Living in Portugal guide for expats

All the information you need to relocate and live in Portugal.

Our selection of articles for expatriation in Portugal

How to make new friends in Lisbon

It isn't easy to move to another country, be it alone or as a couple. Although no one makes such a life-changing decision ...

How to build a professional network in Lisbon

Lisbon attracts hundreds of expats every year, be it for studying or working in one of the sunniest capitals in Europe. As a ...

Things to do in Porto alone, with your partner or with friends

Whether you're traveling solo, with your partner or with an extended group of family/friends, there are plenty of things ...

Things to do in Porto on weekdays

While walking through the streets, interacting with the people, and visiting local museums, restaurants and concert halls ...

The networking etiquette in Porto

Cultural, religious and political differences can be felt while traveling within most countries, which is even more relevant if ...

Indoor and outdoor activities in Porto

Make no mistake – food is a big part of people's identity in Northern Portugal, which means you'll necessarily ...

The food scene in Porto

A magnificent way of getting acquainted with a city's culture is to taste its food! We recommend you be open-minded about ...

Discovering Porto

The process of choosing a city to live in is not easy. We understand the responsibility inherent in such a choice, and therefore ...

Developing your social circle in Porto

Like in many other places, you will need to take part in Porto's events and interact with those around you in your daily ...

Developing a professional network in Porto

To build a professional network in a foreign city, especially one such as Porto, which keeps growing and changing at a frantic ...

Adjusting to the local culture in Porto

If you want to truly embrace Porto's culture, then getting acquainted with the locals is a must! Once you're up for it ...

Neighbourhoods in Porto

Most people visiting Porto for the first time spend most of their time exploring the downtown, and the same thing goes for ...

The work culture in Porto

As a relatively big and well-developed city, you will find all kinds of companies when looking for a job in Porto. Depending ...

The labor market in Porto

In the past few years, the labor market in Porto has suffered a considerable boom. There are far more opportunities now that the ...

Renting options in Porto

Over the past few years, rent prices in Porto have been soaring. As the city's popularity grows among tourists and more and more ...

About Portugal

Portugal is one of Europe's key historical countries, world famous for its rich and appealing history. It is indeed one of the most popular expat destination in Europe, both for European and non-European citizens. The country has seduced thousands of foreigners over the years by its soft and pleasant lifestyle.

In the past decades, Portuguese have been migrating from their country, and left Lisbon, the country's capital city, to discover Europe hoping for a better future. But the country has greatly developed since, becoming an important pole for European nationals and other foreigners seeking new opportunities, as well as a typical southern lifestyle.

To date, Portugal's population amounts to some 11 million inhabitants. Being part of the Euro zone, it is also a decision-member of many international organizations. In fact, Portugal is much more dynamic than one could think.

Major cities

Lisbon, Portugal's capital and richest city, is world famous for being an international economic pole. It hosts not only the country's main airport but also major maritime ports. But Lisbon is also surrounded by other notable cities, namely Agualva-Cacém, Amadora, Almada, Amora, Barreiro, Seixal, Montijo, Odivelas and Queluz.

Other important cities after Lisbon are Porto and its municipalities, namely Gondomar, Maia, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Matosinhos, as well Madeira Island and its major city, Funchal. In Azores, you will find Terceira, Horta, São Miguel, Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroismo which are found on three different islands, thus constituting an autonomous region.

If you intend to settle in Portugal, you should know that Lisbon is certainly not the best place to live in, although it is the country's economic center.

Economy

Portugal's economy is based on several sectors, namely agriculture, viticulture, marble, cork production, manufacturing industries, mechanical engineering, textile, construction, metallurgy, automotive, tourism, as well as the tertiary sector. The country has managed to survive to the world economic crisis through its export market. Its main economic allies are Europe, the United States of America, other Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as China and Nigeria.

In fact, Portugal's economy has benefited from a financial help program which has ended on May 17th, 2014. Portugal should gradually become one of Europe's focal points for expatriation in the coming years.

Politics

Portugal's political scene is no more stable than that of other European countries. In fact, 2013 has not only been affected by the economic crisis but also by numerous political events. Note that Portugal is a democratic Republic which allows its population to speak out.

Climate

Portugal enjoys a pleasant climate. It is popular for its sweet and soft temperatures as it is located in Southern Europe and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. But these can be quite high in summer. Winter experiences mild temperatures, but coastal regions often receive heavy rainfall. Moreover, the Algarve region has a micro climate with much sunlight.

Traveling to Portugal

You may travel to Portugal by various means: car, airplane, boats, buses, etc. The country has four international airports, namely at Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Funchal. You can also land in the following islands:

  • Angra do Heroísmo ' TER

  • Faro ' FAO

  • Flores ' FLW

  • Graciosa ' GRW

  • Horta - HOR

  • Pico - PIX

  • Ponta Delgada - PDL

  • Porto Santo - PXO

  • Santa Maria - SMA

  • São Jorge ' SJZ.

If you are traveling by boat, you are likely to land at Lagos, Aveiro, Porte de Vila do Conde, Praia da Victoria, Porte da Povao de Varzim, Vila Real de San Antonio, which is found near the Spanish border, or Angra de Heroismo.

Those who are traveling by land will have to transit by France and Spain before reaching Portugal, unless they are coming from North Africa. They will then have to pass through Morocco and Spain.

Useful link:

Europa.eu

Quick Information

Capital : Lisbon
Official Languages : Portuguese
Currency : Euro
Area : 92391 Km2
Population : 10676000
Calling Code : +351

Portugal city guide