Moving to Portugal: The Complete Expat Guide (2025)

Why Portugal?

Portugal has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations for expats and digital nomads. The combination of mild climate, affordable cost of living (relative to Western Europe), excellent food, and a welcoming local culture makes it an attractive option for people looking to relocate.

Lisbon and Porto have thriving international communities, and smaller cities like Braga, Coimbra, and Faro offer even more affordable alternatives. English is widely spoken, especially among younger Portuguese and in tourist-facing businesses, though learning Portuguese will significantly improve your daily experience.

Visa Options for Moving to Portugal

Portugal offers several visa pathways depending on your situation:

D7 Visa (Passive Income / Retirement Visa)

The D7 visa is designed for people with a stable passive income — such as pensions, rental income, investments, or remote work income. You need to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself, which as of 2025 is generally benchmarked against the Portuguese minimum wage (approximately EUR 870/month for a single applicant, with additional amounts for dependents).

D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)

Introduced in late 2022, the D8 visa is specifically for remote workers employed by or contracting for companies outside Portugal. Applicants typically need to demonstrate a monthly income of at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (approximately EUR 3,480/month as of 2025). This visa allows you to live in Portugal while working remotely.

Other Options

• D2 Visa: For entrepreneurs and business owners planning to start or invest in a business in Portugal.
• EU/EEA Citizens: If you hold an EU passport, you have the right to live and work in Portugal without a visa. You will need to register with the local council (Junta de Freguesia) after three months.
• Golden Visa: Portugal’s Golden Visa program has undergone changes. Real estate investment is no longer eligible as of 2023, but fund investments and other qualifying options remain. Check the latest requirements before applying.

Cost of Living Overview

Portugal offers a relatively affordable cost of living for Western Europe, though Lisbon prices have risen significantly in recent years.

Approximate monthly costs for a single person (as of 2025):

• Rent (1-bedroom, city center): EUR 800–1,400 in Lisbon, EUR 600–1,000 in Porto, EUR 400–700 in smaller cities
• Utilities: EUR 80–150/month
• Groceries: EUR 200–350/month
• Dining out: EUR 8–15 for a typical meal
• Public transport: EUR 30–50/month with a transit pass
• Health insurance: Varies widely; public healthcare is available to residents through the SNS

Overall, many expats report spending between EUR 1,500 and EUR 2,500 per month depending on location and lifestyle.

Use our Cost of Living Comparator to compare Portugal with your home country.

Banking and Finances

Opening a Portuguese bank account is one of the first things you should do after arriving. You will need your NIF (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal, or tax number) before you can open an account. Getting a NIF requires visiting a local tax office (Financas) or using a fiscal representative.

For international transfers and managing money in multiple currencies, many expats use Wise to avoid hidden exchange rate markups. Wise offers a multi-currency account with local bank details in multiple countries, which is particularly useful if you receive income in a currency other than euros.

Disclosure: The Wise link above is an affiliate link. See our disclaimer for details.

Healthcare

Portugal has a public healthcare system (SNS — Servico Nacional de Saude) that provides coverage to legal residents. Once you have a residency permit, you can register at your local health center (Centro de Saude) and obtain a Numero de Utente (patient number).

Many expats also carry private health insurance, especially during the initial period or if they want shorter wait times for specialists. Travel insurance from providers like World Nomads can cover you during the transition period before your residency is established.

Learning Portuguese

While you can manage with English in major cities, learning Portuguese will open doors — both socially and practically. Dealing with government offices, understanding contracts, and integrating into your local community all become much easier with even a basic grasp of the language.

Consider using a language-learning app like Babbel to start building your Portuguese before you arrive. Local language schools and tandem exchanges are also popular options once you are in the country.

Practical Tips

1. Start your NIF process early — many things in Portugal (bank accounts, rental contracts, phone plans) require a NIF.
2. Be patient with bureaucracy — Portuguese administrative processes can be slow. Appointments at SEF (immigration services, now AIMA) often have long wait times.
3. Explore beyond Lisbon — cities like Porto, Braga, Aveiro, and the Algarve region offer excellent quality of life at lower costs.
4. Join expat communities — Facebook groups and local meetups can be invaluable for navigating the early months.
5. Understand the tax implications — Portugal’s NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax regime has been reformed. Consult a tax advisor familiar with expat situations.

Check Your Visa Options

Use our Visa Checker tool to see which Portuguese visa options are available based on your nationality and situation.

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Immigration rules change frequently — always verify the latest requirements with official Portuguese government sources or a qualified immigration lawyer.