Living in Tavira: A Guide for Foreigners

Tavira is a small city in the Algarve region of Portugal, often overlooked by tourists, making it less crowded and a wonderful option to set up life as an expat. This article gives you a comprehensive overview of this stunning southern location with easy access to Faro airport which has an active expat community and is a retirement haven for many expat groups.

Where is Tavira?

Tavira is located in the east of the Algarve, about 30 km (18.6 miles) east of Faro and only 25 km (15.5 miles) from the Spanish border. Although not directly located near the beach, the beautiful Gilão River flows through Tavira, and the Ria Formosa Nature Park is also nearby. Tavira’s stunning beaches can be reached by a short ferry trip or drive from Tavira’s city center.

Top Reasons to Consider Living in Tavira

There are many reasons to choose Tavira as your new home. Whether it’s the beautiful historical buildings, its stunning beaches, the mild climate, or its proximity to busy cities with lots of job opportunities: Tavira is sure to offer something for everyone. Read our free report below to learn all about this excellent Portuguese town.

Close to major business hubs

The Algarve region is known for its beautiful beaches and is a desirable tourist destination. Although the hospitality industry plays a vital role in this region, other businesses have also recognized this region’s potential to set up a variety of new businesses. Tavira may not be a central location for enterprises; however, it is surrounded by other cities that are home to great businesses and job opportunities. 

Tavira is not far from Faro, Albufeira, and Portimão, all important business links of Portugal, which made the list of the top 25 business locations in the country. Therefore, Tavira may be perfect for those who prefer a relaxed lifestyle outside of work yet are close to major business hubs.

A safe and tolerant place

Tavira, like the rest of Portugal, is generally considered a safe and tolerant place. The country has low levels of crime and is well known for its friendly and welcoming culture towards tourists and diverse communities. However, like in any other place, it’s always advisable to take the usual precautions to ensure personal safety and to respect local laws and customs.

Historic city

Tavira’s history is eclectic and rich, having been inhabited by a variety of different cultures over the centuries. As a result, the city has a diverse architectural heritage, with influences from different eras and styles.

Some of Tavira’s most impressive historic landmarks include its 13th-century castle, the 16th-century Ponte Romana bridge (Roman bridge), and the Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, a church built on the site of an old Moorish mosque. The city also has a number of museums and cultural institutions, including the Museu Municipal de Tavira, which showcases the city’s history and culture.

Tax benefits

Expats often choose to relocate to Portugal due to its affordability, and the country’s non-habitual tax regime (NHR) offers exclusive and attractive tax benefits that may be available to them.

Under the NHR tax regime, some professions are eligible for tax exemptions, and individuals who earn income from other countries may not need to pay tax in Portugal. You can find further information, including the Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs), in our comprehensive guide about the Portugal NHR Program.

A great place to retire

Depending on your personal circumstances and requirements, Tavira can be an excellent place to retire. Its tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, offering a slower pace of life, can appeal to retirees. For further information, read the Retirement Guide for the Algarve.

Renting a house in Tavira

Depending on how long you’d like to rent for, you may want to consult different websites. Airbnb is great for finding short-term rental solutions and getting used to the city. For long-term rentals, consult Idealista and Kyero, or check out local Facebook groups. 

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

Living in Portugal as an expat requires some planning and knowing which documents you need, depending on your international status. The section below provides a brief overview and useful links to more in-depth information.

Living in Tavira as an EU citizen

Citizen of the European Union (EU), enjoy the freedom to travel, live and work within any member state. If you want to stay longer than three months in Portugal, you will need to apply for a residence card, which you can do at any of the town halls in the country.

All you need is valid health insurance to register for your national tax identification number (NIF) and prove that you are financially stable and independent, although your income can come from outside of Portugal.

Living in Tavira as a non-EU citizen

Life in Tavira as a non-EU resident requires a little more planning and, ideally, the help of a residency agency, which can make sure that there are no unpleasant surprises in the process. Global Citizen Solutions, which is our residency and citizenship division, is run by experts in the field who can help non-EU citizens secure residency cards. 

Living in Tavira with the Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers a great way for eligible candidates to initially stay in the country for up to five years and thereafter apply for citizenship. It is one of the most popular residency-by-investment schemes worldwide, and there are multiple options to choose from:

• Investment funds (from €500,000)
• An investment of €250,000 in support of the arts or reconstruction of national heritage. This is reduced to €200,000 if investing in a designated low-density area. 
• A contribution to scientific research (from €500,000)

For a full list and more details of Golden Visa options, consult our Portugal Golden Visa: Your Ultimate Guide 2023. 

Living in Tavira with the D7 Visa

Making a large monetary investment is not possible for many people, but the D7 Visa is a great alternative for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens. To qualify, you need to show that you earn at least €760 per month. This amount can come from a pension fund or other passive income. For more in-depth information, read our guide on Portugal’s D7 Visa. 

Living in Tavira with the Digital Nomad Portugal Visa

Portugal’s great infrastructure, access to high-speed internet, low cost-of-living, laid-back lifestyle, mild climate, and friendly locals make it popular with a rising number of digital nomads. 

The relatively new Digital Nomad Portugal Visa is the perfect solution for remote workers from non-EU/ non-EEA countries, given they earn at least €2,800 per month. More detailed information can be found in our ultimate guide on Portugal for Digital Nomads.

Food

Your weekly food bill depends on your needs and habits, but overall, you can expect the prices for essentials to be cheaper than in other European countries. The list below gives a quick overview of some everyday items in Tavira Portugal.

*The above costs are from Numbeo.

Eating out

Portugal is well-known for its exceptional cuisine, especially its fresh produce. Living near the sea has the added benefit of having regular access to fresh fish and seafood. The bonus: You won’t have to shell out a premium price for top-quality meals.

For only €9* per head, you can eat in a regular restaurant, and if you fancy a three-course meal at a mid-range place, this may cost around €25 per person. Drinks are equally reasonably priced, with half a liter of beer costing € 2* and a soft drink around €1.35*.

Those who fancy a taste of English-speaking hospitality will find the Irish bar and grill Black Anchor at the Gilão River, where locals and expats alike enjoy card games and a glass of wine or beer on warm summer evenings.

*The above costs are from Numbeo.

Transportation

Portugal’s public transport system is well-developed and very affordable. A single ticket for the bus or train costs, on average, between €1.45 and €3.75, depending on the length of your journey. An unlimited monthly pass is €47.04, which is ideal for those who make frequent use of local transport. 

*The above costs are from Numbeo.

Schools

Tavira provides a range of educational options for families with children. Public schools for all ages are widely available, but be aware that these follow the Portuguese curriculum, and the main language is Portuguese.

Private schools offering international curricula are plentiful in the Algarve, where students can study in both English and Portuguese. Tavira has its own international school, the Colégio Santiago Internacional Tavira, and other schools are a little further afield. Fees are set by the individual schools, and you may have to contact them directly for further information.

Shopping

Whether you’re looking for fresh food from local markets, need to stock up on groceries from the supermarket, or fancy a shopping trip for clothes or homeware, Tavira caters to it all. Mercado Municipal de Tavira is your go-to for all fresh produce and also a great way to experience real Portuguese life. 

You can spend Saturday mornings strolling around markets, soaking in the local culture of real life in the eastern Algarve. And just about an hour away is Forum Algarve, in case you prefer a day out to shop and explore shops outside of Tavira.

Healthcare

Portugal’s public and private healthcare are amongst the best in the world. Its public health service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) is similar to that in the UK and Canada, and is a free or low-cost system available to legal residents. 

Expats often choose private healthcare in the first instance and have access to some great general practitioners and hospitals without paying extortionate prices. More details can be found in our guide on Portugal Healthcare: All You Need to Know.

Language

Tavira’s primary language is Portuguese, but English is also widely spoken to cater to tourists and international visitors. Learning Portugal’s official language is highly recommended, making your life in Tavira more authentic and forming lasting relationships with locals.

Tavira also has an abundance of attractions; some of the most iconic are listed below:

 – Ponte Antigua Sobre o Rio Gilão – Tavira’s beautiful Roman bridge
 – Camera Obscura (Tavira Eye) located on an abandoned water tower
 – Igreja da Misericórdia – a church with a bell tower from which beautiful views of the city can be enjoyed
 – Igreja Santa Maria do Castelo – an impressive, historical church
 – Praca da Republica – Tavira’s charming public square, with lots of cafes and restaurants nearby

Life in Tavira Portugal: Pros and Cons

Tavira is a beautiful city for expats, whether they come with families, to work remotely or seek to retire. The pros of  Tavira outweigh the cons, but it’s good to have the full picture before making the move. 

Advantages

• A relatively small city with picturesque streets, a rich history and lots of cultural attractions
• Easy access to other fantastic cities in the Algarve
• Fewer tourists than in other southern cities
• A great place to retire overseas
• Close to Faro Airport
• Close to the Spanish border
• Beautiful beaches and natural parks such as the Ilha de Tavira and Ria Formosa
• The beautiful Gilão river and many natural parks to enjoy
• A close-knit expat community

Drawbacks

• Tavira’s beaches are outside the center
• It’s more expensive than the north of Portugal

The Bottom Line on Life in Tavira

In summary, Tavira is an excellent place to relocate to, especially if you want to settle in the Algarve. Tavira may not be located directly by the sea, but it’s, therefore, less touristy, and its stunning beaches are only a short drive away. 

River Gilão is a great alternative and many expats enjoy strolls along its banks. What’s more, this eclectic town has got a rich and diverse history, charming streets, and plenty of cultural attractions to explore.

Moreover, Tavira’s cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other European cities, making it an appealing option for those on a fixed income. The town has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private healthcare options available.

Its mild climate is another bonus, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year, which can be a significant draw for retirees, families, a growing expat community, or digital nomads who seek warmer weather. 

After reading this free report, why not book a non-binding call with us to explore your eligibility and options, to bring you one step closer to unlocking your dream expat life in Portugal?