Newsletter 6 PORTUGAL The Choice for a quality life

What Expats Think About Portugal

Today, there are an estimated 56 or 57 million expatriates worldwide, and the term “expat” is no longer limited to corporate assignees relocating from a company’s HQ.

And yes, it’s a fact , Portugal became appealing and trendy, but this time it is not the opinion of a few reporters who only enjoy sun and good food.

 The findings emerge in the Expat Insider 2017 Survey, one of the largest surveys worldwide. With a ranking of 65 destinations is based on how these countries were rated by their expat residents. Its based in more than 12,500 respondents representing 166 nationalities and living in 188 countries or territories answered questions, providing unique insights into what it means to be an expat in 2017.

This year the Quality of Life Index features another breakout star: Portugal is one of the “biggest winners”, having managed to improve its overall position by 23 places and taking the top spot in this index.

In this survey Portugal as achived premium scores in some of the most important categories, such as peacefulness (1th); Leisure Options ( 1th), Personal Hapiness (1th); Feeling Welcome; Friendliness (1th);                

Feeling Welcome Abroad chapter, with topicis such: I’m feeling at home in the local culture, It’s easy to settle down here, Its easy to get used to the local culture, Portugal get the 1th place between the 65 countries included in the  Expat Insider 2017 Survey.

Living the Good Life in Portugal

Portugal ranks 5th out of 65 countries in 2017, climbing an impressive 23 places. The Mediterranean nation mostly improved in the Quality of Life Index, where it makes it to first place, as well as the Ease of Settling In Index (4th place). Generally speaking, 93% are satisfied with their life abroad in Portugal and 29% even say that they are very happy with this aspect.

Portugal has improved across the board in the Quality of Life Index. Personal happiness had dropped in 2016 but shows significant improvements in 2017, landing the country in third place for this subcategory. In fact, 89% are generally happy with their life, while only 77% gave this factor a positive rating in 2016. When it comes to romance, expats in Portugal also have very little to complain about: 95% are generally satisfied with their relationship, compared to 76% in 2016.

According to survey respondents, the political stability in Portugal has vastly improved, contributing to the strong ranking in the Safety & Security subcategory: one third (33%) rate this factor as very good, compared to only 11% in 2016 — a positive perception that seems to be shared by the local population. While the results for personal safety were already well above the global average in 2016, 95% rate this factor positively in 2017 — an improvement of six percentage points..

Portugal is also number one when it comes to friendliness and feeling welcome. In fact, 88% generally agree that it’s easy to settle down in this country, while only 75% gave this factor a positive rating in 2016. One Brazilian expat appreciates the “kind people, nice weather and food, as well as the beautiful places to visit” in Portugal.

In addition, 89% find it easy to get used to the local culture in Portugal, compared to 74% in 2016. The general friendliness of the population (92%) and the welcoming attitude toward foreign residents (94%) are other factors which have significantly improved (87% and 82% positive ratings respectively in 2016).

A Gem of a Country: Portugal

Having gained 13 places since the last year Expat Insider 2016 survey, Portugal is not only the second-biggest winner in the Quality of Life Index, but has also made the most significant gains in the overall ranking.

Its popularity among expats — at least when it comes to quality of life — is largely due to its temperate climate and widely available leisure activities. Portugal ranks 2nd out of 65 countries in the Leisure Options subcategory.

Not a single respondent has something negative to say about its climate and weather, which nearly two-thirds (65%) consider excellent, compared to 26% globally. In fact, nine out of ten expats perceived this as a potential benefit before relocating.

Portugal’s good result in the Health & Well-Being subcategory — ninth worldwide — is to some extent thanks to the benefits of nature. Though the country boasts above-average results regarding the affordability and quality of healthcare, its true strength lies in the quality of its environment. Well over nine in ten respondents (94%) rate this positively (worldwide average: 64%).

Lastly, 94% of expats in Portugal are happy with their travel opportunities. However, not quite as many survey respondents are happy with the transport infrastructure: one in eleven (9%) rates this factor very negatively.

In general, plenty of sun and relaxation might contribute to respondents’ general happiness: just 4% voice any dissatisfaction with their new life in Portugal. One respondent summed it up by saying: “This is a gem of a country hiding in plain sight.”

Peacefulness

Portugal doesn’t make it into the top 10 in the Safety & Security subcategory, ranking 11th out of 65. This isn’t a reason to worry: peacefulness is actually the best-rated factor in this category, with an impressive 77% of respondents considering Portugal a very peaceful country — only Finland has slightly better results (78%). Not a single respondent is worried about their personal safety either — it’s lingering concerns about political stability that keep the ranking down.

For a peaceful expat experience, Finland is the number one place to go. An incredible 99% of expats rate the peacefulness positively, causing Finland to jump from 5th place in 2016 to the top spot. Portugal, Norway, Switzerland, and Japan make up the rest of the top 5, with Portugal gaining twelve places compared to 2016, taking second place in 2017. The sunny escape also ranks in the top 5 of the Global Peace Index.

However the study also indicates some areas in which Portugal is not in such good classifications, as is the case of the Labor Area (53th), Career (59th) or Job Security (54th). Also the views on family life did not even put  the country in the first 45 ranked.

Moving house and changing jobs are probably high on most people’s lists two of the most stressful things you can do and trying to do both at the same time can be even more traumatic! But you might have to switch cities or even Countries to keep a job or earn a promotion. So, relocating for work is something you may need to deal with.

So, if you want to have a successful relocation in Portugal, here’s what you’ll need to do:

It’s wise to get some advise from local experts and that is exactly what GETiN Relocation Services offer: expert advice! Helping with essentials like Home Search, whether you are buying or renting, School Search, practical financial advice and generally help you Settling in Assistance to your new home.

Specialized skills and experience are required to manage any kind of relocation effectively. There are a host of different issues, which must be handled professionally.