Emigrating to Portugal

Duoro-valley

Reasons for emigrating to Portugal

There are many reasons to move to Portugal: The sun, beaches, picturesque landscapes, mild winters, a vacation lifestyle, affordable properties for the dream of owning your own land, project or self-sufficiency and an overall lower cost of living. Some of these reasons may have brought you here to our site. In the following, we would like to give you an insight and overview of emigrating to and living in Portugal, as well as help with practical questions such as where to go and an overview of costs.

We will be happy to assist you with your research and plans. Please feel free to contact us if you would like advice, whether on individual topics or the practical implementation of the move. We are especially happy to help you find a suitable piece of land including a place to stay (e.g. a tiny house) and also to clarify the necessary legal issues for you.

Having a go at it? Advantages and disadvantages of moving to Portugal

Are you toying with the idea of moving to Portugal alone or with your family? To make your decision easier, here is a brief list of the most concise advantages and disadvantages and how they relate to each other.

Advantages

• More warmth and sunshine, shorter and milder winters than in Northern Europe

• Low cost of living, especially in the countryside

• Comparatively cheap land with fewer building requirements

• Diverse regions worth living in

• Year-round supply or cultivation of vegetables and fruit possible

• No residence permit required, legally very easy to move, there are no entry requirements

Disadvantages

• Portuguese stone houses without heating can be very uncomfortable, especially in winter

• Things that are taken for granted in Central Europe take time or are more difficult to obtain here, especially in the countryside

• Finding work locally can be more difficult than in Central Europe, wages are significantly lower

• Drought and heat are making conditions in agriculture and water supply increasingly difficult

• Drastic differences between the regions. Gentrification & tourism in Lisbon and Algarve, poverty in the countryside

• Language barrier. Many emigrants struggle with the language at the beginning and often keep to themselves

  
  
  
  

How is life in Portugal? Quality of life and differences to Northern Europe

General quality of life and cost of living

Portugal has long had the reputation of being one of the poorest countries in (Western) Europe. This is still the case in the remote inland areas of the Alentejo and Tras-os-Montes. The situation is quite different on the coast, especially around Lisbon and Porto and in the Algarve. Rents in Lisbon are comparable to those in London. But even in the countryside, rents have been rising noticeably recently (as of March 2024). The same applies to the real estate and land market, where prices have in some cases doubled compared to a few years ago.

Nevertheless, it is still far easier to realize the dream of owning your own property in Portugal than in densely populated north of Europe. There are still very affordable properties, especially inland. And when it comes to food, especially local food, Portugal is still quite inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe. This is also still the case when it comes to eating out.

The quality of life is very high in terms of some factors, i.e. temperatures and hours of sunshine, good quality water and food. The Portuguese stone houses, on the other hand, cannot be compared to a Central European insulated apartment with central heating in terms of comfort in winter. However, this can be remedied in various ways, for example with a well-insulated tiny house.

Wages in Portugal are generally at a very low level, for comparison a master bricklayer receives €10 per hour, many people here live on less than €1000 per month. This cannot always be justified by the lower cost of living, as construction machinery and tools, for example, cost the same as anywhere else. It can be worth working for other expats as they are often willing to pay more for good work. The quality and efficiency of the work carried out by the Portuguese side can vary greatly. More on this in the next paragraph.

The way things go (differently) in Portugal

You can be prepared for the fact that the mills generally run more slowly in Portugal. Reliability and punctuality are far less important than in they are in German or English-speaking countries. This may be a matter of getting used to, sometimes a bit of a culture shock. Be prepared for the fact that things will not always go the way you are used to.

The Portuguese know what they are doing on their home turf. This may not always be the best solution, for example when it comes to the treatment of land and soil, but in many cases it has its uses and justification, such as the use of concrete and lime in construction.

It is a difficult balancing act not to become a kind of neo-colonialist who knows everything better. Some things may be better in themselves, such as cultivation or construction methods, but need to be adapted to significantly different local conditions such as drought and heat.

Portuguese offices are generally slow and cumbersome but reliable and you are likely to encounter a more pleasant atmosphere and assistance than is usually the case in Central Europe, especially if you make an effort to speak Portuguese.

Comfort

As already mentioned, there are some areas where the comfort or availability of goods is significantly lower than in affluent Northern Europe. Examples of this are the typical Portuguese houses especially in winter or the lack of Amazon in Portugal, which means longer delivery times and additional costs depending on the item. If you have a rural address, delivery can also be more difficult.

For example, a Portuguese friend of mine who lives in Berlin said that he much prefers his Berlin apartment with central heating to his Portuguese house until February, when spring starts in Portugal. So things have their pros and cons, but the extra hours of sunshine and warmth throughout the year make up for a lot.

For me, for example, the author, the warmth of the Portuguese and the easy and cheap availability of essential goods and services, the sometimes difficult access to luxury goods. But here, too, it has to be said that most things are still easy to order via the Internet. If you can afford it, you don't have to do without any amenities in Portugal, but if you can't afford it, it's generally easier to lead a simple life than elsewhere in Europe.

What can I expect? Portuguese culture and understanding of life

Portuguese way of life and reality

What is the self-image of the Portuguese

The Portuguese are basically a simple people, Catholicism has deeply influenced the people, the mentality is fundamentally far more conservative than in the Nordic countries. This can be seen, for example, in the way the Portuguese treat women; a "macho culture" still prevails. This is not, or only partially, in contrast to the pronounced friendliness of the people, especially in rural areas. The self-image of the Portuguese is not that of the English or French, as can be seen from the fact that they often speak English readily and very well. The rural Portuguese in particular tend to have a low self-esteem, which is reflected in their simple way of life, low wages and cost of living and also in their practical choice of vehicles: You see older model pick-ups everywhere in the countryside, which are very useful vehicles.

How the Portuguese see me

The Portuguese tend to see Northern Europeans as wealthy and affluent, which can be seen, for example, in the different prices charged for land for foreigners. There is a certain although slight bitterness and sadness towards those who, even after years, still do not speak the local language and therefore hardly communicate with the locals. However, if you learn the language or make an effort, you are met with a great deal of goodwill, even from the police, and many doors are then open that may not have been open or only half open before.

Cuisine, culture & leisure activities

Away from the urban centers, Portuguese cuisine is simple and very meat- and fish-heavy. As a vegetarian or vegan, it is rather difficult to go out to eat, unless you come to a larger city or there are special local addresses. In general, the quality of gastronomy is somewhat lower than in Northern Europe, but in Lisbon and Porto you can get your money's worth, especially as a vegan.

Even in the countryside, the range and variety of cultural events relating to art and music is astonishingly high, and there are always various folk festivals, music events and a whole series of different festivals.

Portugal has an enormous amount to offer in terms of leisure activities in its various regions, most of which are well worth a visit. Spain is often not far away either. The club system is generally less developed, but you can find access to sports and fitness facilities everywhere.

Where do I want to live? Popular cities and regions: Advantages and disadvantages

Inland and coast

There is a stark contrast between structurally weak areas and the conurbations on the coast. The Portuguese coast is very attractive in terms of climate and landscape. The sea, beaches and mild maritime climate are popular with many people. In Lisbon, you can sit outside on the street and have dinner even in January, whereas this is much rarer in Guarda, Viseu or Marvão. The climate in the interior is more continental, i.e. hotter in summer and colder in winter and generally drier and less green in terms of landscape as a result. However, the interior has its mountains and different microclimates, especially in the north.

The money is in the big cities, especially Lisbon and Porto, and the Algarve is also known to be a very popular area for foreigners and investors, for example for the booming and environmentally damaging avocado cultivation.

The cost of living in Portugal is therefore also very different. As already mentioned, rents in the center of Lisbon are horrendously high and comparable to even London, Munich or Zurich. As far as we know, wages are not significantly higher than in the countryside. Rents are also rising there, but are basically still at a low level by European standards. The same still applies to property prices with and without a house. In our opinion, living in the country has many advantages, which definitely outweigh the practical ones.

North and South

The Portuguese of the north are called "galegos", in contrast to the "mouros" of the south. This has its origins in history. The north of Portugal, or rather what is now Spanish Galicia, is the birthplace of modern-day Portugal. The northern Portuguese still see themselves more as true Portuguese today and are more strongly influenced by Europe, while the Portuguese of the south have a lot of Moorish-Arabic heritage, which is also reflected in their culture and way of life, including fado.

Individual regions

Norte

The north around Porto and Braga tends to be the most prosperous region in Portugal. The north-east around Vila Real and Trás-os-Montes, on the other hand, is known for the perhaps somewhat exaggerated expression "nove meses de inverno e três de inferno" (nine months of winter and three months of hell). It is more apt to say that this is the area of Portugal that bears the closest resemblance to the northern landscape and climate. The Douro Valley, on the other hand, is one of the areas of the country with the least rainfall and is famous for its wine production. We particularly recommend the Bragança district.

Centro

Central Portugal includes the Serra de Estrela, the university city of Coimbra and the plain around Castelo Branco. The center is known for skiing in the Serra de Estrela and its national park, cherries in Fundão, chestnut forests and the beaches of Figueira da Foz and Nazaré.

Lissabon

The Lisbon metropolitan region includes the very popular tourist resorts of Cascais, Estoril and Sintra, as well as the quieter Sétubal and, of course, booming Lisbon itself. The region has the highest concentration of companies, population density and GDP per capita in Portugal. The infrastructure is also the most extensive in the country. You can find things here that you won't find elsewhere in Portugal, and the density of restaurants here is unique. Lisbon is home to modern Portugal, which is very similar in its trends and possibilities to the rest of progressive and wealthy Europe, as can be seen from the density of vegan restaurants, which are almost completely absent in the rest of the country.

Alentejo

The Alentejo has always had the reputation of being the poorhouse of Portugal. Large areas are very dry and arid and threaten to become desolate, with very little rainfall in recent years. However, the region is also home to some of the most advanced agricultural research into drought conditions, particularly in Mertola and Montemor-o-novo. In the north-east of the region, on the border with Spain, there is a small anomaly, the small mountain range of the Serra de São Mamede with higher rainfall and many microclimates that allow the cultivation of cherries and chestnuts, among other things, in contrast to the otherwise typical monotonous olive and cork oak landscapes, which are becoming more and more desertified. We see great potential in the region and there are some initiatives that are signalling that the man-made drought can be reversed. The Alentejo enjoys great popularity due to its temperatures, many hours of sunshine and abundance of oranges, olives, lemons and medlars.

Algarve

The Algarve, with its beaches and almost frost-free climate, has long been a favourite destination for foreigners looking to retire or otherwise live in Portugal. Many were travelling tourists who were so taken with the landscape and climate that they decided to emigrate. As a result, the proportion of foreigners (many English, German, but also Swiss) in the region is well over 20%. The largest cities are Faro and Portimão. Tourism is the largest sector and employer. The population density is quite high. The mild climate allows the cultivation of tropical fruits such as mango, avocado and papaya.

How do I want to live? Overview and costs of acquiring land and the various housing options

Living for rent

The condition of the houses is generally at a lower level of comfort than in other Central European countries. Normal Portuguese houses are generally not thermally insulated and do not always have heating. There are often wood-burning stoves and gas heaters for hot water. Rents for a very basic three-bedroom flat start at €200 plus utilities. According to idealista, rents for a house start at just under €400 in the cheapest cases. The differences are huge. The cheapest rents in Portugal can be found in the districts of Castelo Branco, Viseu, Vila Real and Portalegre, among others.

As expected, rents are most expensive in the metropolitan region of Lisbon and the Algarve. You can expect to pay at least €1000 per month for a house there.

Buying a property

It can pay off very quickly to buy a property and pay it off. It is often cheaper per month than paying rent. Even though property prices have risen significantly since the pandemic, buying a plot of land with or without a house is still affordable in many areas of Portugal.

Idealista states that the cheapest properties can be found in the districts of Guarda, Castelo Branco, Portalegre, Bragança and Santraém. Prices per square metre here are around €400 for properties. With luck, undeveloped land can be found for less than €20,000, with sizes starting at half a hectare. Prices differ significantly for plots with or without existing planning permission. This is available, for example, if a plot of land contains a ruin. Planning permission can be applied for in most areas from a certain plot size.

A home of your own: building a house, converting a ruin, buying a tiny house

New build

The most difficult option to realise is probably a new build. One of the reasons for this is the lack of availability and, in some cases, quality of Portuguese labourers, especially in rural areas. The cost of all building materials has also skyrocketed in recent years. To build in Portugal, you need an architect and a licence. According to our information, building costs start at around €500 per square metre, plus the price of the land.

Conversion of a ruin

Converting an existing ruin in the countryside is another option. The price of building in existing buildings is difficult to measure and has a lot to do with the building fabric. In general, however, the houses in Portugal are not in an initial state from which a comfortable house of Central European standard can easily be built. Old ruins are usually built from local stone, clay and lime and require renovation and often also gutting. More recent ruins are often built largely in concrete.

Rebuilding a ruin can therefore often be a lengthy process, although it is easier to do it yourself or with a lot of labour than a new build. In our experience, conversions often take well over a year to complete, whether with a local contractor or on your own.

Tiny house on wheels

An efficient and comfortable solution can be a Tiny House on wheels. We would like to recommend this option to you, as this is our area of expertise when it comes to choosing a tiny house, the necessary licences and the land required for it. So please feel free to contact us.

Tiny houses are available from around €15,000 for a self-build kit. So if you are willing and able to contribute your own labour, you can save a lot of money. Ready-made tiny houses start at around €40,000, but many companies on the market are in the higher segment, are customised or are premium products. In these cases, you can often expect to pay at least €55,000 or more. The comfort in an insulated tiny house, which is mostly made of wood, is significantly higher than in the other houses available in Portugal. In our experience, tiny house owners are very happy with their choice, and some even say that they now have more comfort than before in Austria, Germany or Switzerland. The very low heating costs, potential mobility and ease of purchase are also cited as advantages. If you would like to find out more about tiny houses, the various options, costs, licences and suitable plots of land, take a look at our website or contact us directly. We will be happy to advise you on all aspects of moving to Portugal to live in a tiny house.

What are the procedures? A brief insight into the legal aspects

As you probably know, there are no restrictions on moving to Portugal from within Europe, which is part of the Schengen area. Swiss citizens also enjoy this status, as do Austrian and German citizens. Registering and obtaining a tax number is straightforward. Transfers take a little more time, but are also well organised. For more information on legal issues such as insurance, pensions and the NHR changes, healthcare and taxes, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you on these and any other issues relating to your emigration to Portugal and connect you with lawyers, brokers and other professionals you may need.

How will I communicate? Tips and advice on learning the local language

Learn Portuguese

Life in Portugal will be much easier and more enjoyable the more and sooner you speak the local language. Fortunately or unfortunately for some, Portugal is very foreigner-friendly. You can achieve a lot without speaking Portuguese, many speak English well. So you don't necessarily have to learn Portuguese, but it's definitely worth it, especially if you want to arrive in the country and intend to stay. You also naturally enjoy a different status with the locals, who really appreciate it when you can talk to them as an expat, even if you only make an effort at the beginning, this is interpreted very favourably, especially in the countryside.

Language schools and lessons

Unfortunately, many emigrants find it difficult to learn the language. There are various reasons for this, some of which are personal or due to a lack of motivation. Often, however, it is also the way of learning in the usual school style, which often does not provide the hoped-for help. Today, there are numerous insights into language acquisition that go beyond vocabulary and grammar. Please do not hesitate to contact us about this. In any case, the key points of this somewhat different approach are to seek dialogue with the locals, even if it is only initially at the weekly market. A point of contact can often be a passion, which makes it easier to learn the necessary vocabulary to be able to communicate with like-minded people in the new country. Overall, the Portuguese are far less critical learners than the Germans and Swiss, for example, which in many cases creates an easier learning environment in which you can make mistakes and communicate with your hands and feet.

If you are thinking of emigrating to Portugal, we will be happy to help you. Simply make an inquiry. We will put you in touch and put you in touch with the experts.