Moving and living in Portugal offers real advantages. Portugal has one of the best climates in Europe with an amazing sunshine, mild winters and summers that are cool. Another advantage is the security which is something often highly appreciated by new expatriates.
In addition, the cost of living which is well below the majority of EU countries is also a major factor in deciding to settle in Portugal. All these, combined with a very low tax rate for new expatriates have made Portugal become an important destination for foreigners.
Here are more tips and guidelines for settling down in Portugal.
It’s the leading country in the world providing the most satisfaction for expatriates in 2017 as per the Expat Insider survey by Internations (13,000 expatriates surveyed in 188 countries). The factors studied were many (approximately 43 factors): among other things, Portugal is preferred for its hospitality, security, quality of care, well-being, ease of settling, and low taxation system for expatriates.
Other top rated countries after Portugal include Taiwan, Mexico, Cambodia, and Bahrain.
Portugal is cheapest country in Western Europe and among the cheapest in Europe, competing mainly with the Eastern European countries.
With a gross minimum wage of 580 Euros per month, consumer indices are extremely competitive.
By moving to Portugal, you will increase your purchasing power for the goods and services by:
+ 12% if you live in Spain
+ 27% if you live in France
+ 28% if you live in Belgium
+ 39% if you live in Luxembourg
+ 73% if you live in Switzerland
Portugal is the 3rd safest country in the world (2017 Global Peace Index) after New Zealand and Iceland. There are low risk of attacks, few serious crime, more social peace, and political stability. This survey is conducted annually in 163 countries.
The Portuguese health system is ranked as the 12th most efficient health service in the world. If you are retired, you do not lose your rights to your original health system (in the European Union). If you are an employee in Portugal, you are affiliated to the Portuguese health organization. It can be useful to subscribe to supplementary health insurance because waiting times for healthcare can vary from few weeks to some months.
In recent years, Portugal has been hailed as an expatriate country. These steps are important for those who have decided to take the plunge:
Receive for free on your email our Portugal Buying Guide by filling out the form.
Receive for free on your email our Portugal Buying Guide by filling out the form.