After greater than 2 years of just about continuous journey, like many different digital nomads, I’ve began fascinated about discovering a house base for the medium-to-long time period. Portugal is a robust contender for me. For those who’re feeling prefer it might be a great possibility for you too, I’ve put collectively this checklist of the principle execs and cons of residing in Portugal.
I did this work partly that will help you resolve whether or not it’s more likely to be a great place so that you can reside. But in addition, if I’m completely trustworthy, partly for myself. There’s a great probability I’d truly find yourself transferring there within the subsequent few years!
I really like Portugal, the individuals, the meals, the local weather, the surroundings, virtually every thing about it. It’s simply considered one 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 Execs 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 checklist of benefits and drawbacks of residing in Portugal is due to this fact based mostly primarily alone experiences.
I’ve additionally relied on the experiences of some of my Portuguese pals in addition to a number of fellow digital nomads who’ve hung out residing in Portugal. So, I hope this information gives 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 straightforward to get to Portugal by highway from most components 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 world wide.
Execs of residing in Portugal
There are numerous execs of residing in Portugal. Listed below are 10 of my favourite issues about it:
1. Inexpensive Price of Residing
One of many main execs of residing in Portugal is the price of residing. Portugal is among the most inexpensive international locations to reside in Western Europe. From hire to each day necessities and even eating out, issues usually price much less in Portugal than in lots of different European international locations, and definitely the UK.
This implies you could get pleasure from a better way of life right here than in locations like France, Germany, or the UK whereas spending a lot much less total. Based on Numbeo, a single particular person’s estimated month-to-month bills are lower than €700, excluding hire.
It’s not laborious to discover a 1-bedroom residence for round €700-€900 per 30 days, as long as you keep away from Lisbon. After I was residing in Portugal, I’d frequently 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 large quantity of pure magnificence on provide right here. From the rugged cliffs and golden seashores of the Algarve to the plush vineyards of the Douro Valley, Portugal’s landscapes are numerous and sometimes spectacular.
I really 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 picket 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 services, or wild untouched seashores, you received’t wrestle 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 numerous marks on the nation and its tradition.
The nation’s wealthy historical past is etched into each cobblestone avenue, historical village, fortress, and historic monument. The structure alone is sufficient to transport you again in time, and plenty of locations really feel splendidly timeless.
Experiencing the soulful melodies of Fado music, common festivals and different celebrations, and conventional markets are simply a number of the many benefits of residing in Portugal. There’s at all times 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 individuals right here is simply unimaginable.
The second I arrived on the place I stayed at most lately, the household subsequent door appeared. In addition to introducing themselves, they gave me a large basket of recent fruit and greens, chilly beers, and a bowl of home made soup as a result of they assumed – appropriately – 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 fantastic and makes settling into a brand new place all the better and extra nice.
5. Nice Climate (One of many Largest Execs of Residing in Portugal)
One other enormous 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 mostly pretty temperate with scorching summers and gentle winters. Though, relying on the place you’re, temperatures can fluctuate fairly a bit.
For instance, summer time temperatures within the Algarve typically soar to 35 levels Celsius/90 levels Fahrenheit, whereas within the mountains, you possibly can count on cool evenings in the summertime and even snow within the winter. However, total, the climate is sweet for more often than not.
This implies you could get pleasure from out of doors actions just about year-round. For me, this is among the largest execs of residing in Portugal. I really like spending time outdoors, whether or not it’s mountaineering, swimming, and even eating outside – one thing I might not often do again dwelling 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 superb. Many procedures (together with most pressing care) are freed from cost to all authorized residents in Portugal, together with expats.
Non-public healthcare can also be out there at pretty cheap costs and is usually accessible with out ready occasions for appointments or procedures.
Portugal’s high quality healthcare system means you could really feel safe figuring out that medical care is at all times potential if wanted. And particularly if you happen to’re from someplace like the US, the affordability of Portuguese healthcare will most likely be a breath of recent air.
7. Security
Security is a crucial consideration when selecting a spot to reside, particularly in a rustic that you just aren’t conversant in. Fortunately, Portugal excels on this entrance too. The truth is, 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 charge and a robust sense of neighborhood that contributes to its total security.
This basic sense of safety in Portugal extends to its political and social stability too. It means you possibly can really feel safe and relaxed residing in Portugal, whether or not you’re strolling across the metropolis at evening 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 on the subject of protecting your self and your belongings secure. Nonetheless, you possibly can loosen up and revel 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 transferring to a brand new nation could be the language barrier, however in Portugal, this hurdle is considerably decreased, due to the widespread use of English, particularly in bigger city and fashionable vacationer areas.
This helps make on a regular basis duties a lot simpler and extra handy, from procuring to asking for instructions. It additionally helps on the subject of constructing significant connections and relationships along with your neighbors and different individuals you meet.
This, in flip, will hopefully make it easier to combine extra easily into native Portuguese life and vastly enrich your each 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 shouldn’t 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.
For those who like seafood, you’re in for a deal with. Dishes like bacalhau (salt cod) and recent 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 ingesting out in Portugal is the icing on the cake. As I discussed above, you possibly can simply exit for a meal at a high quality native restaurant and spend below €20 per particular person together with drinks. It’s wonderful and undoubtedly one thing I might get used to!
10. Laid-back Life-style
The laid-back life-style is one other main advantage of 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 favor to take their time and revel in life quite than rush blindly by it.
Even in Lisbon, individuals take time to get pleasure from their meals and occasional breaks, and weekends are meant for enjoyable and spending time with household and pals. Work-life stability is a severe 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 up to now being confused, overworked, and under-rested. Residing in Portugal gives a refreshing change from all that, which is among the many causes I’m contemplating transferring there extra completely!
Cons of Residing in Portugal
After all, nowhere is ideal. Regardless of the various execs, there are of course a number of cons of residing in Portugal too.
Not all of those will apply to all people. Nevertheless it’s necessary to think twice and realistically about what a transfer to Portugal would truly contain. Think about the great in addition to the dangerous 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 typically 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 one spoke any English in anyway.
This gave me a superb crash course in fundamental conversational Portuguese, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Nonetheless, for sure, the language barrier can typically 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 just a little Portuguese turns into virtually a necessity. For most individuals, this can require effort and time and might be a major draw back of residing in Portugal. Until you’re keen on studying new languages!
2. Forms
One other drawback of transferring to (and/or residing in) Portugal is the quantity of paperwork concerned. The method of getting your residency, tax numbers, and different vital paperwork generally is a bit tedious, time-consuming, and even downright irritating at occasions.
When you get by the preliminary paperwork, issues do get simpler. And Portugal is definitely extra environment friendly than another European international locations that I’ve spent in depth time in (identify no names… however Italy).
Nonetheless, my Portuguese pals inform me that it’s not unusual to return up in opposition to bureaucratic hurdles every time that you must get something official finished, 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 study to cope with. Persistence will serve you properly 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), fashionable areas can turn into extraordinarily crowded. That is notably noticeable in locations like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, which may really feel virtually overrun at occasions.
The excessive numbers of tourists typically result in inflated costs and longer queues for fashionable points of interest 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 attraction.
It’s undoubtedly one thing to consider if you happen to’re planning to settle in considered one of Portugal’s extra fashionable areas. However if you happen to’re contemplating transferring to a quieter, much less known-about space, this isn’t one thing that you must be involved about.
4. Restricted Job Alternatives
For those who’re a digital nomad or some other kind of distant employee, this one received’t apply to you. However for anybody in search of common employment and job alternatives, notably outdoors of main cities, alternatives could be restricted and sometimes require fluency in Portuguese.
The nation’s economic system is closely reliant on tourism and agriculture, and I do know a number of Portuguese individuals personally who left and emigrated to different international locations (the UK and Sweden, on this case) as a result of restricted job market and lack of choices again dwelling.
Whereas not more likely to have an effect on all people planning on transferring to Portugal, it’s an necessary issue to contemplate if you happen to’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 mostly decrease than in different European international locations, common salaries in Portugal are considerably decrease as properly, making it tough for these on a decrease earnings 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. In consequence, there could be stark contrasts between rich neighborhoods and poorer areas.
Even if you happen to earn good cash from overseas, the earnings disparity in Portugal is a actuality for many individuals residing right here, and it could shock you. And if you happen to’re searching for native employment, you may must assume realistically about your life-style expectations and what you’ll be capable to afford to do.
Is Residing in Portugal Price It?
I believe residing in Portugal is certainly price it. Sure, there are a number of downsides to residing in Portugal. However, for me at the least, the professionals vastly outweigh the cons. This improbable nation has an enormous quantity to supply, no matter your funds, pursuits, and preferences.
After all, all people’s completely different. However if you happen to’re critically contemplating a transfer to Portugal, I’d say go for it. Why not? I’d even see you there. Penning this submit has jogged my memory simply how a lot I find it irresistible there!
