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Expat Exchange > Portugal

Portugal

  Coastal   Beaches  
Cost of Living: Moderate
Train Access: Yes (comboios de portugal (cp), very safe)
Bus Service: Yes (Rede Expressos, Rodoviária Nacional, relatively safe)

Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for expats, offering an exceptional combination of scenic beauty, rich history, and modern conveniences. Renowned for its welcoming culture, mild climate, and affordable cost of living, Portugal attracts working professionals, retirees, digital nomads, and families alike. The country is also a popular destination for surfers, golfers, and those simply looking to enjoy its Mediterranean lifestyle.

From the charming cobblestone streets of Lisbon to the picturesque beaches of the Algarve, to the historic allure of Porto with its magnificent views along the Douro River, and the coastal elegance of Cascais, Portugal offers a wide variety of options to suit different preferences. And those are just a few of Best Places to Live in Portugal.

Portugal's economy has seen steady growth in recent years, driven by tourism, technology, and a thriving startup scene, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto. The country offers an attractive environment for expats, with an increasing number of multinational companies, government incentives for entrepreneurs, and a relatively low compared to other Western European nations. Digital nomads benefit from strong internet infrastructure, coworking spaces, and Portugal's Digital Nomad (D8) Visa, while professionals in fields like tech, finance, and renewable energy may find job opportunities in the expanding market.

Portugal is located on the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by Spain to the east and north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. Portugal's coasts and landscapes, which range from green mountains and vineyards in the north to the rolling plains of the Alentejo region in the south, add significantly to its appeal to expats.

Portugal's climate varies considerably from one region to another, influenced by the relief, latitude, and proximity to the sea, which offers mild winters, especially in the Algarve. In the Azores and Madeira, both autonomous regions of Portugal, the weather can be very different from the mainland. That makes for a lot of options for expats searching for a wide variety of climates.

Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors
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Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

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Podcasts

On the Coast in Cascais, Portugal

On the Coast in Cascais, Portugal

Josh talks with Allison Baxley, an entrepreneurial Mom who lands in Cascais, Portugal with her husband and two children. Allison's popular blog, Renovating Life, tackles life in Cascais and beyond.
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Living in Portugal

Movies Set: Night Train to Lisbon, Capitães de Abril, Tabu
Popular Foods: Portuguese cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, heavily influenced by the sea. Some of the most popular dishes include bacalhau (codfish), which is prepared in numerous ways, and cozido à portuguesa, a hearty stew of meats, vegetables, and sausages. For dessert, pastéis de nata, a custard tart pastry, is a beloved treat throughout the country.
Unusual Eats: One of the more unusual Portuguese foods is percebes, or goose barnacles, which are crustaceans that attach themselves to rocks in the ocean. They are considered a delicacy but their appearance and the difficulty in harvesting them can be off-putting to visitors.
Popular Sports: football, futsal, roller hockey
Popular Teams: S.L. Benfica (football), F.C. Porto (football), Sporting CP (football)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When in Portugal, it is important to greet people properly. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time, but friends and acquaintances often greet each other with two kisses on the cheeks, starting with the right. It is also considered rude to walk into someone's home with your shoes on, so be prepared to remove them if your host does so or if you see other guests' shoes at the entrance.

Best Places to Live in Portugal

Discover the top-ranked towns in Portugal. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
1
Lisbon
2
Cascais
3
Porto
4
The Algarve
5
Lagos
6
Ponta Delgada
7
Sintra
8
Portimao
9
Funchal
10
Guimaraes
11
Estoril
12
Albufeira
13
Ericeira
14
Braga
15
Sagres
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average
Popular Expat Visa/s: Golden Visa, D7 Passive Income Visa
Popular Nomad Visa/s: D8 Digital Nomad Visa, D7 Passive Income Visa

Portugal has a range of options that make it an attractive destination for expats looking to live and work in the country. The D7 Visa, often called the Passive Income Visa, is ideal for retirees and individuals with stable, passive income from sources such as pensions, rental properties, or investments. The D8 Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2022, caters specifically to remote workers who earn income from clients or employers outside Portugal. This visa offers both a Temporary Stay Visa (valid for up to one year) and a residency Visa (which can be renewed and lead to permanent residency).

For entrepreneurs and investors, the Golden Visa provides a pathway to residency through real estate investment or other qualifying investments in the Portuguese economy. Additionally, professionals seeking employment in Portugal can apply for the D1 Work Visa, while highly skilled workers may be eligible for the EU Blue Card. With its welcoming policies, Portugal continues to attract a diverse range of expats looking for new opportunities.

Healthcare in Portugal

The healthcare system in Portugal is characterized by a mix of public and private services. The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS) provides universal coverage to residents, offering a range of services from primary to specialized care. While public healthcare is generally of good quality, especially in urban areas, there can be long waiting times for certain treatments and procedures. Private healthcare is also available and is often used to complement the public system, providing faster access to services and more choice in healthcare providers. The cost of public healthcare is low, with many services being free or requiring a small co-payment, while private healthcare costs can be significantly higher. Expats and digital nomads who are legal residents in Portugal and contribute to the social security system can access public healthcare. They can also purchase private health insurance to access private healthcare services.

"I've spent a lot of time on the net searching for agencies and also read a referral for casa sapo, but they have only one listing. Is it realistic to find a small apt. in the Lisbon area for 400 Euros? My son and I only need something modest; he may be going to school in Oeiras. It's not impossible to find something small there is it? I'm really suprized I'm not finding any resources. I'm greatful for any information, including any temp. lodgings, including a pension or room to rent. My son will not be with me until after I find the apartment. I will be coming in December, It's not a busy month for rentals, so I'm hoping for a small miracle. Thank you to anyone who can help." - Keller

Connect with Others on the Portugal Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Portugal is considered moderate when compared to other Western European countries. Essentials such as food, housing, and transportation are reasonably priced, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and retirees.

Weather

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, especially in the coastal areas. The interior can experience more extreme temperatures, with colder winters and hotter summers. The Algarve region in the south enjoys some of the most stable and sunny weather in Europe.

Educational System in Portugal

The educational system in Portugal is comprehensive and mandatory from the age of 6 to 18. It consists of four main stages: pre-primary (ages 3-5), basic education (1st to 9th grade), secondary education (10th to 12th grade), and higher education. Pre-primary education is optional but widely attended. Basic education is divided into three cycles: the first cycle (1st to 4th grade), the second cycle (5th and 6th grade), and the third cycle (7th to 9th grade). Each cycle builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous one. Secondary education offers general, technical, and vocational pathways, preparing students for higher education or the job market. The school year typically starts in September and ends in June. Portuguese schools focus on a broad curriculum that includes Portuguese language, mathematics, natural sciences, history, geography, foreign languages, arts, and physical education. The quality of education in Portugal has been improving, with increasing investment in school facilities and teacher training. After completing the 12th grade, students take national exams that are crucial for university admission.

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Guides to Cities in Portugal
Albufeira Aveiro Braga Carvoeiro Cascais Coimbra Ericeira Estoril Evora Faro Funchal Guimaraes Lagos Lisbon Marinha Grande Peniche Ponta Delgada Porches Portimao Porto Sagres Sintra Tavira The Algarve Vila do Bispo Vila Nova de Milfontes
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