Living in Portugal
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Map of Portugal complete with the 5 regions: North of Portugal, Center of Portugal, Greater Lisbon, Alentejo, and Algarve in the south of Portugal, districts of each region, municipalities of each district, district capitals marked in strong color, and distances to archipelagos of Madeira and Azores.
Living in Portugal • Europe
This article aims to gives you a brief introduction to Portugal and touches on the different regions you can learn about in other pieces. Keep in mind that life in Portugal can change quite a bit from city to city. It really depends on what you and your family are like and what you’re used to. For a comprehensive insight, we recommend reaching out to us for customized guidance tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re thinking of moving to Portugal, there are a few important things you need to think about to make sure you settle in well. The main reason people move here is for a better lifestyle for their families. In recent years, Portugal has become really popular because it offers a great quality of life.
First, …
Where in the world is Portugal located?
Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe, bordered by Spain to the east and north, and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. As part of the Iberian Peninsula, it enjoys a strategic location that has significantly influenced its maritime history and cultural development.
Reason for Moving to Portugal from affluent countries
Since 2012, there has been a growing trend of people from wealthy countries (with high-income economies) — including the United States, Canada, and European nations like Belgium, Germany, France, as well as non-EU countries such as Switzerland, United Kingdom and Norway — finding Portugal increasingly appealing for various straightforward reasons:
Number one reason for moving to Portugal
Quality of life is undoubtedly the primary reason why individuals from affluent countries choose to move to and continue living in Portugal. Secondary elements, such as tax incentives, real estate investment opportunities, safety, healthcare quality, good international private schools, and the luxury lifestyle available, collectively enhance the appeal of Portugal as a destination for living.
Other reasons usually considered about Portugal:
- Weather: Living in a beautiful place, with sunny beaches and great weather all year.
(source: IPMA) - Lower cost of living compared to other developed countries
(source: expatistan) - Getting good tax deals, especially if you’re new to the country.
- Property investment: Having the chance to buy nice homes, which can also help you become a resident or citizen.
(our website: https://lisbonproperty.com/portugal-properties/) - Feeling safe, because Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world, placed 7th in the Overall GPI Score of Global Peace Index
(source: Global Peace Index) - Getting great healthcare, with top-notch doctors and hospitals for a lower cost.
- International schools: Sending your kids to really good schools, where they teach in English and other languages.
(source: International Schools in Portugal) - Cuisine: If you consider gastronomy an important aspect of your lifestyle, Portuguese cuisine is affordable, known for its high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients like fresh seafood, olives, cheese, and charcuterie. The Mediterranean diet, prevalent in Portugal, focuses on fresh vegetables, fish, and olive oil and is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Portugal is also renowned for its wines, with notable regions including Douro, Alentejo, and Dão.
- Enjoying life, with lots of culture, fancy shops, and fun stuff to do like golfing, surf, sailing and outdoor living all year round.
Visit our articles about all Portugal, maps on places, cities, attractions, golfs, surf and more - Being close to other countries in Europe, so it’s easy to travel.
- Having a stable government, so things don’t change too fast and you can plan for the future.
- Meeting new people, with communities that welcome people from other countries and speak English.
- Being around expat communities where you can find friends, get advice on living in a new country, and feel at home.
Facts about Portugal (with sources)
- Contry: Portugal
- Capital: Lisbon
- Largest City: Lisbon, with a population of around 505,000
- Great Lisbon area: Population of around 2.8 million people (source: Instituto Nacional de Estatística)
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Salary in Portugal (Minimum): € 760,0 / Month (source: pordata)
- Government: Semi-presidential representative democratic republic
- Area: 92,212 square kilometers (the longest north-south distance is about 561 kilometers (349 miles), from the northern border with Spain down to the southern coast of the Algarve. The widest east-west distance is about 218 kilometers (135 miles), which is from the eastern border with Spain to the western coast.)
- Population: 10.3 million people, as of the last update (source: INE )
- Currency: Euro (€) (EUR)
- Time Zone: Western European Time (WET, UTC +0), Western European Summer Time (WEST, UTC +1 in summer)
- International Dialing Code: +351
- Internet ccTLD: “.pt” is the country code top-level domain. It is common to use the “.com” top-level domain.
- Member of the EU: Yes
- Member of the United Nations: Yes
- Member of NATO: Yes
- Economy: Portugal’s mixed economy thrives on a combination of private sector freedom and government intervention, with key industries including tourism, textiles, automotive, technology, agriculture, food production, renewable energy, fishing, paper, and construction.
- GDP per capita (2021): 24,567.51 USD (source: International Monetary Fund for Portugal)
- HDI (2021): 0.866 (source: Human Developement Reports for Portugal)
- Climate: Mediterranean (mainland), Oceanic in the north and tropical in Madeira and the Azores (source: IPMA – Instituto Português do Mar e Atmosfera)
- Major Rivers: Tagus, Douro, Guadiana
- National Day: Portugal Day, 10 June
- Famous for: Port wine, cork products, Fado music, football (soccer), historic sites, big wave surfing
- Drive on the: Right
- Portugal Regions: North, Central, Lisbon, Alentejo, Algarve, Madeira, Azores
Living in Portugal Guide
Welcome to our comprehensive Living in Portugal Guide. Here, you will discover a curated collection of articles, enriched with pictures and detailed maps, focusing on the most essential topics for anyone considering relocating to Portugal or who already calls it home. While we may not cover everything, we prioritize the most crucial aspects of Portuguese life. Our guide delves into the heart of what makes living in Portugal unique.