Living in Portugal
Portugal may have suffered as a result of the global financial crisis, but its spirit remains vivacious and the expat lifestyle is simple and relaxed.
If you’re about to move to Portugal, you’ll have the opportunity to snap up a bargain property. With a new network of roads and a low cost of living, life in Portugal has its perks.
Accommodation
After years of being in the doldrums, the Portuguese property market is recovering, thanks to foreign investment – but there are still plenty of apartments and houses available at low prices. Expats usually prefer to buy in Portugal, but it’s a good idea to rent while you get to know the area.
Accommodation Types
Furnished / Unfurnished
House Rental
House Buying
Language
Bureaucracy
Manners
Gender Equality
Although you’ll get by with English, most Portuguese will accept you more readily if you know some Portuguese. English is widely used in cities and tourist areas, but fewer people speak it in other parts of the country.
Culture
While Portugal is a modern European country, there can be some potentially frustrating attitudes and bureaucracy to deal with, especially in rural areas. But you should settle in quickly if you keep an open mind
Education
Education is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 16. The school year runs from mid-September to the end of June with the main holidays in December/January and June/July. Portugal’s public schools have good standards and are free for expat children. You can also choose from a wide range of semi-private, private and international schools.
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Teachers
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Education Expenses per Student
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Students Ratio
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Students (2013)
State education is free for children aged between 3 and 18. You’ll have to pay for books and extracurricular activities – and classes are in Portuguese.
Subsidised by the government, semi-private schools have low fees and smaller classes than public schools. They follow the national curriculum – and most classes are in Portuguese.
There are lots of private schools, both religious and secular, with varying standards and facilities. All charge fees – the more prestigious schools are very expensive.
You’ll find a good choice of international schools in and around Portuguese cities. Most follow the British curriculum, but there are some that follow the American curriculum or the International Baccalaureate. Fees are usually high and competition for places is stiff.
Do you need to know more? Consult GETiN’s School Search programme
Healthcare in Portugal
Portugal has a good public healthcare system that can be used by expats with a Portuguese social security number. Medical staff is well trained and often speak English. Excellent private care is also available at a price.
Public Health
Private Health
Health Insurance
Pharmacies
Emergency Services
National authorities run the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS). Expats who qualify for public healthcare have to pay around a quarter of their treatment costs, as well as some prescription charges.
Getting Around
Portugal has a comprehensive network of buses and trains, which is particularly useful if you live in the heart of a city where parking is a problem. Most expats living outside urban centres own a car, but even remote villages are usually served by public transport.
Buses
Trains
Taxi
Driving
Flights
Landlines
Mobile
Internet
Social Media
Television
Portuguese Media
Keep in Touch
Get connected ... in urban areas Portugal has widespread and reliable communication services. This is not the case in more rural areas.