Moving to Portugal

Portugal is a small and sunny country that has become a popular choice for people relocating for work or lifestyle reasons. It’s known for its relaxed pace of life, friendly locals, and one of the safest environments in the world (it ranked 7 in the 2025 Global Peace Index). Many people come here for the cost of living, weather, food, and access to diverse visa options, including ones for remote workers, freelancers, and retirees.

Lisbon and Porto have the most job opportunities, especially in tech and international companies. Although salaries are generally low compared to countries like Germany or the Netherlands, the cost of living tends to be lower too, especially outside Lisbon.

Portugal’s visa system covers short-term visits, temporary stays, and long-term relocation. Each category has its own rules and paperwork, so the process can take some time to figure out. It plays out like this: The Portugal visa system is very comprehensive, but the official information in English covering it is confusing. The prevailing standard is that if you're a non-EU national and plan to stay for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a temporary or long-stay visa (national visa) based on the purpose and duration of your stay. Our resources are carefully curated with info from pages in English and Portuguese, and this site has one of the Internet’s most accurate accounts of what each Portuguese visa comes with. We are here to walk you through the main types of visas and how they work.

Portugal has federal and local taxes, which apply depending on your income, expenses, and properties. Personal income tax is the main tax, and it is structured in multiple brackets that vary with your earnings. In 2025, there are 12 brackets, which is more than in most countries in Europe.

The lowest bracket only applies to income above €12,180, which gives more room for lower-income workers. But once you earn over €80,000 a year, rates become similar to those in high-tax countries like Belgium. On top of income tax, workers and employers also pay into Portugal’s social security system. Employees contribute 11% and employers 23.75%. Self-employed workers pay 21.4%.

Portugal is still an affordable place to live in Europe, and that’s why many North Europeans, Scandinavians, and even Canadians choose it as a retirement or digital nomading destination. A single person spends around €1,622 per month, while a family of four can expect to pay about €4,000, including rent. That’s cheaper than many countries up north — about 20% less than in the Netherlands, and definitely lower than in the UK or the US.

Lisbon is the most expensive city, but you’ll find lower costs in places like Braga or Coimbra. Rent, groceries, eating out, and transport all tend to be more manageable than in most northern European countries. In fact, living expenses in Portugal are closer to Spain — though salaries here are generally lower than across the border.

Portugal’s economy has grown at a solid pace in recent years. In fact, it recorded a 1.9% GDP growth in Q3 2024 compared to the same period in 2023—one of the highest rates in Europe. Lisbon and Porto are the main business hubs, with places like Parque das Nações in Lisbon known for housing tech companies, financial firms, and service centres.

Many companies in Portugal hire English-speaking professionals, especially in tech, customer support, and business roles. Farfetch, a global fashion tech company, was founded in Porto and still has offices there. Outsystems, which develops low-code software tools, has business operations in Lisbon and other locations. In addition to local startups, international employers like Microsoft, Google, and Revolut have teams in Lisbon.

Portugal’s job market is stronger now than it was a couple of years ago. The unemployment rate is around 6.6%, the lowest since 2022. Salaries are still low compared to Northern Europe, but everyday costs like food and rent are lower too. Lisbon and Porto are the main hubs for tech and international companies, with English-speaking roles most common in IT and tourism. Outside these cities, job options can be more limited and usually require Portuguese. Remote jobs are also readily accessible in Portugal, and the country ranked 6th in Nordlayer’s 2023 Global Remote Work Index report.

Salaries in Portugal are lower than the EU average and vary by city, sector, and experience. Lisbon has the highest average salaries, especially in tech, but wages across the country are still modest by European standards. A gross salary of around €45,000 a year is considered good for a single person living in Portugal. All jobs include a 13th and 14th salary. These can either be paid as bonuses in June and December or split across all 12 months along with the base salary. Workers can opt out of one of these extra salaries and swap them for other benefits like summer PTO. Keep in mind that take-home pay is often lower due to progressive income tax.

Moving to Portugal can take some patience. Getting a visa appointment, contacting with AIMA, or finding a place to live are all things that can take time, especially if you don’t speak Portuguese or aren’t familiar with the system. Many expats prefer to get help from relocation companies. These companies can handle the paperwork, deal with local agencies, arrange legal support, and help with practical matters such as finding housing, opening a bank account, or getting a NIF number. A few also assist with school searches or childcare. The process is doable on your own, but a relocation advisor might save you time.

Top relocation companies in Portugal:

• Lexidy
• moviinn
• Oiko
• Noah Mobility
• Eres Relocation
• AGS Worldwide Movers

Portugal has a high-standard healthcare system that is mostly free and very accessible to residents, including expats. The public system, known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), covers all legal residents, though some non-urgent services require small co-payments.

Besides the SNS, Portugal has occupation-based health insurance for certain professions like the police and military, as well as private health insurance. While the overall healthcare system is well-regarded, it is not the most affordable in Europe. Private health insurance, however, remains relatively cheap compared to other EU countries.

English-speaking doctors are not widespread, but some public and private providers offer directories or support channels to help expats find English-speaking professionals.

Portugal has many cities with different lifestyles and opportunities for expats. Lisbon is the main centre, known for its history and culture, and it offers the most jobs, especially in tech and startups. Porto has lower living costs and is developing a reputation for innovation. Braga is quieter and more affordable, with an active startup scene. Salaries in Portugal are generally lower than in many other European countries, including neighbouring Spain, but the country offers a welcoming environment, a mild climate, and an affordable cost of living. Learning Portuguese and understanding local customs helps a lot with settling in, even if expats comment on how well the Portuguese actually handle the English language.