Expat Life Thrives in Portugal

When it comes to quality of life, Portugal confidently secures its spot among the global elite, ranking an impressive 7th worldwide in this year's survey. With its delightful climate and weather placing it in the top 10, and its pristine air quality securing the 9th spot, Portugal proves to be an enchanting destination for those seeking a superior environment and climate, securing a remarkable 5th place ranking worldwide.

With its welcoming culture and friendly population, Portugal has earned a notable reputation for creating a comfortable home for expats. Rated 8th in terms of hospitality, Portugal's Ease of Settling in Index places it at an impressive 13th. Astonishingly, 78% of expats feel at ease and welcome in this delightful country, compared to the global average of 62%. It comes as no surprise that 71% of expats have established a personal support network, surpassing the global rate of 58%. Notably, 80% of individuals find the local population exceptionally cordial towards foreign residents, exceeding the global average by 15%. Furthermore, 76% of expats find it effortless to adapt to the vibrant local culture, while only 62% can claim the same globally.

In terms of safety and freedom to express one's identity and opinions, Portugal emerges as an exemplary haven. An outstanding 94% of expats feel secure in Portugal's tranquil embrace, while the international average stands at 83%. Astoundingly, 83% of individuals find themselves liberated to express their identities and opinions, a staggering difference of 18% from the global average. Additionally, 85% of expats revel in the choices of recreational sports offered, compared to the global figure of 75%. Moreover, 74% of expats joyfully immerse themselves in the captivating culture and vibrant nightlife, surpassing the global average by 6%.

Despite its many charms, Portugal presents challenges for expats as well. A significant number of expatriates (over half) have found themselves grappling with local bureaucracy, surpassing the global average of 38%. Furthermore, 25% express dissatisfaction with the government's online services, compared to the global average of 21%. Interestingly, while over half of expats consider Portuguese as a challenging language to learn, 68% confidently declare that living in Portugal without knowing the local language is entirely feasible, surpassing the global average of 50%.

Portugal may not be the ideal choice for work seekers, as 36 percent of expats express dissatisfaction with the job market (26 percent globally). However, it ranks 17th globally for work-life balance, surpassing the average, and a notable 78 percent of expats believe their income is sufficient for a comfortable life. Despite a low 42nd ranking for fair pay, there is a silver lining. The country shines in the Personal Finance Index, securing an impressive 12th position. With 63 percent of expats content with the cost of living, Portugal stands out compared to a worldwide average of only 44 percent.

In the Expat Insider 2023 survey, the top spots were claimed by Mexico, Spain, and Panama, with Malaysia, Taiwan, Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Bahrain following suit. Portugal secured a respectable 10th place. These countries showed promising results in the Personal Finance Index and performed moderately in the Working Abroad Index.

If you would like more information about relocating to Portugal, please contact us. We will be happy to assist you.