What do I need to know before moving to Portugal?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Portugal, they said...
"Expatriates should be aware that the official language of Portugal is Portuguese, so it is important to become conversant in the language in order to be able to communicate effectively. Additionally, a good understanding of Portuguese culture and customs will aid in transitioning to life in Portugal. Expats should also be aware of its diverse climate, with temperatures ranging from hot and dry in the south to cooler temperatures in the north. Being aware of the cost of living in Portugal before moving is important, as it may be more expensive than what expats are used to. Lastly, as with many countries, expats should be aware of potential visa and permit requirements for staying in Portugal for extended periods of time," said another expat in Portugal.
"I would come here in the summer before you move. It is over flooded with tourists. I live in Albufeira and travel in the summer. While Albufeira has a reputation as a party town, it is limited to two areas. The quality of life is very high, it empties out quite a bit in the winter but plenty is left open," wrote a member who made the move to The Algarve, Portugal.
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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.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Portugal?
- How do I meet people in Portugal?
- What is life like in Portugal?
- Is there a lot of crime in Portugal?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Portugal accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Portugal like?
- Is the cost of living in Portugal high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Portugal?
- What are healthcare services like in Portugal?
- Is the cost of living in Portugal high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Portugal?
- What is the weather like in Portugal?
- Are there good restaurants in Portugal?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Portugal?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Portugal?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Portugal?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Portugal?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Portugal?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Portugal?
If you live in Portugal, newcomers to Portugal would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.