Affordable studios, Atlantic light, and a slower rhythm

It’s not just surfers and digital nomads landing in Lisbon anymore. Over the past few years, a growing wave of international DJs and producers — from Berlin, London, and beyond — have quietly relocated to Portugal. Not for the scene’s size, but for its space.

Names like Dixon, DJ Tennis, Jafunk, Nina Kravitz and Lewis Thompson have all set up shop here recently, joining a loose community of expats drawn by a similar mix of things: light, cost, pace, and possibility.

So what’s pulling them in?

1. The Cost of Living (For Now)

Compared to cities like Berlin, Amsterdam or London, Lisbon and Porto still offer lower overheads — particularly when it comes to housing and studio space. It’s possible to live decently, rent a proper room, and set up a soundproofed studio without killing your gig income.

You’re not going to find ultra-cheap rents like in the 2010s (or even 2020s), but it’s still far more sustainable than most of the usual DJ capitals, especially with the cost of living outside of rent.

2. The Pace

Portugal moves slower — and that’s not a diss. The daily rhythm is softer. The sun stays out longer. There’s less stress around visibility and more time to work on actual music. No one’s constantly refreshing RA to check if you’re on the lineup. You can disappear for a month and come back with a better record.

Several producers cite this exact reason for the move: more time, less noise, and the mental space to create. When you're living in a city that's so laid-back it allows you to get your creativity in gear, and that's when the magic happens.

3. The Scene Feels Authentic

Lisbon’s club culture isn’t massive, but it’s intentional. The crowds are tuned-in. The venues are DIY but dialled. And local artists actually get booked — which makes for a much less clout-driven, more community-oriented scene.

For producers moving here, this means a chance to plug into something already growing, rather than trying to start from scratch.

4. It’s a Travel Hub

From Lisbon or Porto, you’re a short flight from almost every major European club city — and for a working DJ, that flexibility matters. You can tour in Berlin, Paris, or London without living in their chaos full-time. A 2-hour flight, a weekend of gigs, and you're back by Monday afternoon.

It’s an ideal setup for mid-to-top tier artists who tour regularly but want a base with some headroom.

Who’s Here?

A few names that have recently moved or spent extended time in Portugal:

  • Dixon – frequently spotted in Lisbon, with studio space in the region
  • DJ Tennis – recently played a series of extended Lisbon-based sets and has hinted at relocating
  • Jafunk – now based in Lisbon full-time, producing disco-house and funk-inflected grooves from a home studio in the city
  • Lewis Thompson – co-writer of UK dance hits, recently relocated to Lisbon.
  • Shugi - disco heavyweight who relocated from Paris four years ago and hasn't looked back

There are also waves of mid-tier and emerging artists from Italy, Germany, and the UK quietly making the same move — many without announcement or branding. Just a shift in environment.

Final Word

Portugal isn’t trying to be Berlin. And that’s exactly the point. With more artists looking for creative longevity over status, this corner of Europe — with its low-key venues, decent weather, and honest energy — feels like a landing place. Not for reinvention, but for recalibration.

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