Living in Portugal: The Complete Expat Guide for 2024
Portugal has become one of the world's most popular expat destinations, consistently ranking high for quality of life, safety, and climate. Here's everything you need to know about making Portugal your new home.
Why Move to Portugal?
Climate - 300+ days of sunshine, mild wintersSafety - One of the safest countries in the worldCost of Living - Lower than most Western European countriesHealthcare - Excellent public and private optionsQuality of Life - Relaxed pace, beautiful scenery, great foodEnglish - Widely spoken, especially in citiesCost of Living 2024
Lisbon (Monthly Estimates)
Rent (1-bed apartment, city center): €1,200-1,800Rent (1-bed apartment, outside center): €800-1,200Utilities: €100-150Groceries: €250-350Public transport pass: €40Dining out: €10-20 per mealPorto (Monthly Estimates)
Generally 15-20% lower than LisbonAlgarve (Monthly Estimates)
Similar to Porto, varies by specific locationHealthcare System
Public Healthcare (SNS)
Free or low-cost for residentsRegister at your local Centro de Saúde (health center)Good quality but can have wait timesPrivate Healthcare
Faster access, English-speaking doctorsInsurance costs €50-150/monthPopular providers: Médis, Multicare, AllianzFinding Housing
Where to Live
Lisbon - Dynamic, international, most job opportunities
Porto - Cultural, more affordable than Lisbon
Algarve - Beach lifestyle, popular with retirees
Cascais/Estoril - Upscale coastal living near Lisbon
Silver Coast - Affordable beach areas north of Lisbon
Rental Tips
Use Idealista.pt, Imovirtual.ptBe prepared for landlord requirements (employment proof, guarantor)Check for furnished (mobilado) vs unfurnished (não mobilado)Essential Tasks After Arrival
Get a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) - Tax number, needed for everythingOpen a bank account - Activobank, Moey, Millennium BCP are expat-friendlyRegister with your local Junta de Freguesia - Parish councilGet a Portuguese phone number - NOS, Vodafone, MEORegister with AIMA - If non-EU citizenLearning Portuguese
While English is common in cities, learning Portuguese will:
Help you integrate with local communityBe required for citizenship (after 5 years)Open up job opportunitiesShow respect for your new homeUseful Phrases for Daily Life
Onde fica...? - Where is...?Quanto custa? - How much?Não falo português - I don't speak PortuguesePode ajudar-me? - Can you help me?Estou a aprender português - I'm learning PortuguesePortugal welcomes you with open arms. Bem-vindo a Portugal! (Welcome to Portugal!)
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