10 Advantages of Choosing Portugal Your Home

Portugal offers numerous advantages for high-net-worth individuals and investors considering relocation. Its pleasant climate, stunning beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, as well as its friendly and welcoming people create an inviting atmosphere. Portugal is also known for its rich culture and heritage, safe environment, and relatively low cost of living compared to other European nations, making it an ideal place and an attractive destination for those seeking a high quality of life.

 

Relocating to Portugal is possible by investing at least €500,000 in venture capital funds, private funds, or mutual funds that meet the specified requirements. Investors are also eligible to obtain a residency permit if they create more than ten jobs or make capital transfers for research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutes. Additionally, establishing a commercial enterprise within the country and creating five full-time jobs also qualifies investors for the residency permit.

 

In this article, we will explore the benefits of obtaining Portugal Golden Visa through a government investment program and the advantages of settling in the country.

 

10 benefits of living in Portugal

Portugal offers a wealth of benefits for foreign investors seeking relocation. Here are 10 reasons can leverage when relocating to Portugal:

 

1. A safe place to live

Portugal ranks 7th globally in the Global Peace Index (GPI)[1], which is produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), with a score of 1.372. In Europe, Portugal is ranked 5th, following Iceland, Ireland, Austria, and Switzerland. The Index evaluates countries in three main areas: militarisation, societal safety and security, and ongoing domestic and international conflict.

Portugal excels in these domains, ranking 2nd globally in militarisation with a score of 1.224, reflecting its low military expenditures. In societal safety and security, the country achieved a score of 1.561, indicating a high level of safety for its citizens.

Additionally, with a score of 1.181 in ongoing domestic and international conflict, Portugal demonstrates a remarkable state of peace with very few internal or external conflicts. The overall crime rate in Portugal is generally low and most of them nonvioletn, with 33.1 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants[2].

 

2. Low cost of living

The basic cost of living in Portugal including rent is 38% lower than in the United States[3]. The monthly budget required for a single person without rent is €670, and for a family of four €2,364. The cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment is around €950 in the city center and €730 outside the center. The cost of renting a 3-bedroom apartment surges to €1,670 in the city center and drops to €1,200 outside the center. Utility bills for electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85-square-meter apartment cost €115. The cost of the internet is around €38. The yearly cost for 1 child at an international primary school is €9,850. Prices are also lower than in other European states such as Austria, Switzerland, and the UK.

 

3. Affordable Public transportation

Whether commuting to work or taking the train to navigate both urban and rural areas, Portugal’s public transport system includes regional busses, express trains, historic cable cars, and a busy metro system. The rail network connects major cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Coimbra, as well as smaller towns and regional areas.

Trains, trams, buses, taxis, and funiculars in the country are clean, efficient, and user-friendly. Public commuters in Lisbon spend an average of 45 minutes each day on public transit. One out of four transit users in Portugal has a daily commute of two hours or more. Most public transportation companies in Portugal have websites and mobile apps with up-to-date information on timetables, routes, and ticketing.

 

4. High-quality education

The quality of education in Portugal[4] is extremely high, with a national literacy rate of 95% and an enrollment rate in basic education of close to 100% for all children of school age. The excellent quality of public education in Portugal means that a solid 80% of students attend public schools. Both public and private schools are full-time and have excellent infrastructure for students’ physical and recreational activities.

Higher education in Portugal follows two main systems. The first applies to classical universities, which focus more on research and scientific investigation, and the second applies to polytechnic institutions, which provide more practical training. Portuguese universities are prestigious and occupy high positions in international education rankings, with particular emphasis on medicine, engineering,  nursing, and architecture.

 

5. World-class healthcare system

Since the 1980s, Portugal has been progressively allocating more of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to health services. The total expenditure[5] on the health sector amounted to 10.6 percent of the GDP in 2022. The total number of hospitals[6] in Portugal in 2022 was 243. Most of them, exactly 183, were general hospitals, 23 were psychiatry hospitals, and nine were for the rehabilitation of drug addicts. The rest of the hospitals specialized in oncology, orthopedics, maternity, and other medical specialties.

6. Warm climate and stunning beaches

Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long summers, mild winters, and over 300 days of sunshine each year. The climate is generally pleasant, though it varies by region. For example, the south is more arid, the northwest experiences more rainfall, and the northeast is known for its long, warm summers. Winters are also mild, with the average daily temperature in Lisbon exceeding 15 degrees Celsius in January.

Portugal is renowned for its diverse coastline, with the Algarve standing out as one of Europe’s top beach destinations. This region is famous for its stunning landscapes, featuring golden sands and impressive sandstone cliffs. According to the European Blue Flag Association, Portugal boasts 440 blue flag beaches, marinas, and boats in 2024, making it the second country in the world with the highest number of award-winning river beaches[7]. This highlights the country’s commitment to environmental standards and pristine coastal areas.

 

7. A relaxed pace of life

Portugal is considered an appealing destination for those seeking a laid-back pace of life. It has a strong focus on work-life balance. Flexible working hours, long lunch breaks, and an emphasis on family time are all integral to the Portuguese work ethos. However, like any country, there are variations by industry and individual, but overall, there’s a shared understanding that life isn’t solely about work. People in Portugal take time to relish life’s pleasures, whether it’s a leisurely afternoon stroll through a local market, a serene beach walk at sunset, or a friendly conversation with a neighbor. This relaxed pace is seen in every corner of Portugal, from its bustling cities to its serene countryside and stunning coastal towns.

 

8. No language barriers

As most Portuguese people speak English, one does not need to be fluent in Portuguese to live there. It is a significant point for many expats when considering whether to relocate to Portugal or another European country.

The recent EF Global Ranking ranked Portugal[8] in the Top 10 countries worldwide in the English Proficiency Index. This means that locals can use nuanced and appropriate language in social situations, to read advanced texts with ease and to negotiate a contract with a native English speaker.

 

9. Ample Recreation and Entertainment activities

In Portugal, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Surfing, fishing, and diving are integral to the Portuguese lifestyle. People can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, explore the Serra da Estrela mountain range, and visit historic castles and fortresses.

 

In 2023, the smaller European nation welcomed more than 30 million visitors[9], a tourism record for the country. But, it’s not just its major cities of Lisbon and Porto that are getting their time in the limelight. The World Travel Awards named Braga Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism destination for 2024. It also awarded the Azores[10] the title of Best Adventure Destination in the World.

 

10. Advanced tech-infrastructure

Portugal has made significant advancements in digital governance, providing its citizens with a wide array of online public services. Platforms like ePortugal enable citizens to access various governmental services online, including tax filing, social security, and licensing.

The country also boasts top universities and technical schools that offer specialized programs in engineering, computer science, and other tech-related fields. For example, the University of Lisbon is renowned for its robust engineering and computer science programs.