The cost of living is generally lower than in neighboring Spain or France, and it is possible to live comfortably on a modest budget. The education system in Portugal is one of the better systems in the world. If thats the case, check out these other destinations: Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links. If, as a foreigner, you choose to change your address to Portugal for tax purposes, you can apply for the non-habitual residents tax status that will give you tax benefits for ten years. Hi Davis. Portuguese drivers are keen to drive fast and impatient to overtake. Its geographical location makes it a gateway to Europe and a meeting point between Europe Africa and America. . Tourists, immigrants, investors, pensioners and personalities from a number of sectors, from arts to finance and corporate, have found living in Portugal to have many advantages, when deciding on a change of life. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. What is the official language of Portugal. Its also worth noting that the cost of living in Portugal is lower than in many other European countries, so even a lower-paying job may be enough to cover basic expenses. The weather is great. The only two cities on the Algarve are Faro and Portimo, and both have a population of around fifty thousand. However, if youre looking for a destination that is completely unspoiled, with fewer tourists, Portugal may not be for you. Furthermore, you will often find bad parking where a driver will park a vehicle over two parking spaces, or even worse, touch parking. The Silver Coast is a region of Portugal located north of Lisbon and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the hills of the interior. Both Portuguese and foreigners agree that one of the biggest disadvantages of living in Portugal is the. What it's Like to Live in The Algarve Should You Move Here? With over 800km of Atlantic coastline, dotted by wonderful beaches, Portugal is also a haven for practitioners of water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing, SUP, water-skiing and fishing, among others. This makes it an attractive destination for expats who are looking for a safe and stable place to live. Climate. A rural life in Portugal: the pros and cons Please try again later. Autumn and spring are both mild in temperature. Both Portuguese and foreigners agree that one of the biggest disadvantages of living in Portugal is the red tape that you have to put up with and the myriad documents demanded to deal with administrative issues. However, there are some challenges that expats face when they move to Portugal, such as the language barrier, bureaucracy, and limited job opportunities. From hospitality to public transportation officials, most of the population can speak at least passable English. Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. This article is very misleading. Also, how do you avoid double taxation on a pension ? The best time to go to the beach and swim in the ocean is around June and July and the worst time is during August. There is also some corruption when it comes to renting in Portugal with many landlords avoiding rental contracts and tenants being left without rights when it comes to renting. Cost of living 7. From Lisbon to Lagos, Portugals beaches and the jagged cliffs that surround many of them will absolutely take your breath away. The country is well-connected by air, land, and sea, with modern transportation infrastructure that makes it easy to travel to other parts of Portugal or to neighboring countries. Only in July and August are the most popular beaches ever crowded. The system includes free state schools and private schooling. Agreed. Lisbon is a vibrant city that offers a great quality of life. Sales assistants will rarely go out of their way to help you, apart from what is their immediate responsibility on the job. Portugal is one of the most popular European countries to emigrate to. However, Portugal is the seventh most proficient speaker of English as a second languagein the world. Most do not have central heating and youll sometimes find yourself wearing your coat in the living room and wondering where you put your gloves. The income can be received from different streams, including property rentals, pensions, investments . English Are you considering moving to southern Portugal? The region is particularly popular with retirees and second-home buyers. Their winters are sunny and mild in Portugal with an average temperature of around 16 degrees celsius in December. Outdoor lifestyle Portugal's mild climate and beautiful natural landscapes encourage an outdoor lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and all kinds of water sports. Portugal offers a pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, affordable cost of living, high safety levels, rich cultural heritage, and a relaxed lifestyle. Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world and in 2022 occupied the 6th place according to the Global Peace Index, with low crime rates and a low risk of terrorism. Overall if you receive a good income you can have a really good life here because if you can pay for it (natives cant) portugal is really amazing. However, wherever you settle, youll find the prices to be significantly lower than in the western world. Living in Portugal Pros and Cons. . Keep in mind that the salaries do match the cost of living in this country. With many expats coming to Portugal from abroad to purchase property, it is also driving the prices up further. Towards the end of 2019, the Social Progress Index placed Portugal in 18, on the list of best countries to live in, ahead of states such as England, France, Spain and Austria. Because you are . Portugal is generally known for its laid-back, easy, slow pace of life. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. More than 300 days of sunshine per year; More than 100 beaches, many of which are considered to be some of the best in the world In Portugal, it can be difficult to find a well-paying job, regardless of whether you earn the minimum wage or the average salary. Portugal is not only a safe country but one of the safest in the world. Many houses and apartments in Portugal were built decades ago, and they may not be up to modern standards in terms of insulation, heating, or cooling. It experiences mild temperatures all year round in most parts of the country, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. Southern Portugal is typically warmer throughout the year, and the northern region (Porto and above) offers a moderate climate with rainy, cool winters. 16 Things We Love and Hate about Living in Portugal Portugal is known for its bureaucratic processes, which can be frustrating for both locals and foreigners. Pros of Living in Lisbon 2 years ago Save Hi everyone! Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal | Expat Exchange The weather. If you are moving to Portugal with children, then Portugal has many schools available. Especially when living in some of the more rural areas, where tourists do not visit as often and English is not as prevalent. One of the biggest advantages of living in Portugal is its affordability. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Especially in the bigger metropolitan cities like Lisbon. A large contributing factor to peace and safety in the country has to do with the political climate and the fact that it has been quite stable for many years now. Do you have to renounce your US citizenship? Inland temperatures go to extremes depending on the season, but as a rule Portugal enjoys mild temperatures when compared to other countries in Europe. While Portugal has plenty of advantages, there are also some downsides to consider. Watch this Topic Browse forums All Europe forums Portugal forum Portugal forums Chris Long Beach. Portugal has a decent education system with both public and private schools. Pros of Living in Portugal 1. So, you may need to live frugally if you earn a lower income. In recent years, expatriates have flocked there for short and long-term stays. Portuguese is the official language, and while many people speak English, it can still be difficult to navigate daily life without a basic understanding of the language. Getting a local bank account in Portugal is pretty simple. Wherever in the world you end up, safe travels and good luck with your move! Property prices in the Algarve can vary widely depending on the location, with some of the most sought-after areas being Vilamoura, Albufeira, and Lagos. Culture in Portugal + PRO: The people are friendly and welcoming The people of Portugal are incredibly friendly and helpful. Anyone else had a bad experience with a developer in Lisbon, Portugal? The heart of Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, which includes warm summers and mild winters with frequent showers. Living in Portugal: pros and cons - Moving to Portugal Living is Lisbon Pros and Cons Highlights of my pros list include the weather, social scene and cost of living compared to other European capitals. For remote workers and freelancers, the Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal allows them to live and work in the country for up to a year, enjoying all the benefits of the Portuguese lifestyle while earning an income from their remote job or business. The slow pace of life means there is little sense of urgency when dealing with clientele. Here are a few of the top advantages and disadvantages of living in this country. In the northern part of Portugal, the climate is typically cooler and wetter, with temperatures averaging around 15-20C (59-68F) during the summer months and dropping to around 5-10C (41-50F) in the winter. Summary: The pros of living in Portugal include its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. However, this lifestyle is ideal for raising a family or for retiring. Living in Porto, you are always an expat. Madeira has quite a mild winter that is much more bearable and less wet. This means that there is a high demand for short-term rental properties, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in vacation rentals. The lower the score, the better. Pros And Cons Of Living In Portugal | 2023 - Nomad Life 101 And beginning in 2018, borderless account holders will also have access to consumer debit cards, making it easy to access your money, no matter where in the world you happen to be. There has been a 10% rise in demand for properties during 2020 and 2021. Its culture is highly influenced by its position next to the Atlantic Ocean. There are also international schools available for expat families. The Global Peace Index ranked Portugal 1/5 concerning violent crime, which is low. With over 800km of Atlantic coastline, dotted by, , Portugal is also a haven for practitioners of water sports such as. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which theyre relying with the relevant authorities. The streets are narrow and the cities are very compact. Portugal stood out because of its performance in terms of rights, freedoms and guarantees and for being considered an inclusive country. 62.171.175.232 If you plan to move to Portugal long-term, learning Portuguese is essential. Portugal is known to be a relatively safe country. Advantages of Living in Portugal. Overall, the country has a very pleasant climate for most of the year, which makes it an ideal destination to live in. Portugal has a warm Mediterranean climate that is characterized by long hot summers and mild winters. Portuguese salaries are low when compared to the European average and there are also not many jobs on offer. Its a great option for those looking to enjoy the countrys relaxed lifestyle and stunning natural beauty. The warmer seasons are from June through September and the average temperature during this time is78F. Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal. Or are you just planning a visit to check it out? Shopping at local markets for fresh, in-season produce is one easy way to save money in Portugal. 2. 21+ Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal as a Foreigner [June 2023] Something else? Depending on the region you choose to live in, life could be 20 or 30% cheaper, especially in terms of food and housing. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Some of the northern parts of the country experience much colder weather during the winter, often getting an inch or three of snow. Portugal stood out because of its performance in terms of. Do I qualify for tax exemption in Portugal? Moving to Portugal seems to be the next big thing! Education and Schools in Portugal is essential reading for all expat parents. The average wage is around 1,000 a month. arising in Portugal as far as the jobs are concerned. It's no wonder that so many people choose to call Portugal home. And the public transportations are great but no excellent (and now theyre on strike very often). Many expats are retirees who have come to Portugal to enjoy their golden years in a relaxed and sunny environment. One of the biggest advantages of living in Portugal is its affordability. Pros and Cons of living in Portugal - A Comprehensive Guide But would you want to live there year-round? The main reason for the rise in demand is the fact that there is a housing shortage in a lot of places around the country. Learn about the pros, but also the cons of living in Portugal. If youre looking for a country that doesnt take much acclimatization, you should consider Portugal. Sometimes it's hard to find certain things that we are accustomed to at the grocery stores, but that's to be expected." Portugal Residency By Buying Property - A How-To Guide part 1 - Pros Lack of a big city. There are no special requirements for foreigners to buy property in Portugal, and buying a home that costs 500,000 or more may allow you to meet the requirements for a Golden visa for the country, which means you can stay as a resident for up to five years. Portugal Country Guide - Everything You Need to Know in 2023 However, if you dont know any Portuguese, youll still be able to get by in rural towns across the country. If, as a foreigner, you choose to change your address to Portugal for tax purposes, you can apply for the. Summary: The pros of living in Cascais, Portugal include its stunning natural beauty, with its picturesque beaches, lush green hills, and stunning mountain views. Any good ones? Additionally, some businesses may only accept Portuguese debit or credit cards, which can be frustrating for those who have foreign cards. In winter, temperatures remain mild, almost never below 5C (41F). Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Portugal. The Algarve region is also a popular area for those looking for a holiday home or retirement property. Living in Portugal vs. Spain: pros/cons, lifestyle, people? Its also important to consider the balance of the economy vs cost of living when stating how cheap a Country is. Property prices in the Silver Coast are generally lower than in Lisbon and the Algarve, but there are still some areas that are popular with expats, such as the town of Obidos and the beach resort of Sao Martinho do Porto. From the stunning coastline to the vibrant cities, Portugal is a country that will capture your heart and keep you coming back for more. Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal as an Expat Portugal is a beautiful country that beguiles most visitors upon arrival. Become our local expat expert for your area! Yes, Portugal is probably one of the safest countries to live in in the world. Even in the city center of Lisbon, the capital and most bustling city in Portugal, rent is about a third of what you might see in London, and around a quarter of rent in New York City. It is quite unpleasant to visit historical sites when there are so many tourists. The architecture dates back to between the 1500s and the 1800s. However, you should consider these points so that youre not shocked or disappointed on arrival. Pros and cons of living in Portugal? You'll wanna read this. Pros and Cons of Living in Cascais, Portugal | Expat Exchange Food, wine, bread and normal shopping commodities are generally very reasonably priced. With its warm climate, affordable cost of living, and welcoming culture, Portugal is an attractive option for those seeking to escape the stresses of everyday life. The year-round mild climate also provides plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Its just not, at all, when compared to how much people actually make in the country. Also, one has to factor in the exchange rate of USD to Euro. However, there are opportunities for those with in-demand skills, such as in the tech industry. Living in Porto: A Guide for Foreigners - Global Citizen Solutions Madeira is an especially good destination for this, with its year-round summertime weather. Designed by Melissa Giroux | Copyright 2023 Nomad Life 101. Lea Melo July 19, 2021 Living in Portugal Last Updated on November 29, 2022 by Maryam Siddiqui Every year, thousands of people from around the world choose to move to the Algarve. This is an ideal country to raise a family in. Pros The Expat Life. Rent in Portugal is, on average, a staggering 51.3% lower than in the United States. A rent of $3k per month in NYC is much cheaper than a rent of $1.5k in Lisbon, where the average monthly salary matches the average WEEKLY salary there. This includes electricity, WiFi, and gas. Its an appealing prospect for many, and there are a lot of reasons to consider it. it can be cheaper than the US but unless you are leaving an expensive US city and moving to a small rural town in Portugal you will not see anything close to a 40% difference. But our winters are not really cold, just put on a nice coat and they are very easily to get thru. Bureaucracy is prevalent in Portuguese society, as well as in other European countries like Spain. Your IP: Cash is still king in Portugal, and many businesses, especially smaller ones, only accept cash payments. This is especially true outside of major cities, where English speakers may be less common. Instead, try Wise, which moves money at the real mid-market rate, or the actual exchange rate you see when you Google it. 7 Portuguese Drinks: From Ginjinha to Port Wine, From Pastel de Nata to Bacalhau: A Food Lovers Guide to Portuguese Cuisine, Local Eats in Porto: 7 Must-Try Restaurants for Traditional Cuisine, Portuguese Artesanato: Guide to Portugals Traditional Handicraft, Portuguese Architecture: 7 Most Incredible Buildings in Portugal, 9 Cultural Differences Expats Should Be Aware of When Moving to Portugal, 7 Interesting Facts About Sardines in Portugal. Those moving to Portugal might be eligible for the Non-Habitual Resident(NHR) tax regime. In Portugal, the customer is not always right. Its national dishes include grilled sardines and salted cod. Many Brits love to come here during their winter time to bask in the sun and work on their tan. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The southern region of Portugal, including the Algarve, has the warmest and sunniest climate, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30C (86F) in the summer months and remaining mild in the winter, rarely dropping below 10C (50F). While smoking inside restaurants, bars, and other indoor spaces has been banned since 2008, there is no ban on smoking in public spaces as there is in other European countries. 1- Warm climate If you're a nature lover and are constantly dreaming of living in a place full of sunlight and warm weather, well, Portugal is your destination. 10 types of Portuguese food you . Southern Portugal has the most AC units, with 13.2% of homes in the Algarve having air conditioning, followed by Lisbon and Braga. As is the case everywhere, it is up to the individual to be cautious, especially in a new place. All you pay is a small, fair transfer fee thats spelled out upfront. There are more benefits than disadvantages to living in Portugal. There are bad drivers all over the world, but in Portugal, this style of driving is more often attributed to being a cultural phenomenon.