💡 Blog Reminder:This list is just a quick checklist to get you started. Over the next weeks, we'll deep dive into each topic, sharing detailed guides, tips, and real-life experiences from our Find Around community. Stay tuned — your move to Portugal just got a lot easier!
1. Bureaucracy is Slower Than You Expect — Start Early
Portugal’s bureaucracy has a reputation for being… let’s say, relaxed. One of the first things you’ll need is your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — the Portuguese tax ID. Without it, you can’t rent a house, open a bank account, or sign contracts.
Appointments at government offices (Finanças, AIMA, local councils) can take weeks or even months, so plan ahead.
👉 Read our full guide on how to apply for your NIF
💡 Pro Tip: Consider hiring a fiscal representative or using online services to get your NIF before you even arrive. It speeds things up a lot.
2. Finding Housing is Competitive, Especially in Lisbon & Porto
Portugal’s housing market has become very competitive, especially in popular cities. Landlords often ask for proof of income, guarantors, or several months of rent upfront.
Start your search on websites like Idealista.pt or OLX Imóveis, but don’t overlook Facebook expat groups — many people find rentals there.
👉 Read our full guide on how to finding housing in Portugal
💡 Pro Tip: If Lisbon and Porto feel too expensive, consider smaller cities like Braga, Coimbra, or Setúbal — affordable and with great quality of life.
3. Health Insurance is Important — Public vs Private
Portugal has the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), the public healthcare system. It’s affordable but sometimes has long waiting times. Many expats choose private insurance for faster access, and it’s often quite affordable compared to other EU countries.
💡 Pro Tip: Register at your local Centro de Saúde (health center) as soon as you get your residence paperwork done. That way, you can access the SNS when needed.
4. Opening a Bank Account Requires Your NIF
To open a Portuguese bank account, you’ll need your NIF, passport, and proof of address. Popular banks for expats include Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, and Caixa Geral, but many people also use online banks like Revolut or Wise.
💡 Pro Tip: If your visa requires proof of a Portuguese bank account (like the D7), open one as soon as possible — don’t wait until the last moment.
5. Public Transport is Affordable but Not Everywhere
In Lisbon and Porto, you’ll find metros, buses, and trams. A monthly pass costs around €40–50. In smaller towns, however, public transport can be limited, so you may need a car.
💡 Pro Tip: In Lisbon, get the Navegante card — one pass covers metro, buses, trams, and even suburban trains.
6. Learning Portuguese is Key, Even if Many Speak English
In tourist areas, you can get by with English. But for daily life — renting an apartment, dealing with authorities, or making local friends — Portuguese is essential. The good news? Locals really appreciate when you make an effort.
💡 Pro Tip: Check if your local Câmara Municipal offers free or low-cost Portuguese for foreigners courses — many do.
7. Cultural Habits — Relaxed Lifestyle, But Bureaucracy Matches It
Portugal is famous for its slow pace of life — cafés, long lunches, and enjoying the moment. But remember: this also applies to paperwork and services. Things often take longer than you expect.
💡 Pro Tip: Patience is a survival skill in Portugal. Plan extra time for every appointment.
8. Cost of Living is Lower Than Northern Europe — But So Are Salaries
Yes, Portugal is cheaper than Germany, France, or Switzerland — especially eating out, public transport, and healthcare. But wages are also among the lowest in Western Europe. Average salaries are around €1,000 per month.
💡 Pro Tip: Many expats live comfortably because they bring income from abroad (remote work, pensions, investments). If you rely only on local salaries, budget carefully.
9. Working Opportunities — Good for Some, Limited for Others
Portugal’s job market is strong in tourism, IT, customer support, and teaching English. Digital nomads also love it here, especially in Lisbon and Madeira. But high-paying jobs are rare, and speaking Portuguese gives you a big advantage.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re job-hunting locally, start networking early. Many jobs are filled through recommendations.
10. Lifestyle & Community — Warm, Welcoming, and Sunny
💡 Pro Tip: Join local festivals, markets, or volunteer groups. It’s the fastest way to meet both locals and other expats.
💡 Want to go even deeper?
This blog post is just a starting point! In the upcoming weeks, we’ll publish detailed guides on each of these topics — from how to get your NIF step by step, to navigating the healthcare system and finding affordable housing.
👉 Stay tuned — your move to Portugal just got a lot easier!
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