Your Complete Guide to Retire in Braga, Portugal

What is the best place to retire to in Portugal? While the Algarve may first come to mind, with its sublime climate and year-round sunshine, or even the captivating cities of Lisbon and Porto, those looking for a quieter part of the country to call home, may find that Braga, a captivating city in Northern Portugal close to the Spanish border, could be the ideal place.

In 2024, Braga has been pinpointed as one of the top ten cities with the best quality of life, in a study coordinated by the European Commission. In this practical guide on how to retire in Braga, we’ll unravel just why Braga could be the ultimate retirement spot, touching upon the many benefits of retiring here, in addition to practical information to provide a seamless transition to Portuguese life in this historic city.

Why retire in Braga?

Portugal has recently been unveiled as the second safest country to retire to in a recent study on the best countries to retire to for US citizens by Global Citizen Solutions, our residency and citizenship division. And for those considering retiring in Portugal and are not quite sure which part of the country to opt for, Braga is a true contender.  

Braga is for those seeking a quiet part of Portugal to relocate to, where residents can enjoy a high quality of life due to the charming city’s rich culture, gastronomy, and excellent infrastructure.  

Below, we share five key reasons as to why you should consider retiring to this splendid city in the north. We’ll delve into these a little later in greater detail later in the article. 

• Mild climate: Braga enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it comfortable year-round. This is in contrast to some of the other popular locations in Portugal, such as the Algarve, which can get very warm in the summer months.  
• Affordable cost of living Compared to cities in many other European countries, Braga offers a relatively low cost of living, including affordable housing, dining, and groceries.  
• Rich cultural heritage: Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, with stunning architecture and designs. For history lovers, exploring this part of the country is a great place to get to grips with the country’s rich history, and the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is unlike any other, while cultural events throughout the year ensure that local customs remain.  
• Excellent healthcare: Portugal has a high standard of healthcare, and Braga is well-served with modern hospitals and clinics, ensuring quality medical care for retirees. 
• Friendly community and safety: According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Portugal ranks as the seventh safest country in the world. Braga is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, and it consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the country, offering peace of mind for retirees. 

Quality of Life in Braga

Living in Braga, you will be able to enjoy a high quality of life which can be seen in the accolades that it has received over the past ten years. Back in 2016, Braga was voted the city with the best quality of life in Portugal, while in 2018, it was designated as the European City of Sport and an example of promoting sport for all. A few years later, the city earned the title of UNESCO Creative City in the Media Arts, has been noted as being Portugal’s happiest city, and is regularly in conversations about the top European cities to visit.

In 2024, as we mentioned, a study by the European Commission pinpointed the city as being one of the top ten based on quality of life, highlighting that Braga remains one of the best spots in Europe for those chasing a top-quality lifestyle.

Cost of Living in Braga

The cost of living in Braga is more affordable than in other parts of Portugal. Plus, if you compare prices here with the equivalent in other Western European countries or the USA, you will likely be surprised by just how affordable the city is, helping you stretch out your pension or savings further.

To provide you with some examples, rent in Braga is 46 percent lower than in Lisbon, restaurant prices are 17 percent lower, and grocery prices are 13 percent lower. When comparing Braga with London, UK, rent is 73 percent lower, while restaurant prices and groceries are 51 percent and 36 percent lower, respectively. And for Americans looking to see how Braga compares with back home, rent is 73 percent lower than in Washington DC, groceries are 52 percent cheaper, and restaurant prices are about 51 percent lower.

Property prices in Braga

Generally, in all aspects, Braga comes out as being more affordable. This also extends to Braga real estate prices. The average asking price for property in Braga currently stands at €1,610 per square meter, being much more affordable than property prices in Lisbon, Porto, and much of the Algarve.

Residency Options to Retire to Braga

Portugal provides appealing residency options for retirees, including the Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Portuguese retirement or passive income visa, and the Portugal Golden Visa, which allows you to secure residency through investment in the country.

For non-EU citizens, the D7 Visa and Golden Visa stand out as excellent choices, with Portugal recognized as one of the easiest EU countries to relocate to. EU citizens, on the other hand, simply need to register at their local town hall after residing in Portugal for three months.

In the following sections, we provide detailed insights into these residency options, helping to make your move to Portugal as smooth as possible. Our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions, will also be happy to hear from you to discuss your options and guide you through the relocation process.

If you decide to move to Portugal, the first step is to obtain a NIF (Portuguese tax number). We also strongly recommend opening a Portuguese bank account to avoid foreign transaction fees.

D7 Visa (Portugal retirement visa)

The D7 Visa, commonly referred to as the retirement or passive income visa, is intended for retirees and expats who can financially sustain themselves in Portugal through passive income streams. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum passive income of €820 per month from sources like pensions, retirement savings, real estate, or other financial assets.

The application process begins at the Portuguese Consulate in the applicant’s home country. Once approved, the applicant is granted a temporary residency permit and must schedule an appointment with the Portuguese Immigration Agency (AIMI) at an official immigration service office to obtain a two-year residency permit, which can be renewed for an additional three years.

After maintaining a valid temporary residence permit for five years, retirees can apply for permanent residency. They may also pursue Portuguese citizenship, provided they meet the legal requirements, such as passing a Portuguese language test and having a clean criminal record.

Portugal Golden Visa

Introduced in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa provides non-EU citizens with a pathway to residency through various investment options, such as qualified investment funds, job creation projects, or contributions to artistic and cultural initiatives. Among these, the Portugal Golden Visa investment funds investment route has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among Americans looking to apply for the program.

A major advantage of the Golden Visa program is its minimal stay requirement—only seven days per year—allowing you to retain Portuguese residency without the need to relocate to Portugal.

Lifestyle in Braga: A City Steeped in History and Culture

Everyday life in Portugal is a dream for many. One of the key attractions for retirees enjoying their golden years in Braga is the peaceful lifestyle that you will find here. While not quite a hidden gem anymore, Braga is an exceptionally calm city. For those seeking a high quality of life, with excellent infrastructure and all the necessary amenities on your doorstep, then Braga is the perfect location.

Braga’s history dates back over 2000 years. For history lovers, you will find the city and surrounding area to be a tapestry of the past. The sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, close to the city, is one of the high points of Portugal, with its impressive baroque staircase, while in the city itself, you will find the Braga Cathedral well worth a visit, the oldest cathedral in Portugal.

The city has a rich culture, a selection of intriguing art galleries, incredible gastronomy – even the Portuguese locals will say that the north of Portugal has the best food in the country – and many incredible festivals throughout the year, such as the Festival of São João, a lively celebration with parades, music, dancing, and firework and the Braga Romana Festival. The Braga Romana Festival is exceptional and will transport you back to the ancient days of the Roman occupation.

You will also find guitar, folk, and jazz music festivals and events that you can enjoy throughout the year. The Minho region is also close by, where the famous Vinho Verde (green wine) hails from, the ultimate accompaniment to any long summer evening.

For nature lovers, you will find stunning natural scenery surrounding the ancient city of Braga, but should you choose to remain in the city, the Braga Municipal Garden is lovely, with a wide assortment of colorful flowers. And, if you are looking to relax in style, you can take a short trip northeast of the city to Caldelas to relax in the thermal baths and enjoy the natural hot springs. You will find some incredible river beaches close by, such as Praia Fluvial de Adaúfe, while if you prefer the ocean, you are just a short 30-minute drive to Portugal’s west coast and beaches such as Praia de Esposende.

Safety in Braga

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking seventh in the 2024 Global Peace Index. Alongside this, a recent study by Global Citizen Solutions has placed Portugal as one of the best countries to retire to, ranking in second position in their Retirement Guide for US Citizens. Braga is one of the safest cities in Portugal, and there is a community feel that may be lost in larger cities such as Lisbon or Porto. Organizations such as the Rotary Club of Braga provide options for getting involved in volunteer roles, with the aim of creating lasting positives in the world and strengthening local communities.

You will feel very safe living here, with low crime rates, clean streets, and locals generally very welcoming to expats choosing this city to relocate to. There is a sense that they are thrilled that you have chosen their city to move to, and you’ll often find locals going out of their way to guide you. While English is not as widely spoken as in Lisbon or Porto, many Portuguese people speak excellent English here. Portugal ranks seventh in the 2023 English Proficiency Index.

Climate in Braga

Braga has a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. Should you be looking to escape the hot temperatures that are more common in the south of Portugal, then Braga could be the place for you.

Average temperatures in winter range from 5 Degrees C to 14 Degrees C (41 Degrees F to 57 Degrees F), while summer temperatures typically span from 15 Degrees C to 27 Degrees C (59 Degrees F to 81 Degrees F). The region benefits from relatively high humidity and moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months usually being from November to February.

Getting Around in Braga

Braga has good transport links, including good bus connections that make it easy to get around in the city and to the surrounding area. Plus, the train to Porto is very quick, usually taking around one hour, and you can easily get to neighboring cities, such as Guimarães.

Should you choose to have a car here, you’ll find it easier to get out and about in nature, to uncover the beauty of northern Portugal. The roads in and around Braga are generally very good and you can easily explore Spain, with charming cities such as Vigo and Pontevedra not far away.

Taxes in Braga for Retirees

While retiring tax-free in Portugal is not an option, the Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) program previously provided substantial tax advantages for foreigners. Although the program has been discontinued, there is a possibility it could be reinstated in some form in the future.

As a tax resident in Portugal, you must declare your worldwide income annually and pay taxes in Portugal, including income tax. If you are an American moving to Portugal, you might face double taxation due to US tax laws.

Regardless of your country of origin, it is strongly recommended to consult with tax specialists to effectively manage your personal tax situation and financial planning, ensuring your tax obligations are properly addressed.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

Goldcrest is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal. We have helped countless retirees and expats from all walks of life snap up the property of their dreams in Portugal. From scouting out properties all the way through to property acquisition, we provide a service tailored to your exact requirements. Should you be seeking out your dream home in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

There is a wide array of property options in and around Braga, from modern properties in the city center that retain traditional architecture to more spacious countryside homes close to the city. If you are looking to find the perfect property, you’ll want to have a real estate agent in Braga by your side.

However, bear in mind that real estate agents in Portugal work on behalf of the seller and will get a higher commission for a higher sale. As such, working with a buyer’s agent removes this conflict of interest, ensuring your interests are protected.