Living in Portugal: A Brief Overview on Moving to Portugal as an Expat
Yellow tram at the top of a steep slope in Lisbon, Portugal
Are you looking for a change of scenery and considering the move to Portugal? You've come to the right place! Portugal, while tiny, is an amazing country with something unique to offer expats of all ages, and from all over the world.
From its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes down to its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming locals, there are endless reasons why this small nation has become one of the top destinations for relocation, whether you plan on retiring, starting a business, or you are a digital nomad in your 20s.
In this article, we will give you a brief overview of some points to consider if you are daydreaming about moving to Portugal – from employment opportunities and living costs to lifestyle perks – so you can make an informed decision about a possible move to Portugal.
Let's get started!
Living In Portugal: A Guide To Moving To Portugal As An Expat
Packing up your life and making the move to Portugal is an exciting opportunity that can be both rewarding, but no doubt is sometimes challenging (which is the very reason we Portugalxpert!).
This guide will walk you through the basics of what to expect when moving to Portugal, from navigating the visa process to finding accommodation, from the best way to transfer money to Portugal to tips on adjusting to life in your new home.
Here at Portugalxpert, we are a team of both experienced expats who have made the move ourselves, and Portuguese locals who are experts at navigating their home country’s, shall we say, quirks…
Cliffs and turquoise ocean at Ponta da Piedade, Lagos, Algarve
What to Expect from Living in Portugal as an Expat
Portugal is a small but beautiful country with much to offer ex-pats who decide to make a move. From golden beaches and peaceful rural landscapes to centuries-old cities - usually all within a couple of hours of each other - there’s something for everyone in Portugal.
The Portuguese have a reputation for their welcoming nature, and as a British expat myself, I can definitely vouch for this to be true - you can definitely expect the locals to be warm and friendly toward newcomers. This makes it easy to settle into a new community and start building relationships with your Portuguese neighbours.
While it is usually welcomed, it isn’t essential to speak Portuguese unless you plan on living in rural areas, as most people speak a very good level of English. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to learn, of course, and there are plenty of Portuguese language learning companies like Preply who can help you start learning while you are still in your home country.
Friendly, English-speaking locals aside, one of the main reasons people, especially Northern Europeans, Canadians and many Americans move to Portugal is the exceptional climate.
Portugal's climate is mild and sunny, with coastal winter temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C (50°F) and with no snowfall, however summers can get very hot, especially inland.
Cost of living in Portugal
You may have heard that living costs in Portugal can be relatively low compared to other countries in Europe and North America, and while this is true to a point (especially compared with London, Paris, New York etc.), unfortunately Portugal isn’t the mega-bargain it once was, especially with housing.
For context, to rent an average 2 bedroom apartment in my hometown of Lagos, will cost approximately €1,000-€1,200 per month. You’d expect to pay slightly more in Lisbon.
Still considerably cheaper than big North American cities, that’s for sure, however considering when I arrived just over 10 years ago it was normal to expect to pay €250-€300 for that same apartment, and the fact that the Portuguese minimum wage is around €600, it is starting to make life difficult for some Portuguese people.
You will still, nonetheless, find most aspects of living cheap compared to North America for most things, and this is especially true if you use local markets for food and other items, and it’s easy to live a comfortable life if you have any foreign income or a digital nomad salary.
Navigating the Visa Process
When moving to Portugal, it is important to understand the nationality and citizenship laws of the country. Navigating the visa process can be complex, but it is possible for most people to successfully move to Portugal with the right knowledge and resources.
The best way to begin is by researching which visas are available for your situation. For example, it’s extremely easy for European Union citizens to move here without a visa and apply for a residency permit (if they meet certain requirements).
North Americans and other non-EU citizens must typically apply for a work or residency visa of some sort, and these most commonly come in the form of a D2 (‘Entrepreneur visa’), D7 (‘Passive income visa’), or digital nomad visa, but other visas are available depending on your stay duration and purpose.
Unfortunately, Portugal have discontinued the ‘Golden Visa’, which was a visa which entitled the applicant to residency in exchange for investing in real estate or a Portuguese business. Nonetheless, there are other options available.
You should also be aware of the language requirement, as you may need to demonstrate proficiency in Portuguese to gain entry into the country (most ‘temporary’ visas don’t require this, however you’ll need a reasonable level of Portuguese to acquire citizenship).
Finally, ensure you have all the required documents and paperwork before submitting any visa application because Portuguese bureaucracy is notorious for being slow, and especially if you don’t have all your ducks in a row when you make your application. Depending on the type of visa, the requirements can include visa insurance, a ‘NIF’ (Portuguese tax number’), and / or a Portuguese bank account. Any missteps during this process can delay your entry into Portugal, so it's important to prepare carefully.
With the right guidance and resources, getting a visa to move to Portugal is possible – and living here can be an amazing experience!
Multi coloured houses in Algarve, Portugal
Finding Accommodation in Portugal
If you plan on staying in Portugal long-term, you'll of course need to find a place to live. Depending on your preferences and budget, this could be an apartment, house, or villa. Renting is generally the most popular option in Portugal. To rent an apartment or house, you usually need to provide proof of income, such as a pay slip or employment contract, but this might not be necessary if you explain that you’ve just arrived in the country.
You may also need to provide references from previous landlords if you’re an expat with no previous rental history in Portugal (but again, this isn’t usually strictly enforced). You should also research any additional fees you need to pay, such as utility bills and deposits.
If you are searching for a rental property from overseas, you can use sites like, Idealista or Imovirtual, and while these are great for securing something (because sometimes finding any rental property at all can be hard, especially in summer), you’re unlikely to find a bargain on sites like this. Best to see if you can secure a short contract of 3-6 months and ask around when you arrive in the town of your choice.
Hint: If you see properties referred to as a T1 or T2 - this means that it is an apartment with either 1 bedroom (T1) or 2 bedrooms (T2). 3 bedrooms = T3 and so on. V1 / V2 means that it is a villa - and once again, V1 means 1 bedroom, V2 = 2 bedrooms and so on.
Adjusting to Living in Portugal
Once you have settled into your new home with your family, it's time to start adjusting to life in Portugal!
With its rich culture and stunning landscapes, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy in your new home with your family. As mentioned before, if you can, be sure to take the time to learn a little Portuguese, as even a basic language knowledge can help you navigate daily life and build relationships with locals.
You should also research local customs and etiquette.
Living in Portugal can be a wonderful adventure – and with the right preparation, you can make the most of your journey. But that said, moving to a new country, especially one like Portugal, can involve lots of frustration, head scratching and costly lessons, and Portugal sure has its quirks. Charming? Undoubtedly. Wonderful? For sure. But too often it’s confusing, unexpected, and expensive.
Buying and renovating property, starting a business, sorting healthcare, owning a dog, buying a car… the list goes on.
All You Need to Know About Relocating Your Household Goods and Pets
Relocating your household items and pets can be a complicated process. Researching regulations surrounding importing goods and requirements for moving pets into Portugal is important.
You must provide proof of ownership and health certificates for any animals you bring. You may also need to pay taxes or fees if you import large items, such as furniture or electronics. In any case, it's often best to hire the services of a professional moving company.
They can help you navigate the process and ensure your paperwork is in order. With the right guidance and preparation, relocating your household goods and pets to Portugal is possible – and with its wonderful climate and rich culture, Portugal is the perfect place to call home!
A very handsome Podengo (Portuguese breed of dog) and no doubt a very good boy. In a forest somewhere. Portugal
Education in Portugal
Education in Portugal is of high quality and extremely affordable. The Portuguese school system includes primary, secondary, post-secondary, and special education. Primary and secondary schooling is free for EU citizens, but non-EU citizens may be required to pay tuition fees.
You may also need additional documents, such as proof of identity or qualifications. Post-secondary education is available in universities and technical schools.
There is also a large range of international schools across the whole country, where the kids are raised bilingually and the international schools here tend to be of an exceptional standard.
Overall, Portugal offers many educational opportunities – but as always, just research your options before deciding on the right school for you.
Discover Events & Make New Friends
When you move to Portugal, you will discover interesting events and festivals celebrating the country’s culture and heritage. You can also take part in outdoor activities or visit museums. This is a great way to meet new people and make friends with locals.
The Portuguese are friendly people who enjoy sharing their culture with others – so don’t be afraid to mingle and explore! With the right preparation, your experience in Portugal can be incredibly rewarding.
Health Insurance and the Healthcare System of Portugal
Before you move to Portugal, it's important to research the healthcare system. All EU citizens can access health insurance in Portugal through the social security system. Non-EU citizens must purchase private health insurance to cover their medical expenses - however this might well be necessary for your visa application anyway.
The Portuguese healthcare system is ranked highly and provides excellent services, with many treatment options available. It's important to note that some treatments may require paying out of pocket, so it’s best to research your options before seeking medical attention.
With the right preparation, living in Portugal can be a wonderful experience – and with its excellent healthcare system, you don't have to worry about your health!
A vintage mini parked in the streets of Portugal
Driving in Portugal
We’ll be writing a whole blog post on this in due course, however, the basics:
We drive on the right.
You can drive in Portugal with most foreign licenses without the need for an international license (but depending on the license, you probably need to switch to a Portuguese license if you make a permanent move here. And when you switch, be prepared to wait for your Portuguese license to arrive in the post… mine took 16 months!).
Portuguese roads are fairly safe, better than they used to be certainly, and the Portuguese don’t have the reputation that other Southern European drivers have. That said, at first they may seem a little more dangerous than you’re used to in your home country, so be careful.
It rains so rarely in Portugal that when it does, the roads become very slippery with a build-up of dust, sand, oil particles etc. Be especially careful driving after the ‘first rains after the summer’ in September / October.
Public transport in Portugal, for the most part, is fantastic, with buses, especially, being incredibly cheap.
Working in Portugal: What You Need to Know
Finally, if you plan on working in Portugal, it's important to check the conditions of your visa and research local labour laws and regulations. Wages are low, especially by Northern European and North American standards, and most expats who come here tend to either have income from overseas, pensions, or start an entrepreneurial venture of some sort.
Always speak to a local accountant about any taxes and fees you may need to pay according to your income level, however if you have an employer, they should handle this for you.
With the right preparation and paperwork, you can take advantage of Portugal's wonderful working opportunities – so don’t forget to research your options before moving!
Whether you plan on working, starting a business, or working remotely from Portugal, having an idea of the requirements before moving is important to ensure everything is in order. With the right preparation and knowledge, living, working, or owning property in Portugal can be an incredibly rewarding experience!
This doesn’t just apply to working, either.
From researching healthcare and driving regulations to understanding how to relocate your household goods and pets, it’s important to research and ensure you know what you need before moving. With the right preparation, you can make the most of your adventure and live a rewarding life in Portugal.
A fountain at night in Rossio Square, Lisbon, Portugal
FAQs
What are the requirements for moving to Portugal?
If you're considering moving to Portugal, there are a few steps you’ll need to take. You will generally need to apply for a visa (unless you are an EU citizen) and obtain the appropriate residence card depending on your purpose of stay, whether you’re planning on working or studying while in Portugal.
You’ll need a NIF (Portuguese tax number), if not as a requirement for your visa, certainly when you arrive.
What are the residence permits available in Portugal?
The type of visa or residency permit you will need depends on your purpose of staying in Portugal. The most common types of residence permits include Student Visas, Work Visas and Self-Employment Permits.
What is a Non-Habitual Residence Permit?
The Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) permit allows individuals to enjoy favourable taxation on foreign income in Portugal for up to 10 years. It allows individuals who have never been tax residents of Portugal before to benefit from the country’s favourable taxation on foreign income earned during their residency in Portugal.
Can British citizens live in Portugal after Brexit?
Yes, British citizens can still live in Portugal after Brexit, however unlike before, now count as non-EU citizens and therefore have to apply for a visa if they wish to stay longer than 90 days.
How do I apply for a visa to move to Portugal?
You must submit the appropriate application documents and fee at the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa. For more information on the types of visas available and how to apply, you can visit the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website, or the Portuguese embassy in your home country.
Conclusion
Moving to Portugal can be a wonderful, life-changing experience, from discovering its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes to living near a stunning beach or starting a business. It's an ideal place to enjoy city and rural life, with plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year that can lead to a wonderfully healthy lifestyle.
There are, of course, challenges that you’ll face, such as finding accommodation, coping with bureaucracy, and adjusting to the local culture - however we are here to be able to help with that.
Wanna know more about Portugal and the Portuguese life? Thinking of moving to Portugal? Questions on visas? Healthcare? Expat life? Where you should live? Download our “Portugal Beckons - Book”, read by over 700 expats.
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