Exploring Portugal Expat Communities: Making Portugal Your New Home

Portugal stands out for expats seeking a European country to relocate to, offering a rich history, warm climate, modern amenities, and an incredible variety of natural landscapes, from its 174km stunning coastline to lush green valleys. The fact that Portugal is considered one of the most welcoming countries and that English is widely spoken (Portugal ranks in sixth position in the English Proficiency Index) solidifies its appeal.

However, as welcoming as any country can be, it can take time to establish a close network of friends to make you feel at home, and Portugal expat communities will make the transition easier, not only to enjoy activities, but to swap tips and make it easier to integrate into local life.

Why Portugal? 

Portugal’s affordable cost of living, high-quality healthcare and education, and gorgeous beaches are just some of the advantages of moving to Portugal. The country is well-connected with strong public transportation links and three international airports on mainland Portugal, in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro.

Expats from all walks of life are moving to Portugal, including retirees, families, remote workers, entrepreneurs, and investors. You’ll find large expat communities in many areas, such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. There are more than 51 very good international schools in Portugal, making the country increasingly popular with families, while the public healthcare system (SNS) and private healthcare options are also excellent, ranking 23rd in the world in Numbeo’s 2025 Mid-Year Health Care Index.

Choosing the Right Location in Portugal

Knowing which part of Portugal is right for you can take some commitment to research to discover which city or region is best suited to your lifestyle preferences.

Below are some of the best places to live in Portugal, where you’ll find the largest expat communities.

• Lisbon, Portugal’s captivating capital city, is ideal for those seeking city life in the beating heart of the country. There is always a new museum, art gallery, or restaurant to check out and a thriving expat community that makes integration easy. While the city center is stunning with many cultural attractions, many expats choose to live nearby in neighborhoods such as Oeiras, where there are more affordable and spacious properties. When it comes to senior living, there are many available retirement homes in Lisbon, Portugal.
• Cascais, the famous seaside town a short drive from Lisbon, is a firm favorite with lifestyle buyers seeking close proximity to Portugal’s capital, beautiful beaches a stone’s throw away, and exceptional seafood.
• Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is perfectly suited to expats that has really come into its own in the past few years. You’ll find exceptional restaurants, co-working cafés, and a growing expat community. Porto is very different from Lisbon, offering a more community atmosphere, where the locals are noted as being very welcoming to foreigners. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, testimony to the beauty of the city.
• Vila Nova de Gaia: Opposite Porto, on the other side of the Douro River, Gaia is also a strong contender for expats, where you’ll find modern amenities, access to beautiful beaches, and be able to enjoy stunning views of Porto. Gaia is where the famous port wine houses are located.
• The Algarve: Many Brits are moving to Portugal from the UK, especially to the Algarve. The region has golden beaches, a warm climate, and a high quality of life. You’ll find thriving expat communities in the major cities, such as Faro, Albufeira, Portimão, Vilamoura, and Lagos. Lagos has become popular with American expats in recent years, with many properties here having incredible ocean views. For a more peaceful lifestyle in the Algarve, Tavira, in the east, and the stretch of coastline close to the Spanish border, is an attractive location.
• The Silver Coast, the coastline between Lisbon and Porto, is increasingly attracting expats, with towns such as Nazaré, Peniche, and Ericeira each stunning in their own way. With dramatic coastlines, quiet beaches, and a more local way of life, expats seeking an authentics ide of Portugal and to get under the skin of Portuguese culture should consider the Silver Coast.

If you are considering living in Portugal, the list above is by no means exhaustive, and you’ll also find thriving expat communities elsewhere, such as on Madeira and the Azores, the two autonomous islands of Portugal.

Cities such as Coimbra and Aveiro in Central Portugal are also becoming popular, due to their historic charm and reasonable prices, while Comporta and Melides on the Alentejo Coast are also promising locations for those seeking the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and simplicity in the midst of nature.

Northern Portugal is also becoming more popular with foreign buyers, with Braga and the Douro Valley being appealing locations. Braga has become a leading tech hub in recent years, while the Douro Valley offers spacious properties in Portugal’s beloved wine making region.

Expat Communities in Portugal

Portugal has a thriving expat community, with data from AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, showing that there are now more than 1.5 million foreign nationals in Portugal.

Portugal expat communities are supportive and welcoming, with many expat groups, local events, and cultural events organized to help fellow internationals integrate and transition easily to the Portuguese lifestyle, embracing cultural differences and navigating everything from the most stunning beaches to bureaucracy.

Some groups include:

• Facebook groups, such as Expat Community Portugal and Americans in Portugal: The Expat Group
• InterNations
• Meetup
• Expats Portugal

You’ll also find a wide range of events and workshops tailored to expats, such as hands on, offering everything from cooking classes to yoga lessons. Participating in events can be the best way to get to know fellow expats and establish your close network of friends in Portugal.

Cost of Living a big draw for American expats

The cost of living in Portugal in 2025 remains affordable compared with many other European countries, despite rising prices in recent years. Alongside Portugal’s vibrant cultural scene, rich heritage, slower pace, mild climate, and safety (Portugal ranks in seventh position in the 2025 Global Peace Index), the low cost of living is one of the major draws for Americans moving to Portugal.

Portugal is around 29 percent more affordable than the USA, according to Numbeo, 28 percent cheaper than France, and 27 percent lower than the UK, excluding rent. Everything from healthcare to dining out in restaurants is considered more affordable than in neighboring countries.

Bear in mind that property prices in Lisbon are more expensive than in other parts of the country, but by committing to research and working with real estate professionals well-versed in the market, you should be able to find a good deal. House prices in Portugal generally remain much more affordable than in other countries in Western Europe.

The low cost of living is a big draw for retirees. You will find large retiree expat communities in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Also, some of the best luxury care homes in Portugal can be found in these locations.