According to reviews, Portugal is a safe and hospitable country with a comfortable climate and a laid-back lifestyle. It is an ideal destination for freelancers, remote workers, retirees, entrepreneurs, and anyone who values peace and quiet. According to a 2024 UN report, Portugal has an average life expectancy of 82.6 years. Over the past few years, Portugal has been among the top 30 safest and most environmentally friendly countries in the world. However, the country has a significant unemployment rate of 6.47%.
People most often immigrate to Portugal through investment, work, education, or family reunification. After receiving a residence permit and living in Portugal for five years, you can apply for permanent residency, and then citizenship. The following article discusses the pros and cons of living in Portugal as seen by immigrants.
Pros of living in Portugal
- The country’s membership in the European Union allows permanent and temporary residents to travel freely within member states. Portuguese citizens can live there without additional permits;
- Mild subtropical climate: The average daytime temperature in summer ranges from +25 to +28 °C depending on the region, and in winter it is +14 °С;
- Safety: At the beginning of 2024, Portugal’s Global Peace Index (GPI) was 1.333. This is better than the GPI in other countries; for example, France’s GPI is 1.939;
- Diverse landscape: While living in Portugal, you can visit the mountains or relax on the Atlantic coast. Residents can surf, dive, fish, and hike in the mountains;
- Tax benefits: Foreigners who reside in Portugal with a residence permit for at least 183 days a year and have a place to live are exempt from paying income tax on income received outside the country;
- Calm pace of life and friendliness of residents.
Migration lawyers can explain how to obtain a residence permit in Portugal on favorable terms.
Cons of living in Portugal
- Unemployment: More than 6.5% of people between the ages of 15 and 64 are unemployed, and it is difficult to find a job. There are few high-paying job openings, and few people are interested in low wages;
- High taxes: For residents without Non-habitual resident status, the tax rate is progressive and ranges from 13.25% to 48%;
- Low wages: The minimum wage in Portugal is EUR 820, while in neighboring Spain it is EUR 1,134, and in France it is EUR 1,766;
- Bureaucracy: Communication with officials can be delayed due to long lines and government agencies’ slow work pace;
- Difficult traffic: The country has many narrow roads with turns and dangerous descents. All motorways are toll roads. For example, the A8 highway from Lisbon to Leiria costs EUR 19.45, while the A2 highway from Lisbon to Albufeira costs EUR 20 .
Housing
Housing classification in Portugal is different from what you’re used to. In apartment and house descriptions, you’ll see designations like T0, T1, and so on. The number next to the letter “T” corresponds to the number of separate bedrooms. T0 is a studio apartment; T1 is a two-room apartment with a separate bedroom, living room, and kitchen.
Apartments do not have central heating; people use split systems, electric heaters, fireplaces, and heated sheets. Near the coast, residents complain about dampness and have to use dehumidifiers.
When renting out apartments and houses, owners prefer native Portuguese tenants to immigrants. Offering to pay for a year in advance will increase your chances, but it does not guarantee you will be chosen. Typically, the owner allocates one to two days to show the property to everyone interested. Prospective tenants make offers to the owner, who then chooses the one he likes best. Most apartments are rented unfurnished. Regarding the purchase of real estate, it is no longer possible to obtain a residence permit by purchasing housing worth EUR 500,000 or more.
House prices at purchase
| City/region | Type of housing | Price at purchase, € |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | Apartment, 1 bedroom | from 299 000 |
| Apartment, 2 bedrooms | from 329 000 | |
| Apartment, 3 bedrooms | from 450 000 | |
| House, 3 bedrooms | от 740 000 | |
| Cascais | Apartment, 1 bedroom | from 260 000 |
| Apartment, 2 bedrooms | from 375 000 | |
| Apartment, 3 bedrooms | from 650 000 | |
| House, 3 bedrooms | from 1 000 000 | |
| Porto | Apartment, 1 bedroom | from 200 000 |
| Apartment, 2 bedrooms | from 250 000 | |
| Apartment, 3 bedrooms | from 350 000 | |
| House, 3 bedrooms | from 650 000 | |
| Algarve | Apartment, 1 bedroom | from 200 000 |
| Apartment, 2 bedrooms | от 300 000 | |
| Apartment, 3 bedrooms | from 350 000 | |
| House, 3 bedrooms | from 1 000 000 |
Rental prices
| City/region | Type of housing | Price at purchase, € |
|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | Apartment, 1 bedroom | from 900 |
| Apartment, 2 bedrooms | from 1 200 | |
| Apartment, 3 bedrooms | from 2 000 | |
| House, 4 bedrooms | от 3 000 | |
| Cascais | Apartment, 1 bedroom | from 1 200 |
| Apartment, 2 bedrooms | from 1 500 | |
| Apartment, 3 bedrooms | from 2 500 | |
| House, 4 bedrooms | from 3 000 | |
| Porto | Apartment, 1 bedroom | from 1 200 |
| Apartment, 2 bedrooms | from 1 300 | |
| Apartment, 3 bedrooms | from 2 000 | |
| House, 4 bedrooms | from 2 600 | |
| Algarve | Apartment, 1 bedroom | from 400 |
| Apartment, 2 bedrooms | от 1 100 | |
| Apartment, 3 bedrooms | from 1 200 | |
| House, 4 bedrooms | from 1 800 |
Jobs and salaries
Qualified employees are in demand in Portugal. To earn a high salary, consider moving to one of the large Portuguese cities. Lisbon and Porto have the most active nightlife and are home to the many offices of large companies. Knowing Portuguese or English will help you find employment. In the south of the country, seasonal vacancies are mostly available; there is little activity in the winter. You can find a job through the Employment Service, private agencies, websites, forums, or Facebook groups, LinkedIn. The most in-demand jobs are:
- Doctors;
- IT specialists;
- General workers, such as painters, welders, and tilers;
- Teachers;
- Tourism industry workers.
Due to the high unemployment rate in the country, there are few job openings offering high wages. Finding a job with an above-average salary can take several months.
To hire a foreigner, a Portuguese employer must publish the job opening to the public. If no suitable candidate is found among Portuguese or EU citizens, the employer can issue a work permit for a foreigner. The job posting must be approved by the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training. The applicant must sign an employment contract and apply for an entry visa. After arriving in the country, they must apply for a residence permit, tax code, and social security number.
The initial contract is for one year. After five years of working for the same company, an open-ended contract can be established. According to Portuguese law, each employee has the right to 22 days of paid vacation and a 13th-month bonus, equivalent to one month’s salary, which is paid at Christmas. Overtime is not encouraged, but if it occurs, it is always paid. The average gross salary in the country is EUR 1,269. Generally, an experienced specialist can afford a decent standard of living in Portugal. A family of two needs a total monthly income of EUR 2,500.
The average salary in Portugal by profession
| Profession | Gross salary, € |
|---|---|
| Doctor | 1 600–4 000 |
| IT-specialist | 1 600–5 300 |
| Nurse | 1 000–3 262 |
| Teacher, kindergarten teacher | 900–1 800 |
| Auto mechanic | 900–2 200 |
| Sales manager | 1 100–4 500 |
| Economist | 1 100–4 500 |
| Waiter | 900–2 000 |
| Accountant | 2 000–2 400 |
| Lawyer | 1 100–3 900 |
| Marketer | 1 100–2 600 |
| Professor | 1 100–2 800 |
| Engineer | 1 150–3 300 |
| Hairdresser | 800–1 700 |
Taxes
Portugal’s individual income tax rate can reach 48%. This rate varies depending on tax status (resident or nonresident). A resident is someone who lives in Portugal for at least 183 days per year. Residents have the right to pay taxes at a reduced rate for 10 years (20% on domestic income) and are exempt from taxes on foreign income. Foreigners must submit an application to the Portuguese tax service to receive benefits. For nonresidents, the income tax rate is 25%, and foreign income is not taken into account. In all other cases, the percentage is calculated based on income.
| Annual income, € | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 7 750 | 14,5 % |
| 7 751–11 630 | 21 % |
| 11 631–16 460 | 26,5 % |
| 16 461–21 350 | 28,5 % |
| 21 351–27 010 | 35 % |
| 27 011–39 470 | 37 % |
| 39 471–51 490 | 43,5 % |
| 51 491–80 750 | 45 % |
| More than 80 751 | 48 % |
An additional tax is charged on the excess if an individual’s annual income is more than EUR 80,882. A 2.5% tax is levied on the first EUR 170,000 exceeding EUR 80,000, and a 5% tax is levied on the remainder.
For example, if a Portuguese resident’s annual income is EUR 300,000, Forty-eight percent is deducted from this amount at a progressive rate (EUR 144,000); 2.5% is deducted from EUR 170,000 (EUR 4,250); and 5% is deducted from EUR 50,000 (EUR 2,500). After all the deductions, the individual will be left with slightly less than half: EUR 149,250.
Although the employer pays the taxes, the individual must file a tax return with the tax office independently between April 1 and June 30. During this time, the office processes the application and issues an invoice, which is due by August 31.
In addition to income tax, Portugal imposes the following taxes:
- Social tax (11%, deducted from salary by employer);
- A tax on the sale of real estate (28%, which non-residents pay on all income received and residents pay on half);
- A stamp tax ranging from 0.8% to 10%, which is applied when buying real estate, donating, or inheriting;
- A tax on the transfer of ownership (up to 8%);
- Municipal tax on real estate (0.3-0.5% in cities and 0.8% in rural areas);
- Dividend tax (28%).
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Retirement
You can retire in Portugal at 66 years of age if you have at least 15 years of work experience (not necessarily consecutive). The retirement age is the same for men and women. If you worked in an area where social contributions are not mandatory, you must pay them for 144 months to receive payments. The law also provides for special cases. For instance, if a 60-year-old Portuguese resident has 40 years of work experience, their retirement age is reduced by four months for each year beyond the 40 years.
The retirement system provides two types of payments:
- Contributions paid by the employee during his or her work experience;
- Social (minimum) — for those who did not work.
The minimum pension is EUR 319, and the average is EUR 540. The exact amount of the payment is calculated individually, depending on the length of service and earnings. While most countries pay their retirees 12 times a year, Portugal pays its pensioners 14 times, including Christmas bonuses in December and vacation pay in July.
Local retirees note that minimum payments are insufficient for a normal lifestyle, and average payments allow for a modest lifestyle, so many continue working. A suitable option for wealthy foreign retirees is to purchase real estate in Portugal and earn passive income. If an immigrant becomes a tax resident, they will be able to receive a pension from another country without paying taxes on it for 10 years.
Money and banks
Portugal’s official currency is the euro, which is used in other EU countries. The country has its own bank card system, MultibANCO, which operates on the Visa payment system. You can withdraw no more than EUR 400 at a time from any ATM, including those of foreign banks. Contactless payments are rare in Portugal; some small stores only accept cash. You can exchange foreign currency for euros at any bank or exchange office cash desk.
To open a bank account, a resident must provide a passport, a temporary or permanent residence permit, a lease or purchase agreement for housing, and a tax number. You must also deposit EUR 250 into the account immediately. Bank employees will easily open a regular or credit account for an employed person, but they may refuse to open an account for someone who is not officially employed or agree only on the condition of a paid service fee (EUR 5-7 per month).
Loans, including mortgages, are popular in Portugal. The interest rate on them is 2% per year. Banks have convenient mobile applications and terminals. Overall, immigrants say that the quality of banking services is above average.
Private and public transportation
Unlike in the suburbs, public transportation in Portuguese cities is well developed. You can get to large towns by bus or train, which run every hour. Lisbon and Porto have subway systems, while other cities only have buses and trams. Schedules and estimated arrival times are posted at bus stops. A single ride on public transportation costs EUR 2, and you can purchase a pass for all modes of transportation for EUR 30 per month. You can also rent electric scooters, bicycles, and mopeds. Taxi services are available, including Uber. A 20-minute ride costs EUR 10–15.
Due to the low prices of public transportation, most locals prefer it to owning a car. If a foreigner decides to drive, they must exchange their driver’s license for a European one within three months of moving. If this deadline is missed, the exam must be taken without preliminary training. While waiting for an invitation to take the exam, immigrants are issued a temporary certificate valid only in Portugal.
You can purchase a new car at a dealership: a Volkswagen Golf costs EUR 29,000, and a Citroen C3 costs EUR 20,300. Older, used models of the same cars cost EUR 14,500 and EUR 10,200, respectively. Cars are also sold at auctions and in secondhand stores. In Portugal, a liter of gasoline costs about EUR 1.8. Immigrants note that the level of service at local repair shops is poor: repairs take a long time and are not very high quality.
Language
The official language of the state is Portuguese. In the city of Miranda do Douro and the surrounding areas, the Mirandese dialect has emerged. In areas close to the Spanish border, the population prefers to communicate in Spanish. In general, Portuguese is considered an easy language to learn. Those who know Spanish will find it easier to learn Portuguese because the two languages are similar in vocabulary and grammar. Without knowledge of Portuguese, living in the country is more difficult. To communicate with the locals, you need to know English, at least, whereas in government institutions, Portuguese is mostly spoken.
Internet and communications
There are three major mobile operators in Portugal: Vodafone, MEO, and NOS. Vodafone has the best coverage, but its tariffs are expensive. For example, Vodafone’s You plan offers 5 GB of internet and 500 minutes, as well as unlimited use of instant messaging apps, for EUR 20 per month. MEO offers a wide range of plans. For EUR 4.25 per week, you can get 3 GB of internet, 500 minutes, and 10 GB for instant messaging. The most budget-friendly option costs EUR 3 per week. SIM cards are available for purchase at official stores and kiosks.
As for home internet, these three operators offer packages that include TV, internet, and a SIM card. The contract is a two-year commitment. If you don’t like these packages, you can buy a router and pay for Internet usage from EUR 27 to 36 per month.
Climate and weather in Portugal
In the summer, the air temperature can reach +30 °C, but it cools down in the evening. There are fountains with drinking water on the streets, and anyone can go into a café and pour themselves a glass of water for free. Autumn, winter, and spring in Portugal are humid and rainy. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below +10 °C, but the weather can be unpredictable: if it is hot during the day, it may be cold in the evening. Snow mainly falls in the mountains. Residents wear multiple lawyers of clothing so they can easily adapt to the weather. They also always carry raincoats and umbrellas.
Portuguese mentality and culture
The country’s residents are open and friendly. Although foreigners are treated differently in Portugal, they are usually welcome. A distinctive feature of the nation is its relaxed pace. People here are not accustomed to starting work quickly and maintaining an intense rhythm of life. This is not the case in Portugal. People live slowly here, rest a lot, and their daily routine depends on meals. For example, if a notary is having lunch, he will never pick up the phone at that time. Portuguese people do not hold back their emotions and are known for their sentimentality. The main values of the residents are the country’s history, family, and football.
Migration lawyers can help you choose a program based on a comparative description of countries of interest.
Leisure and entertainment
Portuguese people spend their free time with their families. They go out of town together, have picnics, and gather for dinner with relatives and cousins. In Portugal, holidays are often celebrated for any reason: fairs, celebrations of saints, etc.
Travel
The country has many interesting and diverse places to visit for a vacation or a weekend getaway. For example, Alentejo has the least light pollution in the country, so you can enjoy stargazing there. A night at a spa hotel with breakfast costs EUR 164. Surfing enthusiasts can visit Ericeira or Peniche, where the biggest waves occur from January to March. One lesson costs about EUR 30 to 35. Portugal also has many castles and palaces, such as those in Marfa, Sintra, and Óbidos. In the summer, you can visit the Algarve region, which has a warm ocean and excellent beaches.
Compared to other European countries, traveling around Portugal is inexpensive. A train ticket from Lisbon to Porto or the Algarve costs about EUR 22, while a plane ticket costs about EUR 25. You can fly to and from the Azores from Lisbon for EUR 70. Meanwhile, a train ticket from Paris to Nice costs EUR 96.
Entertainment
Residents of Portugal’s capital city can go to the coast after work. It takes about half an hour to travel by motorcycle from Lisbon to Cascais.
For those who love running, there are group runs in the city. Anyone can participate by paying a fee. For instance, participating in an 8.5-kilometer run costs EUR 40.
A movie ticket costs about EUR 15, and a monthly gym membership costs about EUR 80. Also, various festivals, fairs, and concerts are held in the cities during the summer.
Cafes and restaurants
The main components of the national cuisine are seafood and meat. A lunch with a drink at a café costs EUR 6.81. At a mid-range restaurant, prices for a dish range from EUR 27 to 40. Brunches are popular in Portugal. A late breakfast for two people will cost about EUR 16. A traditional local dessert, a pastry filled with cream, costs EUR 1–1.5, and fresh oysters cost EUR 2 each.
Food
Portugal is traditionally known for its wide variety of sausages, meats, salted and dried cod, and seafood, including different types of fish, octopus, and shrimp. Supermarkets like Lidl and farmers’ markets are popular in Portugal. Discounts of up to 70% can be found on cheese, wine, vegetables, fish, and meat in grocery stores. A liter of milk costs EUR 0.6–1, cheese costs EUR 6–12, and meat costs EUR 5–12. Residents spend about EUR 400 on groceries per month.
Medicine
According to the country’s National Healthcare System, patients who are citizens or permanent residents of the state are fully or partially admitted free of charge. A family doctor acts as an intermediary between patients and specialists. Medical centers have emergency services where patients can contact a specialist directly. Immigrants often mention in reviews of their experience moving to Portugal that they prefer to see specialists who work in local clinics and private practices.
The cost of services at public hospitals is usually affordable without insurance: a consultation with a family doctor costs EUR 5-7, and a consultation with a highly specialized specialist costs EUR 12. Basic emergency care costs EUR 20, and surgical care costs EUR 60.
Popular insurance for visiting private clinics costs between EUR 30-65 and offers a 20% discount on dental services. Without a discount, the cost of a tooth extraction in a private clinic is between EUR 120-180 euros, while the cost of tooth filling installation is between EUR 40-60. Some medications cannot be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies.
Education opportunities in Portugal
The Portuguese education system includes the following levels:
- Preschool (up to age 5);
- School (mandatory from ages 6 to 15);
- Secondary (ages 15–18);
- Higher (available for students aged 18–22, and sometimes up to 26 years old).
Higher education in Portugal is prestigious and the most accessible in the European Union. Five Portuguese universities are among the top 500 in the world according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings: Lisbon, Coimbra, New Lisbon, Aveiro, and Porto. Diplomas are recognized throughout Europe and are highly regarded in Latin America. Tuition is free at public universities for individuals who have lived in the country for at least two years, have an EU passport, or are the child or spouse of a European Union citizen.
Foreign applicants have access to fee-based education. The annual cost is EUR 7,000–15,000. To enroll in a Portuguese university, you must submit a high school diploma (for a bachelor’s degree) or a college degree (for a master’s or doctoral degree). In some cases, you must pass an entrance exam. For more information about the exact prices and admission requirements, please contact the university directly.
Portuguese diaspora and expat communities
Portugal is a country where people live life at a measured pace, surrounded by a friendly population. There are many ways to enjoy your free time, including the ocean and a warm climate. Those who enjoy this lifestyle can safely move to Portugal and experience all the advantages of living in this country firsthand.
During the migration process, it is important to strictly comply with the law and follow the proper procedures. Contacting specialized companies can simplify the process of obtaining a residence permit.
Immigration ways
Portuguese legislation provides for six main immigration ways. A brief review of these methods is provided below.
1. Family reunification. A person with a Portuguese residence permit, permanent residence status, or passport can invite close relatives to the country and apply for a residence permit for them. This right is granted to spouses, biological and adopted children under 18 years of age, and, in some cases, siblings and parents of the person being invited.
2. Business and startup. An entrepreneur can start a new business in Portugal or relocate an existing one with the support of a certified incubator. On this basis, they can become a temporary resident of the country. The main requirements are the intention to produce an innovative product, create jobs, and generate a turnover or receive assets amounting to EUR 325,000 within 5 years.
It is also possible to immigrate by opening a new business, purchasing an existing one, or registering a branch of a foreign company in Portugal.
3. Investment. You can move to Portugal for permanent residence by investing in one of the following options:
- Investment and venture funds, research activities, or creation of a commercial company — from EUR 500,000;
- Artistic production, maintenance, and restoration of cultural heritage — from EUR 250,000;
- Creation of ten jobs.
4. Refugees. A residence permit may be granted to victims of crimes related to human trafficking or illegal immigration. A Portuguese residence permit may be granted to individuals who arrived in the country without an entry permit and do not meet the basic requirements for a residence permit.
5. Employment Resident status in Portugal is granted to foreigners who legally enter the country to work permanently. To obtain a residence permit, an immigrant must provide an employment contract with a Portuguese employer.
6. Education. Foreign citizens who have entered any local higher education institution are eligible for immigration to Portugal. To obtain a residence permit, you must provide proof of enrollment and payment for the educational program.
Citizenship, residence permits, and business relocation anywhere in the world:
- Live and travel freely around the world;
- Grow your business;
- Provide your children with an education at the world’s best universities.
During the migration process, it is important to strictly comply with the law and follow the procedure, so contacting specialized companies can facilitate the process of obtaining a residence permit. Start the process right now — learn about current immigration programs.
