What do I need to know before retiring in Portugal?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Portugal, they said...
"I live in Albufeira. We have a lot of tourists in the summer. There are certain areas I don't frequent because of the tourists. The strip, to a lesser degree Old Town. Go down some of the side streets and eat in restaurants the locals do. The food is great, inexpensive and they will even help you with your Portuguese. There are closures in the winter months but enough stays open that you don't suffer. The beaches are great, instead of going to Marinha where you can spend an hour looking for a parking spot, head to Sao Raphael in Sesmarias by Albufeira. Beautiful beach with a nice restaurant and good parking. I am a 25 minute walk from the beach and west of the strip and old town. Go closer to the beach.... you get more tourists. Come in the summer and spend two weeks, you will get a good feel and see if it is for you. If you come to Albufeira drop me a line and I will give you a tour," remarked another expat who made the move to Albufeira, Portugal.
"Before retiring in Portugal, expats should research the cost of living, health care and pension systems, local taxes, and available banking services. Expats should also examine the type and standard of housing available and understand any possible cultural differences. Additionally, it is recommended that expats obtain local legal advice, familiarize themselves with the relevant immigration regulations, and check for any visas or permits which may be required. Finally, it is wise for expats to learn some Portuguese as English may not be spoken in more remote areas," explained one expat living in Portugal.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Portugal?
- How do I find a place to live in Portugal?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Portugal?
- What is the average cost of housing in Portugal?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Portugal?
- What should I pack when moving to Portugal?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Portugal?
- Why do people move to Portugal?
- What are healthcare services like in Portugal?
- What are medical services in Portugal like?
- What are typical rents in Portugal?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before retiring in Portugal?
If you live in Portugal, newcomers to Portugal would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
