Since Brexit was first announced, British expats have been looking for new places to move outside of the EU. However, just because moving to Europe is trickier than it once was, it doesn’t mean that you should write it off completely.
Europe is still one of the most convenient continents to move to, if only because it’s still fairly close to the UK. Yes, moving somewhere far away and completely brand new is exciting, but many people still have family ties that make it less realistic.
Brits have traditionally emigrated to Spain and France, but there’s also a large British expat group in Portugal. Here are a few reasons why.
The Good Life – For an Affordable Price
Portugal is well known for being a warm and friendly country and has even been listed as one of the top 3 happiest places for expats to live. That alone is a ringing endorsement for why you should consider moving to Portugal, but it gets better.
One survey rated safety and security in Portugal highly, as well as the environment and the climate that Portugal boasts. Sure, different regions in Portugal have different weather patterns, but generally, you can expect hot summers and mild winters. While it does rain, especially in December, the rain is vital for keeping everything beautifully green.
It seems a bit too good to be true, but Portugal is also known for being one of the best value locations in Europe. You can buy or rent a stunning property for far less than in the UK, for example.
As well as property prices, the cost of living is low in Portugal. Grocery prices, particularly for local foods, are very affordable, as are the costs of alcohol and eating out. Portugal is famous for good wine, which means that you can get a decent bottle of wine for fairly cheap prices.
Beauty, Art, and Culture
Portugal is stunning, there’s no denying that. The beauty of Portugal runs the gamut from breathtaking natural vistas to wonderful traditional and modern architecture. Portugal has some expansive beaches for you to explore, whether on foot or by boat.
You can also explore the culture of Portugal, by discovering amazing artwork and music that permeates the nation. If you’re into history, Portugal has just as fascinating a history as many European countries, spreading back to medieval times. Some of the oldest villages in Portugal are like a postcard from centuries ago.
Part of the culture also ties into day-to-day life. Remember how Portugal is considered one of the happiest countries to live? Whether you prefer traditional or contemporary Portuguese music, you’re going to hear a lot of it. You can also experience the wonderful culture of alfresco dining, enjoying your delicious food right along with the sounds of the sea.
Minimal Culture Shock
While Portugal is definitely a different country, it isn’t a difficult country to emigrate to. The cheaper house prices help enormously of course, but it’s also easier socially. As mentioned before, Portugal is popular among expats, which means that there’s a community of English-speaking people already there.
Also, many Portuguese nationals have learnt to speak English, especially in areas that are more popular among expats. However, you will likely need to pick up some Portuguese if you plan to live and work there. Even retirees will benefit from being able to communicate effectively with the local people.
It’s relatively easy to get to Portugal from the UK by plane as well, you can get there in as little as three hours if you pick the right flight. Flights are also fairly cheap, which means that you can jet back to the UK more often. Your family and friends can also easily visit you, and get a cheap holiday out of it while they’re at it!
While a post-Brexit world may have looked concerning for hopeful expats, it’s still fairly simple to get a visa for Portugal. Check out this Portugal passive income visa guide to find out more about how you can live there as a resident. Remember that Portugal has encouraged people outside of the EU to purchase properties there for years now, and that isn’t likely to change.
While the culture in Portugal is different from British culture, which may well be part of the appeal and excitement of moving somewhere new, there are some similarities. For example, football is at least as popular in Portugal as it is in the UK, so footie fans can feel right at home when moving to Portugal.
