Living In Portugal: Essential Expat Guide 2023

There are some good reasons – beyond the weather and excellent golf amenities – why Portugal is highly regarded as an ideal place to live. Its beautiful coastline, healthy lifestyle and affordability make the country stand out among other popular southern European destinations. 

Portugal residency for non-EU citizens

Citizens of countries with visa agreements with the EU can travel to Portugal and stay there for up to 90 days as tourists without a visa. This includes citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and other countries.

To live and work in Portugal, you must apply for a visa and go through the immigration procedures set for all non-EU citizens, including Americans and British. The most common visas are D7 and Portugal Golden Visa. 

UK citizens can find more details in our Living In Portugal After Brexit guide.

Portugal’s Golden Visa route

A quicker option is Portugal’s Golden Visa route, where you invest a minimum of €280,000 in a property in Portugal and gain a residency permit for a family, including dependent children.

This program, among other benefits, could give you the right to apply for permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship.

However, as of January 2022, purchasing a residential property in Lisbon, Porto, or a coastal area like most of the Algarve does not qualify you for residency.

From 2022 you can obtain a golden visa by purchasing commercial property in high-density areas or property of a value equal to or above €500,000 in the Azores and Madeira regional autonomies or territories of the interior on the mainland.

Cheaper options are available for renovation projects, including in one of the most popular locations – the Algarve.

Alternatively, you can invest in qualifying Portuguese funds, set up a business that creates jobs, contributes to R&D projects or donate to national heritage projects. A capital transfer of a minimum of €1,500,000 to a Portuguese bank can qualify you for a Golden Visa.

If you have questions or need more information, please see our Guide to EU Golden Visa Programs, or contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. 

Portugal D7 Residency Visa

This is the best route to residency in Portugal for retirees and people with stable investment incomes.

You need to have sufficient passive income to qualify for this visa. The income can be received from pensions, property rentals, investments, dividends, etc.

You have to apply to the Portuguese consulate in your home country.

To qualify, you need to:

• Be a non-EU citizen.
• Have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal. Official figures say your income should at least be equal to the annual minimum wage in Portugal (which is currently €886.7) for the principal applicant and 50% of the minimum wage for a spouse. However, that might not be enough to get your application approved. Aim at a minimum of €12,000 annually to be on the safe side.
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Show a residence address in Portugal.
• Have valid health insurance.

The visa itself is permission to enter Portugal. With the visa, you can enter Portugal two times and remain there for a period of 4 months in total.

You must apply for a residence permit in Portugal during the four months. The first permit is granted for one year. After that, it can be renewed for two years.

After five years of residing in Portugal, you can convert it into a permanent residence permit.

If you have questions or need more information about your D7 visa options, contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. 

Portugal Digital Nomad visa

The official name of the visa is “residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory”. This visa is designed for working professionals.

To qualify, you must:

• Come from a non-EU and non-EEA country
• Be self-employed or employed by a company based outside Portugal
• Earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage per month – roughly €2,800.

Is Portugal a good place to live?

The weather, the lifestyle and the lower cost of living are the main reasons behind Portugal’s growing popularity.

The country has a lot to offer: amazing and diverse nature and scenery,  opportunities for an active and healthy lifestyle, good connections to European cities, tax incentives, and much more. 

The pros and cons of living in Portugal

However, living in Portugal is not all roses. There are also some drawbacks, including wet and rainy winters, the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a slow pace of life, etc.

Knowing the positives and the negatives beforehand gives you a chance to weigh them against each other and decide if it’s the right country for you.

The pros of living in Portugal

This bit is really easy.  You can probably expect a dozen or so positive changes to your life when you relocate to Portugal.

The main pros of living in Portugal are as follows:

1. Amazing golf

Portugal is arguably home to some of the best golf courses in Europe.

If you are passionate about golf, can afford your annual fees, and are committed to spending your life on the greens, then Portugal should be your number one choice. 

There are only 70 or so golf courses in the country, and the total number of golf club members is below 20,000. But despite (or maybe thanks to) these modest numbers, the quality of the courses is very high, and the country’s popularity as a top golfing destination has been steadily growing.

Whether you’re an experienced player or just a beginner, there’s a golf course in Portugal for everybody, with brilliant layouts where you can hone your skills, improve your game, and maybe even lower your handicap too.

2. The weather and climate are superb

However obvious this upside of living in Portugal is, we cannot skip over it. The great weather is very often a primary reason for people choosing Portugal, so we have to add at least a line or two in praise of the Portuguese sunshine.

It is certainly something in the nation’s favour – it is very diverse. As you head further south, you’ll find hotter summers and more temperate winters.

If you like it seriously hot, head away from the Atlantic coastline towards the country’s beautiful interior, you’ll find the summers are baking hot!

Summer highs in warmer areas, such as the Guadiana river basin, reach over 45°C. In the north, on the other hand, snow is expected in the winter, and temperatures can drop below −10.0 °C.

3. Brilliant surfing

Portugal has almost 500 miles (800 km) of coastline. Yet one of the lesser-known Portugal facts is just how good the country is as a surfing destination.

Indeed, Portugal is a surfer’s paradise. Knowledgeable people say the country boasts 364 days of surf.

If you are a devoted surfer or want to get into surfing, or your children and grandchildren love this pastime, move to Portugal and take advantage of its fantastic surfing opportunities.

4. Lower property prices

The property market here is undervalued and among the most affordable in Europe. On the whole, housing is cheaper to buy in Portugal and investors can make more money from rentals than in many other European countries.

The price of property away from the resorts and coast will surprise you even more. You can bag bargains in some stunning inland towns and villages and still only be a short drive from major urban areas and beaches. 

It will mean looking at more traditional properties rather than developed resort-style homes, but you can certainly find an affordable property if you hunt for it in Portugal.

5. Natural beauty

The coastline in Portugal is beautiful. The country lies on the Atlantic and is sometimes lashed by dramatic winter storms, which has led to stunning rock and cliff formations on the coast. 

For walking lovers, it is one of the best countries in the world to explore on foot. In the summertime, the beautiful beaches all the way up the western edge of the nation offer plenty to explore and enjoy.

From the coast, Portugal is home to mountains and plains, national parks, lakes, olive groves and rivers – a geographically diverse and fabulous nation.

6. No-stress lifestyle

The pace of life in Portugal is laid back, relaxed and unrushed.

It takes time to get used to it, but once you stop being annoyed at how long a job can take, it is a dream come true.

Remember, there is nowhere to rush. Enjoy a glass of vino instead – it is a healthier way to live.

7. Healthy food

Speaking about healthier living: nothing can be better for your health than Portuguese cuisine and eating habits.

The Portuguese are the biggest fish eaters per capita in Europe, and all kinds of fresh fish are available daily at the local markets. It explains the endless variety of seafood in a traditional cataplana pan at your lunch table.

In addition, the abundance of sunshine in this part of the world means fruit and veg and other fresh produce are cheap and readily available.

8. Low crime

Portugal ranks as the 17th safest country in the world and second among the safest countries in the European Union. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is largely limited to street crime during the busy tourist season.

9. Low cost of living

The cost of living is among the lowest in Western Europe. In fact, it is, on average, 30 percent lower than any other country in the region.

Living in Portugal means you can easily afford the lifestyle you are used to for less money and squirrel away the rest to build up your family wealth. Or, if you fancy, you can afford a much fancier lifestyle for the same money you spend in your home country and indulge in luxuries you have always wanted to try.

10. A wealth of culture and heritage

Culturally, Portugal is a rich country.

There is everything there to satisfy the most demanding minds – music, theatre, opera, arts, architecture, numerous festivals and shows, museum exhibitions and cultural events all year round. It is simply impossible to get bored while living in Portugal.

The cons of living in Portugal

1. There is no rush to do anything

Remember the advantage of the slower pace of life that we mentioned earlier? Well, with this comes one of the biggest challenges every foreigner relocating to the Mediterranean has to face at some point.

Initially, it’s stressful for foreigners coming from fast-paced countries like the UK and the USA because doing anything can take so long. Portuguese people are less rushed!

Queues in banks can stretch for miles as the staff chat about anything and everything with their customers, and customers chat among themselves.

Two cars can stop on a narrow country road side by side, and the drivers will discuss their family affairs while other cars are waiting patiently behind them.

There’s no point in getting stressed out; this is how life is in Portugal. This is where the next point comes in: Fado Culture.

2. Portuguese fatalism or Fado culture

Those melancholic and mournful tunes of Fado music reflect the whole approach to life in Portugal – an attitude in music, literature and even the way the Portuguese speak.

It is characterized by melancholy, resignation and a belief in capricious fate. In short, please don’t put up too much of a fight, as it’s probably wiser to go with the flow and submit to your fate.

The Portuguese say oxalá, meaning “hopefully/if only”, which is the very expression of Fado culture.

Living in Portugal means accepting Fado culture and enjoying what you have.

You can, of course, make plans and undertake some actions to implement them, but don’t overexert yourself or any local trades involved in your plans, and don’t worry too much – things will work out themselves, oxala!

3. The language barrier

The most difficult thing about Portugal is the language. It really is a very complicated and difficult language to learn, and many people struggle to get much further than the basics and everyday pleasantries.

If you live in the more urban and populous areas where there are many expats, international citizens and professional Portuguese, you will find English is quite widely spoken. The Algarve, for example, is being anglicised rapidly thanks to international expats.

However, if you make an effort and do advance your language skills beyond a simple shopping routine, the reward will be immense – from great local respect and building local friendships to being accepted as a full member of the local community.

4. The red tape is maddening

The bureaucracy in Portugal is quite something else. There are reams of paperwork and hours of standing in queues to achieve the most basic of tasks, which can really grate. 

However, if you prepare yourself before attempting to do anything – from taxing your car to getting a new bank account, for example – you will be fine.

5. Haphazard driving

The driving styles of the locals in Portugal will shock you at first. But as many expats will advise you wisely, “you will soon get used to it.” Watch for your first month or so, and don’t get stressed out, whatever happens.

Where do expats live in Portugal?

Expats’ favourite locations in Portugal can be found in and around Lisbon. Many expats are living in Lisbon itself, with others moving to Sintra or living in Cascais to take advantage of a more relaxed lifestyle.

If you want a smaller town with a lower cost of living but still close to the capital city, consider moving to Setúbal. This lovely coastal town has everything you could only dream of while conveniently close to Lisbon.

There are also a lot of expats living in Porto as it is another lifestyle magnet in Portugal.

The Algarve is another favourite expat destination, of course, where there is a large community of British, Scandinavian, French, Brazilian and other expats. 

If you want to take the road less travelled, you might want to consider living in the Azores or moving to Madeira.

Looking for a bit more character? You should definitely consider living in Coimbra then.

For more information on the most popular destinations read our Best Places To Live In Portugal guide.

Cost of living in Portugal

Portugal is not the most expensive country in the world. It’s cheaper than in North America or northern European countries. That’s what makes it such a great retirement destination – you get all the perks for less money.

When it comes to buying a property in Portugal, the average cost across the country is cheaper than in the UK, North America and Northern Europe.

However, if you are looking at the favourite destinations for expats retiring to Portugal, which are mostly around Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, you will probably find that property prices are the highest there. 

For example, an average two-bedroom apartment on the Algarve coast costs at least twice as much as in central Porto. Still, for £300,000 you can buy a three-bed villa in a gated community, with access to a swimming pool and a five-minute walk to the beach. 

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Portugal?

If you are going to rent (which, initially, is a good idea), two people can live comfortably in Portugal starting from about £1,600 a month, depending on the location.

The closer to Lisbon you want to live, the bigger your budget should be.

For example, a couple can live relatively comfortably in the Algarve for £1,700 a month, including rent, occasional meals out, gym membership and other moderate luxuries. 

The same lifestyle in Cascais can cost closer to £3,000, including rent.

Housing takes, of course, the biggest part of the budget. That’s why, when you are confident of your chosen location, it’s wise to buy a property. Then your monthly cost of living in Portugal goes down drastically. 

Living in Portugal vs Spain

Is it the ‘Portugal or Spain’ dilemma you are facing? 

It may be a difficult choice if no prompts are coming from your heart. Culturally and climate-wise the countries are almost equally rich and attractive. The infrastructure is on approximately the same level. 

So, Portugal or Spain? Here are the arguments that can help your head to decide:

• Living in Portugal will cost less, as Portugal is more affordable than Spain. Be it accommodation, food, drinks or travelling, you will find Portugal remarkably affordable on the whole.
• Spain is more accessible from other European destinations than Portugal. Also, it’s easier to travel from Spain all over Europe compared to Portugal.
• However, it’s much easier to travel all over Portugal due to its size, and the in-country connectivity there is more efficient.
• Portugal is more homogeneous than Spain. Spain’s a mix and match of different nationalities and thus is more diverse and interesting.
• State healthcare in Portugal comes with a moderate surcharge. In Spain, state healthcare is free at the point of use. 
• In Portugal, movies and television programmes have English subtitles. In Spain, everything is dubbed. 
• You might find it a bit easier to live in Portugal with little Portuguese than in Spain with little Spanish (excluding popular expat locations, of course).

Other than this, there is little difference between the two countries. If in doubt, it might be worth trying to live in both for some time and then decide on which one is your favourite. 

Schools in Portugal

If you are moving with children, schools are an essential subject. Depending on how long you are planning to stay and how old your children are, the following options are available:

Public schools

These are state-funded schools teaching the Portuguese curriculum in the Portuguese language.

State education is quite good in Portugal, but there are a few problems, including funding, insufficient teachers, and class sizes. However, it doesn’t mean that the education in public schools is lower quality than in private ones. It’s wise to consider the language barrier and how to help your child adapt to a different language learning environment if you choose a public school. 

Private schools

Many are faith-based, have smaller class sizes and have more options for various clubs and activities. The costs are between €400 and €550 a month, depending on location.

International schools

They are by far the most expensive option, but the best if you need to ensure your child keeps up with the UK or USA curriculum. 

Most private and international schools are located in mainland Portugal in and around Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve. 

Retiring to Portugal

The main benefit of retiring to Portugal is the country’s low cost of living. The climate and the lifestyle are essential too.

You should also consider one of the most attractive features of retiring to Portugal – namely how you can save a lot of money by living a low-tax life for the first ten years of your Portugal retirement. 

When planning your retirement abroad, there’s a lot to consider: healthcare costs, your pension options, property prices, taxes, estate planning and other money matters. 

Making the right financial decisions as an expat is critical for success in a new country. However, there are so many different options to take, that it’s easy to make mistakes and miss out on “local” knowledge. If you have questions or need more information about your pension options, contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. 

Is retiring to Portugal a good idea?

In recent years Portugal has moved into the top 20 countries for retiring abroad, and it seems like it’ll stay there for some time to come.

It’s not only because of its climate and the fact that it’s a great value-for-money destination. It’s also because of the lifestyle Portugal can offer for retirees.

Portugal is a brilliant country for both an active and a more contemplative retirement.

Coastal locations are perfect for those who love all kinds of water sports; the country is full of wonderful walks; the scenery is amazing; and from the north to the south, the diversity of the landscape will reward a devoted explorer with the most stunning views.

It is the country that will make you want to try something new: take up photography, research wines in theory and in practice, try fishing or learn to play the guitar.

In short, it is a truly inspirational place where it is easy to keep your mind and body healthy and engaged.

How easy is it to retire to Portugal?

If you are an EU citizen, retiring to Portugal is very simple: you need to go through a residency application (which is more of a formality), and that’s it.

If you are a non-EU citizen (including US and UK citizens), there’s more bureaucracy to go through. 

However, even in such a case establishing permanent residency is relatively easy with options such as a D7 visa or a Golden Visa.

Is healthcare free in Portugal?

Portugal is famous for its fantastic state-funded healthcare system, which is called the Serviço Nacional de Saude, or SNS for short.

This scheme is open to all permanent legal residents in Portugal, and those with temporary residency who are either working and actively making social security contributions, or from a country that shares a reciprocal healthcare agreement.

New arrivals in Portugal must live as temporary residents for five years before qualifying for permanent residency—so some retirees may need health insurance to span the gap.

Happily, private health insurance is far more affordable in Portugal than in most other countries too!

EU citizens arriving with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or equivalent can use the Portuguese healthcare system for free for 90 days—allowing them time to get their Segurança Social registration in order.

Once eligible to enter the SNS system, expats will need to register at their local Centro de Saude, or health center, to receive a Numero de Utente and be assigned a family doctor.

Once you have your SNS patient number in hand, healthcare in Portugal is almost entirely free.

There are no costs for emergency healthcare—including trips to the emergency room, and even a ride in an ambulance.

Non-essential healthcare can be accessed via small administrative charges called ‘taxas moderadoras’, which are so affordable that you’ll only need to pull €4.50 from your wallet to visit your family doctor!

Family dependents of those who qualify will also be able to register.

What about health insurance in Portugal?

Private health insurance is quite popular in Portugal—in fact, many Portuguese citizens supplement their SNS healthcare to enjoy access to private services and potentially shorter wait times.

Health insurance in Portugal can begin from as little as €30 per month, making it an accessible option for most expats. Do keep in mind, however, that insurance will be subject to an initial health assessment, and costs can be higher for those with pre-existing conditions.

Also, if you are 65 and over, you will find that most insurers will be unwilling to provide you with a health plan. If this is the case, you should look at international health insurance. To ensure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. 

Because of the popularity of private services, private clinics can be found all over the country, and expats can choose to visit a private doctor without health insurance for as little as €40.

Wherever you go, either practice your Portuguese or get a translator ready on your smartphone. Not all doctors speak English and, particularly in rural areas, it’s safe to assume that most won’t!

How about accessing hospital care and specialist services?

Unless it’s an emergency, treatment at a hospital requires a referral from a family doctor.

Referrals can also be provided for cheaper access to specialist services such as physiotherapy or mental healthcare.

The SNS system does not cover dental, except for those considered high-risk.

If opening a policy, your health insurance provider can include dental upon request.

However, once again, dental care is refreshingly affordable. With no coverage, a filling in Portugal costs only around €40, which should be cheap enough to keep you smiling!

Can I work remotely in Portugal?

Working remotely from Portugal, either as an employee of a non-Portuguese company or as a contractor/freelancer, is not specified or clearly regulated in Portugal’s immigration laws. 

The major questions here are taxation issues and – if you are an employee – how your company looks at the matter.

Regarding legalities, if you’re a freelancer and can work from anywhere and support yourself, the best way to move to Portugal will be through Portugal’s D7 Visa & Residence Permit.

The D7 is aimed at self-sufficient people with various incomes derived from investments, pensions, and/or businesses they run.

This is also the visa of choice for remote workers, freelancers, or entrepreneurs. As long as you can show that you will bring your income to Portugal and this income is enough for you to be eligible, you can apply for the D7. 

The minimum income you need to show is the equivalent of a Portuguese minimum wage a month. However, depending on where in Portugal you want to live, you will need more than this. 

Personal banking and bank accounts in Portugal for expats

You might want to open a bank account in Portugal before you move there. It can help you save money on charges for transactions abroad from your bank.  

Opening a resident account in Portugal

Personal bank accounts in Portugal are not always free. Many current accounts have an admin charge of about €5 per month. You will also have to pay small fees to replace debit cards or counter withdrawals. 

For that, you will get an assigned manager and have a direct line and mobile number. Whenever something happens that requires help, you can talk to them on the phone or go into your local branch and talk to them in person. 

Documents needed to open a bank account in Portugal

To open a Portuguese bank account, you will need the following:

• your passport;
• your NIF (a Portuguese fiscal number which you can obtain at the local Financas);
• proof of income;
• proof of your Portuguese address;
• a mobile phone number with activated SMS.

Can I open a bank account in Portugal if I am not a resident? 

Yes, for this, you should apply for a non-resident bank account 

There might be circumstances when you need to have a Portuguese bank account before you apply for residency. This is what you can do to obtain a Portuguese bank account before you move to Portugal:

Some Portuguese banks offer this option. Banks such ActivoBank and Banco CTT offer excellent services, which include no monthly fees and are free to use in the eurozone. 

You have to be in the country to open a non-resident account, as it involves first obtaining a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). You can get it from the nearest Finanças by providing your ID and proof of address (a recent bank statement that lists your non-Portuguese address will do perfectly well).

With your freshly obtained NIF, proof of address and proof of income that states your profession or job title, you can apply for a non-resident bank account.

If you already have your NIF, both ActivoBank and Banco CTT  (and several Portuguese banks) offer an online application that involves a video chat with a bank representative to confirm your identity. 

How to open a bank account in Portugal online – a mobile-only bank account

You can opt for a mobile-only bank account. They are very easy to set up. The most popular mobile-only bank accounts are Borderless Account from TransferWise, DiPocket, Revolut, LeuPay, N26.

With most of them, you can set up a bank account with a Portuguese IBAN on your mobile phone in minutes. You will need a smartphone and a valid ID, which will allow you to verify your identity either through a quick video call or with photos.

Do I have to pay taxes in Portugal?

If you spend more than 183 days in Portugal, you become a tax resident and legally, you should now file a tax return and pay your taxes in Portugal.

To register as a tax resident in Portugal, you first must visit the town hall where you live and demonstrate that you have adequate financial means and social security to cover yourself. You then visit the local tax office and register as a tax resident.

How much tax do I pay in Portugal?

There is a progressive rate of income taxation in Portugal, starting at 14.5 percent for earnings up to EUR 7,035 and rising to 48 percent on earnings above EUR 80,000. 

There’s a special taxation regime NHR for expat retirees in Portugal, under which you can pay a flat rate of 10% for the first ten years of living in Portugal.

Apart from that, the scheme offers a lower income tax rate of 20% if you’re employed in Portugal in a ‘high value’ activity, such as a software engineer, for example. 

Wealth tax in Portugal

Portugal’s wealth tax is essentially an extension of Portugal’s Imposto sobre Imóveis (IMI), or property tax.

You will normally pay 0.3% for your Portuguese property if it’s worth more than EUR 600,000. If you are married or in a civil partnership, you as a couple will be granted a combined threshold of €1.2m.

Property in Portugal: should you rent or buy?

It’s worth renting first to ensure your chosen area in Portugal meets your expectations. Renting will also allow you time to learn more about the local property market and its peculiarities.

If you are planning to live in regions famous for seasonal tourism, such as the Algarve, it might be difficult to find a suitable property for long-term rent as landlords prefer to let their properties short-term to holiday-makers.

You might also find that short-term rentals in such regions are quite costly. Property owners can make a healthy profit during the tourist season and don’t mind leaving their properties empty during winter. 

Long-term rentals are relatively easy to come by in the main cities, such as Lisbon and Porto.

You can look for a rental property yourself or use a local agent. Good agents can help you by advising and negotiating with landowners and will even provide a tenancy agreement in English.

To rent a property in Portugal, you will need a Portuguese fiscal number.

Before moving in, you will usually be asked for the equivalent of two months’ rent as a security deposit.

When you decide you are ready to buy your own home in Portugal, make sure you enlist the help of a reputable estate agent and have proper legal representation.

Final thoughts on living in Portugal

Portugal seems to have found the right recipe for becoming an attractive expat destination. It offers exactly what all expats are looking for when deciding to move: a good climate, great quality of life combined with a lower cost of living, and, a cherry on top of the cake, tax advantages. 

This is exactly what you can get living in Portugal as an expat. Even if you cannot benefit from the tax advantages, all the other benefits are convincing enough to make Portugal a great destination to live in. 

You might find helpful:

• Best Places To Live In Portugal – a detailed overview of Portugal’s most popular locations for expats.
• The Expat Guide To UK Pensions Abroad: Understand Your Options.
• The Essential Guide To Cost-Effective International Removals – read about international removals options and how you can keep your costs down while getting a quality service.
• For cross-border financial planning, visit our Advice page.
• Didn’t find what you were looking for or need further advice? Contact us or comment below with your question and we will do our best to help.

Helpful external links:

• Online registration with a health centre in Portugal – eportugal.gov.pt.
• Portugal public schools rating – observador.pt.
• Entering Portugal, the documents and travel information – eportugal.gov.pt.
• US citizen services in Portugal – pt.usembassy.gov.
• Portuguese public and private hospitals and their contact details – infarmed.pt.
• Online services for foreign nationals in Portugal – sef.pt.
• UK government guidance for British citizens moving to Portugal – www.gov.uk.