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Home » Living in Portugal: Pros and Cons

Living in Portugal: Pros and Cons

The cosmopolitans migrate to Portugal for many reasons including the warm climate, safety and opportunities for business. Let’s look at the major benefits that come with being in Portugal.

Warm climate. Portugal has a moderately mild climate, but it differs depending on the region: the southern region is more arid, while the northwest is prone to rain and the northeast known for its long, warm summers.

The month with the highest temperature is August. In Lisbon Lisbon, the mean daily temperature of the day is 27.8. The ocean is the warmest between September and August, and the temperatures vary between 13 and 19 during the year.

There are mild winters. The average daily temperature during January Lisbon can be as high as 14.7. There isn’t much snow in Lisbon, and, if it does snow, it melts fast. This is especially true in areas with mountains.

It’s usually sunny in Portugal particularly during July, August and September.

Recreation and entertainment. In Portugal there is something for everyone to find the right place and activity for their preferences. It is possible to swim throughout the Atlantic Ocean, explore the Serra da Estrela mountain range as well as visit castles , fortresses and castles. Locals love fishing, surfing and diving.

Portugal has won Portugal was awarded 26 World Travel Awards in 2020. The awards were awarded to Portugal’s beaches, attractions and resorts, for instance the Algarve region that is regarded by Portuguese tourists and residents as the perfect spot to unwind on the beach. Portugal was named the top tourist destinations in Europe.

Safety. In the year 2019 Global Finance magazine ranked Portugal fourth among the most secure countries around the globe, and in 2020, it was ranked 3rd in Global rankings of peaceful nations.

Portugal has an extremely low rate of crime. The Portuguese are warm and friendly people who show immigrants respect and kindness. They are also open to new ideas.

A fairly low expense of living. The average price of life in Portugal is approximately 60% higher than Russia. But elsewhere in European states, like Austria, Switzerland, the UK and neighbouring Spain the prices are more expensive. Comparatively to prices in Europe, in the European Union, life in Portugal is quite cheap.

Education quality. Portugal is a country with a relatively excellent standard of high and intermediate education. The degrees awarded by Portuguese universities are accepted by the European Union, which helps students find jobs in other EU countries.

The university classes are offered both in Portuguese as well as English. The difference is that English programs are not offered at all institutions and are more costly. A bachelor’s degree taught in English in the University of Oporto costs a minimum of €8,900 per year for a degree offered by Portuguese from Coimbra’s University of Coimbra costs a minimum of EUR 6,340 per year.

The quality of medicine. Portugal is spending around 9 percent of its GDP on health care. In the global Health Expensive 2020 study it is 37th in terms of spending.

Visit Expacity for their great moving to Portugal guide

Medical care is provided free of charge in public hospitals. This is offered to citizens as well as those who reside in the country.

Private clinics are where patients can obtain appointments faster than at public clinics, and also enjoy more services, such as telephone consultations with your physician. Insurance policies for health care that are private cover a portion of the costs or the entire cost of the treatment.

Benefits from taxation for citizens. Foreigners who have the right to reside in Portugal are eligible to obtain The Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) Tax status. This status allows you to avoid paying taxes on earnings earned overseas in the event that it is taxed at the source.

The NHR status permits the investor to lower the amount of tax on income to be paid in Portugal. The tax rate on income for highly skilled professionals, including engineers, executives, programmers as well as scientists, artists and entertainers is cut to 20%, down from 48%..

To be eligible for NHR status, you need to become a tax-resident of Portugal that is, living in Portugal for at least 183 consecutive days throughout the year, and then purchasing or renting properties. Tax exemptions are available only if you haven’t been an Portuguese tax resident for the last 5 years.

A tax exemption is granted for a maximum of 10 years.

It is the English language. Since the majority of Portuguese residents speak English it is not necessary to require fluency in Portuguese to be able to reside in Portugal.

Life pace. Portugal is ideal for those who enjoy a slow rhythm of living. The Portuguese aren’t usually looking to rush off to where they want to go. Cities aren’t as bustling as cities in Russia or in the US and the UK.

The disadvantages of living in Portugal

There are some disadvantages to living in Portugal are interspersed with its positive aspects including the climate, or the pace of life.

It is essential to master Portuguese. In the streets at the shops, in museums, you are able to speak in English. In government offices typically Portuguese is the language spoken. So, it is necessary to be able to Portuguese at a minimum an intermediate level of conversation.

There are difficulties when paying with cards. In Portugal banks, credit cards are issued through the Multibanco system. Visa or MasterCard aren’t accepted everywhere. It is important to determine if your international credit card is accepted. You can also carry cash in your wallet.

Summer heat, rain in winter. The Portuguese climate is not affected drastically from season to season. It rains in winter and there isn’t much snow. In summer, temperatures can rise up to 40 degrees.

It is not possible to have central heating system. Apartments are cold during winter. You need to buy heaters to keep warm.

Life pace. The tranquility typical of Portugal isn’t for everyone. The inhabitants aren’t in any rush and are often unpunctual. Restaurants and shops are often closed for a period of time during the day and close on Sundays.

How to Get to Portugal

To move to Portugal it is necessary to apply for the residence permit. Most often, it is granted to people who plan to study or work in Portugal and also get married to with a Portuguese citizen or carried major tasks for the state.

Portugal issue residence permits to investments. The process is approximately six months.

The applicants are given eight investment alternatives. The purchase of real estate worth EUR500,000 can be the most well-known option. People also tend to purchase property to be renovated for 350,000 euros.

Beginning January 1st, 2022, buyers won’t be in a position to purchase residential properties in resort towns that are popular. In exchange, they will be provided with facilities in Azores, Madeira and in the areas that aren’t populated.

Foreigners with the Portuguese residence permit are allowed to reside, study and work in Portugal. They are also able to travel without having a visa in the Schengen states for as long as 90 days out of 180.

Five years after the issuance of a residence permit for an investment plan, the owner will have the option of applying for citizenship or permanent residence.