Complete Guide to Living in Portugal

Rent tends to be the biggest expense you’ll have. Needless to say, Lisbon and Porto are the most expensive here, while smaller towns and islands are more budget-friendly. Your food shopping won’t be that much more than in the UK, and you get away with eating out fairly regularly. Utilities will spike in winter. Wages are lower locally, but that’s because everything else is cheaper.

With residency, you can register for the public SNS and pay small fees per visit; it’s basic but dependable. Many expats add private insurance for faster appointments and English-speaking clinics. Pharmacies are helpful and your prescriptions are generally affordable, too. Make a habit of carrying your Número de Utente and ID card.

Portugal taxes worldwide income once you’re a tax resident, and the NHR program changed recently to have narrower eligibility and transition rules. Expect to file locally and possibly back home, and it’s also worth getting advice from your accountant before relocating any assets. Lastly, keep records from day one and plan around fiscal residency dates.

The bigger cities like Lisbon or Porto are the most exciting if you’re after that city vibe, and the south coast tends to be more sunny and relaxed. Then the inland towns feel slower and cheaper. So you should decide what kind of lifestyle you want first, then work from there, not the other way around. Just make sure you give that area an in-person visit before you commit to anything major.