Top 10 reasons to move from the UK to Portugal

Top 10 reasons to move from the UK to Portugal

• Sunshine, sunshine and more sunshine. For those in the UK, the lure of a warmer climate is a major part of Portugal’s appeal. Head south to the Algarve for maximum sunshine, with 300+ sunny days per year.

• The outdoor lifestyle. From swimming, surfing and kayaking to tennis, padel and horse-riding, Portugal’s climate supports a wealth of outdoor activities. Perfect for an active, healthy lifestyle. The Algarve is a particular draw for golfers, with 32 courses spread across the region.

• Outstanding healthcare. Numbeo’s 2024 Health Care Index ranks Portugal 19th globally for the quality of its healthcare system, up from 25th place in 2023. Expats can expect excellent and affordable services meeting a wide range of clinical and wellbeing needs, with both public and private healthcare options available.

• Superb connectivity. Friends and family can visit easily and affordably, with flights from a wide range of UK airports into Lisbon, Porto and Faro. According to Sky Scanner, there are 684 flights to Lisbon per week from London airports alone.

• Gastronomic delights. Portugal is home to 29 restaurants with one Michelin star and seven restaurants that have reached the lofty heights of two. But eating out in Portugal isn’t only about fine dining. A climate that delivers an abundance of fresh seasonal produce and easy access to the sea have resulted in a wealth of restaurants serving delicious, hearty and astonishingly affordable fare.

• An affordable lifestyle. The cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower than in the UK. At the time of writing, data from Numbeo shows that living in Portugal is, on average, 27% cheaper than living in the UK. Savings can be made on everything from groceries to properties.

• A new take on retirement. With a D7 visa that’s ideal for retirees, Portugal has much to offer those approaching their golden years. At Life Plan Resorts, an innovative new approach is providing life leases and monthly rental properties to retirees in a stunning natural setting by the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve, with a continuum of care that encompasses both social and medical considerations.

• Beach life. Portugal’s coastline stretches for 1,114 miles along the entire western and southern borders of the country. So much seaside means everyone from sunbathers to surfers to superyacht owners can find the beach of their dreams.

• Fiscal benefits. Attractive taxation and visa regimes don’t just make it easy to move to Portugal, they also mean there can be significant cost advantages to doing so. Many visas provide a five-year route to residency, while tax benefits can last for up to a decade.

• Something for everyone. Portugal isn’t just for retirees. Excellent international nurseries and schools, such as those from international educator Globeducate, mean that children can receive tuition in English as well as Portuguese and can study the UK curriculum. A dynamic business environment enables entrepreneurs to run with their ideas. And welcoming communities up and down the country invite anyone with a love of Portugal to experience the joy of living there.