing AI opportunities.
Here's how to break into Portugal's tech scene strategically.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
Lisbon's AI Market Has Hidden Challenges.
Salaries are 30-40% lower than London or Amsterdam. EUR 45K-75K is typical for AI roles.
Smaller market means fewer dedicated AI positions. Many roles blend ML with general backend work.
Competition is fierce. Digital nomads and remote workers flood applications for local roles.
A Strategic Path to Lisbon AI Roles.
The AI Career Accelerator
Breaking into Lisbon's AI market requires a targeted approach. Focus on the right employers, leverage the Tech Visa, and position yourself where opportunities are actually growing.
Target Key Employers
Farfetch, OutSystems, Feedzai, Unbabel, Talkdesk
Leverage Remote-First Culture
Many Lisbon startups hire EU-wide
Position & Land
Coaching to accelerate your search
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
Lisbon's AI Scene Is Growing Fast
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are AI engineer salaries in Lisbon in 2026?
AI engineer salaries in Lisbon range from EUR 45,000-75,000 for mid-level roles and EUR 70,000-100,000+ for senior positions. While lower than Western European capitals, Lisbon's cost of living is significantly cheaper. A EUR 60K salary in Lisbon often provides better quality of life than EUR 90K in London or Amsterdam. Some companies like Farfetch and Feedzai offer competitive packages that approach EU averages.
Which companies hire AI engineers in Lisbon?
Key AI employers in Lisbon include: Farfetch (luxury e-commerce, major ML/AI investment), OutSystems (low-code platform, growing AI features), Feedzai (fraud detection, heavy ML focus), Unbabel (AI translation), Talkdesk (customer experience AI), and Mercedes-Benz.io (automotive AI). The startup scene is also active, with many Web Summit alumni establishing AI-focused companies. Remote-friendly companies with Lisbon offices include Cloudflare and Datadog.
How does Portugal's Tech Visa work for AI engineers?
Portugal's Tech Visa provides a streamlined path for non-EU tech workers. For AI engineers, this means faster processing (typically 30 days), no labor market test requirement, and a path to EU residency. Companies certified as tech startups can sponsor Tech Visa applications. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. The visa also allows you to work remotely for non-Portuguese companies if you later switch roles.
Has Web Summit impacted Lisbon's AI job market?
Web Summit's relocation to Lisbon in 2016 catalyzed the city's tech transformation. It attracted international attention, brought VC funding, and encouraged startups to establish Lisbon headquarters. For AI engineers, this means more international companies with English-first cultures, better networking opportunities, and a growing ecosystem of AI-focused startups. The annual conference remains a prime networking opportunity for job seekers.
How does Lisbon's cost of living compare for AI engineers?
Lisbon offers significant cost advantages over other EU tech hubs. Rent is 40-50% cheaper than London or Amsterdam. A one-bedroom in central Lisbon runs EUR 1,200-1,800 vs EUR 2,500+ in Amsterdam. Dining, transportation, and daily expenses are similarly lower. This means a EUR 55K Lisbon salary often matches the purchasing power of EUR 85K in Northern Europe, making it attractive for those prioritizing quality of life.
Can I work remotely for non-Portuguese companies while living in Lisbon?
Yes, Lisbon is extremely remote-friendly. Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU workers to live in Portugal while working for foreign companies. Many AI engineers in Lisbon work remotely for US or Northern European companies at higher salaries while enjoying Portuguese cost of living. Companies like GitLab, Automattic, and many EU startups actively hire remote workers based in Portugal. This hybrid approach often provides the best of both worlds.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
How much time do I need to commit?
Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available