Portugal has quickly become one of Europe’s most popular destinations for expats, digital nomads What’s It Like to Live in Portugal , and retirees. With its mild climate, rich culture, and laidback lifestyle, it’s easy to see the appeal. However, moving to a new country always comes with challenges. If you’re wondering what’s it like to live in Portugal, here are the 10 best tips to help you settle in smoothly and make the most of your new life.
1. Learn Some Basic Portuguese Before You Arrive
What’s It Like to Live in Portugal While many Portuguese people speak English, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, knowing basic Portuguese will make a massive difference. Learning simple phrases for greetings, ordering food, or asking for directions shows respect and helps you connect with locals.
Apps like Duolingo or taking a short language course before moving can ease your transition significantly.
2. Understand the Cost of Living Differences
What’s It Like to Live in Portugal Portugal is more affordable than many Western European countries, but the cost of living can vary depending on where you settle. Cities like Lisbon and Porto are more expensive than smaller towns like Évora or Braga.
Plan a realistic budget that includes rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and healthcare. Don’t forget that while some items are cheaper, imported goods can be surprisingly expensive.
3. Choose the Right City or Region for Your Lifestyle
What’s It Like to Live in Portugal Life in Lisbon feels vastly different from life in the Algarve or a rural village.
Lisbon: Vibrant, cultural, busy.
Porto: Charming, artistic, affordable.
Algarve: Sunny, relaxed, expatfriendly.
Interior towns: Quiet, traditional, cheaper.
Spend time visiting different regions before committing to a longterm rental or home purchase. Each area has its own vibe and community.
4. Get Familiar with Portuguese Bureaucracy
Portuguese bureaucracy is notoriously slow and often confusing. Whether you’re setting up a bank account, getting your NIF number (tax identification number), What’s It Like to Live in Portugal applying for residency, or registering for healthcare, patience is key.
Hiring a relocation consultant or working with a lawyer can simplify processes, especially for important paperwork like visas and property purchases.
5. Embrace the LaidBack Lifestyle
One of Portugal’s biggest charms is its relaxed pace of life. Don’t expect shops to be open all hours, or for everything to happen quickly.
Long lunches, late dinners, and flexible attitudes toward time (“hora portuguesa”) are part of the culture. Learning to embrace this slower rhythm will make your experience much more enjoyable.
6. Understand the Healthcare System
What’s It Like to Live in Portugal Portugal has both a public healthcare system (SNS) and a range of excellent private healthcare options.
Public Healthcare: Affordable and available to residents.
Private Healthcare: Quicker access, Englishspeaking doctors, relatively inexpensive insurance.
It’s smart to register with your local health center after obtaining residency. Many expats opt for private health insurance for added peace of mind.
7. Get Ready for Paperwork When Renting or Buying Property
Finding accommodation can be a smooth or tricky process depending on your expectations.
Landlords often ask for:
Proof of income or a Portuguese guarantor.
A few months’ rent upfront.
A Portuguese bank account.
If buying, remember that property taxes and fees can add another 7–8% on top of the purchase price. Always hire an independent real estate lawyer to guide you through the transaction safely.
8. Network with Other Expats and Locals
Building a social network will help you feel at home much faster.
Join expat groups on Facebook or Meetup.
Attend local festivals and markets.
Enroll in hobby classes like surfing, painting, or cooking.
Making an effort to engage with both expats and locals enriches your experience and opens up new opportunities.
9. Get Used to the Portuguese Dining and Shopping Schedules
Meals in Portugal are later than what many foreigners are used to:
Lunch: 1:00–3:00 PM.
Dinner: 8:00–10:00 PM.
Shops often close for a long lunch break, especially outside of major cities. Sundays can be particularly quiet.
What’s It Like to Live in Portugal Adapting your schedule to the Portuguese rhythm will help you avoid frustration and feel more at home.
10. Respect the Culture and Local Traditions
Portugal has a rich history, strong local traditions, and a proud culture.
Learning about:
Fado music
Portuguese cuisine (like bacalhau and pastel de nata)
Local festivals (such as Festa de São João in Porto)
shows respect and helps you integrate better. Even small gestures, like greeting shopkeepers with a cheerful “Bom dia!” (Good morning!), go a long way.
Conclusion: Make Portugal Your New Home with Confidence
What’s it like to live in Portugal? It’s beautiful, friendly, safe, and full of charm—but like any move, it requires preparation and an open mind.
By learning the language, understanding the bureaucracy, adapting to the pace of life, and engaging with the culture, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and rewarding transition.
Portugal welcomes newcomers with warmth and hospitality. With these tips, you’re well on your way to making this incredible country your new home!
FAQs About Living in Portugal
1. Is it expensive to live in Portugal?
Compared to much of Western Europe, Portugal offers a lower cost of living. However, prices in Lisbon and Porto can be higher than smaller cities and rural areas.
2. Can I live in Portugal without speaking Portuguese?
It’s possible, especially in touristy or expatheavy areas. However, learning basic Portuguese makes daily life much easier and more enjoyable.
3. What is healthcare like in Portugal?
Portugal offers affordable, quality healthcare through both public and private systems. Expats often use a mix of both, depending on their needs.
4. Is Portugal safe for expats and families?
Yes! Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, making it very attractive for solo travelers, retirees, and families.
5. How do I get residency in Portugal?
There are several visa options, including the D7 Passive Income Visa, Golden Visa, and Digital Nomad Visa. Requirements usually involve proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance.