For many people, considering the challenges of being an expat prevents them from seizing the opportunity to live in a different country. However, if you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, you’ll find that the benefits of being an expat in Portugal far outweigh the challenges. Portugal is a fascinating country, the people are welcoming, the healthcare is free and excellent, the food is delicious, and the weather is good throughout the year. As a result, Portugal attracts expats from all walks of life, including digital nomads, young professionals, retirees and families.

We’ve put together a simple starter guide to living in Portugal with easy to digest, must-know information, to get you started on your journey to living in Portugal, from obtaining residency, to getting healthcare in Portugal. For a deeper dive, in each section, use the links to our more detailed guides covering each topic.

 

How to get residency in Portugal

The first thing to consider when moving to Portugal is how to become a resident. The most common visa to apply to become a resident as a retiree or digital entrepreneur is the D7 visa. To apply for the D7, you need to have sufficient income. The income can be received from different streams, including property rentals, pensions, investments, dividends, etc. The D7 visa itself can be used to enter Portugal and remain there for a period of 4 months. During these months, you can apply for a residence permit in Portugal. There are other ways to obtain legal residency in Portugal as a foreigner as well.

The best places to live in Portugal

It’s easy for expats to get settled in Portugal. Home to a vibrant nightlight, stunning beaches, and picturesque architecture, it’s no wonder why life in this country is so sought-after by foreigners. Here are some of the best places to live in Portugal for expats:

Lisbon 

With its famous cobbled streets and ancient architecture, Lisbon is an obvious attraction for many expats in Portugal. The capital is situated on the southwest coast, offering a diverse range of lifestyles across its various neighborhoods; from busy shopping districts and buzzling nightlife hubs to picturesque local quarters and coastal spots.

Coimbra

For more than 100 years, Coimbra was Portugal’s capital. Today, it is still home to the country’s oldest university, the University of Coimbra (UC). The city offers a low cost and high-quality of living, making it a popular option for EU and American expats in Portugal and particularly retirees.

Porto

Located along the beautiful Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is the country’s second-largest city. It is considered to be a center of culture and entertainment with a large variety of accommodation, from apartments to family homes. The city is famous for its delicious local gastronomy, its rich port wine and colorful streets.

 

The Algarve

The Algarve region has some of the most beautiful beaches and golf resorts in the country. The area also receives superb weather most of the year, making it a major holiday destination and popular home for Portugal expat communities.

Braga 

Braga is one of the country’s oldest cities and a great option for anyone looking for a slightly cheaper and smaller city besides Porto and Lisbon. The city is becoming increasingly popular among expats. It is known for its lively nightlife, rich history, and old cathedrals.

FAQ: How many expats are living in Portugal?

As of 2020, the total population of expats living in Portugal is around 661,000 or 6.5% of the total population.

 

Healthcare in Portugal for expats

Portugal has an excellent public healthcare system known as Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). With the SNS, most essential medical services are free and most other services are relatively cheap. According to Numbeo’s  Healthcare Index, Portugal ranks in the 24th position, showing that it has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world.

Of course, there are also excellent private clinics around the country. When you have private healthcare, most medical expenses are either partially or entirely covered by your health insurance policy and you can use private hospitals and clinics.

FAQ: What do you need to register with the SNS?

Locate your nearest Centro de Saúde on Google maps. Then, take your passport, proof of residency, NIF number and a Portuguese phone number to apply.

 

Jobs in Portugal

The job market in Portugal is considered to be welcoming and competitive. Due to the country’s growing economy, startups and tech companies are emerging fast. Of course, if you understand Portuguese, you will have more opportunities. That being said, there is a variety of jobs for foreigners in Portugal that can be done if you only speak English.

Portugal also welcomes digital entrepreneurs with open arms. There are hundreds of co-working spaces, enabling entrepreneurs to move around freely between towns and cities.

FAQ: What is the average salary in Portugal? 

The average salary ranges from 1,200 USD to 2,000 USD per month, depending on the experience and qualifications of the employee.

 

Learning Portuguese

Most Portuguese people living in the cities speak English. So, living in Portugal as an expat, you won’t have much of a problem if you don’t speak Portuguese very well. However, in the more rural parts, older generations often do not speak English. Most government organizations also don’t offer services in English, so it is recommended to speak at least some basic Portuguese.

FAQ: How can you learn the Portuguese language?

For foreign residents, Portugal offers free Portuguese classes in most cities and major towns. To enroll, you can simply enquire at the local municipality about the next available classes.

 

Culture in Portugal

Portugal has strong connections with its past and you will find many old castles, churches and cathedrals around the country. Traditional industries such as tile-decorating and cork farming are also still alive and well in the country.

With a rich history of Catholicism, you will find the towns and cities’ streets deserted on Sundays, as most people go to church.

Portugal is also famous for its amazing food, wine and beer. Be sure to try the popular Pasteis de nata, Bacalhau, Piri-Piri chicken or vegetable soup.

 

Retiring to Portugal

Portugal is one of the best countries to retire. It may sound trivial, but it’s so true, just ask anyone who retired in Portugal. It’s not just because it’s an affordable country with great weather. It’s also because of the excellent lifestyle and the quality healthcare that retirees can enjoy.

Portugal’s coastal cities, including those along the Algarve’s coast, are perfect for retirees who want to live near the water. Portugal is also full of great treks; the scenery is stunning, and the diversity of the landscapes will reward you with the most spectacular views from north to south.

 

How much money do you need to live in Portugal?

If you’re going to rent in Portugal, two people can live quite comfortably in Portugal from about 1,800 USD a month. But this depends on the location. The closer to a big city you live, the bigger your budget should be.

Housing takes the biggest part of the budget. So, when you are confident in a location, it’s very wise to buy a property. This will bring your cost of living in Portugal down drastically.

 

The pros and cons of living in Portugal

Before deciding to move to Portugal, it’s important to know both good and the bad, as it is not the land of milk and honey:

Pros

• Friendly locals
• English is widely spoken
• Free quality healthcare
• Affordable properties
• Excellent weather
• Many beautiful places to explore
• Great food and fantastic restaurants

Cons

• The bureaucratic system can be tricky to navigate
• Some cities are expensive, especially to rent property
• Can be difficult to find a job if you don’t speak Portuguese
• Learning Portuguese is challenging

Portugal is top choice for all expats

Moving to another country can be challenging, but if you know you’re choosing a destination with plenty of possibilities and benefits, the journey is much easier. If you’re considering becoming an expat to Portugal, you can have peace of mind knowing that Portugal has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the vibrant city life, or the quiet of a coastal town, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for here.

Ready to take the plunge? Read more articles and guides about what it takes to live in Portugal.