Your life in Portugal starts here
Make your move to Portugal
Warm, safe and largely English-friendly, Portugal offers excellent healthcare, affordable property and a low cost of living. A dedicated route suits those with passive income.
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Photo: Martha Dominguez de Gouveia / Unsplash
At a glance
Portugal, in brief.
How Portugal compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Portugal ranks among the best for healthcare (8th of 78) and safety (17th of 78) and visa ease (18th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Low
- Property
- Affordable
- Healthcare
- Excellent
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Warm (~17°C)
- English
- Very widely spoken
- Expat community
- Established
D7 passive-income visa (~€820/mo)
Worldwide income, 48% top rate
Life in Portugal
From an unexpected move to Vietnam to building a new life in Portugal, Vivian shares the twists, challenges and freedom of choosing the unfamiliar road.
Health insurance in Portugal
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
Portugal, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Portugal into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Portugal.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Portugal moving guide.
55 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Portugal
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Portugal share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Portugal stories
- Portugal
André Ribeiro
From Brazil to Ireland, Belgium and now Portugal, André Ribeiro's expat story explores language barriers, digital career goals, the comfort of familiar…
- Vila do Conde, Portugal
Paul Edward Garcia
Read Paul Edward Garcia's experience of moving and living in Portugal.
- Porto, Portugal
Kim Van Craeynest
Read an interview with Kim Van Craeynest about her life as an expat in Portugal.
Fresh from Portugal
Latest articles.
Americans In Portugal: Your Tax, Visa & Property Questions Answered
Planning a move to Portugal? Hear top cross-border experts answer Americans’ biggest questions on taxes, visas, property, relocation, and financial planning, so you can…
Golden Years In The Sun: A Senior’s Guide To Relocating To Portugal
Ready to swap grey skies for golden sunsets? Retire smart in Portugal with this essential guide to visas, costs, and healthcare.
What Do Expats Need To Know About The Healthcare System In Portugal?
Read our guide to navigating the healthcare system in Portugal, including how to access services, the differences between public and private healthcare, and the…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Portugal.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Portugal episodes
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Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to Portugal, and compare them side by side.
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