After greater than 2 years of virtually continuous journey, like many different digital nomads, I’ve began interested by discovering a house base for the medium-to-long time period. Portugal is a robust contender for me. If you happen to’re feeling prefer it could possibly be a superb possibility for you too, I’ve put collectively this checklist of the principle execs and cons of dwelling in Portugal.
I did this work partly that can assist you resolve whether or not it’s more likely to be a superb place so that you can reside. But additionally, if I’m completely sincere, partly for myself. There’s a superb likelihood I’d truly find yourself transferring there within the subsequent few years!
I really like Portugal, the folks, the meals, the local weather, the surroundings, virtually all the pieces 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 dwelling 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 couple of years, together with final summer season after I lived in a tiny village within the mountains close to Porto. This checklist of benefits and drawbacks of dwelling in Portugal is due to this fact based mostly primarily alone experiences.
I’ve additionally relied on the experiences of some of my Portuguese associates in addition to just a few fellow digital nomads who’ve hung out dwelling 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 a protracted and gorgeous 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 world wide.
Professionals of dwelling in Portugal
There are a lot of execs of dwelling in Portugal. Listed below are 10 of my favourite issues about it:
1. Inexpensive Price of Residing
One of many main execs of dwelling in Portugal is the price of dwelling. Portugal is among the most reasonably priced international locations to reside in Western Europe. From lease 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 that you would be able to get pleasure from the next lifestyle right here than in locations like France, Germany, or the UK whereas spending a lot much less general. In keeping with Numbeo, a single particular person’s estimated month-to-month bills are lower than €700, excluding lease.
It’s not laborious to discover a 1-bedroom house for round €700-€900 per thirty days, as long as you keep away from Lisbon. After I was dwelling 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 dwelling 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 various and infrequently spectacular.
I really like climbing and Portugal has so many wonderful trails to discover. Certainly one of 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.
In fact, Portugal can also be well-known for its attractive 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 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 road, historic village, fort, 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 a number of the many benefits of dwelling in Portugal. There’s at all times one thing new and attention-grabbing to find as you discover Portugal’s numerous cultural choices.
4. Pleasant Folks
Certainly one of 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 unbelievable.
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 a large basket of contemporary fruit and greens, chilly beers, and a bowl of do-it-yourself soup as a result of they assumed – appropriately – that I’d be hungry after a protracted journey.
Easy acts of kindness like that aren’t, in my expertise not less than, in any respect unusual in Portugal. Folks exit of their method 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 Professionals of Residing in Portugal)
One other big professional of dwelling in Portugal is the climate. With over 300 days of sunshine a yr, it’s one of many sunniest international locations in Europe. The local weather right here is mostly pretty temperate with sizzling summers and gentle winters. Though, relying on the place you’re, temperatures can differ fairly a bit.
For instance, summer season temperatures within the Algarve usually soar to 35 levels Celsius/90 levels Fahrenheit, whereas within the mountains, you may anticipate 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 would be able to get pleasure from out of doors actions just about year-round. For me, this is among the largest execs of dwelling in Portugal. I really like spending time outdoors, whether or not it’s climbing, swimming, and even eating outside – one thing I might hardly ever do again residence in England!
6. Excessive-High quality Healthcare
Portugal gives high-quality and reasonably priced healthcare, which is one other benefit of dwelling 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.
Personal healthcare can also be out there at pretty cheap costs and is commonly accessible with out ready occasions for appointments or procedures.
Portugal’s high quality healthcare system means that you would be able to really feel safe realizing 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 in all probability be a breath of contemporary air.
7. Security
Security is a crucial consideration when selecting a spot to reside, particularly in a rustic that you just aren’t aware of. Fortunately, Portugal excels on this entrance too. In truth, Portugal is constantly ranked as one of many most secure international locations on the earth.
In keeping with the 2023 World Peace Index, Portugal ranks because the seventh most peaceable nation on the earth in addition to one of many most secure. The nation has a low crime fee and a robust 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 may really feel safe and comfy dwelling 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.
In fact, the same old guidelines apply with regards to retaining your self and your belongings protected. Nonetheless, you may chill out and luxuriate in all of the wonderful experiences and alternatives Portugal has to supply, with out being overly involved about your security.
8. English Broadly Spoken
One of many challenges of transferring to a brand new nation will be the language barrier, however in Portugal, this hurdle is considerably decreased, because of 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 with regards to constructing significant connections and relationships along with your neighbors and different folks you meet.
This, in flip, will hopefully provide help to combine extra easily into native Portuguese life and drastically enrich your each day experiences whereas dwelling there.
9. Scrumptious Meals and Wine
High-quality meals and wine are different highlights of dwelling in Portugal. The meals right here just isn’t solely scrumptious but in addition various; reflecting the nation’s historical past and maritime heritage. For somebody who enjoys exploring a spot by means of its flavors, Portugal is a culinary delight.
If you happen to 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 ingesting out in Portugal is the icing on the cake. As I discussed above, you may 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 Way of life
The laid-back way of life is one other main good thing about dwelling 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 luxuriate in life fairly than rush blindly by means of it.
Even in Lisbon, folks take time to get pleasure from their meals and low breaks, and weekends are meant for stress-free and spending time with household and associates. Work-life steadiness is a critical factor right here. And out of doors of the capital, it will get much more chilled!
This relaxed way of living is an enormous draw for me. I spent far an excessive amount of of my life to this point 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
In fact, nowhere is ideal. Regardless of the numerous execs, there are of course just a few cons of dwelling 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. Take into account 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 broadly 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 yr, no one spoke any English in anyway.
This gave me a wonderful crash course in primary conversational Portuguese, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Nonetheless, evidently, 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 not less than slightly Portuguese turns into virtually a necessity. For most individuals, this can require effort and time and could possibly be a major draw back of dwelling in Portugal. Until you’re keen on studying new languages!
2. Forms
One other drawback of transferring to (and/or dwelling in) Portugal is the quantity of paperwork concerned. The method of getting your residency, tax numbers, and different essential paperwork could be a bit tedious, time-consuming, and even downright irritating at occasions.
When you get by means of 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 associates inform me that it’s not unusual to come back up in opposition to bureaucratic hurdles each time you must get something official achieved, whether or not that’s submitting your taxes, shopping for property, and even coping with utility firms. It’s simply one thing it’s important to study to take care of. Persistence will serve you nicely in these situations!
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 areas can change 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 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 retailers and companies catering solely to vacationers, taking away from the genuine native allure.
It’s undoubtedly one thing to consider if you happen to’re planning to settle in one in every of Portugal’s extra widespread areas. However if you happen to’re contemplating transferring to a quieter, much less known-about space, this isn’t one thing you must be involved about.
4. Restricted Job Alternatives
If you happen to’re a digital nomad or another sort 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 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 residence.
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 dwelling is mostly decrease than in different European international locations, common salaries in Portugal are considerably decrease as nicely, making it tough for these on a decrease revenue to make ends meet.
This may be notably difficult in dearer cities like Lisbon and Porto, the place the financial disparity is much more pronounced. Because of this, there will be stark contrasts between rich neighborhoods and poorer areas.
Even if you happen to earn good cash from overseas, the revenue disparity in Portugal is a actuality for many individuals dwelling right here, and it might shock you. And if you happen to’re looking for native employment, you may must suppose realistically about your way of life expectations and what you’ll be capable to afford to do.
Is Residing in Portugal Value It?
I feel dwelling in Portugal is unquestionably price it. Sure, there are just a few downsides to dwelling in Portugal. However, for me not less than, the professionals vastly outweigh the cons. This unbelievable nation has an enormous quantity to supply, no matter your funds, pursuits, and preferences.
In fact, all people’s completely different. However if you happen to’re significantly contemplating a transfer to Portugal, I’d say go for it. Why not? I’d even see you there. Penning this put up has jogged my memory simply how a lot I find it irresistible there!
