The realities of living in Portugal: beyond the sunshine and golden visas

Ah, Portugal. The land of endless sunshine, pastel de nata, and a dreamy life by the sea. The kind of place where you imagine yourself strolling through cobbled streets, sipping vinho verde, and somehow becoming fluent in Portuguese overnight. It’s the European dream, right? Well, not so fast. Before you pack your bags and sell everything to chase that Instagram-perfect existence, let’s talk about the reality of moving to Portugal—because while it’s wonderful, it’s not always smooth sailing.

The dream: moving to Portugal will fix everything!

Let’s be honest, the idea of living in Portugal is intoxicating. The weather is near-perfect, the cost of living is (relatively) affordable, and the locals are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. There’s history, culture, and an enviable work-life balance. Plus, with residency programs like the Golden Visa, the country makes it easy for investors and expats to settle in. Who wouldn’t want to live in a country where taking two-hour lunch breaks is considered normal?

But then reality sets in.

The reality: bureaucracy, bureaucracy, and oh, more bureaucracy

If you think you know inefficiency, just wait until you try to get a residency permit in Portugal. Everything—absolutely everything—requires a form, an appointment, another form, a signature, another appointment, and then, if you’re lucky, approval. Need to open a bank account? Be prepared for a Kafkaesque experience where no two employees will tell you the same thing.

And AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority? Let’s just say that if you’re planning on moving here, you might as well develop a hobby while waiting for your residency permit to be processed. Perhaps knitting? Learning the ukulele? Growing old? All are valid options.

Yet, despite the red tape, Portugal remains one of the easiest EU countries to gain residency in, provided you have patience and the right professional guidance. A little perseverance goes a long way, and once you’re settled, the reward is a country that feels like home.

Healthcare: great, if you can wait

Portugal’s public healthcare system is actually quite good—if you don’t mind waiting for it. Need to see a specialist? Hope you’re not in a rush. The good news is that private healthcare is widely available and much faster, but it does mean additional costs. And if you ever find yourself needing medical attention in a small town, be prepared to play a fun game of “Does anyone here speak English?” Spoiler alert: the answer is often “não.”

That being said, Portugal’s health insurance costs are a fraction of what you’d pay in the U.S. or many other Western countries, and the quality of care is generally excellent. Once you get into the system, you’ll find that Portugal ranks highly for overall health and wellness—so a little patience is well worth it.

Taxes: the surprise you didn’t want (but can plan for)

The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program. So many expats moved here thinking they’d pay almost no taxes, only to realize that Portugal’s tax system is about as clear as a foggy morning in Sintra. Yes, the NHR used to be an incredible deal, but recent changes have made it less of a golden ticket and more of a “read the fine print” situation. If you’re coming from a country with a simple tax code, brace yourself—Portugal does not believe in simplicity when it comes to taxation.

That said, Portugal still offers excellent tax advantages for those who plan correctly. Working with a qualified tax advisor from the outset can help you legally minimize your tax burden while fully enjoying the financial benefits of an EU residency.

Integration: more than just eating Bacalhau

You may think you don’t need to learn Portuguese because “everyone speaks English.” False. In Lisbon and Porto? Maybe. In small towns? Good luck. If you plan on dealing with government offices, healthcare, or pretty much anything official, Portuguese is a must. And even if you master the language, you’ll soon realize that Portugal has its own way of doing things. Everything moves at a slower pace—charming at first, infuriating when you need something done quickly.

Yet, this slower pace is also part of Portugal’s charm. Life here isn’t about rushing. It’s about enjoying the moment, embracing the culture, and slowing down to appreciate the things that truly matter. It takes time to break into social circles, but once you do, you’ll find the Portuguese to be incredibly warm and loyal friends.

So, should you still move to Portugal?

Absolutely—if you’re prepared. If you can embrace the quirks, laugh at the inefficiencies, and accept that your residency process will take longer than expected, then yes, Portugal is an incredible place to live. Just don’t expect it to be all sunset strolls and cheap wine.

For those who take the time to integrate, Portugal offers a lifestyle few places in the world can match. A safe, stable, and stunning country where quality of life is prioritized, stress levels are lower, and the wine really is that good.

Come with an open mind, a flexible attitude, and a healthy sense of humor. If you can do that, Portugal might just be the best decision you’ve ever made.