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 robust contender for me. In case 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 dwell. But in addition, if I’m completely trustworthy, partly for myself. There’s likelihood I would really find yourself transferring there within the subsequent few years!
I really like Portugal, the individuals, the meals, the local weather, the surroundings, nearly every thing about it. It’s simply one among 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 Dwelling 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 listing of benefits and drawbacks of residing in Portugal is subsequently primarily based primarily alone experiences.
I’ve additionally relied on the experiences of some of my Portuguese buddies in addition to a couple of fellow digital nomads who’ve hung out residing in Portugal. So, I hope this information offers you with some helpful perception and inspiration.
The place is Portugal?
Portugal is positioned 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 gorgeous shoreline.
It’s simple 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 around the globe.
Professionals of residing in Portugal
There are numerous professionals of residing in Portugal. Listed here are 10 of my favourite issues about it:
1. Inexpensive Value of Dwelling
One of many main professionals of residing in Portugal is the price of residing. Portugal is likely one of the most inexpensive international locations to dwell in Western Europe. From hire to day by day necessities and even eating out, issues usually value much less in Portugal than in lots of different European international locations, and positively the UK.
This implies which 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 general. In keeping with Numbeo, a single particular person’s estimated month-to-month bills are lower than €700, excluding hire.
It’s not arduous to discover a 1-bedroom condominium for round €700-€900 monthly, as long as you keep away from Lisbon. Once I was residing in Portugal, I’d commonly 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 supply 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 sometimes spectacular.
I really like mountaineering and Portugal has so many wonderful trails to discover. One in all 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.
In fact, 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 favor accessible seashores with loads of services, 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 road, historic 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 among the many benefits of residing 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
One in all my favourite issues about Portugal is how genuinely pleasant and welcoming the persons are. Removed from being a cliche, the heat of the native individuals right here is simply unbelievable.
The second I arrived on the place I stayed at most not too long ago, the household subsequent door appeared. In addition to introducing themselves, they gave me an enormous 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 not less than, in any respect unusual in Portugal. Folks exit of their solution to make you are 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 Greatest Professionals of Dwelling in Portugal)
One other enormous professional of residing 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 usually pretty temperate with sizzling summers and delicate winters. Though, relying on the place you’re, temperatures can fluctuate 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 possibly can 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 which you could get pleasure from out of doors actions just about year-round. For me, this is likely one of the largest professionals 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 residence 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 affordable costs and is usually accessible with out ready instances for appointments or procedures.
Portugal’s high quality healthcare system means which you could really feel safe understanding that medical care is at all times doable if wanted. And particularly in the event you’re from someplace just 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 dwell, particularly in a rustic that you just aren’t conversant in. Fortunately, Portugal excels on this entrance too. Actually, Portugal is persistently ranked as one of many most secure international locations on this planet.
In keeping with the 2023 World 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 general security.
This normal 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 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 standard guidelines apply on the subject of protecting your self and your belongings secure. Nevertheless, 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 may be the language barrier, however in Portugal, this hurdle is considerably diminished, because of the widespread use of English, particularly in bigger city and common vacationer areas.
This helps make on a regular basis duties a lot simpler and extra handy, from purchasing 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 enable you combine extra easily into native Portuguese life and tremendously 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 just isn’t solely scrumptious but additionally various; reflecting the nation’s historical past and maritime heritage. For somebody who enjoys exploring a spot by way of its flavors, Portugal is a culinary delight.
In case you 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 very good 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 top quality native restaurant and spend beneath €20 per particular person together with drinks. It’s wonderful and positively 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 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 somewhat than rush blindly by way of 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 buddies. Work-life steadiness 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 so far being careworn, overworked, and under-rested. Dwelling in Portugal gives a refreshing change from all that, which is likely one of the many causes I’m contemplating transferring there extra completely!
Cons of Dwelling in Portugal
In fact, nowhere is ideal. Regardless of the various professionals, there are of course a couple of cons of residing in Portugal too.
Not all of those will apply to all people. However it’s essential to think twice and realistically about what a transfer to Portugal would really 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 broadly spoken within the city and vacationer areas of Portugal, the identical usually can’t be mentioned for the extra rural areas. For instance, within the village the place I lived in northern Portugal final yr, no person spoke any English by any means.
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 dwell in a rural space away from the vacationer crowds, studying not less than somewhat 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 transferring to (and/or residing in) Portugal is the quantity of paperwork concerned. The method of getting your residency, tax numbers, and different obligatory paperwork generally is a bit tedious, time-consuming, and even downright irritating at instances.
When you get by way 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 (title no names… however Italy).
Nevertheless, my Portuguese buddies inform me that it’s not unusual to come back up towards bureaucratic hurdles every time that you must get something official executed, 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. 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), common places can turn out to be extraordinarily crowded. That is significantly noticeable in locations like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, which may really feel nearly overrun at instances.
The excessive numbers of tourists usually result in inflated costs and longer queues for common 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 appeal.
It’s positively one thing to consider in the event you’re planning to settle in one among Portugal’s extra common areas. However in the event you’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
In case you’re a digital nomad or every other kind of distant employee, this one gained’t apply to you. However for anybody on the lookout for common employment and job alternatives, significantly outdoors of main cities, alternatives may be restricted and sometimes require fluency in Portuguese.
The nation’s financial 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 residence.
Whereas not more likely to have an effect on all people planning on transferring to Portugal, it’s an essential issue to contemplate in the event you’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 tough for these on a decrease revenue to make ends meet.
This may be significantly difficult in dearer cities like Lisbon and Porto, the place the financial disparity is much more pronounced. Because of this, there may be stark contrasts between rich neighborhoods and poorer areas.
Even in the event you 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 in the event you’re searching 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 Dwelling in Portugal Value It?
I feel residing in Portugal is certainly price it. Sure, there are a couple of downsides to residing in Portugal. However, for me not less than, the professionals vastly outweigh the cons. This implausible nation has an enormous quantity to supply, no matter your finances, pursuits, and preferences.
In fact, all people’s totally different. However in the event you’re critically contemplating a transfer to Portugal, I’d say go for it. Why not? I would even see you there. Penning this put up has jogged my memory simply how a lot I adore it there!
