Northern Europeans are the main group of foreigners (expatriates) who take up residency in Portugal. British, Germans and Scandinavians are the most typical retirees who predominantly buy homes or apartments in the Algarve i.e.
Tavira, Almancil, Albufeira, Carvoeiro and
Lagos or more recently the Silver Coast i.e. Obidos, São Martinho do Porto and Nazaré. The more affluent homeowners tend to buy villas or property in the exclusive Algarve resorts of Quinta da Lago, Val de Lobo and
Vilamoura or Lisbon and
Silver Coast. Expatriates are attracted to the cosmopolitan lifestyle that the Algarve has to offer with an estimated 33% of the resident population speaking a foreign language (predominantly English). Expatriates enjoy the moderate climate, security, golf and relaxed Portuguese lifestyle. With over 300 days of sunshine per annum, the health benefits of the warm sunny climate and stress free life style contribute to your longevity and happiness rather the harsh grey, cold and wet climate you have been accustomed to back home.
Reasons for retiring in PortugalClimate: The advantages of living in a warmer climate are obvious and result in an improved quality of life and often an increased life expectancy for retirees. A better climate also provides ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, such as gardening, golf, tennis or walking, during your increased leisure time.
Lower Cost of Living: Portugal is one of the least expensive countries in Europe to visit or retire to. The Portuguese have a comfortable lifestyle with the country having experienced steady economic growth and relatively low unemployment.
Safety and Stability: Portugal has no enemies and therefore no terrorist factions operating on the fringe Portuguese society. The peaceful nature of the Portuguese and a culture of respect for other peoples right to property ownership and to live a life free of crime, means that Portugal continues to be one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Therefore you are able to leave your house or apartment locked and travel as often as you like.
Leisure and Sports Options: The availability of a wide range of leisure and sports activities at an affordable cost is an added attraction. Portugal has excellent leisure facilities, such as golf and tennis clubs, with affordable membership prices. When you retire to Portugal with a mild climate, you will also have more time and opportunities to practice your chosen sport or activity, which will rarely be interrupted by rain!
Integrating: It is relatively easy to integrate into the local society as most Portuguese speak, English and at least on other language. Free Portuguese language lessons are offered in most municipal districts or residents can attend the hundreds of private language schools located throughout the country. In the Algarve or Lisbon it is not uncommon to find medical and legal professionals who have settled and set up practice in Portugal. Portuguese are predominantly Roman Catholic but religion is practiced freely therefore expats have access to a large spectrum of religions that practice their faith in their mother language. Foreign television and radio stations are available on the extensive cable TV network and Internet is accessible throughout the country, which is standard in new-build houses and apartment. Various local service providers also offer the installation of satellite TV channels such as Sky etc. Local newspapers are freely available in many languages including, English, German, Russian etc. Foreign newspapers are also available in most newsstands in tourist locations including the Algarve and Lisbon.
Regular Flights: Portugal’s privileged geographical location means it is frequently the country at which many airlines prefer to stop over in the three International Airports of Lisbon, Porto and Faro. Regular flights to more than 50 cities in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Macau and North and South America, as well as domestic flights between Porto, Lisbon, Faro and the Madeira and the Azores Islands are available. The Low Cost air carriers such as Easy Jet, Ryan Air, Vueling etc. connect Portugal to the rest of Europe with daily flights to all three airports.
Expats who have settled in Portugal are unanimous in their love for this beautiful country. They will tell you that the their biggest challenge was to adapt to the “Easy Living” Portuguese lifestyle that attracted them to this paradise.
The coffee at nine, the two hour lunch, the late evenings, the good company, the slow cooked fresh food and fantastic wine. . . What's not to love?
By Antonio Lopes
