Living in Portugal as an American

 

Whether it’s because of the relaxed pace of life, pristine beaches, or the relatively low cost of living in this beautiful western EU country, there are many Americans moving to Portugal from the USA.

Portuguese life offers an array of perks – Portugal is considered in many ways the best country to live in – and US citizens are increasing in number, finding the country to be the perfect place to call home.

If you’re looking to visit Portugal, are thinking of relocating, or are curious about why Portugal is so popular among American expats – or British citizens and other foreign nationals, for that matter – keep reading to find out more about living in Portugal.

Why Expats Are Living in Portugal

While the cost of living in Portugal is relatively low for Americans, expats aren’t pulled in by financial reasons alone. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, beautiful landscapes, and friendly locals, Americans come to love the vibrant local culture of this Western European Union (EU) country.

Factor in good food found in traditional Portuguese restaurants, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle in Southern Europe, plus the fact that Portuguese people speak English, and Portugal becomes a firm favorite – indeed, moving to Portugal as an American is, for many, as good as it gets.

Moving to Portugal

There are several reasons why Americans are seeking to relocate to Portugal. Here, we delve into some of the most prevalent reasons why this beautiful country is becoming a haven for American expats.

• Cost of living: Compared to the US, the cost of living in Portugal is relatively cheap, even if prices are rising in Lisbon in particular. Portugal is also affordable compared to other Mediterranean countries.
• Welcoming people: The Portuguese are renowned for their friendliness, and in general, they speak very good English. This is important for US expats looking to navigate a new country. Also, as there is a big American expat community, there is a supportive network for newcomers.
• Good healthcare system: Portugal has a very good healthcare system that extends to all legal residents. Both public and private healthcare are very affordable when compared with healthcare in the US.
• A safe and stable country: Portugal ranked as the seventh safest country in the world according to the 2023 Global Peace Index and has very low crime rates.
• Climate: Many expats move to Portugal for its pleasant climate, stunning landscapes, and pristine beaches. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing; even in winter, the sun will welcome you outside. It rarely gets extremely hot by the coast, given the cooling breeze of the Atlantic.

International schools

American families moving to Portugal may want to enroll their children in a school that teaches in English or offers a British curriculum and that offers Portuguese in addition. When looking into American schools in Portugal, you should know that there are many excellent international schools in the country, particularly in Lisbon and Porto.

Two very good options to consider in the Lisbon area are the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon and the International Schools of Cascais.

The American Embassy in Portugal

The American Embassy can be found in Lisbon for US citizens who need consular services. Note that if you are coming to the embassy for a routine matter, then you should schedule an appointment ahead of time online on the US Embassy website.

For a more urgent situation, you can go directly to US Citizen Services, then you can go to the US Embassy, located at Avenida das Forças in Sete-Rios. Take the blue line on Lisbon’s Metro to get there.

For the full list of services and more information for US citizens, you can consult the website or email [email protected].

Living in Portugal as an Expat: Pros and Cons

There are numerous advantages to living in Portugal as an expat: Warm weather, golden beaches, breathtaking scenery, a low crime rate, a relatively low cost of living, and a great quality of life. The Portugal healthcare and education systems are well-developed, and Portuguese residents can benefit from tax exemptions. Some disadvantages include the need to learn the Portuguese language and needing to carry cash on you in some situations.

Advantages of living in Portugal (pros)

Outlined above are just a few of the advantages of moving to Portugal. Here, we’ll discuss the main advantages that attract expats from all over the world.

Warm climate

While the climate does vary from region to region, Portugal’s overall climate is quite warm. The northeast is known for long, warm summers, while the northwest is known for having more rain. Southern Portugal is known to be drier.

The warmest season in Portugal lasts from around mid-June to late September, with daily average temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius (78 degrees F).

These months are also the sunniest. In Lisbon, the average daily temperature during winter is around 14 degrees C (57.2 Degrees F). If you’re looking for a snowy winter, the mountainous areas are sure to deliver.

Entertainment and recreation

Portugal is host to endless sights and activities to keep you entertained during your time there. You can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, explore the mountain ranges, visit castles and fortresses, and go hiking. You could even take your lead from the locals who enjoy fishing, surfing, and diving.

In 2020, Portugal received 26 World Travel Awards for its attractions, beaches, and resorts. The Algarve region was selected by Portuguese citizens and tourists alike as the ideal location to relax along the coast. Of all the European countries, Portugal received the title of Europe’s best tourism destination.

Safety and low crime rate

In 2023, Portugal secured the 7th position on the Global Peace Index, underscoring the country’s commitment to peace and social harmony. With a low crime rate, Portugal provides a safe haven for residents and visitors alike.

The warm hospitality of the Portuguese people adds to the appeal, creating a welcoming atmosphere for tourists and expats that have come to call Portugal their home.

By choosing this Western European country as their residence, many foreigners discover a unique combination of safety, the unique Portugal quality of life, and a rich cultural experience. This makes Portugal one of the most attractive destinations globally for both living and tourism.

The country’s charm extends beyond its peaceful environment, offering a diverse range of natural landscapes, historic cities, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether drawn to the stunning beaches, picturesque mountains, or the renowned culinary offerings, those who make Portugal their home often find a harmonious blend of security and cultural richness in this captivating European destination.

Affordable cost of living

As with any country, the cost of living in Portugal varies depending on the area you live in and the lifestyle you lead. In general, however, the cost of living in Portugal is relatively low compared to other countries in Western Europe.

The table below will give you an idea of the average prices that make Portugal an affordable country.

*Numbers are estimates and can differ from city to city.

Quality education

In terms of education, Portugal offers high-quality secondary and higher education systems. In fact, degrees from Portuguese universities are recognized in the EU, making it easier for graduates looking to work in other EU countries.

Many university courses are taught in both Portuguese and English, although English courses are not available at every institution. They are also more expensive. Portugal applies the standards of the European Bologna System in its higher education system. You can read more about universities in Portugal in our article: Universities in Portugal.

Excellent healthcare

The Global Health Expenditure 2023 states that Portugal spends about 9.53 percent of its GDP per annum on healthcare. The Portuguese healthcare system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) is generally excellent.

You can uncover the secrets of the Portuguese healthcare system in our easy-to-digest guide, put together by our partners, Global Citizen Solutions.

Medical care is free at public hospitals and is available to both Portuguese citizens and Portuguese residents. In healthcare clinics with private health insurance, you can benefit from a higher level of service and the ability to get appointments faster than in public hospitals.

You can also have consultations with your doctor over the phone.

There are different private health insurance policies available in Portugal, offering different packages at different prices. Most of them cover a good portion of the full cost of treatment. Americans moving to Portugal will be pleasantly surprised by the affordability of private health insurance options in Portugal.

English is widely spoken

English is widely spoken among Portuguese people, making it easy to communicate even if you are not fluent in European Portuguese.

Quality of life

Portugal is a country that offers much in the way of the pace of life. With a generally slow pace present in the country, you can still get your fix of the hustle and bustle in cities like Lisbon or enjoy a more laidback lifestyle in places like the Algarve.

Disadvantages of living in Portugal (cons)

As with most countries in the world, the advantages of living there are accompanied by some disadvantages. When moving to any country, it is crucial to understand the drawbacks. Here are some of the bad things about living in Portugal.

Learning Portuguese

While the English language is widely spoken in Portugal, and most speak English, you will need to learn European Portuguese as an expat living there. Many people in government offices speak Portuguese and are not familiar with English, making it slightly harder to get things done if you or someone with you does not speak a basic level of the Portuguese language.

While this can be daunting, it’s never a bad idea to learn the official language of the country you live in. If you are to learn Portugeuse, locals usually go out of their way to assist you with mastering the language.

Cards versus cash

The Multibanco system issues bank cards in Portugal, and Visa and MasterCards are not accepted everywhere. It is advisable to, therefore, carry cash with you and check whether an international bank card is accepted. It is also recommended to open a Portuguese bank account in the first few months of moving to Portugal.

The weather

The Portuguese climate does not have extreme changes from one season to the next. It also varies between regions. Generally, winters are rainy with little snow and in summer, temperatures can rise to 40 degrees C (104 degrees F).

Lack of central heating

Apartments are generally cold inside during the winter, as there is no central heating. In order to stay warm, you will need to purchase heaters.

Bureaucracy and pace of life

Portuguese bureaucracy is a point of concern whether you’re a Portuguese citizen, a Portuguese resident, or a foreigner. Appointments can be difficult to get, applications can move slowly, and paperwork takes time. This is important to remember if you are used to a faster pace in your home country.

Portugal offers a slow pace of life that may not appeal to everyone. Local residents do not hurry and so can often be unpunctual. In keeping with the country’s culture of taking lunchtime off, shops and restaurants often close for a couple of hours in the middle of the day. In addition to this, almost all of them close on Sundays.

Closing Insights: How to Move to Portugal from USA

Living in Portugal offers a variety of advantages for those considering the move. According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, Portugal ranks in seventh position, proving safety and tranquility as a reassuring factor for many young families, retirees, and digital nomads leaning towards expat Portugal.

Portugal’s diverse climate caters to varied preferences, with northern regions offering an average temperature of 10-12 Degrees C (50-54 Degrees F) and the southern parts providing a warmer 16-18 Degrees C (60-65-54 Degrees F) on average.

The immigration process for foreign citizens to Portugal is notably straightforward, welcoming expats through various visa options. A few of these options include the residence by investment program, the Portugal Golden Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) for remote workers not earning Portuguese salaries and digital nomads, and the Portugal D7 Visa for retirees without Portuguese source incomes and those earning a sufficient passive income into their bank account.

With the right assistance from a migration agency or buyers agent who can help with the entire process from finding a home to purchase or rent, setting up a bank account, and translating and simplifying all the paperwork, the pathway to living in Portugal and eventually Portuguese citizenship, for entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and those pursuing a temporary stay can be easily navigated.

Whether it’s the low cost of living, the pleasant climate, or simply looking for a fresh start in a delightful country, Portugal offers non-EU citizens a vibrant expat community across regions like Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto and a welcoming home within the European Union.