That Portugal is one of the best countries to retire, we know. Low cost of living, easy residence options and the country’s own encouragement of new residents are some of the reasons that call attention. Portugal has become a popular place for expats and people looking for a good place to retire, and certainly the beaches, cuisine and sights appeal to every type of person.

Now we gonna see if is worth to retire in Portugal.

Why retire in Portugal

There are several reasons why many people think is worth to retire is Portugal, be it the cheap cost of living, the climate which is very favourable, the Portugueses who are generally friendly or even the landscapes and sights.  So, don’t forget to check and understand some of the reasons why people retire in Portugal:

1. Climate

It doesn’t matter if you prefer sun or rain, because the regions of Portugal have a certain variability. If, by chance, you like warmer climates, you should know that the country has an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, which makes the place very pleasant and warm. Even though it is located in the Iberian Peninsula and in the southwest of Europe, and bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, the summers are not usually so hot, in fact, most of the country has an average temperature of 20°C. Here lies some information about the climate over the months:

West Coast

Month	Air	Sea
January – March	17,1°C (62,8°F)	14,9°C (58,8°F)
April – June	21.8°C (71.2°F	17,5°C (63,5°F)
July – September	26,3°C (79,3°F)	19,5°C (67,1°F)
October – December	17,2°C (53,0°F)	16,1°C (60,0°F)

South Coast

Month	Air	Sea
January – March	17,0°C (62,6°F)	15,9°C (60,6°F)
April – June	22,4°C (72,3°F)	19,4°C (66,9°F)
July – September	27,3°C (81,1°F)	22,6°C (72,7°F)
October – December	17,7°C (63,9°F)	22,6°C (72,7°F)

Now, if you prefer rain and a less hot weather, know that in the north of Portugal (among them, Porto, Viana do Castelo and Braga) you can see a lot of water drops or a more closed weather. In the period from October to February the country usually has a drop in temperature, which results in a very pleasant cold for you.

However, if you intend to go south, bear in mind that the climate in the region is much more extreme and there is hardly any rain.

2. Cheap Cost of Living

The cost of living influences a lot to choose Portugal as a country to retire in. Did you know that Portugal is considered one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe to retirees.? With the economy growing on account of expatriates from big companies, many prices are changing, which is increasingly making the Portuguese country a good and affordable place to live.

Remembering that the price may vary according to where you live, because one of the biggest expenses is housing. Big cities are usually more expensive and small towns are usually much cheaper.

3. Tax Benefits

Portugal has the Non Habitual Resident Tax Regime, which if we explain in a quick way, is that if you are an expatriate and go to live in the country, you can apply for the regime, however, be aware that on March 31st, your deadline expires.

Being a new resident, this scheme offers several benefits, among them is:

• Flat tax rate of 10% on most of your income earned outside of Portugal.
• 20% flat tax rate on most income earned in the country.

4. Safety on the Streets

A great reason to retire in Portugal, is the safety that prevails much of the country, given that the place is known for being safe. It is considered the 4th safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index 2021.

   In case you want to check it out, there is a graph of crime rates in Portugal between the year 1990 and 2020:

5. Great Tourist Spots

From oceanariums to historical architecture, Portugal boasts great tourist spots that attract not only tourists, but people who intend to retire in the country. So be sure to check out some of Portugal’s top rated tourist spots:

• Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon. A great example of Manueline Architecture, the interior cloister is very beautiful and the church in the Monastery which holds the tomb of Vasco da Gama, as well as other well-known people, attracts many tourists.
• Lisbon Oceanarium, Lisbon. With various ocean habitats from all over the world, the place has a huge tank in the centre, full of rays, sharks, various fish and various types of aquatic animals. If you like the maritime world, this is a great way for you to spend your time.
• Sintra National Palace, Lisbon Coast. Known as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape, the National Palace sits in the lap of a mountain range in Lisbon. It was much visited by kings and queens of Portugal, well furnished, with incredible chimneys and is the oldest Palace in the country.
• Convent of Christ, Tomar. There is a beautiful castle surrounding the Convent of Christ, a well ornamented place, very extravagant Manueline window and several stairs inside the building which is shaped like a snail.
• Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga. It is on a hillside east of Braga, much visited and is the largest and most prominent religious temple in the country. Having the Baroque Staircase and the Church of Bom Jesus, plus staircases that follow a zigzagging path to the top.
• Hiking in the Serra de Gerês. One of Portugal’s biggest natural attractions, the tourist spot is known for being a very beautiful mountain range, with a beautiful river between the mountains. Not only that, there is a national park on site that attracts any traveller, from people who admire nature, to hikers who love the outdoors.
• University of Coimbra. The former seat of learning of the Portuguese country, even being recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It was a very busy university that has now, become a historical monument. If you choose to visit the place, there are several walks through the buildings.
• Guimarães Castle. Considered World Heritage by UNESCO, Guimarães was considered the capital of a kingdom called “Portucale”. People who visit the place, can visit the basilica and walk around the place.
• Torre de Clérigos, Porto. The Torre de Clérigo is one of Porto’s main tourist attractions, be it the 200 steps that tourists climb every year or the view at the top that gives a view of the whole city and the Douro River.

You can check out more sights on Planetware

6. Gastronomy and Local Wines

Several people retire in Portugal because the gastronomy is extremely praised, whether by tourists or locals. There are several very well-known regional dishes, among them there are:

• All kinds of vegetables you can imagine.
• Most desserts are made with eggs.
• All over Portugal there is a lot of meat, from chicken, pork, beef and among others.
• Fish are also a variety in the country, from shellfish to lobsters and prawns.

However, if you are looking for local types of restaurants, there is as option:

• Tabernas are extremely well known and visited in Portugal, serving small portions of traditional food, with wine or beer as an accompaniment. Some examples of taverns are:
• Traditional Restaurants serve traditional Portuguese food, be it arroz de sarrabulho or bacalhau (codfish). Check out three examples of these cheap restaurants:
• Tasquinhas serve traditional and regional food. If you wish to save money, this is a great option for you.

7. Residence Permit

Did you know that the government motivates people to go to Portugal and retire in the region? It’s all about the growth of the economy, in view of the fact that the more people there are, the more commerce gains profit and growth. Remembering that, to have a valid residence permit, it is necessary to have the visa to legally live in the country. In short, Portugal is one of the places that makes it easier to get a residence permit.

Check what is necessary to have access to the authorization to live in the country:

• Residence visa.
• Residence Permit.  

Remembering that, there are types of authorisation for residence to be able to live in Portugal, among them there are:

• Residence permit for work purposes.
• Residence permit for study purposes.
• Residence Permit for family reunification.
• Special Residence Permit.

Now, if you don’t know the requirements to reside there, check below:

• Recent ID photos (at least two).
• Valid passport.
• Registration form.
• Valid residence visa (3 to 4 months before applying for the permit).
• A proof that you have sufficient financial means.
• A proof of accommodation.
• Criminal record.
• Second of health or proof.
• Family certificate (if applicable).
• Parental consent (if a minor).
• Employment contract.
• Tuition fees (if you are a student).
• Letter of acceptance from the university (if you are a student).

Remembering that the document must be translated from English to Portuguese and depending on the sheet, legalization is required. Embassy is always important. More information at first hand on VisaGuide.

8. Health

Most of the retirees are around 60 to 65 years old, so health becomes something fundamental for these people. Portugal offers a good healthcare system, so it is of utmost importance that you know that:

• Clinics and hospitals are considered to be of a high standard.
• You need the number of Utente, to have contact with the public health system.
• You can access this public healthcare system even if you are an expatriate.
• The public health system can cover your health problems, whatever they are.

Since you will be in a new country, you may not know the neighbourhoods which are the best public hospitals. Because of this, there are three best hospitals listed below that, you do not need to pay for care:

• Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central – Hospital Dona Estefânia.
• Centro Hospitalar do Porto – Santo Antônio General Hospital.
• Clínica Central do Bonfim, Lda.

9. The Portuguese People

Among the reasons people retire in Portugal, the Portuguese residents themselves are very welcoming, not only that, they are also friendly, and you can even be included as part of the comunity.

Of course it depends on where you are, whether big city or rural areas, city centre or abroad, but all in all, tourists and expatriate residents are very well received, making Portugal, a place of warm and unforgettable welcome.

10. Expatriate Community

Portugal has become increasingly popular, even more so for people who intend to or are already retired. Therefore, not only has the number of people coming from other countries increased, but also people who speak English. Now, it is becoming more and more common in the streets of the country, people speaking the Anglo-Saxon language.

Be sure to take a look at the list of countries where people have gone to live in Portugal, updating only in 2018:

• Brazil: 105,423;
• Cape Verde: 34,663;
• Romania: 30,908;
• Ukraine: 29,218;
• United Kingdom: 26,455;
• China: 25,357;
• France: 19,771;
• Italy: 18,862;
• Angola: 18,382;
• Guinea-Bissau: 16,186;
• Spain: 14,066;
• Germany: 12,817;
• India: 11,393;
• Sao Tome and Principe: 9,153;
• Mozambique: 3,005;

More information at ViveEurope and MovingPortugal.

Cost of Living in Portugal for a retired

For two people, the cost of living could vary from €1,500 to €2,000. It is worth mentioning that expenses vary depending on how many people are living in the same house, whether it is rent or not, number of meals, taxes and among others, and may therefore exceed €2,000.

Renting and buying a house

Unfortunately, the cost of rent has increased in Portugal, even more in big cities, however, because of the pandemic, the expenses with rents have not risen anymore.

According to the Numbeo website, which helps you figure out daily costs, whether it’s rent, food or transport, there are average cost of living figures in the country. Check them out below:

However, if you are looking for properties already furnished or not, know that the expense will be a little more salty. A good condition for you to buy a furnished property, is that you will not have to spend more money, either with furniture and fixtures, which will save your pocket. There is also the option of renting a property without furniture, which is cheaper, so it will come with basic items: built-in oven, refrigerator and even a dishwasher.

Finally, if you want to buy a permanent house, keep in mind that it is not as expensive as it seems. Obviously in some places the prices are quite high, even more in city centres, but, according to the idealist website, it is 2.322€ the average spending per square meter in Portugal.

Cost of Food

Because there is not so much inflation in the country, the expenses you will have with food will be average, depending on what you eat and the quantity of items. According to other expatriates, the expenses you will have in food shopping will be around €250 per month.

Here lies a list of some items and their values:

Item	Value
Milk (l)	0,63€
Rice (kg)	0,92€
Eggs (doubts)	1,72€
Regional Cheese (kg)	6,75€
Chicken Fillet (kg)	4,89€
Beefsteak (kg)	8,82€
Banana (kg)	1,08€
Orange (kg)	1,21€
Tomato (kg)	1,45€
Potato (kg)	0,91€
Onion (kg)	1,02€
Lettuce (head)	0,95€
Water (1.5 l)	0,52€

Only, if you intend to eat out, there is a variation of prices in Portugal. The restaurant also changes the price of the dishes you are going to try, once again emphasizing that, the expenses depend on the quantity and the place you are eating. If we are to summarize the costs of eating out, it will be:

• Meal costs around 8 euros.
• Dinner for two in an average restaurant is around 30 euros.

Other Expenses:

It is not only food and housing that can weigh on your pocket, there are the monthly expenses at home, leisure activities that you can’t do without and even transportation. In view of this, be sure to take a look at the list below:

• Energy and Gas. In Portugal, you choose an energy supplier, so the prices can be different, don’t forget to buy them and opt for the cheapest one. Along with energy, most of these companies also provide gas, so you will have two services coming from the same place. In short, the average cost of electricity and gas together can cost from €80, remembering that it can also vary according to the time of year.
• Water. For a couple, water can cost from €22, generally it does not exceed €30.
• Internet, TV and telephone. The cost depends on the optical fibre of the region where you live. A basic package costs from €33.
• Public transport. Public transport is considered very cheap, in average cities, you will spend from € 10 to € 40, either in taxi, pass, bus and among others. It is good to inform that the country has the famous social tariff, which generates discounts for low-income people.
• Leisure. You can spend around 200€ per month, however, it depends a lot if you have an active social life, if you like to go out drinking, go to parties or if you prefer to stay at home. Of course, if you find your home much better, instead of parties, your expenses will be much lower.
• Public Health. Health care is obviously paid for, but the costs are low. A good example of this is that the average cost is €7, but if you need to go to hospital urgently, it costs from €18.
• Car. If you intend to buy a new car, but not a luxury one, you will spend around 14.000 to 38.000€. Now, if you want to save money you can buy a used car from 2016, from 7.000€. Remembering that there are expenses with fuel, insurance and among others.

Beaches

Not only landscapes, but also beaches attract a lot of attention from expats, making them choose to live and retire in Portugal. After all, there’s nothing better than enjoying 300 days of sun on a beach with warm sand, isn’t there? Take a look at some of the country’s most famous beaches:

1. Camilo Beach. Next to the lakeshore, Camilo Beach. Crystal clear turquoise blue waters, white sand and surrounded by sandstone, next to one of the main resorts in the area.
2. Falésia Beach. Six kilometres of very golden sand, the place is much visited, even more on hot days. Surrounded by orange sandstone mountains, with a beautiful view of the nearby resort. Many tourists take the opportunity to go hiking around Falésia Beach.
3. Amado Beach. If you like surfing, Amado Beach is a great option for you, from big waves to diverse, you will be able to practice your hobby throughout the year. Despite not being as included in the most popular travel itineraries, the beach is still well visited and enjoyed by the locals.
4. Quinta do Lago beach. In the centre of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, there is a white pier in the middle of the sand that carries the sea water, which results in a walk with the right to very beautiful photos. It is a bit away from the city, with only one restaurant nearby.
5. Martinhal Beach. Extremely blue water, Martinhal beach is quite secluded and secluded, with a restaurant that serves drinks and among others. Many adventurers windsurf and explore the Roman ovens that are close to the resort complex.

If you want to check out some more of the most visited beaches, visit PlanetWare.

Other reasons why people move to Portugal

Obviously there are several reasons why people decide to retire in Portugal, so take a look below:

• Rhythm of Life. If you are looking for a relaxed life, the country presents a pleasant and warm environment for you. As already mentioned, safety, health and the cost of living make Portugal stand out.
• Landscapes. We cannot mention the country without at least highlighting the exceptional landscapes, from beaches, ancient architectures that tell history and the museums that approach Portugal, no matter what your taste is, you will surely find something that fits you.
• One of the most familiar countries. Walking around the country, you will see from children, babies and teenagers around every corner, really Portugal is a family environment.
• Digital Nomads. Good internet access, cheap accommodation, great digital community and even offers several spaces for you.
• Surfing. Surfing is a very popular hobby on the beaches of Portugal, so it is a good opportunity for you to try something new.
• Sustainable living. If you want to escape the big cities, Portugal’s small towns offer this and much more for you.

If you want to read more reasons, visit the Pssremovals blog.