Your Expat Community in Portugal

If you're a new or soon-to-be expat in Portugal, you may be curious about what life will be like in this charming country. To help you get a sense of what to expect, we've answered seven common questions about life in Portugal. For more specific questions or to share your own experiences, consider joining InterNations, a community of expats who love to support each other.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
While English is widely spoken in Portugal, especially in tourist areas and larger cities, learning Portuguese will help you better connect with locals and handle day-to-day tasks. Speaking the local language will make it easier to navigate bureaucracy, shop at local markets, and immerse yourself in the culture.

2. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Lisbon:

• Single-room flat: 650–1,100 EUR (740–1,250 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 1,400–2,500 EUR (1,590–2,840 USD) per month

Porto:

• Single-room flat: 500–800 EUR (570–910 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 900–1,600 EUR (1,020–1,820 USD) per month

Faro:

• Single-room flat: 450–700 EUR (510–795 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 800–1,400 EUR (910–1,590 USD) per month

3. How safe is Portugal for expats?
Portugal is considered a safe country for expats. However, as with any destination, it's essential to practice common-sense precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, being cautious with your belongings, and staying informed about local security updates.

4. How does the healthcare system work in Portugal?
Portugal has a public healthcare system, known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), which offers free or low-cost healthcare services to residents. Expats with residence permits are eligible to use the SNS. Private healthcare is also available, offering shorter wait times and more specialized care. Many expats opt for private health insurance to access private facilities.

5. How can I open a bank account in Portugal?
To open a bank account in Portugal, you'll typically need to provide identification (such as a passport), proof of address (such as a utility bill), a tax identification number (NIF), and a valid visa or residence permit. Some banks may require additional documentation, so it's a good idea to check with the specific bank you plan to use.

6. What is the cost of living in Portugal?
The cost of living in Portugal is generally lower than in many other European countries. Housing, food, and transportation are relatively affordable, although imported goods can be more expensive. As an expat, you can expect to live comfortably on a moderate budget.

7. Can I drive with my foreign driver's license in Portugal?
Foreigners can drive in Portugal using their foreign driver's license for up to 185 days. After that period, you'll need to obtain a Portuguese driver's license. This process may require taking a driving test, depending on your nationality and the type of license you hold.

Portugal is a country that has recently attracted more interest from expatriates from all walks of life. The affordability and warm weather are making it popular for young creatives from cities like London and Paris, creating an exploding arts and music scene in Lisbon, while major industries such as oil and shipping naturally attract specialist workers from around the rest of the world. No matter where you're based in the country, you should find the same things in common — great weather, beautiful scenery and beaches, hugely affordable leisure time, and tasty food and wine, whether it's high-class dining or simply enjoying some freshly-caught sardines on a beach. Whether you're in Lisbon, Braga, Porto or Madeira, you're bound to find plenty of things to see and do, regardless of your interests. Plenty of our InterNations members have made Portugal their home for good reason, and they'll always be ready to tell you about the hidden gems of your city.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Spain or Germany, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

InterNations is a broad and vibrant group of people who can be knowledgeable about almost any subject you'd have questions on, but that's not all. Our membership is also by approval only, so you can be sure that any advice you're seeking out is also reliable and courteous. You can check our forums regularly to see updates on how the expat life is going, as well as any tips or useful information you may not have considered. When you've arrived in Portugal, you can take your interaction with fellow InterNations members offline, too: in various cities in Portugal we have a numerous groups, covering range of interests, from wine tasting and cinema groups to many more for sport, dancing, hiking, or just networking for business. If you're looking to meet new people, you should also pay attention to see when the next large InterNations Official Event is being held — this is always a great opportunity to encounter people from all sorts of backgrounds and fields of work, whether your interest is business-related or personal.