Assisted Living in Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide

What is senior living and assisted living?

Senior living: Senior living refers to housing and care options that are specifically designed to cater to the needs of older adults, usually over the age of 65, with assisted living requiring more hands-on support.

Assisted living: There is no one specific legal term for assisted living in Portugal. Assisted living is a type of senior living option where assistance is provided to residents to help them with daily tasks such as medication management and bathing, while also encouraging independence.

You will find a wide range of English-speaking assisted living homes dotted around the country, many of which provide personalized medical care to each resident to ensure all their needs are met.

Assisted living is focused on those who require help with their daily activities, with benefits including being part of a safe and supportive community, access to qualified medical care and assistance, and opportunities for socialization and community engagement.

There are two types of residential homes for the elderly in Portugal

Residential structures (homes)

Residential homes for the elderly are either temporary or permanent homes where residents are well-cared for and are open to persons over the age of 65 (those under 65 are considered on a case-by-case basis). Nursing care is provided.

Family care

Family care is provided for those over the age of 60 who require support and are intended for those who can no longer stay in their homes due to the absence of social and family support. Accommodation is provided in the home of a family member and can be either temporary or permanent.

You can find out more on the Portuguese Government website.

How to find official listings

To stay in a residential home or family care home, you can contact the home directly, the Carta Social (Social Charter), or the social security services in the area where you live.

On the Carta Social, you can easily find residential care homes. This is managed by the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity, and Social Security. You can find out more on their website.

You will also find social support for the elderly from the Portuguese government, including home help, community centers, and residential care.

Are there homes with English-speaking staff?

Yes, you’ll find senior living and assisted living homes with English-speaking staff, mostly situated in Lisbon and the Algarve. Communities in these areas tend to offer multilingual support. While public options are generally good, private options will have more English-speaking staff.

How to assess language services before choosing a facility

When assessing language services for assisted living in Portugal, it is best to visit the homes, confirm staff fluency, check the availability of English-speaking doctors, and see firsthand whether other residents speak English and whether it could be a good fit overall.

Other Types of Senior Living Options in Portugal

Alongside assisted living homes, there are many different types of retirement homes and accommodation options for elderly people in Portugal. Below, we provide information on some of the common options for those retiring in Portugal and seeking a retirement home.

Independent living communities

You’ll find an array of independent senior living communities in Portugal, where elderly residents are part of a community, but usually have their own independent living apartments or units. They will also have communal amenities, such as a shared swimming pool, fitness center, and so on.

This form of retirement community is perfect for a maintenance-free lifestyle.

Specialized care options

Alongside independent living communities, you will find specific senior homes catering to a range of needs, such as:

• Memory care facilities and dementia units for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia
• Rehabilitation services
• Nursing homes with facilities providing 24/7 medical care
• Skilled nursing care for those with more complex health needs
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) for a full range of care levels
• Hybrid hospitality-care facilities, mixing assisted living with a tourism-style service (becoming more common)

The Portuguese Senior Living Market

The Portuguese senior living market is experiencing growing interest from investors and retirees, driven by an aging population and the need for more senior residences.

The market offers opportunities for various residential options, from independent living to assisted care homes, and is attracting attention for its potential for high returns and a good quality of life.

In Portugal, people are now living longer and healthier lives, with life expectancy standing at 82.5 years of life. At the same time, Portugal faces a shortage of senior living facilities, creating a high-demand market.

How Assisted Living in Portugal Works

Senior and assisted living resorts in Portugal typically offer two main residency options. The life right (or life lease) allows residents to pay a one-time or monthly fee for the exclusive right to live in a chosen apartment for life.

Alternatively, some communities offer freehold property ownership, giving buyers full ownership of their home within the resort.

What is usually included in assisted living?

Monthly fees cover a comprehensive range of services designed for comfort, safety, and well-being. These include:

• Accomodation
• Daily meals to fit your dietary requirements
• 24/7 on-hand nursing
• Regular medical checks from a GP
• Cleaning services, laundry, and personal bathing/dressing (if required)
• Community and social leisure programs

Meals of the meals feature traditional Portuguese, Mediterranean, or some international cuisine, and accommodate special dietary needs.

Optional extras

Additional services typically offered at assisted living facilities, but may not be included in the fees, include:

• Private doctor visits
• Occupational therapy, or memory care
• Medications and lab tests
• Additional or specialized physiotherapy
• Massage and chiropody services
• Extra medical care and medical support, or nurse/carer escorts
• Ambulance transport for outpatient care
• Hair salon, spa, and beautician services
• Private gym sessions
• Extra guest meals
• Taxis and private excursions

Cost of Assisted Living in Portugal

The cost of assisted living in Portugal for seniors can range from a monthly fee of between €1,350 and €4,500+, with your costs greatly dependent on the level of daily care and assistance you will need.

You can find affordable assisted living in Portugal’s interior areas, though English is not as widely spoken.

Retirement homes that offer a more hands-on approach or round-the-clock assisted living services will cost more, with luxury care homes in Portugal being in a higher price bracket.

How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Facility

To make the right decision on an assisted living facility in Portugal, evaluate the level of care, how friendly the staff are, and consider factors such as location, cost, and amenities. Most importantly, picture if you can see yourself living there and being happy to enjoy your golden years.

Make sure to thoroughly research the home, including combing through reviews and asking detailed questions about the level of care, staff training, access to healthcare, and services. Make a list beforehand of questions you may have, and go through each point with the retirement home. If possible, also speak with current residents to see how they feel about the facility.

Types of Housing Options Available

Portugal offers various housing options, including apartments, villas, townhouses, country houses, and traditional farmhouses.

Apartments

• The most common housing option in Portuguese cities, apartment types range from studio apartments (T0) to multi-bedroom apartments (T1, T2, T3, etc.)
• Many apartments have been renovated and now have modern interiors
• For older apartments, make sure that the property is well-insulated

Villas

• Villas are often spacious, luxury properties that you will find particularly in coastal regions such as the Algarve
• Many have private swimming pools, gyms, and private gardens
• Villas with sea views will push up the price

Best Regions for Assisted Living in Portugal

Portugal has an array of spectacular locations, and choosing the right spot to retire to will depend completely on your personal preferences. Below, we detail some of the top contenders when it comes to enjoying your golden years to the fullest.

Note that this list of the best places for retirement living in Portugal is by no means exhaustive. You will find top retirement spots across the country, from the Douro region in the north, with the most spectacular landscapes in Portugal, to the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores, for unrivalled ocean vistas.

Algarve

The Algarve has long been a favorite with retirees, with its unrivaled coastline, mild climate in which to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year, and strong expat community.

This breathtaking destination regularly tops charts of the best regions to retire to – and with good reason. In many ways, the Algarve is geared to expats and retirees, with English widely spoken, excellent healthcare services, and several senior homes to cater to retirees.

You’ll find several excellent senior living communities in Portugal, and many of these are situated in the Algarve.

Monte da Palhagueira has elevated luxury retirement living to new heights and is located close to the romantic and historic town of Alte. Monte da Palhaguiera is one of the best English-speaking care homes in Portugal. The estate is surrounded by sun-dappled hills and is within 20 minutes of Faro Airport. It also has the only consecrated Anglican church in the area.

You can find out more about the spectacular Algarve region in our article on Algarve Portugal real estate.

Comporta – the Hamptons of Europe

If you are seeking elegant luxury retirement living, then look no further than Comporta, situated a short distance to the south of Lisbon. Affectionately known as the “Hamptons of Europe”, Comporta is one of the stand-out luxury destinations in Portugal.

Here, you have the infamous Cork Tree Residen in Comporta, a groundbreaking sanctuary.

Cork Tree Residences offers a vibrant, elegant lifestyle to residents with upscale amenities that are focused on independent living but that retain a sense of community.

For an overview of Comporta and its vibrant property market, you can check out our article on Comporta real estate.

Lisbon

While the Algarve and Comporta in the southwest of Portugal are top choices for those seeking retirement living by the coast, those looking to be close to a vibrant city may have Lisbon in their sights.

Lisbon is the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, combining rich cultural experiences with state-of-the-art amenities. You are also within striking distance of beautiful beaches, excellent healthcare, and essential services and amenities.

One of the best senior homes close to Lisbon is Life Plan Resorts. At Life Plan Resorts, you’ll have an array of activities on offer – 100 activities in total, from tennis to golf – and you’ll feel part of the community very easily, with rehabilitation, pet spas, and a fine dining restaurant serving up exceptional food. There is also an excellent hotel for family visits to maintain strong family bonds.

If you are looking to retire in one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, Lisbon can deliver. If you are seeking options, consider assisted living in Lisbon, Portugal, where you’ll have several options. You should have no problems finding world-class retirement homes in Lisbon, Portugal.

Porto

Porto, the second largest city in the country, located in the north, is also a top contender, where retirees will enjoy a slightly milder climate, beautiful parks, and a historic charm unlike anywhere else in the country.

Both Lisbon and Porto have all the facilities needed for healthy seniors and have some of the best retirement villages in Portugal close to them. If you are on the hunt for a fine dining restaurant or want to enjoy a museum or art gallery, then living in close proximity to a bustling city means that there is always something to get involved in.

Access to leading golf courses, water sports, and other activities, such as hiking and yoga, is also a key reason why more retirees than ever before are seeking out retirement living options in Portugal’s two biggest cities.

Conclusion - Why Assisted Living in Portugal is a Great Choice for Your Retirement

Assisted living in Portugal offers a lower cost of living, high-quality healthcare (Portugal ranks as having the 23rd best healthcare in the world), and a welcoming atmosphere.

Assisted living homes can be found in Lisbon and the Algarve, amongst other locations, with many offering 24/7 assistance, activities for retirees, and where English is widely spoken.

The country’s mild climate and healthy Mediterranean cuisine add to its appeal, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking a comfortable place to live. These factors have contributed to Portugal being crowned as the number one retirement destination in the 2025 Global Retirement Report.

Find Your Perfect Home for Senior Living with Goldcrest

At Goldcrest, we specialize in the Portuguese property market, giving you the benefit of deep local expertise and access to the best insights and opportunities for buying or renting senior living property in Portugal.

We offer a fully integrated service that goes beyond property search, guiding you through every step of the process to help you settle into your new home.

Our approach is transparent and client-focused. We recommend only what’s in your best interest, drawing on extensive experience to save you time and money. Contact our team today to see how we can make your journey simpler.