Have you ever thought about moving abroad? Whether for work, study or love? Often, people are simply looking for a new challenge and a completely new experience in a different environment. There are certainly plenty of reasons to embark on a new adventure abroad.
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Why move to Portugal?
Portugal is a popular country to visit, with tourism playing an important role in its economy. Whether in the big cities or on the beaches, the country has a lot to offer and is therefore extremely popular. But why should you live there? Like any destination, this southern European country has its pros and cons.
The advantages of living in Portugal
When you think of Portugal, beautiful beaches, delicious fish and colourful harbours immediately come to mind. But the country has much more to offer.
For one thing, the locals are very friendly people. Portuguese people are very warm and welcoming. They like to include newcomers in their culture and make them feel at home. In general, Portuguese people in the big cities speak relatively good English, compared to neighbouring Spain, for example. But even in the smaller villages, where people don’t speak English, you will be warmly welcomed.
In addition, the cost of living in the country is lower than in Germany or Austria. Of course, you have to put this into perspective, as the minimum wages are also lower than in our country. So don’t forget to visit a local market. Here you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and meat, bread and cheese – and most of it is of excellent quality and cheaper than in the supermarkets!
Even bureaucracy is not as difficult here as we know it. If you are staying in Portugal for less than 90 days, as an EU citizen, all you need is your identity card or passport. After that, you must officially register with the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras. This is also no problem, especially if you have moved to work in Portugal. The registration is then valid for five years, so there is nothing standing in the way of your life in Portugal.
Buying a house is not really a difficult matter either. There are no tricky laws that you have to understand first and which could complicate the process.
The country’s economy is slowly improving, and now is a good time to invest. Opening a Portuguese bank account is also made easier. Nowadays, you can easily arrange everything online, and it is always helpful to have a domestic account when working in Portugal.
Of course, we mustn’t forget Portugal’s beautiful beaches and sights. The stunning landscape of the Algarve with its idyllic beaches, colourful towns and harbours with beautiful historic architecture. There is something for everyone, every town has something different to offer and, depending on where you are in the country, there are also different climates.
The disadvantages of living in Portugal
Now it is necessary to reveal the negative aspects of the country. As mentioned above, the English spoken by the Portuguese is generally quite good. But of course, it is useful to learn the language. Portuguese is a difficult language to master, mainly because of the pronunciation. But it will be worth the effort, as the locals appreciate it and it will make your life in Portugal easier.
Not only are living costs lower, but so are wages. This is an important point to bear in mind. We therefore recommend that you do not have any fixed costs in your home country, such as rent for an apartment. The wages are usually sufficient to really live in Portugal.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not always warm in Portugal. This country also has four seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. It can also rain heavily in autumn. So, even though it’s tempting, don’t just pack your swimsuit! 😉
Moving to another country has certain advantages and disadvantages. So, do your research thoroughly before deciding where you want to start your adventure.
