15 Reasons Why People Are Moving To Portugal
It seems like people worldwide are packing their bags and heading to this beautiful, sunny country. Whether it’s retirees, remote workers, digital nomads, or those just wanting a slower pace, Portugal is quickly becoming the top spot for moving to.
It could be the relaxed lifestyle, where things move at a slower pace and there’s more time to enjoy life. Or maybe it’s the delicious food, like the famous pastéis de nata. And, of course, there are the gorgeous beaches where the sound of the waves alone makes you feel more relaxed.
But it’s not just about the good vibes. Portugal has a lot of benefits, like affordable living costs, great healthcare, and amazing food. Here are 15 reasons why people are moving to Portugal.
1. Affordable Living Costs
When you decide to move to a country, the first thing that helps you decide is the cost of living. Portugal wins there!
The cost of living in Portugal is 37% less than that in the United States. A monthly budget of $2,500 to $3,000 is enough for a couple to live comfortably in this country. This includes the cost of food, entertainment, and rent.
Portugal offers a good quality of life at a reasonable price compared to other Western European countries.
2. Pleasant Weather
Portugal experiences more than 300 sunny days annually, with average weather temperatures of 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). The climate is ideal for everyone to pick up outdoor activities and enjoy the beach.
3. High-Quality Healthcare
Portugal spent 10% of its GDP on healthcare in 2023. There are 5.6% practicing doctors and 3.5 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
The cost of private healthcare is zero for locals and citizens. Many expats choose private healthcare insurance for partial or complete coverage of treatment costs.
4. Excellent Education Opportunities
Portugal has public, private, and international schools. University degrees in this country are recognized throughout the European Union, and many universities offer English-language programs.
The average cost of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the country is $1,140 to $1,500 yearly. For international students, it costs around $5,000 per year.
5. Strategic Location
Portugal is ideally located for easy travel within Europe and to other continents. As EU members, residents can visit other EU countries without visa restrictions. You can find direct flights to most places from airports in Lisbon and Porto.
6. Safety
Portugal ranked 7th among the safest countries globally in the 2024 Global Peace Index and has a low crime rate.
The Portuguese are renowned for being kind and welcoming towards newcomers. Besides that, the country isn’t prone to many natural disasters.
7. Natural Beauty
Portugal has beautiful beaches and mountains. The country has over 100 national parks and nature reserves. Some of the most popular attractions are Douro Valley, Peneda-Geres National Park, and the Azores archipelago.
8. English Proficiency
Portugal ranks 8th out of 113 countries in the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index. Approximately 60% of Portuguese people speak English, especially in urban areas and tourist regions. From a young age, English is taught in schools as a second language. International students enroll in courses offered exclusively in English at several institutions.
9. Affordable Public Transportation
Portugal’s public transport system is extensive and reasonably priced. A monthly pass in Lisbon costs around $35 to $45. The country’s rail network spans around 2,500 km. Lisbon’s metro system carries about 173 million passengers annually. Porto’s light rail system covers 67 km and serves over 70 million passengers per year. 10.
10. Rich Culture and History
Portugal has a diverse cultural heritage spanning over 900 years. Their cuisine is renowned for its seafood dishes and wines. Portugal has 14 wine regions, each producing a unique variety. Traditional festivals and events occur throughout the year. It offers unique cultural experiences.
11. Welcoming Communities
According to the Expat Insider 2023 survey, 78% of expats report feeling at home within six months of arrival in Portugal. This is because of the expat groups and communities in areas like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
Besides that, there are many local festivals and markets that allow newcomers to engage with Portuguese culture.
12. Tax Benefits for Newcomers
Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime offers significant advantages for eligible expatriates. Foreign-source income can be exempt from Portuguese taxation for ten years under this scheme.
This program offers a flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese-source income in certain professions. This tax structure is a green flag for many digital nomads and remote workers seeking tax efficiency.
13. Advanced Technology Infrastructure
Portugal comes at number 30 in 2023 in the Global Innovation Index (GII). The country has achieved a significant number of 4G and is rapidly expanding its 5G network. The Program platform in Portugal provides over 1,500 digital governmental services. Portuguese universities produce about 10,000 STEM graduates annually.
14. Growing Economy
Portugal’s GDP grew by 2.3% in 2023, reaching $287.42 billion. Foreign Direct Investment in Portugal reached $2.23 billion in 2022. The tourism sector contributes 15% to the country’s GDP. This has resulted in swift post-pandemic recovery, further boosting economic growth.
15. Sustainable Living
Portugal ranks 26th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index. The country has 60% renewable electricity production in 2022.
The country aims to be carbon neutral by 2050, with interim targets to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. Electric vehicles accounted for 20% of new car sales in 2023. Plus, more than 90% of Portuguese people participate in recycling programs, which influence positive change in the country.
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