Living in Braga: A Guide for Foreigners

Where is Braga and what is it known for?

Located about a 45-minute drive northeast of Porto, you’ll find Braga, an ancient city, which is often regarded as the historical and religious center of the country, with many architectural masterpieces to explore and a colorful culture to experience.

The city is known for its high lifestyle quality and as being the vibrant capital of the Minho Province in Portugal, well known for its delectable Vinho Verde wine.

In close proximity to the Spanish border, Braga is a convenient springboard for a weekend visit to Spain or to uncover the natural delights of Northern Portugal, such as the stunning  Peneda-Gerês National Park, the only national park in Portugal.

How to Live in Braga as a Foreign Citizen: Residence Permits and Visas

Living in Braga as an expat is the reality for many foreigners from all walks of life and nationalities. Depending on your country of origin, there are different routes to Portuguese residency.

Living in Braga as an EU citizen

As a European citizen, the freedom to travel, live, and work within the member states is yours. Moving to another member state of the European Union (EU) is relatively straightforward, and you won’t need a visa to remain in the country.

After three months (before which you are technically a tourist), you must apply for residency to stay longer in the country. You can get a residency card from any local town hall, given that you have your national ID card or a passport for identification. You also have to get your national tax identification number (NIF) for financial and tax purposes.

Living in Braga as a non-EU citizen

As a non-EU citizen, you are subjected to more bureaucracy and some administrative steps before a Portuguese residency card can be yours. This will take a little longer and may seem complicated, but there is plenty of expert advice available to make your route to residency seamless. Three popular options are the Portugal Golden Visa (for investors), D7 Visa (for retirees), and Digital Nomad Visa (for retirees), which we expand on below. 

Our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions, has experts who can help you realize your dream of living in Portugal and answer all your questions before you start the relocation process.

The Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal has one of the most attractive Golden Visa programs with exceptional opportunities for eligible candidates, with its residency-by-investment scheme being one of the most popular investment programs in the international market. The following investment options are available for eligible expats:

• Investment funds (from €500,000)
• An investment of €250,000 in support of the arts or the reconstruction of national heritage
• A contribution to scientific research (from €500,000)

For a full list and more details of Golden Visa options, you can consult our guide on the Portugal Golden Visa.

The D7 Visa (retirement Visa)

Making a substantial investment may not be a viable option for some, so Portugal’s D7 Visa is a great alternative for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens. Through this visa, you will gain access to residency in Portugal as long as you have enough income to live independently.

You will need to prove that you earn at least €870 per month in passive income, although this income doesn’t need to come from employment in Portugal. Passive income can include pensions, making it a popular option for retirees. 

Our comprehensive article and guide on Portugal’s D7 Visa will give you more details about this residency route.

The Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa)

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to relocate to Portugal, provided they earn four times the Portuguese minimum wage of at least €3,480 per month and that it comes from a non-Portuguese company or that they are self-employed.

You can find out more in our guide to the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.

How much do you actually need to live in Braga?

Expenses in Portugal are lower than in most other European countries. And even by Portugal’s standards, the cost of living in Braga is considered low, particularly when compared with Lisbon and Porto. 

Accommodation

Braga’s accommodation prices are reasonable and cheaper than in Portugal’s major cities. The rental of a one-bedroom apartment is around €800 per month in the center of Braga and €610 per month outside the center. In 2025, prices per square meter for buying real estate in Braga average at €2,442 in the center and €1,722 outside Braga’s city center, acording to Numbeo.

Food

In Portugal, the cost of groceries is cheaper than in many other European countries. Of course, it depends on an individual’s or family’s lifestyle and requirements.

The table below gives an overview of prices of basic food items:

Bom Jesus do Monte

Steeped in its Christian roots, Bom Jesus do Monte (Good Jesus of the Mount) is located on a hill outside Braga’s city center. Although within walking distance, you can also get there by public transport and enjoy the breathtaking views across Braga. 

Here you can find bigger and more luxurious real estate, and life in Bom Jesus do Monte is for those who enjoy a slower and quieter pace of life.  

Maximinos, Sé e Cividade

A relatively young neighborhood, born in 2013 through the merging of the two quarters, Maximinos and Sé e Cividade, this area of Braga is home to many historical buildings and houses. Many of them have been renovated, making this neighborhood a perfect location to set up a new home.

Briteiros, Vila Verde em Espinho

Located outside Braga’s city center, Briteiros, Vila Verde em Espinho provides everything its residents need, meaning its ideal for families and those who don’t want to be in the middle of a busy city. However, good public transport links, one of Portugal’s strengths, ensure you can reach Braga’s center in no time.

Is Braga safe to live in?

Portugal, as a country, is well-known for its friendly citizens and welcoming locals. It’s also listed as number seven in the Global Peace Index 2025, making it one of the safest places to live in the world. In comparison, the UK clocked in at number 34, and the USA ranked in 129th position on the list. Living in Braga as an American or a UK citizen can be considered to offer a safer lifestyle.

Crime in Braga, Portugal, is low, although, as with every European city, common sense for personal safety is always recommended. You’ll find the city as welcoming and tolerant as Portugal’s other cities, which are far less dangerous than other European cities.

Buying or Renting a House in Braga as a Foreigner

Whether you’re after a rental in Braga or are looking for houses for sale, you’ll have plenty of options available for any budget. 

Buying a home in Braga

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can buy reasonably priced real estate in Braga, be it an apartment, a townhouse, or a bigger family home. Luxury properties and villas are also available, and you can read more in our article Braga, Portugal Real Estate.

Buying property in Braga follows the same rules for foreigners as in the rest of Portugal, and you can find a detailed guide to everything you need to know in our Three Key Essentials To Buying Property in Portugal guide. 

Renting a house in Braga

For a less permanent living solution, there are plenty of places to rent in Braga and its beautiful neighborhoods. Check out Airbnb to find a place if you’re staying short-term and want to get used to Braga. Rentola and Idealista are great starting points once you’re ready to look for long-term rentals, but don’t forget to check local Facebook groups, which can also be helpful.

Schools

Expats looking to relocate with children will be pleased to know that Portugal’s education system is excellent and that there are both public and international schools available to choose from. 

In Braga’s district of Gualtar, you can find schools and a university, and one international school, the Braga International School. The latter follows an English curriculum and caters to children between three and eighteen years of age. 

Braga is not only the perfect city for families, it’s also a great place for young people. Braga is a popular university town and therefore has a great international scene. Everyday life is exciting in northern Portugal, with affordable and good transport links and Porto airport close by, making Portugal’s oldest city a desirable place for many young people.

Eating out

Portugal’s cuisine is known for being of exceptional quality, but fresh and wholesome food doesn’t mean an extortionate price tag. This is especially the case for the north of Portugal, where prices are generally lower than in the south. 

Meals at inexpensive restaurants start from €8*, and you can enjoy a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for €15* per person. A regular cappuccino costs around €1.57*, and a half liter of beer circa €1.70*.

Shopping

Braga is a great place to shop, whether you’re looking for high street brands or authentic Portuguese market stalls. Braga is a treasure trove for small independent and local shops and boutiques where you can find anything from handmade goods to food and drink.

We’d recommend the Mercado Municipal, a traditional market in the north of the city, where you can experience Portugal in all its authenticity. 

Language

English is widely spoken in Portugal, although not as an official language. As Braga is a university city with around 20,000 students, you’ll find it easy to communicate, as the younger generations speak excellent English.

Of course, nothing beats speaking the Portuguese language to impress the locals and to allow for a more authentic experience as an expat.

Festivals and attractions

Braga’s cultural and heritage means that there are lots of festivals, attractions, and events throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in traditional and cultural events, theatre, art exhibitions, music, or religious occasions, Braga has something for everyone.

• Semana Santa is an annual occurrence over the Easter festivities, commemorating religious events. It’s a great time to visit Braga’s many churches and cathedrals and enjoy the beautiful decorations around the city.
• Braga Romana festival remembers Braga’s historic Roman roots and is marked by a Roman market every year at the beginning of June.
• Towards the end of June, you can enjoy the impressive São Joao street party in honor of St John the Baptist and celebrate the arrival of mid-summer.
• In July, theatre lovers will enjoy Mimarte, Braga’s theatre festival, and amongst traditional performances on stages, you can also expect street theatre and improvised performances.
• Throughout the year, you can attend music events and festivals; some of the most notable are the Braga Jazz Festival and International Music Day.

Healthcare in Portugal

Portugal’s healthcare is considered one of the best in Europe, and, as a resident, you’ll have full access to it. Alternatively, you may want to get private health insurance which is cheaper than in most other European countries and is also excellent. For more in-depth information on Portuguese healthcare, read our article on Portugal Healthcare: All You Need to Know.

Transportation in Braga

Transportation in Portugal is excellent and an affordable way to get from city to city and across the country. Braga’s local public transport system is well-connected with other cities, too, and you’re only a train ride away from Porto, where you also find the nearest international airport. 

Although Braga is a smaller city and you can walk to most places, buses are readily available, and a monthly pass costs only around €26.75*.

*The above costs are from Numbeo.

Weather in Braga

Braga’s northern location means that summers are short and hot, but winters can be cold and wet. Generally, annual temperatures vary between 6 degrees C to 27 degrees C (42 degrees F to 80 degrees F), so make sure you take appropriate clothing for each season.

Pros and Cons of Living in Braga

So, is Braga a good place to live? As with every city, there are advantages and drawbacks. Below, we give a brief overview of the pros and cons of living in Braga.

Advantages

Braga is an exciting and vibrant city with plenty to offer for people from all walks of life. Some of its biggest advantages are:

• High standard of living at an affordable cost in Portugal’s oldest city
• A variety of business opportunities, also for foreign language speakers
• A thriving job market with a focus on tech and innovation, and with a growing economy
• A versatile place with historical monuments and modern properties alike
• A safe and friendly city
• Less busy than big cities such as Lisbon and Porto
• A good climate with warm summers and cooler winter months
• A wide variety of cultural events and festivals
• An authentic hub of Portuguese culture
• Committed to innovation, such as with INL (International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory)

Resident access to the national health service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) or affordable private healthcare

Drawbacks

No place is perfect, and there are some realistic but manageable cons to living in Braga, Portugal:

• Bureaucracy can be time-consuming
• Less choice than in bigger cities
• Winter months can be cold and wet
• Some rental properties and real estate don’t have central heating for those colder months

Braga vs Lisbon vs Porto: Which is better to live in?

Whether Braga, Lisbon, or Porto is better for you will depend on your lifestyle and preferences, with each city offering a different vibe.

• Lisbon: The capital city is buzzing with a vibrant culture, strong expat communities, excellent international schools, and incredible beaches nearby. The cost of living is, however, much higher (35 higher in Lisbon compared with Braga, including rent).
• Porto: Portugal’s second largest city is for history lovers, where you’ll find beautiful architecture and a more community feel compared with Lisbon. Porto is around 15 percent higher than Braga, including rent.
• Braga: The most affordable city of the three, with a rich history, high quality of life, and excellent gastronomy. Braga has fast become a thriving tech hub, offering lower labor costs and a highly skilled workforce. Braga and Porto are in Northern Portugal, and the climate is cooler than in Lisbon.