Portugal has become an increasingly popular destination for people looking to relocate, either for work or retirement. With its warm climate, beautiful coastline and friendly culture, it’s easy to see why we uprooted our family and moved here. However, if you’re considering moving to Portugal, it’s essential to understand what you’re getting into. 

Relocating to Portugal

Obtaining a visa and determining which one is suitable for you might be tricky. As Digital Nomads, we applied for The Portugal Passive Income Visa, the D7 Visa. Depending on your country of origin, you also have to be aware of the following:

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If you’re an EU citizen, relocating to Portugal is relatively straightforward. EU citizens have freedom of movement within the European Union, so you can move to Portugal without the need for a visa or residence permit. However, you must register with the Portuguese authorities once you arrive.

• If you’re a non-EU citizen, the process can be more complicated. You’ll need to apply for a visa or residence permit, which can take several months to process. You’ll also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
  
  
• You can hire people to make this easier! We hired a laywer and this helped immensely. You can also use an awesome company like Moviin to help each step of the way! They have helped hundreds of expates relocate to Portugal, have a team of laywers on staff and can help with any and all questions. When I have a question, even after four years, I go to them!

Finding Work in Portugal

The job market in Portugal can be competitive, especially in larger cities like Lisbon and Porto. However, there are opportunities available, particularly in sectors such as tourism, IT, and healthcare. If you’re looking for work in Portugal, it’s important to have a good command of the Portuguese language, as this will improve your chances of finding a job.

I took classes in Lisbon to get proficient in Portuguese and am grateful everyday! It helps so much to be able to speak here and will make you feel more at home, regardless of it you end of up working.

A few notes about working in Portugal:

• Many visas do not allow you to work here. Be sure you know your options when thinking of moving here.
  
  
• The government right now is trying to make it harder for expats to become citizens and they want to protect the job market as well. The goal for citizenship is currently being reviewed to move from five years to ten.
  
  
• Wages in Portugal are notoriously low and hours are long. It is not a great job market, to be honest, unless you can find a speciality in a niche field.

One option for non-Portuguese speakers is to teach English. English is in high demand in Portugal, and many language schools and private tutors are always on the lookout for native speakers. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door and start building a network in Portugal.

If you’re considering job opportunities abroad, think about Portugal. It offers a good work-life balance. However, keep in mind that average salaries in Portugal are often lower than in other Western European countries. You might also find that dealing with bureaucracy can be slow.

Focus on sectors with better job prospects, like IT and tourism, especially in cities such as Lisbon and Porto. Remember that while the culture is welcoming, some workplaces might have longer hours or be less flexible than you’re used to.

Overall, Portugal can be a great place to work if you’re looking for a balance between your career and personal life. Just make sure your expectations match the local job market.

Cost of Living in Portugal

The cost of living in Portugal is generally lower than in many other Western European countries. However, the exact cost will depend on where you choose to live and your lifestyle. For example, living in Lisbon or Porto will be more expensive than living in a smaller town or village.

According to Numbeo, the average cost of living in Portugal is around €1000-€1300 per month for a single person, including accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. This is a mid-range estimate, and your actual expenses may be higher or lower depending on your circumstances. Check out my post here about What it Costs to Live in Portugal.

We’ve also found that groceries in Portugal are refreshingly affordable, especially if you buy local. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and wine are budget-friendly, and shopping at neighborhood markets can lead to even better deals. On average, a single person can expect to spend between €150 and €350 per month on groceries.

Dining out is another area where Portugal shines. It’s easy to enjoy good food at reasonable prices, whether it’s a casual meal for under €12 or a three-course dinner for two at a nice restaurant for €30 to €45. Entertainment and public transport are similarly affordable, helping you make the most of your free time without breaking the bank.

Basic utilities, like electricity, water, gas, and waste collection, usually cost between €100 and €150 per month. Internet and mobile phone plans are competitively priced as well. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that electricity bills can increase during colder or hotter months, especially in older homes without proper insulation.

Renting a House in Portugal 

Like in any other place, the cost of house rent in Portugal can vary depending on several factors, including the location, property size, condition, and local demand. Generally, urban areas and popular tourist destinations have higher rental prices than rural or less populated areas.

Nearly all of the population lives in apartments. We came searching for a house and inventory is limited! We both work from home and trying to find enough bedrooms for this with our five kids was no small feat. It’s also not cheap.

In major cities like Lisbon, Porto or Faro, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €600 to €1,200 or more. Outside the city center, you may find slightly lower prices, sometimes as little as €400 to €700. Buying property is also more affordable than in many developed countries, although prices have been climbing due to growing demand.

Schooling in Portugal

You have an option of whether to go to a private or public school. I’ve discussed more about this in this post. Portugal has several prestigious schools known for their high academic standards and quality education. Here are some of the top schools in the country:

1. Colégio Internato dos Carvalhos: Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, this private school has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and offers education from preschool to secondary level.
   
   
2. Colégio Vasco da Gama: Situated in Lisbon, this private school follows the Portuguese curriculum and offers education from kindergarten to secondary level. It is known for its rigorous academic programs and extracurricular activities.
   
   
3. St. Julian’s School:  Located in Carcavelos, near Lisbon, this international school follows the British curriculum and offers education from nursery to pre-university level. It has a reputation for providing a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
   
   
4. St. Dominic’s International School: Situated in Lisbon, this international school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and offers education from pre-kindergarten to diploma level. It is known for its multicultural environment and holistic approach to education.

5. Oporto British School: Located in Porto, this international school follows the British curriculum and offers education from nursery to secondary level. It is renowned for its academic excellence and diverse learning opportunities.
   
   
6. Escola Secundária de Cascais: Situated in Cascais, this public school is known for its high academic standards and comprehensive educational programs. It offers education from secondary to pre-university level.
   
   
7. Colégio Nossa Senhora do Rosário: Located in Porto, this private Catholic school offers education from preschool to secondary level. It is known for its strong academic focus and values-based education.
   

When choosing a school, it’s important to consider factors such as curriculum, teaching methods, extracurricular activities and the individual needs and preferences of your child.

Other Things to Consider

1. Language: Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, and while many people speak English as a second language, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Portuguese before you arrive. Not only will it help you navigate daily life, but it will also make it easier to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the culture. I really love to learn languages, so I enrolled in a language school, and it makes a lot of difference!
   
   
2. Culture: Portugal has a rich and diverse culture, with a strong emphasis on family, food and tradition. From the lively festivals to the delicious seafood and wine, there is so much to explore and enjoy in Portugal. Make sure you take the time to learn about the culture and customs and be open to new experiences. We love exploring the fastivals and celebrations to understand the culture better!

3. Religion: Portugal is a predominantly Roman Catholic country. The majority of the Portuguese population identifies as Catholic, although there has been a decline in religious practice and a rise in secularism in recent years. According to a 2019 survey, approximately 65 percent of the Portuguese population identifies as Catholic. We are Christians, not Catholic, and like the overall moral vibe of Portugal. We find most people to follow a good moral code.
   
   
4. Healthcare: Portugal has a public healthcare system available to all residents, but many people choose private health insurance as well. Make sure you research your options and consider your healthcare needs before making a move.

5. Weather: Portugal is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. However, the weather can vary depending on the region, so make sure you research the climate in your desired location before making a decision.
   
   
6. Safety: Portugal is generally considered to be a safe country, but like any place, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid any potential dangers.

Making an international move is not small feat! It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done. However, it has been richly rewarding. Our kids now recognize the benefits of living in Europe and are graetful to have another language to speak. Sometimes the short term pain is well worth the long term gain!

Consider some of my other posts below to help you on your journey to expore living in Portugal!

Additional Readings

Moving Your Family to Portugal from the United States: What to Know

My Experience Learning European Portuguese: Portuguese Connections School in Lisbon, Portugal

Why We Are Uprooting Our Family and Moving To Portugal