Moving to Portugal and Living as an Expat
The Ultimate Guide on Moving to Portugal Created by Portuguese Specialists and Expats
The Ultimate Guide on Moving to Portugal Created by Portuguese Specialists and Expats
For decades, Portugal was a relatively unknown country, tucked away in the western corner of Southern Europe.
During the last few years, more and more people have discovered Portugal and all it has to offer, bringing new life into the country, completely rejuvenating it, and putting it in the international spotlight.
Nowadays, Portugal welcomes millions of visitors every year—some of whom end up finding themselves so captivated by its beauty and lifestyle and falling so irrevocably in love with it that they decide to make it their home.
But what is it about Portugal that makes it so special? There are many aspects that need to be considered before making the life-changing decision that is moving abroad, including but not limited to cost of living, real estate affordability, healthcare, safety, and education, to name a few.
In this guide, we hope to shed some light on what it is like to live your everyday life in Portugal—but just remember: there is nothing quite like coming and experiencing Portugal for yourself.
The Real Estate market in Portugal is currently at an all-time high, as reflected in property prices.
Statistics Portugal (Instituto Nacional de Estatística—INE) revealed that the average median price for family houses in Portugal was €2,065 per square metre in 2025.
With the trend on the rise, more people will likely continue to invest in the Portuguese market, especially in Lisbon, the capital, recently recognised as one of the best European cities for Real Estate investments.
Whether buying a house to live in Portugal as an expat or purchasing property to invest in, Portugal Homes is with you before, during, and after the process. Our team takes care of your property and everything related to it with our Tax Representation and Property Management services, from filing your annual taxes to setting up your utilities.
One of the main driving factors enticing expats to move to Portugal is the affordable cost of living.
The prices of essential goods and services in Portugal are generally lower than in other countries with similar standards. This is reflected in multiple aspects of everyday life, such as food, groceries, bills and utilities, medical care, and childcare.
Overall, Portugal offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees.
In 2026, the average cost of living for a single person in Lisbon ranges from €800 to €1,500 per month, including rent. Porto is somewhat more affordable, with costs ranging from €700 to €1,200.
Expenses like utilities, groceries, and transportation are generally low and contribute to a balanced cost of living, especially compared to countries like the US, UK or Canada.
It’s no overstatement to say Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world in 2026.
Portugal has a long history of consistently ranking among the top ten most peaceful countries in the Global Peace Index.
In 2025, Portugal ranked as the 7th safest country in the world, thanks to its low levels of violent crime and high political stability.
Portugal has maintained the position of 7th safest country in the world for three years in a row. In 2017, it reached its highest-ever position, ranking third, thanks to its low levels of violent crime and political instability. The slight decline in ranking is more indicative of the global situation, rather than a significant decrease in internal security.
Portugal has high-quality public and private healthcare systems.
They are some of the best in Europe, featuring in Statista’s Top 40 of the 2023 Health Index Score. You can enjoy their benefits when you and your family move to Portugal and become residents.
The Portuguese National Healthcare System offers access to primary care through family doctors and specialised and urgent care in hospitals.
Portugal offers a wide range of affordable private health plans, which provide access to various healthcare services. Many private clinics and hospitals accept these plans. On average, a private healthcare plan for an adult male between 40 and 60 years old costs between €30 and €100*.
Prices may vary according to the chosen plan and the beneficiary's age.
The Portuguese public healthcare system is universal, tax-funded, and covers most of the population. However, depending on the situation, you may be required to pay an exam or procedure fee.
There are also pharmacies nationwide, providing easy access to over-the-counter medication. Prescription medicine requires doctor approval.
Overall, Portugal’s healthcare system greatly benefits expats seeking to move to the country.
Portugal is a great country to relocate to with your family. It offers your children a wide range of educational options.
Moving abroad can be daunting, especially when you bring your family along. Many questions may arise, but the most important ones are: Where will I enrol my children? How does the education system work? Will my kids be able to learn in a safe and nurturing environment? Well, Portugal has all the answers.
Portugal has a reliable public education system. It’s free and compulsory, and children start primary school at age 6 and finish high school by age 18.
Public schools are an excellent option for fully integrating into the Portuguese way of life. However, if you want your children to maintain a connection to your home country, consider enrolling them in one of the many international schools in Portugal.
International schools often offer classes designed specifically for students from diverse backgrounds, following alternative curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, and American systems, typically taught in English.
Portugal also stands out in the higher education landscape. The Financial Times recently highlighted Portugal as having 4 of the best business schools in the world. This prestigious recognition demonstrates that Portugal has a high-quality and high-calibre education system.
All You Need to Know About Portuguese Residency Visas
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Knowing how to travel around Portugal is essential, especially in the earlier stages of the relocation process.
The best way to get around is by having your own car, but the country also offers excellent public transportation services.
Flight Connections
Portugal is served by a total of 10 airports, 8 of which operate international flights:
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) – Lisbon;
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) – Porto;
Faro-Gago Coutinho International Airport (FAO) – Faro, Algarve;
Beja Airport (BYJ) – Beja, Alentejo;
Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) – Funchal, Madeira;
Porto Santo Airport (PXO) – Porto Santo, Madeira Islands;
Ponta Delgada-João Paulo II Airport (PDL) – Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores;
Lajes Airport (TER) – Vila das Lajes, Terceira, Azores.
Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport is the busiest in the country, serving 146 destinations worldwide through 58 different airlines. Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport places second, serving 119 destinations through 31 airlines.
The country also has its airline, TAP Air Portugal, which owns approximately 100 aircraft and flies to 80+ cities in Europe, North, Central and South America, and Africa.
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Population
Click on one region to see the details.
Portugal may be small, but it features a diverse landscape across its main regions. The territory is divided into nine areas, and its geographic characteristics vary mainly based on their location.
Nearly every region features a variety of landscapes, including cliffs, flatlands, mountains, and waterfront views. Despite these shared characteristics, each region retains its distinct identity, making Portugal a unique place to explore.
Read Our Guide About the Portuguese Regions
Portugal has a steady climate year-round, with variations depending on the region.
The country's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates the climate, resulting in mild conditions that rarely experience extremes.
Overall, Portugal enjoys vibrant summers and charming winters.
As an expat moving to Portugal, you should know that the country enjoys 2,500 to 3,200 hours of sunshine each year, which is comfortable for visitors and residents.
Culture is a broad concept that can have many different definitions depending on the context, but we hope to provide some insight into how life is generally lived in Portugal.
One of first things to understand is that the country’s history is incredibly rich, and it still influences Portuguese society nowadays.
The Age of Discovery, for example, is a source of pride for the Portuguese and the reason for many discoveries and advances in the country and the world.
Modern Portuguese culture is grounded in democracy, freedom, justice, equality, and a naturally relaxed way of life. Family sits at the centre of social life, with traditions like large Sunday lunches and strong intergenerational connections.
Fado, the country’s most famous music genre, reveals a nostalgic side of Portuguese identity, especially among older generations. Even so, visitors will find a generally cheerful and welcoming population.
As a Western nation with Catholic heritage, Portugal celebrates major holidays such as Easter and Christmas, usually with family. Popular festivals like the Santos Populares have grown beyond their religious origins and now bring together people of all backgrounds to enjoy food, music, and community.
Food and wine are essential parts of Portuguese culture. From seafood and pastries to Port wine and regional blends, Portugal celebrates its flavours generously.
Plates are served well, and cups are rarely empty.
Romance Languages derive from Latin, such as French, Italian, Romanian, Spanish, and - you guessed it - Portuguese.
Portuguese influence during the Age of Discovery (15th – 17th centuries) cannot be understated, spreading its impact to many overseas territories, including former colonies like Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Macau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe, whose official language is Portuguese.
Learning some basic Portuguese is advised when moving here, as this will increase your chances of blending in more seamlessly with the local community.
You’ll still be able to communicate in English, considering Portugal is the 6th most English-proficient country in the world.
Quick Portuguese expressions to use in your everyday life
Hello | Olá;
Good morning | Bom dia;
Good afternoon | Boa tarde;
Good evening/Good night | Boa noite;
Thank you | Obrigado (for men)/Obrigada (for women);
My name is | O meu nome é/Chamo-me;
Excuse me | Com licença;
Please | Por favor;
How much? | Quanto custa?/Quanto é?;
I don’t understand | Não percebo/Não estou a perceber;
Do you speak English? | Fala Inglês?
Goodbye | Adeus/“Tchau” (same as Italian’s “ciao”);
You’re welcome | De nada/Não tem de quê.
Portugal may be a smaller country, but it's grand in its diverse landscapes. From charming villages to busy cities, the quiet of the countryside to the bubbly coastal life, choosing where to live in Portugal is a matter of deciding what type of day-to-day life you want.
The capital is located on Portugal's west coast. It offers the perfect lifestyle for anyone looking to live in a city with lively neighbourhoods and experience the relaxation of spending a day at the beach.
Porto, the second-largest city in the country, is famous for its wine, but it has much more to offer. Located in Northern Portugal, by the Douro River Valley, Porto has old charm and stunning views.
With incredible beaches and lovely cities, it is hard to pick just one from the southern region of Portugal. The Algarve boasts stunning views and a quality of life that feels like a permanent retreat.
Your home in Portugal is just a few clicks away. Contact us to get started.
Aguada de Cima, Santana
REF: PP176220
Aguada de Cima, Funchal
REF: PP176203
Aguada de Cima, Ãgueda
REF: PP176202
Mexilhoeira Grande, Portimão
REF: PP176184
Mexilhoeira Grande, Portimão
REF: PP176183
Aguada de Cima, Lagos
REF: PP176179
Alvor, Portimão
REF: PP176166
Aguada de Cima, Calheta
REF: PP176164
Aguada de Cima, Funchal
REF: PP176163
Aguada de Cima, Funchal
REF: PP176162