Why does life in Portugal attract so many foreigners?

Benefits of living in Portugal

Life in Portugal offers an attractive proposition for many, thanks to a multitude of undeniable advantages. If you are considering the possibility of moving, you should take into account various important factors, such as the cost of living, available visa options, and many other aspects.

Availability of housing and expenses

One of the key advantages of living in this country is the reasonable housing prices compared to other Western European countries. The prices for food products and services, including cafes, restaurants, and transportation, are also at a lower level, allowing residents to enjoy a high quality of life without significant financial costs. This makes Portugal an attractive option not only for tourists but also for those looking to start a new chapter in their lives.

Possibilities of legal status

If you are considering the possibility of moving to Portugal, it is crucial to understand the legal ways to obtain residency status. The country has various programs aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining a residence permit, including options such asgolden visa.

This visa is intended for those who are ready to invest in the Portuguese economy, for example, through the purchase of real estate. This pathway attracts many foreign investors who want not only to secure residency but also to create a solid foundation for future income.

Buying real estate

Purchasing real estate has become one of the most sought-after strategies for those planning a long-term stay in Portugal. The country offers a wide range of options, from modern apartments in major cities to picturesque buildings by the sea. The level of property taxes and various administrative costs in Portugal is quite moderate, creating favorable conditions for investing in housing.

Work and startups

In addition, Portugal is actively implementing various programs aimed at attracting foreign investments and specialists. If you are looking for a job, there are many opportunities in different sectors such as technology, education, and media.

There is a separate visa for beginner entrepreneurs that encourages the creation of new projects and startups. This is very appealing to young people and those looking to implement their ideas.

Education in Portugal

Education in Portugal is another important aspect of living there. The unique structure of higher education and the presence of international institutions provide many students with diverse opportunities. Instruction is conducted in several languages, which allows foreign students to easily integrate.

Many universities in the country demonstrate a high level of academic programs and research activities, which attracts students from various corners of the world.

Family reunion

Another significant aspect is the family reunification. Portugal offers certain privileges to its residents who wish to invite their loved ones. This makes the relocation process more justified and appealing for families looking to unite in a new country.

Refugee status

There are also specific procedures and requirements regarding the acquisition of refugee status. Portugal is known for its openness and friendly attitude towards those in need of protection. Foreigners who arrive in the country for humanitarian reasons can rely on support and integration programs, which facilitate an easier adaptation process.

Obtaining citizenship

If you want to become a part of Portuguese society and are seeking citizenship, you need to go through a series of steps. It is essential to confirm your connection to Portuguese culture and language, which will provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of local traditions and way of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving to Portugal can be a great choice for those seeking a fresh start or exciting adventures. The favorable climate, rich culture, and friendly community are welcoming to new residents.

The opportunities for career growth and personal development here are almost limitless. Regardless of your choice—whether working, studying, or investing—Portugal offers everything you need for a successful start. The path to a new future begins here, and this could be exactly what you need for a new life.

Portugal: a new destination for immigration

Portugal is becoming an increasingly popular destination for people looking to start a new life in Europe. This is due to the lenient immigration conditions offered by the country's authorities. The process of obtaining residency here is significantly simplified, and many foreigners are eager to move to this sunny country.

Portugal has a population of over 10 million residents, among which about 600 thousand are legally residing foreigners. This increase in migrants in recent years indicates a growing interest in Portugal, especially in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Setúbal.

The economic situation in the country

The economy of Portugal has shown significant progress in recent years, which has contributed to an improvement in living conditions. For instance, the unemployment rate, which reached 16.2% in 2013, decreased to 5.9% by 2020. Portugal stands out among other European countries not only for its stable economic development but also for its affordable living conditions.

The cost of living here is significantly lower than in most European countries, while the quality of life remains high.

Availability of housing

One of the significant attractive features of life in Portugal is the affordability of real estate. The average price per square meter is around 1,100 euros, which is considerably lower than in neighboring countries like Spain, where the price reaches about 1,800 euros per square meter.

• In Lisbon, renting a one-bedroom apartment will cost between 600 and 800 euros per month.
• The prices for goods and services are relatively low, which makes life comfortable and affordable.

Climate and culture

In addition, Portugal is famous for its pleasant climate and picturesque landscapes. Mild winters and warm summers create excellent conditions for living and outdoor recreation. The culture, cuisine, and friendliness of the locals make Portugal especially attractive for those looking for a new place to live.

Advantages of moving

Moving to Portugal can be a wonderful opportunity for many. Here, you can not only build a successful career but also enjoy picturesque moments away from the stress of big cities. If you are considering a change of residence, Portugal could be your ideal option for a fresh start.

The authorities actively promote immigration and offer various programs that simplify the process of obtaining residency compared to several other countries in Europe.

• To obtain a golden visa, it is enough to make an investment in real estate or start a business.

Cultural heritage

We should not forget about the rich cultural heritage of this country. Portugal is known for its historical monuments, magnificent architecture, and numerous festivals that take place throughout the year. The local cuisine is impressive in its diversity – from a variety of seafood to sweets, such aspasta de natathat conquer the hearts of gourmets.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Portugal offers excellent opportunities for a new life, reasonable housing prices, and a high quality of life. If you are looking for the right place to move and want to build a future, Portugal could be your chance for successful immigration.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower than in countries like France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with a difference of 1.5 to 2 times according to the Numbeo portal. You can obtain Portuguese citizenship five years after moving, which is one of the fastest ways to get a European passport, especially compared to Spain and Italy, where the process takes ten years, and in Greece, it takes seven years.

Tax conditions

Portugal offers attractive tax conditions for new residents. For ten years, they have access to a special regime known as the regime.non-habitual residentswhich allows for a reduction of the income tax rate to 20%. In addition, income earned outside the country is not subject to taxation.

Mediterranean cuisine

One of the distinctive features of Portugal is its Mediterranean cuisine, which plays an important role in the healthy lifestyle of the locals. This is reflected in the high average life expectancy, which exceeds 81 years, indicating an excellent level of health among the population.

Safety

It is also worth noting the low crime rate in Portugal. According to international analysis, the country ranks third in the list of the safest countries in the world by index.Global Peace IndexSince 2020, only Iceland and New Zealand have ranked higher.

Climate

The climate in Portugal is characterized by mild and pleasant conditions. Summer temperatures rarely exceed +30 °C thanks to the ocean breeze, which makes the heat more comfortable. Winters in the coastal areas also remain warm, with average temperatures ranging from +13 to +17 °C even in the coldest months. Portugal boasts the title of the sunniest country in Europe, with up to 300 sunny days a year.

Language culture

English is quite widely spoken here. Foreign films are shown in their original version with Portuguese subtitles, which helps residents better understand the English language. Additionally, English is part of the school curriculum, which means that a large portion of the youth is able to hold conversations in this language. According to the rankingEF English Proficiency IndexIn 2020, Portugal ranked seventh in the world for English proficiency.

Hospitality

Moreover, Portugal is very friendly towards foreigners. In 2020, it was recognized as the most hospitable country according to the expat network ranking.Internationsthat makes it an attractive place to live and work for people from all over the world.

Prices in Portugal vary depending on the region and the level of services. For example, dinner for two at a restaurant will cost around 30 euros, while a bottle of local wine will be about 4 euros. A movie ticket costs around 7 euros, and a month of gym membership is about 33 euros. If you plan to take a taxi, the fare will be approximately 0.5 euros per kilometer. Utility bills for an 85 square meter apartment average around 100 euros per month and include expenses for electricity, heating, water supply, and garbage collection.

Ways to move to Portugal

If you are interested in moving to Portugal, there are several ways to make this idea a reality. One of the most popular methods is obtaining a work visa. Other options include:

• marriage to a citizen of Portugal;
• admission to an educational institution;
• investing in the country's economy;
• acquisition of real estate starting from 350 thousand euros;
• opening a new business or relocating an existing startup;
• participation in a program for financial independence;
• reunion with family or obtaining refugee status.

The most common categories of individuals who can obtain residency in Portugal are students, retirees, and close relatives of individuals with Portuguese residency, as well as entrepreneurs with promising projects.

Golden visa in Portugal

Golden visaIt is a government program that allows foreign citizens to obtain residency in exchange for investments. This type of visa enables a quick residency status: the investor and their family can receive a visa in just 2-6 months. The first step is obtaining a one-year visa, which is then extended for two years, and then for another two years.

If the investment conditions are met, the resident status can be extended indefinitely. However, after 5 years of investment, you will be eligible for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship. It is important to note that after obtaining permanent residency, the investor can withdraw their funds while still maintaining their resident status.

Real estate investments

Housing is gaining the most popularity among investors as a way to obtain a golden visa. In 2019, over 93% of all investors chose this route for obtaining residency. To get a residence permit through real estate purchase, it is necessary to acquire a property worth at least 500,000 euros.

The cost of living in Portugal is approximately 2000 euros per year. It should be emphasized that the possibility of obtaining a residence visa through the purchase of real estate in cities like Lisbon and Porto, as well as along the coast, was only relevant until July 1, 2021. From that point on, the Portuguese authorities began issuing golden visas only on the condition of purchasing real estate in the inland areas of the country, as well as in the Azores and Madeira.

Alternative methods for obtaining a visa

In addition to purchasing property, there are alternative methods of investing in the Portuguese economy that can lead to obtaining a golden visa. However, these options do not generate significant interest from foreign investors. What actions can be taken to obtain a residence permit in Portugal through investments in the economic sector?

Ways to invest to obtain a visa

• Acquisition of sharesPortuguese companies or opening a bank account in a Portuguese financial institution with a deposit of at least 1 million euros.
• Investing in an investment fundwith a minimum contribution of 350,000 euros, while at least 60% of the capital must be directed towards supporting Portuguese companies.
• Starting your own businesswhich will provide at least 10 new jobs for local residents.
• Donationin the amount of 350 thousand euros to support scientific research in Portugal.
• Highlighting250 thousand euros for the preservation of the country's cultural heritage.

Financial independence and residence permit

As for financial capability, Portugal offers residency to wealthy foreigners who can prove they have sufficient funds to live in the country. This can include affluent retirees, businesspeople with stable passive income, as well as landlords earning income from renting out their properties.

To obtain a residence permit, you must either purchase or rent housing in Portugal and have an income that exceeds the established minimum level, which is 635 euros per month or 7,620 euros per year. This income can come from various sources, such as:

• Real estate rental.
• Dividends on bank deposits.
• Pensions.
• Profit from the business.
• Income from intellectual property.
• Securities.

A foreigner must demonstrate the availability of funds that will be sufficient for living in Portugal for one year in their bank account, which includes:

• 7,620 euros for the main applicant.
• 3,600 euros for each adult family member.
• 2,160 euros for each child.

These are the minimum requirements for those wishing to obtain resident status in Portugal among financially independent individuals. It is important to note that the higher the amount the applicant is willing to show, the greater the likelihood of their application being approved.

Labor activity and legal employment

Regarding employment, the basis for legal employment in the country is an invitation from a Portuguese employer and a signed employment contract. After submitting these documents to the Portuguese consulate, a foreigner has the chance to obtain a work visa and then a residence permit in Portugal.

The work of migrants in Portugal

Migrants in Portugal who choose illegal work risk facing deportation for violating labor regulations. When hiring employees, employers first prefer local residents and citizens of European Union countries. Immigrants only have a chance to get a job when a vacancy remains unfilled by Portuguese citizens.

Job search

To find current job offers in Portugal, you can use platforms like sapo.pt, indeed.pt, and adecco.pt. Additionally, many people look for vacancies through LinkedIn or join groups on Facebook, such as the DDR Job Board community, which is dedicated to job openings in the digital sector. On the carga de trabalhos resource, you can find offers for designers, copywriters, and advertising specialists.

Opportunities for freelancers

For freelancers and remote workers, moving to Portugal can be an attractive solution. Many migrants find jobs in areas such as:

• restaurant and hotel management;
• Construction;
• agriculture;
• medical services.

Nevertheless, one should not expect high salaries: the average income is around 1200 euros per month. Only highly qualified specialists in fields such as programming, engineering, and medicine earn more than 2000 euros, especially if they are proficient in English.

Startup Visa Program

The Startup Visa program offers entrepreneurs looking to launch an innovative startup in Portugal or relocate their business from another country the opportunity to obtain a residence permit. To get project approval, it is necessary to demonstrate its potential to create at least five jobs for Portuguese citizens over a period of two years. Within five years, the startup's assets or annual turnover must reach 325,000 euros. Additionally, the project must attract the interest of at least one of the 78 accredited incubators.

Startup hub in Lisbon

Lisbon has become an important hub for startups in Europe thanks to its growing community of IT specialists. This makes sense, as starting a business here is easy, taxes are quite moderate, and salaries are not too high. For example, the average income for a senior iOS developer is around 2000 euros per month. In recent years, the authorities have initiated a number of programs aimed at supporting high technology and startups, which has led to the establishment of new incubators, accelerators, and coworking spaces that attract investors.

Large companies and events

Among the large international companies operating in Lisbon, one can highlightOracle,CiscoandMicrosoftSince 2016, one of the most significant events in the field of information technology has been held in Lisbon —Web SummitAnd it was recently announced that the city will host it at least until 2028.

Lisbon's startup ecosystem

Startup centers are actively developing in Lisbon, among which special attention should be paid to the venue.Second Homewhich took second place in the world after a similar space in London. It is also worth highlightingStartup Lisbonwhich has proven to be an extremely effective incubator for new businesses.Lisbon Challenge— this is one of the most sought-after acceleration programs focused on startups. There is also a coworking space in this city.LACSand startup hubImpact HubIt does not go unnoticed eitherBeato Creative Hubwhich will occupy an impressive area of 100,000 square meters, representing a significant contribution to the evolution of Lisbon's startup ecosystem.

Immigration through education

When it comes to immigration issues, one of the simplest ways for foreign citizens is to enroll in one of the country's universities. The admission process is quite transparent, but it is important to prepare funds in advance to pay for educational services. After being accepted into an educational institution, foreign students can apply for...residence permitwhich will be valid for the entire duration of their studies. They are also allowed to work, but with a limitation of no more than 20 hours per week.

Another option could be enrolling in long-term Portuguese language courses. For courses lasting less than three months, a student Schengen visa is issued, while for courses longer than three months, a national visa can be obtained, which can later be converted into a residence permit.

Immigration through family reunification

Immigration through family reunification also offers certain opportunities. If a foreigner has relatives in Portugal, they can take advantage of the reunification program. For this, the sponsor inviting the foreigner must be a citizen of Portugal or hold a local residence permit.

• Those eligible for a residence permit under family reunification include:
• Spouses of Portuguese citizens or permanent residents;
• Minor children;
• Dependent parents.

To apply for a residence permit for parents and children, it is necessary to provide documents that confirm the family ties with the resident or citizen of the country. For spouses, a marriage certificate will be required.

The process of obtaining a residence permit

In the first stage, an immigrant needs to obtain a long-term visa category for guests, and then submit documents on-site to obtain a residence permit. When registering a marriage with a Portuguese citizen, it is important to provide a marriage certificate from the Russian consulate confirming the absence of previous marriages for the foreigner. Additionally, the following will be required:

• Valid foreign passport;
• Birth certificate with an apostille and a notarized translation into Portuguese.

In case this is not the first marriage, you should also provide the divorce certificate, along with an apostille and translation.

Refugee status in Portugal

Individuals seeking asylum have the right to learn about the procedures for obtaining refugee status in Portugal. However, they must demonstrate the existence of persecution based on their religious or political affiliation, or confirm that they are victims of armed conflicts.

An application for refugee status should be submitted with supporting documents immediately upon arrival in the country. This will help increase the chances of a successful review of their case.

The procedure for submitting an immigration application

During the review of an immigration application, certain requirements are imposed on applicants regarding housing, food, and medical services. To reside in Portugal for an extended period, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit. Initially, the migrant receives a temporary residence permit for one year. If the reason for staying in the country remains valid, there is an option to extend this status for another two years, and then for an additional two years.

After completing five years of legal residence based on a residence permit, a foreigner can apply for permanent residency and subsequently for citizenship.

Confirmation of the conditions for obtaining a residence permit

To obtain a residence permit, a migrant must confirm the availability of housing in Portugal. This can be done by providing an invitation from a local resident or by signing a lease or a purchase agreement for real estate. In addition, a bank statement may be required to confirm the migrant's financial situation. The foreign citizen must also confirm the absence of serious illnesses and criminal records. An important condition is having health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

Confirmation of grounds for immigration

The key point is to confirm the grounds for immigration. For example:

• For family reunification:It is necessary to provide a marriage or birth certificate.
• Business immigrants:You need to present your business project, as well as documents related to the company and a bank statement.
• Investors:You are required to confirm your investments in real estate or the economy of Portugal with the appropriate documents from the land registry.
• Students:You must have an admission letter from the educational institution.
• Labor migrants:You must have a contract with your employer and a work permit.
• When arriving with a child:A sponsorship letter and consent from the second parent are required.

Stages of the process for obtaining a residence permit

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal consists of several key stages:

• First, it is necessary to obtain a national visa type D at the Portuguese consulate in Russia.
• Then comes the move to Portugal and the submission of an application for resident status to the SEF, which deals with issues related to foreigners and immigration.
• After successfully completing all these steps, the applicant receives a residence permit card.

Cost and processing time

The application fee for a residence permit is 450 euros for each applicant. In addition, you will need to pay for the translation and legalization of all necessary documents. This process can take anywhere from two to twelve months, depending on the grounds for immigration.

Obtaining permanent residency

To obtain permanent residency (PR), a Russian citizen will need to spend at least five years in Portugal, confirming that they have not left the country for more than 183 days in a calendar year. Additionally, the foreigner must demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in the Portuguese language by passing the relevant exam. Furthermore, the migrant must show their financial stability by providing a bank statement or proof of income.

Thus, the process of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal requires careful preparation and a meticulous approach to each of the presented requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to note that life in Portugal offers many advantages that make this country attractive to foreigners and emigrants. In recent years, Portugal has become a real find for people seeking a high quality of life at an affordable price. I was personally impressed by how diverse and culturally rich this corner of Europe is – from sunny beaches to stunning architecture and a rich history.

Benefits of living in Portugal

Portugal offers a wide range of opportunities for professional self-realization, whether it's employment, real estate investments, or starting your own business. I've seen many people who decided to move here find their niche and build a successful life, taking advantage of the country's friendly and welcoming atmosphere.Golden visaAs one of the ways to legalize one's stay, it opens doors for those who want not only to live but also to work, study, or invest.

In the course of my research, I also found that the education and healthcare systems in Portugal are at a commendable level, which challenges many stereotypes about southern countries. This is important for families with children who are looking for comfortable living conditions.

The growing number of emigrants

Every year, the number of foreign citizens choosing Portugal as their home continues to grow. This is not only due to the low housing prices and wonderful climate but also because of the government's respectful attitude towards immigrants and its efforts to create comfortable living conditions.

• Prospects for the country's development
• Growing labor market
• Opportunities for starting your own business

For those who want a change of scenery, are striving for a better life, or dream of the perfect climate, Portugal comes out on top. I hope that my article will help readers better understand all the advantages and opportunities that moving to this amazing country offers, and inspire them to take a step towards a new life.