Emigrating to Portugal: sun, beach and a new life

Portugal, the country at the westernmost tip of Europe, attracts with a mild climate, beautiful beaches and a relaxed way of life. In recent years, the number of emigrants moving to Portugal has steadily increased. But what exactly makes Portugal so attractive and what should you be prepared for when moving?

Population and size of Country

Portugal has a population of around 10 million inhabitants and, with an area of around 92,000 km², is slightly smaller than Austria. The capital Lisbon and the second largest city Porto are the country’s most important economic centers.

Description of the country

Portugal offers a diverse landscape with rolling hills, wide plains and a breathtaking coastline. In the south of the country you will find the Algarve with its famous beaches and turquoise sea. In the north, however, mountains and forests dominate. Portugal is a country with a rich history and culture. Numerous sights, such as the old town of Lisbon or the palaces of Sintra, bear witness to the country’s past.

Taxes in Portugal

The Portuguese tax system is relatively complex. There are various income tax rates ranging from 14% to 48%. VAT is 23%. There is an attractive tax system for pensioners in Portugal, the so-called Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program.

IMPORTANT: The Portuguese government has abolished the NHR status with effect from January 1, 2024. Foreigners who already use the status will be protected and can use the status for a total of 10 years as planned. NEW: The “NHR 2.0” status has been introduced from January 1, 2024, which is officially called the “Research and Innovation Program”.

The most important change to the old status is that you now have to have a job in Portugal. This of course means that the new status is no longer available to pensioners and investors with passive income from abroad.

Portugal – An attractive country for emigrants

Portugal has become a popular destination for emigrants in recent years.
The reasons for this are varied:

Climate and quality of life: Portugal offers a mild climate with many hours of sunshine and warm temperatures. The country’s beaches and landscape are beautiful and invite you to a relaxed lifestyle.
Affordable cost of living: Compared to Germany, the cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower. This is especially true for food, restaurants and public transport.
Good healthcare: The Portuguese healthcare system is well developed and offers high-quality care. EU citizens are entitled to benefits from the Portuguese health insurance fund with their European health insurance card.
Tax advantages: There are attractive tax systems in Portugal for pensioners and other foreigners.
Friendly people: The Portuguese are known for their hospitality and openness. They welcome foreigners and help them find their way around the country.
Safety: Portugal is a safe country with a low crime rate.
Cultural offerings: Portugal has a rich history and culture. Numerous sights, museums and festivals offer a wide range of leisure activities.
Linguistic proximity: Portuguese is a relatively easy language to learn. English is also widely spoken in Portugal, especially in the tourist areas.
Good infrastructure: Portugal has a well-developed infrastructure with modern roads, airports and telecommunications networks.
Proximity to other countries: Portugal is located in the southwest of Europe and is easily accessible from many other countries, such as Spain, France and the UK.

Conclusion: Portugal offers many advantages to expats. The country is attractive due to its mild climate, low cost of living, good healthcare, friendly people and a wide range of leisure opportunities.

Cost of living in Portugal
The cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower compared to Germany. This is especially true for food, restaurants and public transport. However, rents and property prices have increased in recent years, especially in the metropolitan areas.

Healthcare in Portugal
The Portuguese healthcare system is well developed and offers high-quality care. There are both public and private hospitals. EU citizens are entitled to benefits from the Portuguese health insurance system with their European Health Insurance Card.

Top 3 Most Popular Cities in Portugal:
Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra

Lisbon – The Vibrant Capital

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture. The city is located on the Atlantic coast and offers stunning views of the Tagus River. Lisbon is known for its narrow streets, historical sights and lively atmosphere.

Features of Lisbon:

Alfama: The oldest district in Lisbon with its winding streets and Moorish buildings.
Castelo de São Jorge: A medieval castle with stunning views of the city.
Jerónimos Monastery: An impressive 16th-century structure that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Belém Tower: A striking 16th-century tower that stands on the banks of the Tagus River.
Elevador de Santa Justa: A nostalgic 19th-century elevator that takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the city.

Porto – Portugal’s second largest city

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and is located in the north of the country. The city is known for its beautiful old town, port wine cellars and lively atmosphere.

Porto’s special features:

Ribeira: Porto’s historic district with its narrow streets and colorful houses.
Ponte Dom Luís I: An impressive 19th-century double-decker bridge that spans the Douro River.
Cais da Ribeira: A bustling waterfront district with numerous restaurants, bars and cafes.
Livraria Lello: One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
Serralves Museum and Park: A modern contemporary art museum with a beautiful park.
Coimbra – The student city

Coimbra is a charming city in the center of Portugal. It is known for its university, the oldest university in the country, and its beautiful old town.

Special features of Coimbra:

University of Coimbra: The oldest university in Portugal with an impressive historical building.
Biblioteca Joanina: A beautiful 18th century library with a huge collection of books.
Sé Velha: An old cathedral from the 12th century.
Botanical Garden: A beautiful botanical garden with a diverse collection of plants.
Fado: Coimbra is the home of Fado, a traditional Portuguese musical genre.

Visa options and residence permit

To emigrate to Portugal, you will need a visa. However, for EU citizens, this is relatively easy. You can register in Portugal with a valid ID card or passport and then receive a residence permit. For non-EU citizens, there are various visa options, such as a work visa, a student visa or a pensioner visa.

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