33 Living in Portugal Pros and Cons from an Expat

Portugal truly is one of the most gorgeous places in the world. And I’m not just saying that because it’s socially acceptable to eat custard tarts for breakfast there.

Most people can overlook the cons of living in Portugal for the amazing pros – like the ease of travel and the friendly locals. I’m going to outline each for you so you can figure out if moving to Portugal is right for you.

I’ve lived in 12 countries in the last 10 years. I’ve even considered moving to Portugal after visiting for 2 weeks.

Ultimately the limited job opportunities kept it firmly in the “vacation” category for me. However, those beautiful beaches and the affordable healthcare always draw me in.

The option of a retirement home there sounds much more up my alley!

With their grant to help European remote workers move there, you may even find the cons are non existent in the face of the €4,000+ they offer.

Pros of Living in Portugal

1. Mild Climate

One of the major advantages to living in Portugal is the weather. It’s known for its mild weather that allows Canadians and Americans to chuck out their parkas in favour of a light jacket.

Although Portugal does have three distinct climates, they’re not terrible different in weather unless you go into the mountains.

In the South, you’ll find arid land that’s a bit drier. In the Northwest, it’s more rainy. And in the Northeast, you’ll find your ideal summer location.

Summer is a popular time to visit Portugal because of the weather. Temperatures average 27°C in August – a far cry cooler than Italy or Spain can often be.

And in the winter, temperatures don’t tend to go below 10°C.

You’ll rarely get snow, but when you do it melts quickly.

It reminded me a lot of winter on New Zealand’s north island that way: locals find it cold but everyone else finds it warm. And the snow doesn’t last except on the mountains.

The lack of snow is a godsend for those like me who hate it. Too many years of -30°C in Ottawa have spoiled it for me.

It also makes Portugal a great place for outdoor activities like hiking and surfing all year round.

2. Gorgeous Beaches

Along with its mild climate, Portugal also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

It has over a thousand miles of coastline (about 1,793 km), from the Algarve region’s golden cliffs and white sand to the islands off the coast of Lisbon. Over 352 beaches dot Portugal’s shores and over 82 of them have Blue Flags – a recognition of their clean waters.

My aunt and I visited this region but I had a bad stomach bug – made worse by the rocking of a boat we went on one day. Even in my seasick haze, I could recognize how stunning the cliffs were and how beautifully blue the waters were.

The Azores are particularly popular for their clear waters and lack of crowds. They’re the perfect place for a getaway if you want to be surrounded by nature and away from other tourists.

The beaches in Portugal tend to have more rocks than sand, but this makes them excellent spots for snorkeling and exploring marine life.

Just be careful when swimming since the ocean can be quite strong in some places.

3. Affordable Cost of Living

This is what drew me to Portugal: affordable cost of living!

Portugal’s cost of living is 35.3% lower than the US. So if you work remotely for a US company, you’ll be saving money by moving abroad! How cool is that?

It’s 30.9% lower than Canada, so even Canadians like me can save some money.

That’s all well and good right, but what does that actually mean cost-wise?

Check out this table that breaks it down:

Expense Category	Cost in Euros (€)	Cost in USD ($)
Restaurants
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	€9.00	$9.99
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	€40.00	$44.40
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	€2.00	$2.22
Cappuccino (regular)	€1.43	$1.59
Markets
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	€3.16	$3.51
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	€1.12	$1.24
Eggs (regular) (12)	€2.38	$2.64
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	€2.80	$3.11
Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	€1.70	$1.89
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	€40.00	$44.40
Gasoline (1 gallon)	€7.06	$7.84
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	€109.40	$121.43
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	€35.25	$39.13
Sports And Leisure
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	€34.69	$38.51
Rent Per Month
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	€781.94	$867.55
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	€595.03	$660.78
Salaries And Financing
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	€1,020.97	$1,133.28

4. Lots of People Speak English

We North Americans are often scared to travel because we don’t speak a lot of languages. But Portuguese people tend to be more multilingual than most and many can speak English fluently.

And even if they don’t, they’re very patient with tourists trying out their Portuguese phrases and words!

I speak 0 Portuguese but I felt totally fine during my time in Portugal.

Lisbon is definitely the easiest city to get around with no Portuguese, but even in smaller towns like Porto or Sintra, I had no issues.

If I’d had the forethought (I just finished my exams in Glasgow so I wasn’t exactly free to plan much ahead), I would have tried to learn a few key phrases to help me get by before getting there.

Since there are tons of expats and people from all over, the second most popular language in the country is English. In fact, Portugal has the 7th highest English proficiency levels among non-native speakers in the world.

You can feel confident in speaking to anyone in Portugal. When in doubt, charades usually gets the job done!

5. Very Safe

Did you know that Portugal is the 7th safest city in the world?

According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, it’s one of the best places you can go.

I visited with my Aunt, but we often went off on solo adventures – especially when I got her sick but I had just recovered.

I’d walk around happily with my earphones in, no fake wedding ring on, no worry about my sleeve length or flowiness of my clothes.

It was great!

This interesting study found that where the USA had over 11.88million (41.29 per 1000 people) total crimes in 2011, there were just 218,360 in Portugal (21.06 per 1000 people).

The most common crimes in Portugal are petty theft, such as pickpockets, and organized crime related issues that tend to occur between different cartels. So you’ll be safe as long as you don’t join one!

I didn’t go clubbing in Portugal, but I did in Spain and since they have the same vibe, I expect it’d be similar: I felt totally comfortable but I still wouldn’t leave my drink unattended or get so drunk I couldn’t get myself home alone if needed.

6. Good Tax System for Expats

One of the worst things about living abroad is figuring out taxes.

Taxes at home are hard enough, right?

Well Portugal makes them easy! (Maybe not New Zealand easy, but definitely less complicated than the USA.)

Foreigners in Portugal can get “Non-Habitual Residence tax status” which means that you don’t pay tax in Portugal for money earned outside of Portugal – as long as taxes are paid wherever the money was earned.

So for example, if you work for a US company and are doing a digital nomad adventure in Portugal for a year or two, you don’t need to pay taxes on your income again in Portugal if you’ve paid them in the USA.

However if you get a second job bartending in Portugal, you will need to pay taxes on that income.

To get this status, you need to live in Portugal for 183 days per year and be renting/buying property.

But you can’t be a resident of Portugal – you have to be a foreigner. So that’s great for expats!

You can use this status for up to 10 years.

7. Affordable Healthcare

Coming from Canada, I require free or affordable healthcare in anywhere I’m going to live. I just don’t understand paying crazy amounts out of pocket for basic health issues.

Portugal’s government spends 9% of its GDP on premium healthcare for its residents. They offer free care at public hospitals to all citizens and residents of Portugal.

Private clinics to exist with additional services, but it’s an extra cost. You can get private health insurance to cover these additional costs, in a very similar way to how we structure things in Canada.

Foreigners who are just visiting and have no visa will need to get health insurance to protect them.

Or if you’re moving to Portugal for a short period, like 6 months, you can get a paid healthcare package for anywhere from €20 to 100 per month, depending on your needs.

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

8. Best Place to Retire

Portugal is a great destination to retire if you’re considering leaving your country of origin. You can live on a pension, rent an apartment near the ocean, and enjoy all the beauty that Portugal has to offer.

The cost of living in Portugal is generally more affordable than many other countries in Europe and North America. Plus there are plenty of activities to do here – from exploring the stunning beaches to eating delicious local food.

The Portuguese government taxes pensions at 10% for new Non-Habitual Residence beneficiaries who have entered the country and signed up post 2020. Dividends, interest and capital gains will be taxed at 0%.

And there are no wealth or inheritance taxes on any assets outside of Portugal (I worked in Estate Law for a number of years and this is a big reason many of our clients moved to Portugal part or full time).

Plus, there is no language barrier in Portugal as it’s an English-speaking country.

The best parts about retiring in Portugal, especially if you’re over 65, are the discounts on public transportation and leisure activities – it’s a great way to save money while enjoying all the beauty that Portugal has to offer!

I’ve also heard the sea air is really good for joints. My own joint issues felt way better when I was there.

9. Easy to Travel Europe

Living in Europe = easier to travel in Europe.

That’s true of Portugal, as well.

You can get cheap flights to almost anywhere in Europe, and there are plenty of great places to explore. From incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites (like the historic city of Evora) to fun beach towns like Lagos – Portugal has it all.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about applying for a visa each time you want to travel somewhere. All EU citizens can travel freely in the Schengen area.

However, if you needed a visa to get to Portugal (a visitors visa, not a residence or digital nomad visa), then you will need one to go elsewhere.

Canadians and Americans get up to 90 days in Schengen before they have to leave it. But if you live in Portugal, a benefit is that you’ll be able to roam Europe freely with a work or digital nomad visa, or residence.

I recommend heading to Spain, Morocco, or the UK for a quick holiday from Portugal.

When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.

10. Lots of Fun Things to Do

Portugal has a really vibrant culture, and there are plenty of fun things to do.

The food is amazing in Portugal – the seafood is especially delicious! Plus, you can find excellent wines from the Douro Valley or Alentejo region.

If you’re looking for something more active, then try one of the many water sports activities off the Portuguese coast. I love sitting and looking at the water, but more adventurous people will enjoy sailing, fishing, and surfing.

You can also explore Europe’s indigenous cork forests in Portugal – they’re home to some rare species of birds and plants, so it’s a great way to experience nature. They make for great hikes!

The nightlife in the capital city Lisbon is amazing – you can find traditional Fado music, live jazz, and plenty of places to dance until late.

I’ve also heard that the Portuguese people are extremely friendly – it’s a great place to meet new people and make friends! Every Portuguese person I met there and in Canada have been so nice.

Portugal has some amazing festivals – especially in the summertime. From the lively Queima das Fitas Festival in Coimbra to the quaint Festa dos Tabuleiros in Tomar, you’re sure to find something that interests you.

11. Delicious Food

I am a sucker for food. Living in Portugal has the great pro of getting to try delicious dishes. Whether it’s the famous pastel de nata (custard tart) or caldo verde (green broth), you’ll love Portuguese food!

Pastel de nata is a favourite of mine. I actually first had it at the St. Lawrence Market. But honestly every one I had in Portugal, even at a hotel buffet, were sooo much better. Likely just because I knew I was having them in Portugal.

I also recommend trying Port wine, a sweet fortified wine from Portugal’s Douro Valley. It’s a great way to end your meal – and if you have some extra time, take a trip to the Douro Valley and go wine tasting.

I went to Porto and drank my weight in Port while I was there. While I don’t drink anymore, I remember loving the sweet taste. It’s not quite as sugary as ice wine so you feel like you can drink a lot more of it.

You can also find some great seafood dishes in Portugal. The Atlantic coast offers everything from grilled sardines to Portuguese-style codfish – it’s definitely worth trying out!

The fish was definitely a highlight for me. I think 80% of the meals we had, I had fish.

Finally, don’t forget about the traditional Portuguese desserts like arroz doce (sweet rice pudding) and bolo de arroz (rice cake).

12. Amazing Wine

Wine-lovers rejoice, because Portugal is considered to have some of the best wines in the world. With over 250 different types of wine produced here, it’s no wonder why Portugal is a great destination for those looking to indulge in high-quality wines.

Most people know about Porto, but there are many other Portuguese regions that produce amazing wines. The Alentejo region produces some of the best reds and whites, while in Douro you can find the world-famous sweet fortified wine.

And if you want something really special, don’t forget to try out Vinho Verde! This light white or rosé is a refreshing summer sip – perfect for sipping with seafood dishes.

So, make sure you grab a bottle or two of wine when you travel to Portugal – it’s well worth it!

We did a walking tour of Lisbon that ended with some Port wine tasting that was a perfect introduction to it. If you’re gonna live in Portugal, definitely find a wine tour to get you familiar with your local options – and to later impress friends and family who visit with your knowledge.

13. High Standard of Living

Portugal also offers a high quality of life for its citizens. The country is home to some of the world’s best healthcare systems, with excellent standards of care and free public health services available.

The cost of living is also relatively low in Portugal which is great for those looking for more affordable options. Plus, there are plenty of job opportunities here as the economy is growing.

And for those who love to explore the outdoors, Portugal has something for you too! The country boasts stunning beaches and mountains, along with some of Europe’s best hikes. Plus, there are plenty of quaint fishing villages and historic cities that make stunning day trips.

All in all, Portugal offers a great quality of life. Like most European cities, it’s much calmer and more about living life properly, not just for work.

North Americans might struggle to settle into this balance at first, but you’ll appreciate it in the long run when you have the energy to live outside of the office.

14. Friendly Locals

Portugal is known for its hospitality and locals love nothing more than helping travellers explore their country.

You might even make some local friends who will show you around or invite you out for dinners!

Much like my family of Serbians, Portuguese people love to feed you. Seriously, I don’t know how I left without gaining 1,000lbs!

So don’t be shy about introducing yourself and getting to know the locals. You might end up with some lifelong friends!

👉 Want to make friends around the world? Join Meetups today for free!

15. Slower Pace of Life

Portugal is the perfect place to settle if you want to slow down and enjoy life more.

The hectic working culture is not as strong here, so you’ll have plenty of time for leisure activities or exploring hobbies.

Plus, with so much natural beauty to explore, there’s always something new to discover!

A lot of retired people move to Portugal to enjoy the serenity of this. Digital nomads move here to enjoy the space from the rat race.

I think the slow pace is the perfect way to recharge and balance your life. You won’t be racing to the shops for lunch from the office. You’ll get to have a leisurely meal with all devices off, then get back to work once you’re fully sated.

That is definitely something I’m on board with!

16. Rich History and Culture

No matter where you are in Portugal, there’s always something to explore.

There so much to learn about the culture here, from ancient castles and fortresses to religious sites and quaint fishing villages.

The ancient churches have a storied history that is so fascinating to learn. You’ll definitely want to take a historical tour to discover the cultural significance of things you’ll walk past every day.

If you take up Portuguese classes, you’ll also get an insight into the language which is incredibly rewarding!

Portugal also has a thriving music scene, with many traditional instruments being used. Make sure to visit some of the concerts or local festivals – you’ll be able to enjoy amazing live performances and learn more about the culture here.

Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.

17. High-Quality Education

Portugal is home to world-renowned universities and educational institutions.

The quality of teaching here is incredibly high, with some of the best minds in Europe being found at Portuguese universities. Plus, your degree will be recognised worldwide!

The tuition fees are also very reasonable compared to those in other countries, making it an attractive destination for international students who are looking for an affordable yet high-quality education.

Additionally, the cost of living in Portugal is also relatively low compared to other countries, so you won’t have to worry about spending too much on your studies.

Students will love the work-life balance that means you aren’t buried under textbooks in a library 24/7, and being able to afford to have some fun while you study without selling a kidney!

18. Many Ways to Gain Residency

Portugal is one of the few countries in Europe that offers a range of ways to gain residency and become an official Portuguese citizen.

If you’re married to a Portuguese citizen or have family connections, you can follow that route to obtain residency.

Students can pursue their academic dreams and potentially transition to residency with a student visa.

Seeking employment opportunities? A work visa is your gateway to working in Portugal.

Investing in the country, whether in property or business, can lead to an investor visa.

And for retirees, Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme provides not only tax benefits but also the possibility of residency.

Remember to thoroughly research the specific requirements and procedures for each visa type. Consult official government sources or seek professional advice for accurate guidance on your path to residency in Portugal.

19. Affordable Real Estate

One of the biggest draws for people seeking Portuguese residency is its affordable real estate options.

Golden Visa, also known as the Investor Residency Program, requires an investment of 500,000 EUR in real estate to obtain a temporary residence permit and permanent residence after five years.

The property market in Portugal still remains relatively inexpensive, thanks to its booming tourism industry and the country’s economy becoming more stable. It’s not uncommon to find a beautiful home in Portugal for a fraction of what it would cost in London or Paris.

You can find real estate gems with stunning views, from hilltop villas overlooking the ocean to charming apartments in quaint towns at rock-bottom prices.

On a cursory search, I found many options for $250k USD that would be perfect for a small family, single person, or retired couple.

20. Large Expat Community

One of the benefits of living in Portugal is its large expat community. There are more than 200,000 expats from around the world living in Portugal today and that number is growing every year!

This makes it easy to connect with other like-minded people who share similar experiences and interests. The majority of expats congregate in Lisbon, however there are expats living in all areas of Portugal, from the Algarve to Porto.

You’ll find plenty of English-speaking locals and expats who can help you navigate daily life and integrate into the local community. You’ll also find plenty of international restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and activities catering specifically to expats.

I found tons of coliving options too for digital nomads who want to split the rent and get a great place to work.

The social housing is a great option to make friends while you work, and save on rent!

🤩 Get affordable housing and tons of friends by staying at a coliving space!

Cons of Living in Portugal

1. Cash is King

Another potential downside to living in Portugal is that cash is king here – credit and debit cards are not widely accepted especially in smaller towns. You’ll need to bring enough cash or Euros with you for your daily life, as many establishments don’t accept payment from foreign cards.

I never carry cash anymore and was surprised to need it in Portugal.

It can also be difficult to open a bank account without the proper paperwork, such as a Portuguese residency card or certificate. This can make it difficult to pay bills and access the banking system while in Portugal.

You can get around this by using Wise.com. I have an account with them and their multi-currency debit card so I can take out cash in any country for free!

Get the lowest conversion fees with Wise.com!

2. People Move Slower

If you are used to the hustle and bustle of city life, then Portugal’s slower pace may take some getting used to. People in Portugal tend to move at a more relaxed pace and have an attitude of taking their time with things.

In terms of business, it can be difficult to get anything done quickly as bureaucracy and paperwork can take longer than expected. And people tend to be more laid back and socialize more instead of working during the day.

I grew up in Toronto so I like things to move quickly. If I need a repair done, I am impatient after 2 of it not being done.

That won’t fly in Portugal!

3. Lots of Bureaucracy

The Portuguese bureaucracy can be a difficult and time consuming beast to tackle. It can take weeks, sometimes months, or even years for things to get done. This includes everything from setting up utilities in your apartment to applying for a visa or residence permit.

It can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening trying to tackle the Portuguese bureaucracy but it must be done.

I’ve learned that the key to dealing with it is to have patience and be prepared for delays. You’ll need a lot of paperwork, often in duplicate form, and you should always plan ahead.

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to deal with bureaucratic processes which can take much longer than expected.

And also make sure you are familiar with Portuguese regulations and laws so that you are better equipped to navigate the system. It’s not always easy but it can be done!

4. Language Barrier

One of the main challenges to living in Portugal is the language barrier. Even though English is widely spoken, it’s important to learn Portuguese as quickly as possible.

It can be difficult to navigate daily life without understanding the language and many people find themselves unable to communicate effectively with locals.

While you could get by for a vacation, if you’re going to live in Portugal, you’ll be at a disadvantage if you don’t know any of the language.

Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.

5. Heating is Rare

Another challenge of living in Portugal is that heating is rare. Many buildings don’t have central heating systems and it’s quite common to live without heat during the winter months.

This can be a shock for those coming from warmer climates and isn’t something people typically think about when they are planning to move.

I lived in the mountains of Spain with no heating and basically went to bed cocooned in hot water bottles every night.

It may not seem like it’ll impact you, but it gets COLD and the houses hold onto that cold.

You can fix this with insulation and installing heating, but that’s expensive.

6. Low Salaries

Salaries in Portugal are generally quite low.

This makes it difficult to save up for bigger life events and makes living cost of living higher than in other parts of Europe.

This is especially true if you’re not familiar with the local markets and prices, as you may end up paying more than necessary for goods and services.

In 2023, the average salary in Portugal is around €2,750 per month. This varies greatly by field of work.

The national minimum wage is just €600 per month, so you could be making much less. Some industries do make much more.

Most people don’t move to Portugal to work locally. They either move to retire or to work remotely.

7. Crowded in Peak Seasons

If you decide to move to Portugal, know that it can get crowded in peak season.

Tourists flock from all over the world to experience everything this beautiful country has to offer. This is great for the economy but not so great if you’re looking for peace and quiet or want to avoid crowds.

This is especially true in the popular tourist spots like Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. These places can get quite busy in August and holidays like Christmas.

If you’re looking for a quiet beach town or village, look away from the main hubs. There are plenty of charming smaller towns to explore in Portugal that don’t have the same crowds as the more popular areas.

8. Cold Ocean

If you’re looking to cool off in Portugal’s ocean, be prepared for a shock. The water is usually quite cold, ranging from 10-17°C all year round.

This makes swimming and other activities in the sea difficult unless you’re used to colder climates. But don’t despair – plenty of locals and visitors alike still enjoy the beaches and coastal towns in Portugal.

The main downside of this is that while Portugal does have beautiful beaches, it’s not a great place to go for a dip in the ocean or practice water sports. This is something to keep in mind if you’re looking to move for warmer climates and waters.

However, I’m living on Vancouver Island now and can tell you it’s FAR colder than Portugal. So either a light wetsuit or just diving in without preamble, and you’ll be ok.

9. Winding Roads

One of the great things about Portugal is its fantastic roads and highways. The country has a good network of winding roads that offer stunning views of the countryside and coastline. However, there are some downsides to this too.

Most roads in Portugal are narrow and twisty, making them more dangerous than wider highways. Also, they can be quite slow to navigate, so it’s important to plan your journey ahead of time.

If you’ve got a stomach bug, do NOT get in the car on these roads. I very nearly destroyed our rental car when we were going from Lisbon to the Algarve.

In addition, road safety in Portugal is an issue. The country has a high rate of accidents and there are frequent reports of drunk drivers on the roads. So if you’re planning to drive around Portugal, please stay alert and don’t drink and drive!

Much like Italians, Portuguese drivers and slightly out of control.

10. Cold Winters

If you’re moving to Portugal, it’s important to remember that winters can be quite cold in some parts of the country.

The weather changes drastically from north to south. While the Algarve region experiences mild temperatures year-round, the northern part of Portugal has harsher winters with snow and icy temperatures.

It’s a good idea to pack warm clothes if you’re planning a trip to the north of Portugal in winter.

11. You’ll Never Be a Local

No matter how long you live in Portugal, you will never be local. This is because Portuguese people are very proud of their heritage and culture and they are not afraid to show it.

If you’re planning to move to Portugal, it’s important to respect the country’s traditions and customs. Learn some basic phrases in Portuguese (even if your accent isn’t perfect) and don’t be afraid to get involved in local activities.

By doing this, you’ll quickly make friends and experience the best that Portugal has to offer.

Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.

12. Energy is Expensive (and Gas)

Portugal has some of the highest electricity and gas prices in Europe. And it’s not just expensive, but also unreliable.

Power outages are common, particularly in rural areas. This means you may need to invest in an alternative power source such as a generator or solar panels if you live off the grid.

Gas is also quite expensive, so you may want to consider other modes of transportation such as public transport or biking.

13. Poor Sound Proofing

The one thing you’ll quickly realize when you move to Portugal is the lack of soundproofing in most buildings. This means that your neighbors can hear everything you say, and vice versa.

To avoid any awkward situations, it’s best to keep noise levels to a minimum at all times. This will ensure that you maintain a good relationship with your neighbours.

14. Limited Job Opportunities

The Portuguese economy is not as strong as it once was and job opportunities are limited. Many young people have left the country in search of better opportunities elsewhere.

If you’re looking for work, it’s important to do your research and learn about the job market before making any decisions.

Side By Side Comparison of the Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal

Pros of Living in Portugal	Cons of Living in Portugal
Mild Climate	Cash is King
Gorgeous Beaches	People Move Slower
Affordable Cost of Living	Lots of Bureaucracy
Lots of People Speak English	Language Barrier
Very Safe	Heating is Rare
Good Tax System for Expats	Low Salaries
Affordable Healthcare	Crowded in Peak Seasons
Best Place to Retire	Cold Ocean
Easy to Travel Europe	Winding Roads
Lots of Fun Things to Do	Poor Customer Service
Delicious Food	Cold Winters
Amazing Wine	You’ll Never Be a Local
High Standard of Living	Energy is Expensive (and Gas)
Friendly Locals	Poor Sound Proofing
Slower Pace of Life	Limited Job Opportunities
Rich History and Culture
High-Quality Education
Many Ways to Gain Residency
Affordable Real Estate
Large Expat Community

Ways to Move to Portugal

Portugal Golden Visa: This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Portugal. It is designed for individuals who make a significant investment in the country, such as purchasing property or creating job opportunities.

D7 Visa: The D7 visa is suitable for individuals who have passive income, such as retirement pensions, rental income, or investments. It allows for long-term residency in Portugal.

Temporary Residence Visa: If you are moving to Portugal from outside the European Union (EU), you will need a temporary residence visa to establish residence. This visa allows you to stay in Portugal for an extended period.

Type D Visa: The Type D visa, also known as the D7 visa, enables the holder to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for one year. This visa can be renewed for successive periods of two years and can eventually be converted into a permanent residence permit after five years.

Keep mind that visa requirements and availability can change over time.

It’s a good idea to check official government websites or reach out to the Portuguese embassy or consulate for the latest info on visa options for Americans relocating to Portugal.

Best Places To Live in Portugal

There are so many amazing cities in Portugal, but we’ve gotta narrow it down or you’ll be living in a campervan moving daily! (…which isn’t that bad, to be honest)

So here are the best places to live:

• Lisbon
• Faro
• Porto
• Albufeira
• Sintra
• Coimbra
• Aveiro
• Vila Real de Santo Antonio
• Lagos
• Braga

Wrap Up: Moving to Portugal

Portugal offers a diverse range of visa options designed to attract a variety of individuals, from investors to retirees. However, it’s important to bear in mind the current job market challenges and the economic situation.

Portugal’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture are undoubtedly appealing, but it’s critical to weigh these against the potential drawbacks.

Moving abroad is a significant decision that requires careful planning and preparation.

Once you’ve done your due diligence and decided on your best route to living in Portugal, your next mission should be to find the most reliable and durable luggage for your big move. I have an entire post dedicated to the best luggage options for moving abroad, which I highly recommend checking out.

Pack smartly, and embark on your exciting journey to Portugal with confidence!

Pin This For Later!