About Portugal
Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. The country's location on the Atlantic Ocean coast has influenced its culture. Salted cod and grilled sardines are considered national dishes. The most popular place among tourists is the beaches of the Algarve region. The main part of the architectural buildings dates back to the period of the XVI–XIX centuries, when Portugal was a great maritime power.
Economy
Portugal is a Western European member state of the EU and the euro area. Portugal is the 49th economy in the world with a GDP of 276 billion. euro. The country's economy is dominated by 3 sectors: tourism, renewable energy (solar, wind, tidal), innovation and high-tech sectors. Portugal's GDP growth rate is often higher than the European average. Portugal is one of the 3 EU countries that has public debt less than annual GDP for 3 consecutive years. According to analysts, Portugal's public debt-to-GDP ratio will continue to decline. This indicates the sustainability of the country's economy. Investor confidence is confirmed by low rates on Portuguese government bonds. The rates on most Portuguese bonds are below the rates on German and French bonds.
9 advantages of living in Portugal:
1. Quality and comfort of life
83% of the Portuguese population are satisfied with their quality of life, 63% are satisfied with the economic situation in the region. Such data is provided by the European Commission in early 2024.
Portugal is one of the best places for expats to live. In the Expat Insider rating, the country ranks 10th out of 53 in terms of safety, quality of life and a comfortable climate.
In Portugal, everyone will find a place and something to do. You can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, explore the Serra da Estrela mountain range and see castles and fortresses. Locals enjoy surfing, fishing and diving.
2. Warm climate
Portugal has a warm climate. At the same time, each region has its own conditions: the south is more arid, the north and the center are rainy, the influence of the ocean is more felt in the west, and it is less windy in the east.
The warmest month is August. In Lisbon, the average daytime temperature is +27.8. The water is warmest in August and September. Its average temperature ranges from +13 to +19 throughout the year. The water temperature largely depends on Atlantic currents.
Winters are warm. The average daytime temperature in January in Lisbon is +14.7. Snow falls only in the northeastern and mountainous regions.
It's very sunny in Portugal. The clearest days are in June, July, August and September.
3. Security
In 2024 Portugal took the 7th place in terms of security in Global Peace Index for the second time.
Portugal has a low crime rate. The inhabitants of the country are friendly and treat immigrants from other countries kindly.
4. Relatively low cost of accommodation
Basic expenses in Portugal are lower than in Spain, Austria, France, Italy or Germany. Therefore, we can assume that by the standards of the European Union, living in Portugal is inexpensive.
Average prices in Portugal in 2024:
- dinner for two in a regular restaurant - 40 euros,
- cappuccino – 1.2 euros,
- bread (500 gr.) – 1.27 euros,
- eggs (12 pieces) – 2.45 euros,
- local cheese (1 kg.) – 8.64 euros,
- milk (1 liter.) – 0.86 euros,
- apples (1 kg.) – 1.82 euros,
- gasoline (1 liter.) – 1.86 euros,
- utility bills for the apartment (85 sq.m.) – 100 euros,
- unlimited Internet for a month – 35 euros,
- monthly subscription to the fitness club is 34 euros.
5. Quality of education
Portugal has a fairly high quality of secondary and higher education. Portuguese university degrees are recognized in the European Union, so graduates can find work in another country.
In 2024, the University of Porto entered the top 300 universities in the world according to the QS World University Ranking 2024. Three more universities in the country were included in the top 500 — Lisbon University, Coimbra University and New Lisbon University.
Universities teach in Portuguese and English. However, not all educational institutions have an English curriculum. And studying in English is more expensive. For example, a bachelor's degree in English at the University of Porto costs from 8,900 euros per year, and a Portuguese program at the University of Coimbra costs from 6,340 euros per year. Students at the University of Lisbon pay between 3,000 and 3,500 euros per year.
6. Quality of medicine
Portugal spends about 9% of the country's GDP on healthcare per year.
The country has a well-developed healthcare system, and free treatment is available to children, pregnant women, pensioners who are legally in the country, as well as residents and citizens. Medical care is available free of charge in public hospitals.
You can get an appointment in private clinics faster than in public ones. And there is also a high level of service: for example, you can consult with your doctor by phone. Paid insurance covers part of the costs or the full cost of treatment.
7. The rhythm of life and the prevalence of the English language
Portugal is suitable for those who prefer a quiet pace of life. Residents of the country rarely rush somewhere. Cities are not as lively as the megacities of northern Europe, Great Britain or the USA.
Most Portuguese residents speak English. Even in government institutions and services, hospitals, and government agencies, you can confidently manage English, so you don't have to speak Portuguese to live a comfortable life.
8. Beautiful nature and ecology
In 2024 Portugal was recognized as the best tourist destination in Europe. Awards were given to the country's attractions, beaches and resorts – for example, the Algarve region, which is chosen by residents and tourists to relax on the coast.
In Portugal 25% of the electricity is generated by wind turbines. Coal-fired power plants were completely abandoned back in 2021, and by 2030 they plan to switch to 100% renewable electricity.
Demand for electric vehicles is also growing in the country. In 2024 they accounted for 44% of car market sales.
9. Business development opportunities
Portugal ranks 39th out of 190 countries in the Doing Business ranking in terms of ease of doing business. She bypasses the Netherlands, Hungary and Poland. The government supports entrepreneurs who plan to create a business or invest in an existing company. They are provided with tax benefits and the right to obtain a residence permit in the country.