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Are you looking for a fresh start in a beautiful, vibrant and welcoming country? Known for its stunning beaches, favorable weather and quality of life, Portugal, is increasing its popularity among families from around the world. In this article, we'll explore why Portugal could be the perfect new home for you and your family.
Stunning landscapes from coast to countryside
One of the most attractive reasons for moving to Portugal is its natural beauty. Portugal offers everything from rocky coastlines to a peaceful countryside, from Algarve and its amazing beaches to Douro and its vineyards. Whether your family enjoys sunbathing, surfing or just enjoy ocean views, beaches from this sunny country provide you a relaxing and fulfilling lifestyle. In addition to the coastline, Portugal's diverse natural environment offers rolling hills, vineyards and mountains.Portugal has something to offer every family, whether they enjoy the tranquility of rural life or the vibrant energy of the big cities. This is why, Portugal is seen as an attractive destination for family relocation.
The best of the Mediterranean climate: sunshine all year round
Another reason why moving to Portugal is so appealing is its mediterranean climate. Portugal has one of the most favorable climates in Europe: the warm and sunny weather, with an average of 300 days. Lisbon, the capital, boasts an average of 2,806 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest cities in Europe. Even during winter months, temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F), allowing for year-round outdoor enjoyment. This pleasant climate is perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities, exploring local parks, beaches, or going for hikes.
A safe haven for your family
Safety is a top priority for families, and Portugal excels in this area. It has consistently ranked among the top 10 safest countries in the world for the last nine years. In 2024, Portugal is ranked as the 7th safest country globally according to the Global Peace Index.
Crime rates in Portugal are notably low. Whether you're residing in Lisbon, Porto, or quieter regions like the Algarve, your family can enjoy a stable and peaceful environment.The Portuguese local population is known for being very friendly and reliable, often going out of their way to help foreigners. This welcoming attitude contributes significantly to the overall sense of safety and community.
Cost of living in Portugal
The pros of moving to Portugal often outweigh the cons for many families. With its natural beauty, pleasant climate, safety, and tax benefits, Portugal offers a high quality of life at a relatively affordable cost. Whether you're moving to Portugal from the US or another country, you'll find a welcoming environment that combines modern amenities with rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal place to call home.
One of the main attractions for families moving to Portugal is the reasonable cost of living. Numbeo's Cost of Living Index 2023 places Portugal at 45th out of 139 countries, making it significantly more affordable than many Western European nations.
Tax-friendly environment
Portugal's tax system offers significant advantages for expatriates, making it an attractive destination for relocation. The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme provides substantial tax relief on certain income for the first ten years of residency. When combined with a lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries, tax advantages make Portugal an attractive destination to move to.
Warm Community and Family-Centric Culture
A significant advantage of relocating to Portugal is its vibrant expat community. Whether you settle in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, or elsewhere, you'll find a supportive network that eases your transition. The blend of foreigners and welcoming Portuguese locals creates a strong sense of belonging. Additionally, you should consider the benefits for parents and what can you expect from having a child in Portugal. Raising a child in Portugal offers many positive experiences, largely due to the country’s family-oriented culture. Children are often the focus of social interactions, and the strong sense of community means that neighbors and friends are often happy to help each other, which can be particularly comforting for new parents who are already considering or exploring parenthood in Portugal. Learn more about how maternity leave works here (https://babysisters.pt/en/blog/maternity-leave-portugal).
Portugal's Healthcare Excellence
Portugal's healthcare system is another strong point, combining public and private options for comprehensive coverage. The country ranked 12th in the World Health Organization's healthcare efficiency index, surpassing many developed countries. This gives families peace of mind, knowing they can access quality, affordable healthcare through either public services or private insurance.
Quality Education
Families care about schooling, and Portugal delivers solid education options. The country has both public and private schools, many of which provide top-quality learning. Public schools cost nothing for residents and build a strong academic base. Plus many international schools in big cities like Lisbon and Porto teach in English helping foreign kids adjust and excel.
Portugal has something special for families looking to start over: beautiful scenery, sun all year, and safety like nowhere else.
Living costs less here, healthcare is great, and schools are top-class making this Mediterranean country ideal for family life. You'll feel at home with the friendly expats and locals. Want to begin your Portugal journey? Come visit and see the magic for yourself – think about getting a babysitter so you can check out your possible new home.
As you stand on Portugal's sunny beaches, you might ask yourself: "Why didn't we move here earlier?"