What Makes Portugal the Perfect Home for Expats?

In recent years, Portugal has become increasingly popular among expatriates seeking a better life abroad. Whether one is drawn to the bustling city life of Lisbon or Porto, the tranquil scenery of the Azores, the stunning coastline of the Algarve, or the peaceful countryside further inland, this country's diverse landscape offers something for everyone.

Safety

Portugal is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. The Institute for Economics and Peace, a non-profit organisation based in Australia, just released its anual Global Peace Index for 2022, ranking Portugal as the 6th most peaceful country out of the 163 studied.

Portuguese people are friendly and law-abiding, with great attitude towards guests and immigrants and are always ready to help.

Captivating Residency Permits

Portugal is one of the best places to meet new people and to start a new life, offering captivating residency programs, which cover expats who wish to invest, work, and live in the country.

Healthcare System

In general, the public healthcare system in Portugal is excellent: patients can expect comprehensive care from high-quality hospitals. However, like in many other countries, waiting times in Portugal are a common source of complaint.

Many Portuguese and Expats choose to sign up for private health insurance cumulatively with SNS. Health Insurance in Portugal is affordable and averages somewhere between €40 and €100 per month, depending on multiple factors like age and pre-existing conditions.

Excellent quality of life

The country offers a high quality of life ranking 28th in the Prosperity Index and 22nd in terms of quality of life by Numbeo. It was also recognised as the best country in the world for foreign retirees by the International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index 2023.

The cost of living in Portugal is generally lower than many other European countries, which makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a comfortable lifestyle.

Climate

The country is situated in the southwestern region of the continent, benefiting from ample warmth and sunshine throughout the year. Even during the winter months, temperatures rarely drop below zero degrees Celsius, and the area enjoys around 300 sunny days annually.

Portugal is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on two sides, which creates a diverse range of climatic zones throughout the country. With this in mind, residents can choose a location with ease that suits their individual preferences and needs.

Towards the southern regions, the climate becomes notably milder and more sunny. Moving inland from the coast brings with it hotter summers and colder winters, but snow is a rare occurrence, usually only found in mountainous areas during winter.

Natural Beauty 

Portugal is a country of stunning natural beauty, with a diverse landscape that includes sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and lush forests. The country's coastline stretches for over 1,000 miles, offering a variety of landscapes from the rocky shores of the north to the golden sands of the Algarve. Inland, the Serra da Estrela mountain range boasts breathtaking vistas, while the Douro Valley, famous for its wine production, offers stunning views of terraced vineyards. The Azores islands, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, are a haven of unspoiled nature, with lush vegetation, crystal-clear lakes, and hot springs. Whether you're a beach lover, hiker, or nature enthusiast, Portugal's natural beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Gastronomy

Portugal's gastronomy is a reflection of the country's rich history and diverse culture. From fresh seafood dishes to hearty meat stews, Portuguese cuisine is known for its bold flavours and simple yet delicious preparations. 

Portugal is also famous for its pastry tradition, with specialties such as Pastel de Nata, which is considered one of the best pastries in the world by Taste Atlas. 

Wine production is a significant part of the country's culinary heritage, with the Douro Valley region producing some of the world's finest Port wines. 

With the combination of traditional recipes and modern twists, Portugal's gastronomy has something to offer for every taste bud.

English is commonly spoken

Portugal is a country that is very accommodating to English speakers, particularly in its major cities and Algarve. While it is always recommended to try and learn basic Portuguese, expats can feel confident that they will be able to navigate daily life and communicate with locals in English. This welcoming attitude towards English speakers has made Portugal a popular destination for those seeking to move or just visit the country.

Altogether, Portugal is a wonderful place to live for anyone looking for a new home.