A substantial British community already lives in Portugal full-time, and American and Canadian expat populations as well as many other countries have been climbing steadily in recent years. The reasons aren't hard to figure out. A meal with wine called "Prato do Dia" remains remarkably affordable in most towns. Winter days in Lisbon stay mild on average. The healthcare system, even private, works well and costs a fraction of US rates.
But a successful relocation to Portugal in 2026 takes more than booking a one-way flight. You'll need to pick the right visa, sort out a tax number, open a local bank account, and figure out schools if you have kids. Rules changed again this year, and some of the info floating around online is already outdated. This guide covers all of it with current 2026 figures and requirements.
About Portugal: Climate, Culture, and What to Expect
Portugal sits on the western side of the Iberian Peninsula, facing the Atlantic. The country is compact enough that Lisbon to Porto is a three-hour drive. Getting down to the Algarve coast takes under three hours from the capital too.
The climate in Portugal varies quite a bit by region. Lisbon averages around 27.8°C in August and about 14.7°C in January. Portugal logs over 300 sunny days a year, which is more than almost anywhere else in Europe. Snow shows up only in mountain areas and barely sticks.
- Southern Portugal (Algarve): Dry heat in summer, mild winters. Beach season stretches from May to October.
- Northwestern Portugal (Porto and Minho): Green and rainy, especially from autumn through winter. Porto gets double Lisbon's rainfall.
- Northeastern Portugal (Trás-os-Montes): Warm, long summers and proper cold winters for Portuguese standards.
- Azores and Madeira: Subtropical and mild all year, though noticeably more humid than the mainland.
One thing that catches almost every new arrival off guard is indoor temperature during winter. Portuguese homes have poor insulation and almost never come with central heating. Expats typically buy oil heaters or electric radiators, and wearing layers indoors from November to March is standard. It won't ruin your experience, but it's something to plan for.
Why People Relocate to Portugal?
People move here for a mix of practical and lifestyle reasons that overlap quite a bit regardless of age or background.
Affordable Cost of Living
Portugal is still cheaper than many Western European countries, but prices have risen in recent years. It remains more affordable than the United States and much of Northern Europe, especially outside major cities.
Typical everyday costs
A simple lunch menu at a local restaurant can still cost around €10 to €15 in many towns outside tourist areas. These “menu do dia” meals often include a main dish, drink, coffee, and sometimes dessert.
Estimated monthly living costs (excluding rent)
Family of four
Around €2,600 to €3,000 per month depending on lifestyle and location.
Single person
Around €750 to €950 per month excluding housing.
Comparison with the United States
Overall consumer prices in Portugal are typically about 30 percent lower than in the United States.
Rent varies widely by location but is often about 35 percent to 45 percent cheaper than in major US cities.
Regional price differences
Costs drop significantly outside Lisbon and Porto. Smaller cities and inland regions offer noticeably lower housing and daily living costs.
The Algarve varies. Tourist areas such as Lagos, Albufeira, and parts of central Faro tend to be more expensive, while inland Algarve towns remain far cheaper.
Quick examples (2026 typical ranges)
• Coffee at a café: €0.80 to €1.50
• Beer at a local bar: €2 to €4
• Restaurant meal for two at a casual restaurant: €30 to €50
• Monthly public transport pass: about €40 in most cities
Key reality
Portugal is no longer the bargain it was a decade ago. Housing has increased sharply, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and coastal Algarve towns. Daily living costs, however, are still relatively low compared with much of Western Europe and North America.
English Is Widely Spoken
Language barriers aren't a major concern in most parts of Portugal. English is common in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and any area that sees regular tourism. About 49,000 British expats live here, and the American and Canadian communities have grown quickly in recent years.
Portuguese people tend to speak English well enough that it can actually slow your progress in learning Portuguese. Try ordering in Portuguese at a café and the barista will likely switch to English for you. Handy at first, annoying once you're trying to practice. You'll still need at least A2 Portuguese for citizenship down the line.
Northern and inland areas have fewer English speakers, which works in your favour if language immersion is something you care about.
A Relaxed Pace of Life
Portugal moves at its own speed, and that takes getting used to. People in the north joke that southerners take things slow, while expats tend to think the whole country operates on a delayed schedule.
That pace of life in Portugal is exactly what draws retirees here. You're off the treadmill for good. On the other hand, government paperwork can drag for weeks, renovations run behind schedule, and anything involving bureaucracy takes patience. You either make peace with it or it wears you down over time.
Safety
Portugal ranks 7th on the 2025 Global Peace Index, which puts it among the safest countries worldwide. Violent crime is very uncommon, and there's visible police presence across tourist areas. Most people feel comfortable walking around at night without concern.
Some petty theft does happen in busy areas of Lisbon and Porto, mostly pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded spots. Compared to the UK, US, or France though, crime rates here are remarkably low.
Proximity to the UK and Europe
A flight from Manchester to Faro takes under three hours. Budget airlines run frequent routes between Portugal and most major European cities, and flights are often surprisingly cheap. Friends and family can visit without it feeling like a major journey, and weekend trips to Spain, France, or the UK stay easy to arrange.
5 Things You Might Not Know About Portugal
Portugal has a long and rich history that produces some genuinely unexpected facts.
- Lisbon is ancient: Phoenicians founded the city in the 9th century BC, making it older than Rome.
- First bookshop ever: Bertrand in Lisbon opened in 1732 and still operates at the same address.
- Europe's longest bridge: The Vasco da Gama Bridge runs 17.2 kilometers across the Tagus River.
- Piri Piri is Portuguese: The spicy sauce that's now global started right here in Portugal.
- Port wine's hometown: Produced in the Douro Valley but named after Porto where it's aged and bottled.
Best Places to Live in Portugal for Expats
Where you settle depends entirely on what you're looking for. The best place to live in Portugal is different for a retiree in the Algarve than for a freelancer in Lisbon. Pick the lifestyle you want first, then choose the location that fits it. Our Find Your Portugal tool helps you do exactly that. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Lisbon
Lisbon is the default choice for people who want career options, a large expat community, and access to coworking spaces and cultural events. It's the most expensive city in Portugal though, and housing costs have climbed sharply over the past few years.
Porto
Porto sits on the Douro River and has a grittier feel than the capital. It's smaller, more affordable, and known for excellent food and world-class wine. People who want culture and history without Lisbon-level prices tend to land here.
The Algarve
The southern coast is Portugal's main retirement destination. Mild winters, beaches, golf courses, and an established expat community make it an easy landing zone. International schools are available in the area too, though tourist crowds in summer can be intense.
Cascais
Thirty minutes west of Lisbon by train, Cascais has a quieter coastal feel while staying close to the capital. It suits families and professionals who want a beach town without giving up city access.
Coimbra
A university city with deep roots and lower living costs than Lisbon or Porto. Coimbra has a student-town atmosphere mixed with centuries of history, and it's a solid choice for people who prefer a calmer setting.
Braga
One of the cheapest cities to live in across Portugal. Braga is in the north, has a younger population due to its university, and stays close enough to Porto for regular day trips.
Aveiro
Known as the "Venice of Portugal" for its canal network, Aveiro is small, affordable, and has an easy-going pace. Good transport connections to Porto and Coimbra keep you linked to bigger cities.
Ponta Delgada (Azores)
For something completely different, the Azores offer volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and a pace of life even slower than the mainland. Ponta Delgada on São Miguel is the main hub, and it works best for nature-focused people who don't mind living on an island.
We created a tool called Find Your Portugal which helps you find the best place to live based on the lifestyle you want.
Visa Options for Moving to Portugal
Non-EU nationals need a visa to establish residence in Portugal. There are several pathways depending on your income, profession, and goals. To learn more about which visa is right for you and which ones are not right for you, click here.
Portugal's D7 Visa (Passive Income / Retirement Visa)
The D7 visa Portugal is the most common option for retirees and passive income earners from the US, UK, and Canada. It costs far less than the Golden Visa and doesn't require a large upfront investment.
To see approval times, look here. For more information and assistance, see our D7 package.
Income requirements, updated for 2026:
- First adult: €920/month, tied directly to Portugal's 2026 minimum wage.
- Each extra adult, spouse or partner: €460/month, which is 50% of the base amount.
- Each dependent child: €276/month, calculated at 30% of the base.
What you'll need to provide:
- Passive income proof: Pension statements, rental income, dividends, or royalty records.
- Bank balance: At least 12 months of required income sitting in a Portuguese account.
- Accommodation: A signed 12-month rental contract or proof you own property in Portugal.
- Health insurance: Active coverage that's valid in Portugal.
- Criminal record: A clean background check from your home country.
- Portuguese NIF: Your tax identification number, which you should arrange before applying.
Only have savings but not passive income? No problem, watch our webinar on this to see how you can convert savings to passive income.
Key details for 2026:
- Initial visa lasts 4 months: During that window you must enter Portugal and apply for a 2-year permit through AIMA.
- Minimum stay rule: You need to spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first two-year period.
- Citizenship timeline: Currently 5 years of legal residence. A proposal to extend this to 10 years has been discussed but isn't enacted yet.
Read more: A Comprehensive Guide to Visa Types in Portugal and Who They’re Right For
Portugal Golden Visa (Residency by Investment)
The Portugal Golden Visa is aimed at non-EU nationals who can make a substantial financial investment. The program has been running since 2012 and remains one of the more popular residency-by-investment schemes in Europe.
One major change happened in Jan 2024: Direct real estate purchases no longer qualify. That route closed permanently. Investment funds are now the primary entry point for most applicants.
Golden Visa investment options, 2026:
- Venture capital or private equity fund: €500,000, and this is the most commonly used route.
- Research activities donation: €500,000.
- Arts and culture donation: €250,000.
- Company creation: Either create 10 jobs, or invest €500,000 and create 5 positions.
What the Golden Visa gives you:
- Live and work rights: Full permission to reside and work anywhere in Portugal.
- Low stay requirement: Just 7 days in the first year, then 14 days every two-year renewal cycle.
- Schengen access: Free movement across 27 European countries without separate visas.
- Family reunification: Covers your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents.
- Citizenship eligibility: After 5 years, though pending changes could push this to 10.
Eligibility basics:
- Age: 18 or older.
- Clean criminal record required.
- Legal source of funds: You'll need to prove where the money comes from.
- 5-year lock-in: The investment must be maintained for at least five years.
Processing currently takes 12 to 18 months through AIMA. The move to digital applications has helped clear some of the older backlogs.
If you would like more information about your Golden Visa options, write to contact@visas.pt or Whatsapp/Call +351 914 227 316. You can also view options via our guide----- > View Guide.
Other Visa Types
- D8 Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers paid by non-Portuguese employers. Minimum income is about €3,680/month in 2026.
- Work Visa: Requires a job offer from a Portuguese employer before applying.
- Student Visa: You'll need enrollment at a Portuguese educational institution.
- Startup Visa: For founders launching new businesses on Portuguese soil.
- D2 Visa: Covers religious workers and specific professional categories.
- Au Pair Visa: For young people placed with a host family in Portugal.
If you would like to speak to a specialist about a Golden Visa application and its requirements, Contact Visas.pt
European Citizenship Through Heritage
If you have parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents from an EU country, European citizenship by descent could be your fastest and cheapest option. Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania have the most accessible pathways. It's always worth checking your family history before committing to a visa program.
Required Documents for Most Visa Applications
Most Portuguese visa types share a common set of required documents. Exact requirements can vary by consulate, so confirm details locally before submitting.
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Valid passport and copies of any previous visas
- Travel insurance that covers the Schengen area
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Evidence of sufficient financial means
- Proof of civil and economic status
- Criminal background check from your home country
- Portuguese NIF, which is your tax ID number
- Students should include proof of enrollment at a Portuguese institution
NHR Tax Status: What's Left in 2026
The Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime ended on December 31, 2023. That flat 20% rate on qualifying foreign income is no longer available to anyone arriving in 2026, unless you fall under specific grandfathering provisions.
You may still access the old NHR if you:
- Had a visa or residence permit application underway by December 31, 2023
- Held a valid residence visa or permit by December 31, 2023
- Signed a lease agreement by October 10, 2023
- Signed a property purchase contract by October 10, 2023
- Had dependents enrolled in a Portuguese school by October 10, 2023
The replacement: IFICI ("NHR 2.0")
Portugal created a narrower tax incentive aimed at specific professional categories. Most regular expats won't qualify for this new scheme.
Eligible roles under the new regime:
- Higher education and research: Teaching and scientific research positions
- Productive investment roles: Jobs tied to formal investment contracts
- National economy positions: Roles flagged by AICEP or IAPMEI as beneficial
- R&D specialists: Research and development professionals
- Startup employees: Staff at certified startups under Portuguese law
- Azores and Madeira workers: Specific activities defined by regional decree
If none of those categories apply to you, Portugal's standard progressive income tax rates kick in, ranging from 13.25% to 48%.
Buying Property in Portugal as a Foreigner
There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Portugal. The purchasing process is less complicated than in many European countries, and prices remain reasonable by Western European standards.
How the Buying Process Works
- Find a property: Work with a local real estate agent. English-speaking agents are easy to find in popular areas.
- Negotiate the price: Once you've selected a place, negotiate directly with the seller or through your agent.
- Sign the preliminary contract: The Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda reserves the property and gives you about 3 months to sort financing.
- Arrange a mortgage if needed: Portuguese mortgage rates are competitive. Lender approval must come before the final contract. Non-resident foreigners can apply for mortgages also.
- Sign the final contract: The Escritura de Compra e Venda transfers ownership once you pay the agreed price.
What You'll Need Before Buying
- Portuguese NIF: Your tax number, available at any Finanças office or through a fiscal representative. For help obtaining a NIF or Bank account remotely, contact Visas.pt.
- Bank account in Portugal: Required for the transaction and any ongoing mortgage payments.
- Residence permit: Necessary if you plan to live here. Owning property alone doesn't grant residency.
Opening a Bank Account in Portugal
A Portuguese bank account is something you'll need for nearly everything, from paying rent and utilities to receiving wages and applying for visas. It's one of the first things to sort out. Portuguese banks more and more are refusing applications from foreigners who don't have their visas yet which becomes an issue because visa applications require a bank account, so it's a catch 22. You can always try or you can avoid the hassle by working with us to Open an Account for you. In this process you can open the account entirely remotely with the help of one of our legal team who would certify your documents via a video call and then hand deliver your documents on your behalf to the bank. Once we receive your documents the bank opening process takes approximately 2 weeks.
Finding a Job in Portugal
Finding a job in Portugal is difficult, especially without Portuguese language skills. Wages here sit well below the Western European average.
- Minimum wage, 2026: €920/month, paid across 14 monthly installments per year.
- Average wage: Roughly €1,100 to €1,400/month depending on sector and location.
- More for specialty jobs like programmer or financial advisor.
That wage gap explains why most foreign residents here work remotely for international companies, freelance with overseas clients, or run their own businesses. Local salaries for comparable roles are significantly lower than what you'd earn in the UK, France, or Germany.
Lisbon and Porto have the strongest job markets, particularly in tech, tourism, and customer service. Speaking Portuguese opens far more doors though, and most local employers outside of multinationals expect fluency.
Healthcare in Portugal
Portugal runs a public system called the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). Healthcare in Portugal is available to all legal residents, free for people under 18 and over 65, and heavily subsidized for everyone else.
How to Access Public Healthcare
- Get your social security number: Visit the nearest Segurança Social office for your Número de Segurança Social.
- Register at your local health center: Sign up at your centro de saúde to receive a Número de Utente.
- Start using the system: Once registered, you can access public healthcare services across the country.
Public vs. Private Healthcare
- Public clinics: Free or very low cost, though wait times can stretch depending on the area and service.
- Private clinics: Quicker appointments, phone consultations with doctors, and a generally more comfortable experience.
- Private insurance: Covers some or all private treatment costs. Pricing varies by age and plan but runs much cheaper than the US or UK.
A 2018 study by The Lancet ranked Portugal 32nd out of 195 national healthcare systems. Care quality is generally strong in urban areas and adequate in rural ones.
Private health care is often significantly less expensive than in other countries so often times people have both because of the better service provided, English is more often spoken, and opting to use private care for some things and public for others.
Travel insurance is required for visa applications but health insurance is required for residence applications with AIMA. Full details with examples of travel and health options can be found here
Education in Portugal
The public school system is free, but all instruction is in Portuguese. That presents a real challenge for expat families moving to Portugal with school-age children, especially older ones.
Public School Considerations
- Younger kids, under 8 to 10: They tend to pick up Portuguese quickly and adjust without much trouble.
- Older students: The combination of a new language and more complex subjects can be a difficult transition.
- Long-term payoff: Growing up bilingual in Portuguese is an advantage your children will carry for life.
Private and International Schools
Major cities have private schools that offer bilingual or full English-language programs.
- Cost: Noticeably less than private schools in the UK.
- Student mix: Private schools tend to be expat-heavy, while public schools are almost entirely Portuguese families.
- Teaching quality: Generally rated above public school standards.
Your child's age, how long you plan to stay, and whether language immersion matters to your family all factor into the decision between public and private schooling.
Retiring in Portugal
Portugal makes a deliberate effort to attract retirees from outside Europe. The warm climate, low costs, strong safety record, and accessible healthcare put it among the best places to retire in Europe.
Why retirees pick Portugal:
- Sunshine: Over 300 days a year with mild, comfortable winters.
- Affordable daily life: Reasonable property prices and low everyday expenses.
- Expat networks: Large, well-developed communities across the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto.
- Outdoor activities: Golf, tennis, hiking, cycling, and sailing are all widely available.
- Resident healthcare: Public system access once you're registered.
- Welcoming culture: Portuguese people are known for being friendly and approachable.
Visa options for retirees: The D7 visa is the most common route, requiring just €920/month in passive income. Retirees with larger savings can also look at the Golden Visa for its very low stay requirements.
Healthcare for retirees: Private insurance is worth getting. Prices in Portugal are much lower than in the US or UK. You'll also have access to the public system once you've registered as a resident.
Cryptocurrency and Taxes in Portugal
Crypto taxation in Portugal changed in 2023. The country is no longer a zero tax jurisdiction for digital assets. The system still rewards long term holding and remains competitive compared with most EU countries.
Current Crypto Tax Rules in Portugal (2026)
Short term capital gains
Crypto held for less than 365 days is taxed at a flat 28 percent capital gains rate.
You can choose to include the gain in your general income instead. If you do this, the amount is taxed at the progressive Portuguese income tax rates.
Long term capital gains
Crypto held for 365 days or more is exempt from capital gains tax for private investors.
This exemption only applies when the activity is not considered professional trading.
Professional or frequent trading
If your crypto activity is considered a business or professional activity, profits are taxed as business income.
This falls under Category B income with progressive rates that can reach about 48 percent.
Social security contributions may also apply.
Staking and yield income
Staking rewards and similar crypto income are taxed when received.
They are generally treated as investment income and taxed at 28 percent.
If you later sell the tokens you earned, an additional capital gain or loss may arise depending on the holding period.
Crypto to crypto transactions
Exchanging one cryptocurrency for another is treated as a disposal of the first asset.
If the asset sold was held for less than 365 days, the gain is taxable.
If it was held for more than 365 days, the gain is normally exempt.
Transfers and payments
Sending crypto between wallets that you own is not a taxable event.
Using crypto to buy goods or services can create a taxable disposal if the asset was held for less than one year.
Regulatory framework
Crypto is not legal tender in Portugal and is treated as a digital asset for tax purposes.
Companies that provide crypto services such as exchanges or custody must register with Banco de Portugal.
Portugal also follows the EU Markets in Crypto Assets regulation, known as MiCA, which now sets common rules for crypto service providers across the European Union.
Bottom line
Portugal is no longer a zero tax crypto destination.
However, the exemption for assets held longer than 365 days still makes it one of the more attractive tax environments in Europe for long term crypto investors.
Bringing Your Car to Portugal
Cars are expensive in Portugal, which makes the idea of bringing your car to Portugal from the UK or Europe tempting. The registration process can be complicated and costly though.
What to Know Before You Ship Your Car
- Vehicle tax (ISV): A one-time payment when you register for Portuguese plates. EU imports owned 6+ months may qualify for exemption.
- Right-hand drive problem: UK cars have the steering wheel on the wrong side for Portuguese roads, and reselling later is difficult.
- Driving unregistered is a serious risk: Foreign plates past the deadline can lead to fines based on the value of a comparable new vehicle.
- What most expats recommend: Sell your car before you move and buy one locally. It avoids the entire registration headache.
- Exceptions are if it is a luxury or classic car where it makes fiscal or sentimental sense to import it.
Exchanging Your Driving License
Tourists can drive in Portugal using a valid foreign licence for up to 185 days as long as they are not residents.
Once you become a resident, the rules change. The deadline for exchanging your licence starts from the date your residence permit is issued.
First 90 days after residency
You can continue driving with your foreign licence.
You should submit your licence exchange application to IMT during this period.
90 days to 2 years after residency
You can still exchange your licence without taking a driving test.
However, you are not legally allowed to drive in Portugal with the foreign licence unless the exchange process is already underway.
After 2 years
You can still exchange your licence, but IMT will usually require you to pass a Portuguese practical driving test.
Special rule for certain countries
Portugal allows licences from some OECD and CPLP countries to remain valid without mandatory exchange if specific conditions are met.
Typical conditions include
• The licence is still valid
• The driver is under 60
• The licence was issued or renewed within the last 15 years
• The issuing country follows international road traffic conventions
Even when exchange is not strictly required, many residents still exchange their licence. It simplifies insurance, vehicle registration, and driving across the EU.
OECD countries
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
South Korea
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States
CPLP countries (Portuguese-speaking countries)
Angola
Brazil
Cape Verde
East Timor
Equatorial Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Mozambique
Portugal
São Tomé and Príncipe
Documents typically required for the exchange
• Your original driving licence
• Residence permit or passport
• Portuguese tax number (NIF)
• Medical certificate issued by a doctor and sent electronically to IMT
• Certificate of authenticity from the authority that issued the licence (required for some countries)
• Certified translation if the licence is not in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish
Fee
The official licence exchange fee is about €30, paid to IMT when submitting the application.
Key point
Most residents should apply for the exchange within the first 90 days after getting their residence permit.
You generally have up to two years to complete the exchange without needing to take a driving test.
Bringing Your Belongings to Portugal
Household goods and furniture ship duty-free to Portugal as long as you can prove you've owned them for over a year. That covers most of what people want to bring with them.
- Electronics: Certain items may need a special permit from the Portuguese government before import.
- Valuables: Jewelry, art, and high-value items need to be declared at customs.
- Shipping: Get quotes from several international movers and compare. Sea freight gives the best value for larger loads.
Bringing Pets to Portugal
Portugal is generally pet friendly, but strict EU rules apply to animals entering the country. The requirements depend on whether you are traveling from inside or outside the European Union.
Traveling From Within the EU
Dogs, cats, and ferrets must have:
• A valid EU pet passport
• A microchip that meets ISO standards
• A current rabies vaccination recorded in the passport
The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel unless it is a booster given before the previous vaccine expired.
Traveling From Outside the EU
Pets entering Portugal from non EU countries must meet EU import requirements.
Microchip
Your pet must have an ISO compliant microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
The rabies vaccine must be given after the microchip is implanted.
Pets must wait at least 21 days after vaccination before entering the EU.
EU animal health certificate
Instead of an EU pet passport, animals entering from outside the EU need an EU animal health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of departure.
The certificate must be issued within 10 days before travel and must be stamped by the official veterinary authority in the origin country.
Tapeworm treatment
Dogs arriving from certain countries may require tapeworm treatment before travel.
Airline rules
Commercial airlines generally allow only small dogs and cats as standard companion animals. Some airlines allow ferrets, but policies vary. Larger animals usually travel in the aircraft cargo hold. Check with the airline first as policies differ.
Bringing Birds or Other Animals
Importing birds into Portugal is more strictly controlled due to avian influenza risk.
Pet birds entering the EU must:
• Travel with an official veterinary health certificate
• Be identified with a leg ring or microchip
In addition, one of the following must apply:
• 30 days of isolation in the country of origin before travel
• 30 days of quarantine after arrival in the EU
• 10 days of isolation before travel plus a negative avian influenza test
Vaccination against avian influenza alone is not accepted as a substitute for these requirements.
Other animals
Animals such as rabbits, reptiles, rodents, and exotic species have separate import rules. Some species may require permits under EU wildlife protection laws or CITES regulations.
Two rules many expats miss
Health certificate timing
The EU animal health certificate must be issued within 10 days before the animal enters the EU. If the certificate is issued too early, airlines will refuse boarding and border officials can deny entry.
Rabies blood test requirement for some countries
If your pet is traveling from a country considered high risk for rabies, a rabies antibody blood test is required. The test must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before entering the EU. Many pets are denied travel because owners do not account for this waiting period.
Practical advice many expats follow
• Microchip your pet before any vaccinations
• Schedule the rabies vaccine and travel timeline carefully
• Check airline rules early because flights have limited pet slots
• Carry both digital and paper copies of your pet documents when traveling
Practical Tips: Cash, Tipping, and Everyday Life
Bring Some Cash
Card payments are widely accepted across Portugal, including in most restaurants, supermarkets, and shops.
However, small cafés, family restaurants, bakeries, market stalls, and rural businesses sometimes operate cash only or have a minimum card payment.
It is sensible to carry enough cash to cover a meal or small purchases. If you are unsure, ask whether they accept cards before ordering.
Tipping Culture
Portugal does not have a strong tipping culture like the some other countries. Service staff receive normal wages, so tipping is optional rather than expected.
Common local habits include:
• No tip at all. Many Portuguese diners simply pay the bill.
• Rounding up the bill. For example, paying €40 on a €37 bill.
• Leaving small change or a few euros on the table.
• Around 5 percent in restaurants with good service, especially in tourist areas.
Tips above 10 percent are uncommon outside high end restaurants.
Service charges
Automatic service charges are not common in Portugal. If they appear, they are usually in tourist focused restaurants.
Always check the bill before leaving an additional tip.
Card vs cash tips
In many restaurants, tips left on a card machine are not automatically distributed to the waiting staff. Policies vary by business.
If you want to make sure the server receives the tip, leaving a small cash tip on the table is the safest option.
A small local habit worth knowing
Bread, olives, butter, or cheese placed on the table before the meal are not free. These are optional couvert items. If you eat them, they are added to the bill. If you do not want them, simply ask the server to remove them.
Moving to Portugal: A Quick Checklist
A step by step overview to keep the relocation process organized.
Research visa options
Choose the visa that matches your situation. Common options include the D7 visa for passive income, the Digital Nomad visa for remote workers, and the D2 entrepreneur visa for business activity. The Golden Visa still exists but is now limited to investment funds and certain cultural donations.
Get your NIF
You will need a Portuguese tax number before opening a bank account, signing a lease, or applying for most visas. It can be obtained in person in Portugal or remotely through a fiscal representative.
Open a Portuguese bank account
Many visa applications require proof of funds held in a Portuguese bank account. This step is often completed before submitting the visa application.
Secure accommodation
You usually need proof of accommodation in Portugal. This can be a long term rental contract, a property purchase, or a signed invitation from a host. A full 12 month lease is common but not strictly required by law. There are options which can be found here.
Apply for your visa
Submit the application through the Portuguese consulate or visa center in your country of residence. Processing times vary widely depending on the consulate.
Criminal record checks
Most visa applications require a criminal background check from your country of residence and sometimes any country where you lived for more than one year. These documents normally need an apostille and official translation.
Arrange health insurance
Private travel health insurance is required for the visa application stage. After receiving your residence permit, you can register for the public healthcare system or keep private insurance.
Plan the physical move
Get quotes from international shipping companies and check import rules for personal belongings.
Handle your car
Cars are expensive in Portugal. Many expats sell their vehicle before moving. If you plan to import a car, research the vehicle registration tax and exemption rules in advance.
Register for healthcare
After receiving your residence permit and registering your address, you can obtain a user number for the Portuguese public healthcare system (SNS). Many residents also maintain private insurance for faster appointments.
Exchange your driving licence
Residents should apply to exchange their licence through IMT within 90 days of receiving their residence permit.
School enrollment
Families can choose between public Portuguese schools, bilingual private schools, or international schools depending on language preferences and budget.
Two steps often missing from relocation checklists
Register your address with the local council
You may need a residency certificate from your local parish council (Junta de Freguesia) to complete various registrations.
Attend your residence permit appointment
After your visa is approved and you arrive in Portugal, you must attend your residence permit appointment with the immigration authority to receive your residence card.
Conclusion
Portugal is one of those countries where the experience matches what you read about it. Affordable living, 300 days of sun, good food, and a safe place to raise a family or enjoy retirement.
Moving to Portugal in 2026 takes real planning, the right visa, sorted paperwork, and a realistic budget. But it's a very achievable goal for most people willing to put the work in. Pack that extra sweater for the uninsulated winters, and you'll be fine.
Finally, if you have any questions and would like to set up a time to see how we can help, feel free to book a free consultation with us to learn more.
