Portugal: the perfect destination for retirement

Portugal is one of the best places in the world to retire, according to the recently released International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index. If retirement in Europe is your golden dream, then Portugal should definitely be on your list of possible new homes. With a low cost of living and tax incentives, retirees come from all over the world to settle down in this country and make use of the NHR regime, a quality healthcare system, and a high standard of living. Portugal is also one of the safest countries in the EU, according to the Global Peace Index 2022.

Portuguese life allows retirees to have a slow-paced life, relax and enjoy every day without worry. With over 300 days of sun, warm summers and moderate winters, the country has a combination of cosmopolitan cities and isolated towns with stunning nature views, perfect for those who want a little bit of everything. From the vibrant culture in Lisbon to the cool way of life in Algarve, no matter the lifestyle there is something fitting for everyone looking to find their home in Portugal.

With a rich cultural heritage, this country has some of the most iconic architecture, art, and music in Europe. Portugal also has breath-taking vistas, stunning beaches, whimsical country landscapes and high-quality cuisine, featuring Portuguese dishes such as seafood and meat dishes at affordable prices. In fact, all aspects of everyday life are affordable in Portugal, from rent to the price of groceries.

The Portuguese people themselves are kind, rules-oriented and vehemently compassionate, and will definitely assist you if you need help. Portugal is also one of the safest counties in the world to live and the local crime rate is very low. Therefore, you will feel safe roaming around the cobblestoned streets or on your morning walks to buy the newspaper.

While it is not essential to learn the Portuguese language to live in Portugal, it will help you understand the country, the culture and better experience how kind and gentle the local people are.

Portugal is in one of the top ranks in the world health statistics. It has a good public healthcare system, and the private health insurance path is affordable and averages somewhere between €40 and €100 per month, depending on multiple factors like age and pre-existing conditions.

Portugal has several excellent residency visa options designed to make immigration fairly captivating for retirees.

Portugal’s Golden Visa programme is Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment programme targeted at non-EU citizens, one of the reasons for this being the low stay requirements (14 days, consecutive or non-consecutive, for each 2-year period). However, for those who intend to actually move to Portugal and live in this country, there may be more efficient and cost-effective solutions. For someone intending to move to Portugal, the D7 constitutes a good alternative to the Golden Visa: no investment is required, the application processing is faster, and the Government fees are significantly lower (for a family of 3, the savings in Government fees will be around €30,000.00).

Portugal has a special charisma for everyone looking to relocate, especially those looking for their golden days of sunset: cobblestoned streets, pastel-painted buildings, dazzlingly blue skies, dry, sunny climate, moderately priced wine, excellent gastronomy, beautiful landscapes – Portugal’s lifestyle attractions were, and remain, charmingly picturesque. And the unique combination of accessible residency pathways, enticing destinations and climate, affordable cost of living, and fast timeline to citizenship make Portugal an appealing choice for those looking to spend their retirement abroad.