Portugal benefits from many assets that make it a landmark destination for retirees. From an incredible coastline, endless sunshine and excellent food to charming architecture and diverse cultures, everyone will have their own reasons for choosing Portugal as their dream country for retirement.
If you’re considering Portugal as one of your retirement destinations but you’re not quite convinced yet, have a look at some of the best reasons for living in Portugal as listed by other retirees.
Reasons for living in Portugal as a retiree
1. Safety
When choosing a country to retire in, one of the most important criteria for many is the feeling of security. This is why many retirees choose Portugal. The country is part of the world’s top destinations in terms of living together in safe and secure communities. Any expat in Portugal will also tell you that it is very rare to see any aggression or criminality on the streets. Women can safely walk around without worry of harassment or assault.
2. Excellent health care
Paying closer attention to your health becomes a top priority during your retirement years. Therefore, it’s important to invest in good health care. If you decide to move to Portugal, you will enjoy a quality public health system.
The public health system, the National Health Service (SNS), offers healthcare for all its beneficiaries. Outside of this system, there is also a large network of private health care and clinics. If you opt for private hospitals, you can take out health insurance to benefit from lower prices. Joining a health insurance program is usually a quick process that can mostly be done online.
3. Low cost of living
When you reach retirement age, you want the money you’ve saved during your working years to stretch as far as possible. Luckily, in Portugal, this is possible with a cost of living that is around 26% lower compared to the United States. This figure can vary depending on which city you choose to settle in and what type of housing you’re considering.
4. Tax breaks
Resident foreign retirees with non-habitual resident status are eligible for receiving their pensions in Portugal taxed at a reduced rate of just 10% for 10 years. Additionally, there is a cap on income tax for a variety of professions for services billed from Portugal. So, your pension will not only go further due to the lower cost of living in Portugal, but you will also likely have more of it.
5. An easy visa process
One of the reasons many retirees choose Portugal is because the country has a much smoother and easier visa process compared to many other countries. Some destinations have visa application processes that can become very stressful.
Portugal has a passive income visa, known as the D7. There are several other visa options you can apply for, but this one makes the most sense. The D7 visa is for retirees who are living off of their pension or assets. Getting this visa approved can be a very smooth experience and if you meet all the requirements, you can get approved for residency in Portugal for a couple of years at a time.
6. Affordable properties
Buying or renting a property in Portugal is everything you’d hope it to be and more. There are many charming properties available all over the country and there’s a growing trend toward beautiful heritage-style apartments for retirees. You also have the option to choose a stunning seaside holiday villa or follow the trend of investing in a Portuguese smallholding and turning it into a renovation project.
If you decide to settle in the countryside, there are plenty of homes available for below-average prices compared to other countries. If you’re considering moving into the cities, for example living in Lisbon, the prices are slightly higher, but still well under the average of similar European cities.
7. Great location
Portugal’s location in terms of geography is another great reason why many people think about moving to Portugal from the US. Most of Europe is very easily accessible by car, train and plane. There are also plenty of other direct flights to and from Lisbon to other parts of the world. The short flight time between countries is attractive to family and friends who want to visit. It’s also perfect for retirees who enjoy exploring new destinations.
Besides its great location, Portugal itself is also easy to travel by car and public transport. The country offers excellent access to public transport, including the train service called the Comboios de Portugal and several bus services.
8. A rich culture
The Portuguese culture is wonderfully rich and diverse. The country’s magnificent history has gained influences from many other cultures, resulting in the Portuguese culture developing into a unique one.
The Portuguese have a love of art, literature and music. They have regular festivals around the country that celebrates different parts of their culture, including the amazing food. Retirees can enjoy attending these festivities called “festas” every weekend in a different town during the summer months.
9. Glorious weather
And finally, none of the above would convince many people to retire in Portugal if it was gloomy every day. Luckily, the weather in Portugal is excellent. The sun shines over 300 days of the year, and the climate is one of the most stable in the world, with both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. This means you will experience more sunny days than rainy ones, skies that are more clear than cloudy and weather that will not be a limiting element in your new life.
Start the process of moving to Portugal as a retiree
Portugal is one of the favorite countries for many people to spend their retirement. The country offers the perfect conditions for those who want to get the greatest enjoyment out of their hard-earned rest. If the above listed has triggered your interest in living in Portugal as a retiree, you can start the process now by researching the best region for you to settle in and the right visa for you to apply for.
