The Global Expat Hub
Portugal
Mild climate, safe streets and a welcoming culture; housing costs are the one thing that has changed.
Your plan for Portugal checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Portugal
Costs and character vary significantly within Portugal. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Cosmopolitan capital with world-class food, trams and Atlantic light
Smaller, cheaper and arguably more charming — the local favourite
Sun, golf and beaches; retirement haven with a large British expat community
University city in the north — very affordable and authentically Portuguese
Portugal by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Mild Atlantic-Mediterranean; warm dry summers, wet mild winters. The Algarve is sunniest; the north is wetter.
Mean temperatures for Lisbon.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 750 mm (30 in) a year.
Snow Serra da Estrela only.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationDiário da República ↗
OverviewLaw of Portugal on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax IMI 0.3–0.45% of tax value.
Local & regional income tax None regional (Azores/Madeira lower national rates).
🎓 University
Not free; public $1–3k/yr, non-EU $4–8k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers MEO, NOS, Vodafone.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $20/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- IFICI (NHR 2.0) 20% flat tax for qualified professions, 10 years
- D7 passive-income visa
- Golden Visa via funds (property route closed)
- Interior-region incentives and grants for relocating
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Portugal embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Portugal faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Portugal: remote work you can do from Lisbon, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Portugal and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Portugal safe for expats?
Portugal scores 86 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, making it one of the safest countries in Europe for expats. Violent crime is rare and the country consistently ranks among the most peaceful in the world.
What is the cost of living in Portugal?
An affordable expat lifestyle in Portugal typically costs $1,400 to $2,000 per month including rent, food and transport. A comfortable mid-range lifestyle for one adult runs from about $1,750 per month in smaller cities like Braga and in Porto's outer neighbourhoods to around $2,500 per month in Lisbon. Couples should budget roughly $2,500 to $3,500 per month depending on the city, and more in central Lisbon.
Can Americans retire in Portugal?
Yes. Portugal offers the D7 passive income visa, popular with retirees, requiring proof of regular income around $1,400 per month. It can lead to permanent residency and citizenship.
What is the best city in Portugal for expats?
Lisbon and Porto are the most popular cities for expats. The Algarve is a favourite for retirees. Each has a well-established expat community, good healthcare and international schools.