Portugal is a popular expat destination due to its high standard of living, cost-effectiveness, and warm climate. It is the best place to live, with fantastic landscapes, bustling cities, and a warm culture. Healthcare is superb, too, and the cost of living is low. Portugal also has several visa options for retirees, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs.
This article discusses how to move to Portugal, including choosing the right location and getting accommodation for the visa application process. It also shows how to connect with local communities, whether the relocation is short-term or long-term.
Benefits of Moving to Portugal from India
Portugal, as a country, offers various benefits to its migrants. Some of the top benefits are listed below:
Low cost of living
The cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower than in other countries, allowing people to live a higher standard of life without spending much. For example, house rent is about a third of what it might be in one of the world's well-developed countries.
Foreigners Can Buy Property
In Portugal, there are no specific requirements for foreigners to buy properties.
Buying a property worth €500,000 or more will make you eligible for a Golden Visa.
The Golden Visa allows you to stay in Portugal for up to five years.
High Quality of Education
Portugal provides a quality education system. This country has various educational institutions, such as public, private, and international institutions, so that migrants or families can choose the right academic institution according to their choice.
Safest Country
Portugal is also known for being one of the safest countries in the world. Making it an ideal destination for families and skilled professionals. This European country offers a low crime rate, and gun crime in Portugal is nearly non-existent.
Healthcare System
Portugal's healthcare system is reliable and accessible. The country allocates approximately 9% of its annual GDP to healthcare, ensuring that each citizen and resident receives quality health services.
10-Step Guide on How to Move to Portugal from India
You must follow the following step-by-step process while planning to move to Portugal in 2025 from India.
Research and Choose the Right Location
Portugal has many regions, each with unique advantages. Before you move, you must research where you will settle and decide what is right for you based on your lifestyle, budget, and work opportunities.
Recommended Cities and Regions:
- Lisbon is the capital city, famous for its rich culture, high employment rate, and history. It is perfect for those who wish to live there.
- Porto is a lovely northern city with a significantly smaller cost of living than Lisbon. It is known for its wine and large expat community.
- Algarve – Suitable for retirement and beach holiday seekers. The lifestyle is stress-free, with incredible coastlines.
- Madeira & Azores – Island life with dramatic natures; it is great for digital nomads or anyone looking for a more relaxed pace of living.
- Central & Northern Portugal - More affordable rural regions, picturesque villages, and lower costs
Know Visa and Residency Requirements
One should obtain the correct visa and residency permit to live legally in Portugal. The best depends on the purpose of migrating. Portugal offers the following types of Visa Options.
- D7 Visa: Ideal for retirees and those with passive income. Proof of sufficient funds is a must.
- Golden Visa: Residency by investment program for people purchasing real estate or making an investment in Portugal.
- Digital Nomad Visa: It is designed for remote workers earning from outside Portugal.
- Portugal Work Visa: This visa is designed for skilled professionals for whom a Portuguese employer offers jobs.
- Student Visa: This is for candidates enrolled in university programs at universities in Portugal.
Manage Your Finances
You will know how to control your expenditure and will understand tax laws. Important things to know before moving to Portugal:
- Basic costs – Rental, grocery, transportation, and healthcare costs differ from region to region.
- Opening a bank account – Needed to pay rent, electricity, water bills, and salaries. Some of the most popular banks are Millennium BCP, Santander, and Caixa Geral de Depósitos.
- Taxes – Expats are eligible for Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident tax regime, which benefits them with taxes for ten years. Consult with a tax consultant.
Find Accommodation & Healthcare
- For Housing:
- Renting –probably ideal for first-timers; websites like Idealista and OLX have properties for rent
- Buying - ideal for people staying for an extended period, especially Golden Visa applicants
- For Healthcare
- Public System (SNS) - very affordable, though with long waiting lists.
2. Private Healthcare – Faster service but more expensive. Private insurance is advisable for better coverage.
Find Work or Start a Business
- For Job Seekers:
- Obtain a Portugal Job Seeker Visa if you have a job offer.
- High-demand sectors include tech, tourism, English teaching, and startups.
- You will find several job opportunities via LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or other local boards.
- For Entrepreneurs:
Lisbon provides vast support for all sorts of startups. To open a business, one must obtain an NIF (Tax Identification Number).
Set Up Essentials (NIF, Utilities & Transport)
Important tasks after arrival:
- Get a NIF (Tax Number) – To receive a NIF (Number d' identification fiscale in Portuguese) as required for almost every banking/renting purpose or tax.
- Utilities – Electricity is provided by EDP, and internet service providers are Vodafone and MEO
- Transportation – Present your Indian driving license and get a Portuguese permit if required.
Integrate & Settle in Portugal
- Adapt to the Culture & Language
- Learn the basics of Portuguese to integrate better.
- Participate in local festivals and community events to experience the vibrant culture of Portugal.
- Build a Social Network
- Join Facebook groups or Meetups for other expats.
- Attend the language exchange event, work or sports clubs and mingle around.
Conclusion
Moving to Portugal from India in 2025 could be rewarding, but only if done right. Proper planning for a smooth transition includes the right location, visa, finances, and social integration. Learning the language—Portuguese—and establishing a social network will enable you to settle faster. With affordable living, excellent healthcare, and a welcoming culture, Portugal is one of the best places to call home for Indian expats.
To know more about Portugal and how to move to Portugal, contact Province Immigration at +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com.
