After greater than 2 years of just about continuous journey, like many different digital nomads, I’ve began enthusiastic about discovering a house base for the medium-to-long time period. Portugal is a powerful contender for me. Should you’re feeling prefer it could possibly be possibility for you too, I’ve put collectively this listing of the principle professionals and cons of residing in Portugal.
I did this work partly that can assist you resolve whether or not it’s more likely to be place so that you can reside. But additionally, if I’m completely trustworthy, partly for myself. There’s probability I’d really find yourself shifting there within the subsequent few years!
I like Portugal, the folks, the meals, the local weather, the surroundings, nearly every part about it. It’s simply one in every of my favourite international locations in Europe. It’s not good – nowhere is. However for me, the advantages of residing in Portugal vastly outweigh the downsides.
15 Professionals and Cons of Residing in Portugal
I’ve spent a good period of time in Portugal over the previous few years, together with final summer time once I lived in a tiny village within the mountains close to Porto. This listing of benefits and downsides of residing in Portugal is subsequently primarily based primarily by myself experiences.
I’ve additionally relied on the experiences of some of my Portuguese mates in addition to a couple of fellow digital nomads who’ve frolicked residing in Portugal. So, I hope this information supplies you with some helpful perception and inspiration.
The place is Portugal?
Portugal is situated on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwest Europe. The capital, Lisbon, sits at roughly the identical latitude as Washington DC.
The nation shares its solely land border with Spain to the east and north. To the west and south is the Atlantic Ocean, giving Portugal an extended and beautiful shoreline.
It’s simple to get to Portugal by highway from most elements of mainland Spain, particularly the Spanish border areas of Andalusia, Extremadura, Castilla y León, and Galicia. For these coming from additional afield, Portugal has a number of well-connected airports with direct flights to locations all all over the world.
Professionals of residing in Portugal
There are various professionals of residing in Portugal. Listed below are 10 of my favourite issues about it:
1. Inexpensive Value of Residing
One of many main professionals of residing in Portugal is the price of residing. Portugal is without doubt one of the most inexpensive international locations to reside in Western Europe. From lease to day by day necessities and even eating out, issues typically value much less in Portugal than in lots of different European international locations, and positively the UK.
This implies that you could take pleasure in a better way of life right here than in locations like France, Germany, or the UK whereas spending a lot much less general. Based on Numbeo, a single individual’s estimated month-to-month bills are lower than €700, excluding lease.
It’s not arduous to discover a 1-bedroom house for round €700-€900 monthly, as long as you keep away from Lisbon. Once I was residing in Portugal, I’d often exit for a meal in a mid-range restaurant and spend lower than €20 per head, together with a bottle of home wine and a few beers.
2. Pure Magnificence
One other nice benefit of residing in Portugal is the massive quantity of pure magnificence on provide right here. From the rugged cliffs and golden seashores of the Algarve to the luxurious vineyards of the Douro Valley, Portugal’s landscapes are numerous and infrequently spectacular.
I like mountaineering and Portugal has so many wonderful trails to discover. One among my favorites is the Passadiços do Paiva, which is a 9-kilometer (5.5 mile) route primarily consisting of boardwalks and wood steps snaking alongside the scenic banks of the Paiva River, within the mountains southeast of Porto.
After all, Portugal can also be well-known for its beautiful seashores and coastal surroundings. With 1,794 kilometers (1,115 miles) of shoreline, you’re spoilt for alternative. Whether or not you like accessible seashores with loads of amenities, or wild untouched seashores, you gained’t battle to discover a good spot.
3. Wealthy Tradition and Historical past
Portugal has a particular tradition, formed by its historical past over the centuries. From Moorish influences within the south to Celtic and Roman influences within the north, Portugal’s distinctive historical past has left varied marks on the nation and its tradition.
The nation’s wealthy historical past is etched into each cobblestone avenue, historic village, fortress, and historic monument. The structure alone is sufficient to transport you again in time, and lots of locations really feel splendidly timeless.
Experiencing the soulful melodies of Fado music, common festivals and different celebrations, and conventional markets are simply among the many benefits of residing in Portugal. There’s all the time one thing new and fascinating to find as you discover Portugal’s numerous cultural choices.
4. Pleasant Individuals
One among my favourite issues about Portugal is how genuinely pleasant and welcoming the individuals are. Removed from being a cliche, the heat of the native folks right here is simply unimaginable.
The second I arrived on the place I stayed at most just lately, the household subsequent door appeared. In addition to introducing themselves, they gave me an enormous basket of contemporary fruit and greens, chilly beers, and a bowl of do-it-yourself soup as a result of they assumed – accurately – that I’d be hungry after an extended journey.
Easy acts of kindness like that aren’t, in my expertise at the least, in any respect unusual in Portugal. Individuals exit of their strategy to make you’re feeling welcome. It’s great and makes settling into a brand new place all the simpler and extra nice.
5. Nice Climate (One of many Largest Professionals of Residing in Portugal)
One other large professional of residing in Portugal is the climate. With over 300 days of sunshine a 12 months, it’s one of many sunniest international locations in Europe. The local weather right here is usually pretty temperate with scorching summers and delicate winters. Though, relying on the place you might be, temperatures can fluctuate fairly a bit.
For instance, summer time temperatures within the Algarve usually soar to 35 levels Celsius/90 levels Fahrenheit, whereas within the mountains, you’ll be able to count on cool evenings in the summertime and even snow within the winter. However, general, the climate is nice for more often than not.
This implies that you could take pleasure in out of doors actions just about year-round. For me, this is without doubt one of the largest professionals of residing in Portugal. I like spending time outdoors, whether or not it’s mountaineering, swimming, and even eating outside – one thing I may hardly ever do again house in England!
6. Excessive-High quality Healthcare
Portugal gives high-quality and inexpensive healthcare, which is one other benefit of residing right here. The general public healthcare system in Portugal, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde, is great. Many procedures (together with most pressing care) are freed from cost to all authorized residents in Portugal, together with expats.
Personal healthcare can also be out there at pretty cheap costs and is commonly accessible with out ready instances for appointments or procedures.
Portugal’s high quality healthcare system means that you could really feel safe figuring out that medical care is all the time potential if wanted. And particularly for those who’re from someplace like the US, the affordability of Portuguese healthcare will most likely be a breath of contemporary air.
7. Security
Security is a vital consideration when selecting a spot to reside, particularly in a rustic that you simply aren’t aware of. Fortunately, Portugal excels on this entrance too. Actually, Portugal is persistently ranked as one of many most secure international locations on this planet.
Based on the 2023 International Peace Index, Portugal ranks because the seventh most peaceable nation on this planet in addition to one of many most secure. The nation has a low crime price and a powerful sense of neighborhood that contributes to its general security.
This common sense of safety in Portugal extends to its political and social stability too. It means you’ll be able to really feel safe and relaxed residing in Portugal, whether or not you’re strolling across the metropolis at night time or exploring the countryside alone. I’ve by no means as soon as felt even a tiny bit unsafe in Portugal.
After all, the standard guidelines apply in the case of protecting your self and your belongings secure. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to calm down and luxuriate in all of the wonderful experiences and alternatives Portugal has to supply, with out being overly involved about your security.
8. English Extensively Spoken
One of many challenges of shifting to a brand new nation will be the language barrier, however in Portugal, this hurdle is considerably lowered, due to the widespread use of English, particularly in bigger city and widespread vacationer areas.
This helps make on a regular basis duties a lot simpler and extra handy, from buying to asking for instructions. It additionally helps in the case of constructing significant connections and relationships along with your neighbors and different folks you meet.
This, in flip, will hopefully assist you to combine extra easily into native Portuguese life and drastically enrich your day by day experiences whereas residing there.
9. Scrumptious Meals and Wine
Prime-quality meals and wine are different highlights of residing in Portugal. The meals right here will not be solely scrumptious but additionally numerous; reflecting the nation’s historical past and maritime heritage. For somebody who enjoys exploring a spot by its flavors, Portugal is a culinary delight.
Should you like seafood, you’re in for a deal with. Dishes like bacalhau (salt cod) and contemporary sardines are nationwide staples, discovered on virtually each menu all through the nation. Pair this with the nation’s excellent wines, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
And the affordability of consuming and consuming out in Portugal is the icing on the cake. As I discussed above, you’ll be able to simply exit for a meal at a high quality native restaurant and spend beneath €20 per individual together with drinks. It’s wonderful and positively one thing I may get used to!
10. Laid-back Life-style
The laid-back way of life is one other main good thing about residing in Portugal. As somebody who spent the vast majority of their 20s in a fast-paced metropolis (London), it’s so refreshing to savor the slower tempo of Portuguese life. The Portuguese want to take their time and luxuriate in life quite than rush blindly by it.
Even in Lisbon, folks take time to take pleasure in their meals and low breaks, and weekends are meant for stress-free and spending time with household and mates. Work-life steadiness is a critical factor right here. And outdoors of the capital, it will get much more chilled!
This relaxed way of living is a giant draw for me. I spent far an excessive amount of of my life thus far being burdened, overworked, and under-rested. Residing in Portugal gives a refreshing change from all that, which is without doubt one of the many causes I’m contemplating shifting there extra completely!
Cons of Residing in Portugal
After all, nowhere is ideal. Regardless of the numerous professionals, there are of course a couple of cons of residing in Portugal too.
Not all of those will apply to all people. Nevertheless it’s necessary to consider carefully and realistically about what a transfer to Portugal would really contain. Think about the nice in addition to the unhealthy when deciding whether or not it’s one thing that’s more likely to be best for you.
1. Language Barrier in Rural Areas
Whereas English is extensively spoken within the city and vacationer areas of Portugal, the identical usually can’t be stated for the extra rural areas. For instance, within the village the place I lived in northern Portugal final 12 months, no person spoke any English in any respect.
This gave me a wonderful crash course in fundamental conversational Portuguese, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Nevertheless, for sure, the language barrier can usually pose a problem, particularly in your day-to-day interactions with the locals.
If you wish to reside in a rural space away from the vacationer crowds, studying at the least a bit Portuguese turns into nearly a necessity. For most individuals, this can require effort and time and could possibly be a big draw back of residing in Portugal. Except you like studying new languages!
2. Paperwork
One other drawback of shifting to (and/or residing in) Portugal is the quantity of forms concerned. The method of getting your residency, tax numbers, and different crucial paperwork generally is a bit tedious, time-consuming, and even downright irritating at instances.
When you get by the preliminary forms, issues do get simpler. And Portugal is definitely extra environment friendly than another European international locations that I’ve spent intensive time in (title no names… however Italy).
Nevertheless, my Portuguese mates inform me that it’s not unusual to come back up towards bureaucratic hurdles at any time when you want to get something official accomplished, whether or not that’s submitting your taxes, shopping for property, and even coping with utility firms. It’s simply one thing you need to be taught to cope with. Endurance will serve you nicely in these cases!
3. Excessive Vacationer Numbers in Peak Season
Portugal’s recognition as a vacationer vacation spot is a double-edged sword. Throughout peak season (June–August and public holidays), widespread places can turn into extraordinarily crowded. That is notably noticeable in locations like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, which might really feel nearly overrun at instances.
The excessive numbers of holiday makers usually result in inflated costs and longer queues for widespread sights and eating places. And surges in tourism have led to some areas being plagued by memento outlets and companies catering solely to vacationers, taking away from the genuine native allure.
It’s positively one thing to consider for those who’re planning to settle in one in every of Portugal’s extra widespread areas. However for those who’re contemplating shifting to a quieter, much less known-about space, this isn’t one thing you want to be involved about.
4. Restricted Job Alternatives
Should you’re a digital nomad or some other sort of distant employee, this one gained’t apply to you. However for anybody searching for common employment and job alternatives, notably outdoors of main cities, alternatives will be restricted and infrequently require fluency in Portuguese.
The nation’s economic system is closely reliant on tourism and agriculture, and I do know a number of Portuguese folks personally who left and emigrated to different international locations (the UK and Sweden, on this case) because of the restricted job market and lack of choices again house.
Whereas not more likely to have an effect on all people planning on shifting to Portugal, it’s an necessary issue to think about for those who’re more likely to be reliant on native employment.
5. Earnings Disparity
That is associated to the above level on restricted job alternatives. Whereas the price of residing is usually decrease than in different European international locations, common salaries in Portugal are considerably decrease as nicely, making it troublesome for these on a decrease revenue to make ends meet.
This may be notably difficult in costlier cities like Lisbon and Porto, the place the financial disparity is much more pronounced. Consequently, there will be stark contrasts between rich neighborhoods and poorer areas.
Even for those who earn good cash from overseas, the revenue disparity in Portugal is a actuality for many individuals residing right here, and it might shock you. And for those who’re looking for native employment, you may must assume realistically about your way of life expectations and what you’ll have the ability to afford to do.
Is Residing in Portugal Price It?
I believe residing in Portugal is certainly price it. Sure, there are a couple of downsides to residing in Portugal. However, for me at the least, the professionals vastly outweigh the cons. This incredible nation has an enormous quantity to supply, no matter your funds, pursuits, and preferences.
After all, all people’s completely different. However for those who’re critically contemplating a transfer to Portugal, I’d say go for it. Why not? I’d even see you there. Scripting this publish has jogged my memory simply how a lot I like it there!
