After greater than 2 years of just about continuous journey, like many different digital nomads, I’ve began eager about discovering a house base for the medium-to-long time period. Portugal is a robust contender for me. In the event you’re feeling prefer it may very well be a very good possibility for you too, I’ve put collectively this record of the principle professionals and cons of dwelling in Portugal.
I did this work partly that can assist you determine whether or not it’s more likely to be a very good place so that you can stay. But in addition, if I’m completely sincere, partly for myself. There’s a very good probability I’d really find yourself transferring there within the subsequent few years!
I like Portugal, the individuals, the meals, the local weather, the surroundings, nearly every little thing about it. It’s simply one in all my favourite nations in Europe. It’s not good – nowhere is. However for me, the advantages of dwelling in Portugal vastly outweigh the downsides.
15 Execs 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 once I lived in a tiny village within the mountains close to Porto. This record of benefits and drawbacks of dwelling in Portugal is subsequently primarily based primarily by myself experiences.
I’ve additionally relied on the experiences of some of my Portuguese associates in addition to a number of fellow digital nomads who’ve hung out dwelling 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 beautiful shoreline.
It’s straightforward to get to Portugal by street 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 all over the world.
Execs of dwelling in Portugal
There are numerous professionals of dwelling in Portugal. Listed here are 10 of my favourite issues about it:
1. Inexpensive Price of Dwelling
One of many main professionals of dwelling in Portugal is the price of dwelling. Portugal is likely one of the most reasonably priced nations to stay 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 nations, and positively the UK.
This implies that you may get pleasure from a better 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 individual’s estimated month-to-month bills are lower than €700, excluding hire.
It’s not laborious to discover a 1-bedroom house for round €700-€900 per 30 days, as long as you keep away from Lisbon. Once I was dwelling in Portugal, I’d often 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 supply right here. From the rugged cliffs and golden seashores of the Algarve to the plush vineyards of the Douro Valley, Portugal’s landscapes are various and infrequently spectacular.
I like mountaineering and Portugal has so many superb 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 wood steps snaking alongside the scenic banks of the Paiva River, within the mountains southeast of Porto.
After all, Portugal can be well-known for its attractive seashores and coastal surroundings. With 1,794 kilometers (1,115 miles) of shoreline, you’re spoilt for selection. Whether or not you like accessible seashores with loads of services, or wild untouched seashores, you gained’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 road, 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 among the many benefits of dwelling in Portugal. There’s all the time one thing new and fascinating 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 unimaginable.
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 do-it-yourself 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 approach 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 Dwelling 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 nations in Europe. The local weather right here is usually pretty temperate with sizzling summers and delicate winters. Though, relying on the place you might be, temperatures can range fairly a bit.
For instance, summer season 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, general, the climate is sweet for more often than not.
This implies that you may get pleasure from out of doors actions just about year-round. For me, this is likely one of the largest professionals of dwelling in Portugal. I like spending time exterior, whether or not it’s mountaineering, swimming, and even eating outdoor – one thing I may not often do again residence in England!
6. Excessive-High quality Healthcare
Portugal provides 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.
Non-public healthcare can be obtainable 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 may really feel safe realizing that medical care is all the time potential if wanted. And particularly for those who’re from someplace like the US, the affordability of Portuguese healthcare will in all probability be a breath of recent air.
7. Security
Security is a vital consideration when selecting a spot to stay, particularly in a rustic that you just aren’t aware of. Fortunately, Portugal excels on this entrance too. In actual fact, Portugal is persistently ranked as one of many most secure nations on the earth.
In keeping with the 2023 International 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 normal sense of safety in Portugal extends to its political and social stability too. It means you possibly can 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.
After all, the standard guidelines apply in relation to maintaining your self and your belongings protected. Nonetheless, you possibly can calm down and revel in all of the superb 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 might be the language barrier, however in Portugal, this hurdle is considerably lowered, because of the widespread use of English, particularly in bigger city and well-liked 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 in relation to constructing significant connections and relationships together with your neighbors and different individuals you meet.
This, in flip, will hopefully allow you to combine extra easily into native Portuguese life and vastly 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 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 the event 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 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 beneath €20 per individual together with drinks. It’s superb and undoubtedly one thing I may get used to!
10. Laid-back Life-style
The laid-back life-style is one other main good thing about dwelling in Portugal. As somebody who spent nearly all of their 20s in a fast-paced metropolis (London), it’s so refreshing to savor the slower tempo of Portuguese life. The Portuguese choose to take their time and revel in life reasonably than rush blindly by way of it.
Even in Lisbon, individuals 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 stability is a severe factor right here. And outdoors of the capital, it will get much more chilled!
This relaxed lifestyle is a giant draw for me. I spent far an excessive amount of of my life up to now being careworn, overworked, and under-rested. Dwelling in Portugal provides 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
After all, nowhere is ideal. Regardless of the various professionals, there are of course a number of cons of dwelling in Portugal too.
Not all of those will apply to everyone. Nevertheless it’s necessary to consider carefully and realistically about what a transfer to Portugal would really contain. Think about the great in addition to the unhealthy 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 typically can’t be mentioned 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 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 stay in a rural space away from the vacationer crowds, studying not less than slightly Portuguese turns into nearly a necessity. For most individuals, it will require effort and time and may very well be a major draw back of dwelling in Portugal. Except 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 needed paperwork is usually a bit tedious, time-consuming, and even downright irritating at occasions.
When you get by way of the preliminary paperwork, issues do get simpler. And Portugal is actually extra environment friendly than another European nations 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 towards bureaucratic hurdles at any time when that you must get something official completed, whether or not that’s submitting your taxes, shopping for property, and even coping with utility corporations. It’s simply one thing you need to be taught to take care of. Endurance will serve you properly 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), well-liked places can develop into extraordinarily crowded. That is significantly noticeable in locations like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, which might really feel nearly overrun at occasions.
The excessive numbers of holiday makers typically result in inflated costs and longer queues for well-liked sights and eating places. And surges in tourism have led to some areas being suffering from memento retailers and companies catering solely to vacationers, taking away from the genuine native appeal.
It’s undoubtedly one thing to consider for those who’re planning to settle in one in all Portugal’s extra well-liked areas. However for those who’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 the event you’re a digital nomad or another kind of distant employee, this one gained’t apply to you. However for anybody searching for common employment and job alternatives, significantly exterior of main cities, alternatives might be restricted and infrequently 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 nations (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 everyone planning on transferring to Portugal, it’s an necessary issue to think about for those who’re more likely to be reliant on native employment.
5. Revenue Disparity
That is associated to the above level on restricted job alternatives. Whereas the price of dwelling is usually decrease than in different European nations, common salaries in Portugal are considerably decrease as properly, making it troublesome for these on a decrease earnings to make ends meet.
This may be significantly difficult in costlier cities like Lisbon and Porto, the place the financial disparity is much more pronounced. In consequence, there might be stark contrasts between rich neighborhoods and poorer areas.
Even for those who earn good cash from overseas, the earnings disparity in Portugal is a actuality for many individuals dwelling right here, and it might shock you. And for those who’re in search of native employment, you may must assume realistically about your life-style expectations and what you’ll be capable to afford to do.
Is Dwelling in Portugal Price It?
I believe dwelling in Portugal is certainly price it. Sure, there are a number of 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.
After all, everyone’s completely different. However for those who’re significantly contemplating a transfer to Portugal, I’d say go for it. Why not? I’d even see you there. Scripting this publish has jogged my memory simply how a lot I adore it there!
