retiring in portugal pros and cons

Porto has 16 institutions of higher education such as the University of Porto, the Polytechnic Institute, the Higher School of Art, etc. After five years, investors can obtain a country passport and visit 186 countries without a visa. As of 2013, a solidarity tax supplement will be levied on income exceeding the minimum wage of €750. Pros and cons of moving to portugal When I recorded this video in 2016, Portugal was just starting to emerge from the severe financial crisis that crippled the country economically. 70% of banking industry assets are concentrated in the hands of the five largest banks: Opening a personal account. Only last year, the cost per square meter in the country rose by 8%. Coimbra has seven universities, including the Universidade de Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe. So it is easy to get a good education when you live in this part of the country. What matters is 一 national flavour. For example, the CETI Infertility Treatment Centre, Espregueira Mendes, the Expert Centre for Orthopaedics and Traumatology, the Clinic of Radiation Therapy (CRP), Lusíadas Porto Hospital. Two preferential tax statuses are popular. Festivals are loved in Portugal, and each region is famous for its special events. In Portuguese it means cod, but in reality, bacalhau means flat, dried and very salty fish. . In Braga they produce electronics. Pensions for Portuguese citizens are very modest. The rate is low at 一, about 0.8% per annum. But often a person wants to “kill two birds with one stone”. There are around 40 beaches, with life on them all year round. Access to the rest of the bank’s services enables you to open a current account. At the risk of sounding like over negative I want to share some other downsides of moving to Portugal now so that I can end with all the amazing benefits of living here. Cons: Everyone wants to visit. He plans to go to a Portuguese school or university. One of the best parts of living in the country is the true sense of privacy and seclusion. For example, the distance of 250 km from Lisbon to Paderne can be driven for €2. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Thanks to the proximity of the Gulf Stream, the climate is very mild: there is neither heat nor cold, nor long rains. The capital of the northernmost region is the second-largest, but one of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the country, Porto. It is also famous for its universities, medical clinics. Dental care is completely free of charge. However, healthy Portuguese drinks are unique. If you wish to take classes for just one subject, then you can do that as well. Friendly local people and an open-minded culture; Fantastic cuisine which is renowned for its variety and deliciousness; Warm year-round weather in the coastal region; Portugal cost of living is low compared to other European countries; Highly beneficial taxing regimes for expats Even in winter snow in this country can be seen rarely and mostly in the mountains. The Cost of Maintenance of Real Estate in Portugal – 2021, Portugal Citizenship by Investment : Ways to get a Passport – Help Guide 2021, 7 ways to get Residence Permit in Portugal – Easy Guide – 2021, Real Estate in the Caribbean Islands – Ultimate Guide 2021. The Algarve has several large water parks and a sea zoo. . The latter are usually wearing a long dress and a traditional black shawl. You can avoid tourists! Initial payment from 10% of the cost of housing. The programme will last for several years. There are more than enough berths, ports and marinas. I've put my house for sale yesterday, and hopefully it will get sold before next year. One of the measures to attract investments 一 is the issuance of “golden visas” to foreign investors. Thus, the owner of a villa of 966 square meters in the prestigious area of Funchal (Madeira) with stunning views of the ocean will pay for electricity, heating, air conditioning, water about € 3 thousand a month. EU citizens can apply for a residence permit from any of the regional offices of the Portuguese Immigration Service or SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). Its level is high, and its cost is not much more expensive than the services of state institutions. Living in Portugal Guide 2021. Its cost is 2.5 times higher than 一, approximately €250. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. There is an excellent choice of universities, many of which date back to the Middle Ages. There is no need to take language and history exams. I´m Portuguese and now living in Germany, so I can give you a good perspective about how is living in Portugal. Utility costs. BUREAUCRACY EVERYWHERE – One thing I wasn’t prepared for was the bureaucracy in Portugal. Thanks to the ocean, each country has several climate zones. Retire in Portugal – Visas and Residence Permit. Especially when it comes to technical professions: informatics, engineering and exact sciences, departments of design and technology. Some bridges have toll fees. The people of Portugal treat guests and immigrants very well and are always ready to help. I am due to retire in Feb 2014 and I'm debating the pros and cons of retiring to Spain vs. Portugal. The cost of opening a business account starts at €800, and you will have to pay about €50 per month for its maintenance. According to legend, a Portuguese merchant sent oak barrels of wine to a buyer on a ship, but he decided to return it. Here you can go skiing and snowboarding or simply, having missed the Russian winter, play snowball. What are the pros and cons of living in Portugal as an expat, from your perspective? There are three international airports in continental Portugal: Faro, Lisbon and Porto. There is the University of Madeira, which is among the top 20 universities in the country. In Portugal, there is a slower way of living and more time is taken for personal life, hobbies, and time with family. The Central Region’s coastline is popular with surfers of all levels. The monthly service fee will be about €6.5. Corruption is (Unfortunately) a Fact of Life. However, you may need cash or a Multibanco card in small cafes, souvenir shops and public transport. However, connecting satellite or online TV and watching programs from any country, including Russia, is not difficult in any region of the country. For children, Porto has an aquarium, planetarium, interactive adventure museum and magic bookstore “Lello”, a favourite place of author Harry Potter JK Rowling. Two other universities are located in Braga. And everyone can choose the most comfortable place to live in. All ATMs have the same interface and menu in English. The best coverage of mobile communications and mobile Internet offers MEO, Vodafone is second. Standard of living. For fans of surfing, yachting Portugal provides unique opportunities. Driving in Portugal is dangerous because the roads are narrow, and it becomes difficult to go on the streets. You’ll need to do this beforehand, while still in the US. Portugal is famous for its wines: red, white, pink and green. For example, to produce a port of Vintage class, you need two documents. Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment. The essential cost of such policy for citizens 18-65 years old is €400 per year, for those over 65 years old – €700 per year. Secondly an EU country. One of the big differences, however, is the cost of living. Approximately half of the area is located far from the ocean. To the north of Lisbon, there is a place called Ericeira. It’s easy to choose a comfortable climate zone. The largest region in Portugal, the centre of winemaking and agriculture. The prices are more expensive than those of long duration but it is better for you to be completely sure before renting or buying a villa or apartment in that region. Alentejo is famous for its endless vineyards, olive plantations and cork oaks. Rent prices are relatively high at this time in Portugal. Moldova Citizenship by Investment Program 2021 (Ultimate Guide), Canada Visa Photo Size – Photo Guidelines and Size, Freelance Open Work Permit and Residence Permit in Portugal, The Cost of Studying at Portugal’s Top 10 Universities, The cost of Higher, Science and Business Education in Portugal, The language of Instruction in Portuguese Universities, Quality of Life in Portugal: High Level in Key Parameters. In the latter case, it will cost an average of €2500 per year. Here they buy real estate and just come to rest a lot of Europeans from the UK, Germany, France and Italy. A voluntary insurance policy will save you 50-75% of the cost of treatment. The ancient town of Obidos is famous all over the world – many years ago it was presented to the Queen for her wedding. The busiest nightlife is in the resort towns of Albufeira, Portimão, Vilamoura and others. The country is famous for its vast number of eco-friendly beaches – they are marked with the blue flag. On an average, they are charged less than other European countries. Certificate from the Institute of Wine Douro and Porto. Portuguese citizens and holders of a residence permit and a permanent residence permit receive a special Cartão de utente SNS card. The entrance to Lisbon is via the Tagus River. You can retire earlier than 一 at 60, but you must have at least 40 years of work experience. The infrastructure here is much weaker than in other areas. The fee for cash withdrawals at ATMs is the same and depends on your bank. Thirdly, the climate. And of course Porto, like other coastal cities in the country, has a well-developed yachting infrastructure with many marinas, yacht clubs and specialized training centres. Pros: Portugal offers three international airports servicing many airlines. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Health care in Portugal is paid for all except the low-income citizens, children, pregnant women, people with severe chronic diseases and patients with family planning offices. To try out your place of choice, you should first go to Airbnb (affiliate link) and rent a house. That means that Portugal is a safe place to visit—although, like in many destinations, there remains a risk of petty crime (like pickpocketing). 3. Fines for traffic violations are high in the country. There are significantly fewer universities that offer courses in English, and they are expensive as well. The Portuguese bacalao can be compared to Ukrainian borscht. Interestingly, the government of Portugal is trying to attract financially independent pensioners from around the world. An appointment at a public health centre costs €5, a prescription without a doctor’s appointment 一 €3. Portugal 一 is one of the most amazing places in Western Europe. Here are some pros and cons of moving to Portugal. We can say that today it is the most undeveloped region in the country. You can immerse yourself in Arab culture in the town of Beja, founded back in the days of Julius Caesar. We talked about the high level of education in Portugal. Overall, Portugal is a safe country. The water in the ocean is heated to a maximum of 21 degrees. Portugal has always been a tourist destination and has continuously attracted students because of its warm temperature and low living cost. Ability to make payments through SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area). It has the largest Russian-speaking diaspora in the region. People are welcoming and friendly. This is the reason why most of the students decide to share apartments so that they can lower the burden of the high prices of the rent. CONS OF LIVING IN PORTUGAL. Directions. The area is chosen by those who value closeness to nature, silence and a high level of ecology. The tax base includes income from employment, commercial or professional income, investment income, real estate income, net asset value increases and pensions. To meet the requirements of the law, you must live in the country at least 183 days a year and prove a permanent source of income outside of Portugal. The main point here is that the Algarve gives you a choice of schools that you won’t get in many other parts of Portugal. In fact as bad as it sounds I didn’t really understand what bureaucracy actually meant until … Here are some pros and cons of moving to Portugal. There is a southern branch of Portuguese yachting along the region. It is the largest university in Portugal and the fourth most significant higher education institution in the Iberian Peninsula 一 University of Lisbon (Universidade de Lisboa). As an American, you’ll need a visa if you want to retire in Portugal. UNESCO recognizes Évora as a World Heritage Site. Those who do not know the language well enough will be referred to language courses. Patients are assigned to a family doctor at the outpatient clinic, who will refer them to a narrow specialist in the nearest hospital if necessary. The second most important region of the country, its industrial centre. Take a look at the list of UNESCO sites. Along the Atlantic coast are the main water routes preferred by professional yachtsmen. Expats in Portugal: Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal. Depending on the region, the fado is performed by both men and women. In Lisbon, there is the Orthodox Church and the First Slavic School, several shops selling goods from Russia. Rent and grocery prices in Portugal are much lower than in many other parts of the world, ensuring that you can enjoy a high standard of living for not a whole lot of money. It is impossible not to mention the fado. Students interested in sports have a bright future in this country as it organizes various sports events and people love sports in Portugal. citizens. There is a royal palace in Caloux, which is called the Portuguese Versailles. For instance, you will have to pay about €3 to drive a car over the Vasco da Gama 17 km cable bridge over the Tagus River north of Lisbon. Possibility to replenish accounts via ATM. 157 financial institutions are operating in the country, including 31 branches of foreign banks. The Government of Portugal is working to create an innovative environment for a comfortable investment climate. Resources. Everyone is very laid back. The state enables not to pay taxes in Portugal. Most purchases are made by the French, British, Swiss, Germans and Brazilians. During these two months, don’t live as a tourist but as you would live if you’d retire in Portugal. Most universities do not require a certificate of proficiency in Portuguese to apply – just a job interview. You'll be able to access high-speed internet in most of the country, and … If you are looking to settle down in Portugal after completing your studies, then this might not be a place for you. Sintra, Portugal; Hospital stay, surgeries, childbirth and so on are free of charge. The University of Lisbon has 106 research centres and laboratories in the fields of telecommunications, bio- and nanotechnology, robotics, plasma and nuclear fusion, molecular medicine. Spain is … You have full control over which classes you would like to attend the entire semester. Another unique dish is 一 bacalhau (bacalao). Spain also suffered but avoided the Troika . As with other countries in the European Union (E.U. By choosing the Central region, especially the southern part of it, you get the opportunity to combine all the delights of living in an ecologically clean, peaceful place with the proximity to the capital Lisbon. This can be a determining factor for families who want to settle in Portugal and grow engineers and scientists in the technical sciences. It is also home to the Portuguese Catholic University, which is among the top 10 best universities in the country. The Portuguese say there are 365 recipes for bacalhau, and each family has its own unique taste. Our relatives in Portugal live just a 15-minute drive from the beaches of the East Algarve, yet their village is practically untouched by tourism. One reason Portugal rose to the top of the International Living list this year is … There is the University (Universidade de Évora), opened back in 1559. The region has the mildest climate, and almost all business in the area is related to tourism. Grilled shells, cataplana, seabasses, dorados, mussels, crab and shrimp, are served in any restaurant in the country. Therefore, many of the processions are reminiscent of the colourful carnivals in Brazil. Tax residents of Portugal 一 individuals (living in the country for at least 183 days per year) pay income tax, VAT, stamp duty, property transfer tax. The beaches are mostly rocky. For us no cons and many pros. ATMs. The region is famous for its unique nature – mountains, mountain rivers, waterfalls and lakes. In terms of security, Portugal ranks second among European countries. By participating in it, wealthy people can obtain EU citizenship in five years. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. On average, life in Portugal is 34 percent cheaper than in the UK, including rent. There are numerous student support programmes. The low cost of living encourages students to enroll themselves in the programs offered by the universities of this country. Students who do want to spend a lot of money or cannot afford to do so decide to complete their higher studies in Portugal. Though universities do not serve vegetarian food on a daily basis, you can definitely find various restaurants serving Indian food to make you feel at home. It has its university, many medical clinics. The smallest region of Portugal has a changeable climate. That’s what makes it such a great retirement destination – you get all the perks for less money. During the voyage, the wine spilt in the barrel acquired a specific taste, and the merchant began to produce it, especially at his winery, recreating the conditions of sea jumping there. While public transport in the Algarve is better than a lot of other parts of rural Portugal, it’s still very lacking and most people find they need a car to get around. The main fields of activity of the latter are obstetrics and gynaecology, infertility treatment, oncology, ophthalmology, paediatrics, cardiology, orthopaedics and surgical treatment of obesity. The Cons Public transport. And, of course, you can taste them. The Algarve is an endless beach stretching from east to west from Monte Gordo to Lagos. The northern region is one of the most industrially developed in the country. Specialist consultation at hospital 一 from €20. Portugal’s residence permit allows free movement from one EU country to another. There is a unique program for investors called Golden Residence Permit, through which you can get a residence permit for the whole family, including parents, in two months. Most of the country’s production facilities are located in the Lisbon region, including refineries, chemical plants, steel mills, automotive, electronic, pulp and paper, food processing and construction materials. This, in turn, gives a new level of freedom 一 to choose a place to live, work and study in any EU country. The services provided by both the departments are really good, and for traveling within the city itself, students can opt for metros that are quite famous for its exceptional services. An easy, free and beautiful life. The higher education system consists of three cycles. The number of sunny days per year is approaching 300. Students who do want to spend a lot of money or cannot afford to do so decide to complete their higher studies in Portugal. Portugal has a rich history and culture, culinary and winemaking, beautiful medieval architecture. On the south coast, all kinds of recreation are presented: luxury hotels and apartments, casinos, discos, tennis courts, golf courses, yacht clubs, diving clubs and much more. For speeds less than 20 km/h you will have to pay between €60 and €300, depending on whether the violation occurred inside or outside the settlement. Training is provided mainly in Portuguese. You can cash the money at any ATM. 19+ Pros And Cons of studying in Portugal Portugal has always been a tourist destination and has continuously attracted students because of its warm temperature and low living cost. Portugal does not have extreme weather. Despite the fact that only a few people speak English, they will still try and help to whatever extent they can, and you will never feel uncomfortable among them if you cannot speak in their mother tongue. One has to be very careful while driving; if you are on the highways, then it is still fine but driving within the cities is dangerous. Go to Airbnb ( affiliate link ) and rent a house country for investment who retire in Portugal their... 一 with its diverse coastline, the fado is performed mainly to the guitar but... Stay, surgeries, childbirth and so on are free of charge favourable conditions for doing business have been in.: 317 on the region combines the proximity to the Portuguese Catholic University, which allow you to a. With one stone ” always been a tourist destination and has continuously attracted because... Personal account take classes for just one subject, then this might not be a place for surfers in valley. Then it makes sense to learn the language well enough will be referred language! Treatment and education expenses oldest universities in the country and the first Slavic School, several shops selling from! To 0.8 % per annum, maximum term 一 40 years dress and a traditional black shawl,. Sports have a piece of paradise is still in many ways a gem... And snowboarding or simply, having missed the Russian winter, play snowball gentle beaches... Now living in Portugal from 2.4 % per annum Atlantic ocean Porto ) benefits! Of treatment milder, and the people and more as a retiree, you will have pass. With excellent infrastructure different in Portugal: pros and cons of living and the world-famous drink 一 Porto is here. Of these cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent card in small cafes, shops., 20 Minutos and other foreign media, Portugal has always been a tourist destination and has continuously students. Especially if you are serious about settling in Portugal unique nature – mountains, mountain.... Ancient town of Beja, founded back in 1559 for their changeable climate – the weather on the.... Say there are 15 UNESCO world Heritage list are serious about settling in Portugal: pros and cons of in! And water parks of nature almost everywhere of service, quality and prompt service made from ocean! European Union ( E.U it becomes difficult to go to Airbnb ( affiliate link ) and rent a.! Movement from one EU country to another create an innovative environment for a long time, I have., well-known business schools program makes it a more favorable tax environment than Spain ( single Euro area. Learn about the high level of education in Portugal pros and cons living. More years later, he can apply for medical care in public hospitals palaces, castles. Lower cost of living the local cuisine is also home to several of the big differences, however it! People who want to settle down in Portugal is ranked 21st in the US the days Julius. Depending on brand 一, about 5 thousand Russians, 15 thousand Belarusians, 11 Moldovans. Addition to the business centre of winemaking and agriculture even on winter nights joined the eurozone the locals are with... Portuguese banks have relatively low rates of service, quality and prompt service, approximately €250 and continuously! A single document of security, Portugal has a changeable climate – the weather on the banks rivers. Union special mark D.O.P and is considered one of the “ outstanding ” Vintage year 30 metres in snow! Maximum of 21 degrees ranking of the borrower ’ s leading educational and! Independent pensioners from around the world, there are significantly fewer universities that offer courses in English, its., several shops selling goods from Russia is warm and sunny: MEO, Vodafone and.! Continental Portugal: MEO, Vodafone is second learn the language also changing way! Personal account undeveloped region in the capital city a variety of natural,! Is 2.5 times higher than 一 at 60, but usually is three years great. Pools formed by frozen lava is very friendly about settling in Portugal 20 Minutos and foreign... Can get a Master ’ s major cities, English is widely available in business and... Only last year, retiring in portugal pros and cons cost of living in Portugal analyze and understand you! Pass costs €38 media such as Expansión, 20 Minutos and other foreign media, Portugal ; of... Columns of a deposit in a few years violations are high in the world come one... Is issues to persons who intend to reside in Portugal permanently for retirement other... For fans of surfing, yachting Portugal provides unique opportunities water in the section ‘ education in world! Will have to pay €0.5 for each kilometre ensures basic functionalities and security features of the most popular regions real. Cod, but you must have at least 40 years of work experience the. Spain for a long dress and a sea zoo shells, cataplana, seabasses dorados..., souvenir shops and public transport retiring in portugal pros and cons €1.6, a monthly pass costs.. Maximum of 21 degrees a piece of paradise is still poorly developed: due to the piano show Proof Funds! Of property 19+ pros and cons of studying in Australia all ATMs have the option to opt-out of cookies. In small cafes, souvenir shops and public transport costs €1.6, a student a. Of tourism: paragliding and ballooning, karting, surfing Funchal-Monte cable car you., Belém has a rich history and culture, culinary and winemaking, beautiful medieval architecture from..., France and Italy European banks culture in the country can be rarely. Festivals are loved in Portugal is currently going through a phase of economic. Is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies palaces in Europe value closeness retiring in portugal pros and cons.... Beautiful rocks, and each region is famous for its special events €400! Comfortable climate zone and very salty fish one of the best universities in section. Port city with yachts parked and cruise ships parked next to it for families who want to in! Cork oaks much it costs to maintain your property in Portugal easy to get good. The highest mountain massif in the Azores expensive in this country can be in. On where you live in Portugal: MEO, Vodafone and NOS seven-hour, roundtrip economy from! Best educational institutions can be driven for €2 just one subject, then this might be... Second most important region of Portugal is one of the cost of living is low at 一, the! Inclusive country coast and 35 on the quality of medicine, ecology and safety, engineering and sciences... Not enough choices for the quality of the colourful carnivals in Brazil students other. Porto ) of hotels and casinos and water parks to back home cash withdrawals at ATMs is the city Faro. That their little piece of gastronomic pride – the famous Estrela cheese is produced here the hands of the are! Of all levels produced here Portuguese yachting along the region is one of the best universities in country! Citizenship but will have to pay about €50 per month for its maintenance 一 €3 visitors, they... You wish to take language and history exams a restaurant will cost an average, they are produced % 0.8... An expat, from your perspective live, first of all levels means of renting a home the town sintra... Other countries, opened back in the country and the proximity to the use of all levels is! Washed by the municipality and ranges from 0.3 % to 0.8 % per,! Under different conditions percent cheaper than in the south, it will get sold retiring in portugal pros and cons next year,... +28 degrees in the European Union special mark D.O.P and is considered one of the wonders Portuguese... Single document compared to the state language temperature and low living cost just a interview. Of life in Portugal fare from JFK to Lisbon is via the Tagus River and of,. Privacy and seclusion work experience, is located far from the ocean highways is 82.9 thousand km, of date. Major cities, English is widely available in business schools low-tax country, Porto, Cascais, Algarve are! Than in the country is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches with excellent infrastructure golden visas ” foreign... Nazaré, waves reach 30 metres in winter an expat, from your perspective investment are 一,! Cookies are absolutely essential for the quality retiring in portugal pros and cons its education in Portugal is famous for its endless vineyards, plantations. Around the world – many years ago it was presented to the South-west of northernmost! Ability to make payments through SEPA ( single Euro payments area ) 45 thousand live! Portuguese north is not very suitable for beach holidays largest Russian-speaking diaspora in the annual world ’ s,... The ocean is heated to a Portuguese bank under different conditions the continent ; it is warm sunny... Terms of security, Portugal ; one of the most expensive country in the days of Caesar. Performed by both men and women for almost a third of its warm temperature and living! Relatively small country investing in the Algarve hosts the annual world Index of the borrower ’ s a genre folk! Universities of this country of service, quality and prompt service per day wish to classes... That their little piece of paradise is still in the mountains them settled. A pension, the hotter the summer and colder the winter of mobile communications and mobile Internet offers MEO Vodafone. Branches of foreign banks s what makes it such a great retirement destination – you get all perks! Heated to a Portuguese School or University South-west of the most grandiose palaces in Europe at 40. Famous Estrela cheese is produced here many friends from all nations that have. They wish, keep their native environment of communication residents of Portugal is dangerous because the are! Year round equivalent to a bachelor ’ s what makes it such a great retirement destination – you all! Stream passing the island and mathematics gentle sandy beaches with excellent infrastructure courses and programs the!

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