Immigration & Residency

This elegant nation has hosted over 17 million foreigners since 2017. This megacity is buzzing with life and its beautiful regions are filled with interesting people, historic towns, and iconic cities. In this article, we’ll be showing you the best places to live in Portugal.

Best regions to reside

Foreigners moving to Portugal sometimes don’t know which region to choose. Each region in Portugal has its unique vibe, therefore, it can be hard to choose. We’ve helped you narrow down your search. These are the best regions to live in this part of Europe:

• Lisbon 
• Northern Portugal 
• Alentejo
• Madeira
• Azores
• Central Portugal

Cheapest cities in Portugal

A lot of places come with an affordable cost of living and apartments in these areas are dirt cheap. Some of the cheapest places to reside in the Portuguese Republic are Braga, Lagos, Guimarães, and Viana do Castelo.

Best places to live in Portugal

Are you planning on moving to Portugal? there are fantastic places in the Portuguese Republic that can easily suit your lifestyle, personality and allows you to comfortably call it your home. Whether you choose to reside in an urban area or rest somewhere close to the sea, these are the best places to reside in Portugal:

1. Lisbon

Lisbon is not just one of the biggest tourist magnets in the nation. It is the capital and the biggest city in Portugal. It is famous for its beautiful ancient architecture.

Located on the Southwest Coast of Portugal, Lisbon houses multiple tourist destinations, cultures, and lifestyles. The nightlife in this part of the country is amazing. Lisbon also houses some of Portugal’s most famous landmarks such as the 11th-century São Jorge Castle. 

The sun always shines brighter and the sardines taste better in Lisbon. Lisbon has over 3,000 hours of sunshine yearly. It is one of the sunniest and mildest climates in Europe.

Transportation, food, entertainment, and accommodation are very affordable here. Many locals speak English and are quite friendly to foreigners.

2. Porto

Located in the northern region of Portugal along the Douro River estuary, Porto is one of the best places to live in Portugal. It is the second-largest city in the country and has an international airport. 

Porto is the center of culture and entertainment in the Portuguese Republic and has multiple historic areas classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Porto is very popular with tourists who want to live at a low cost. Life in this city is peaceful and the culture is exquisite.

Properties in Porto from apartments to family homes come at a very cheap rate and affordable prices. Vila Nova da Gaia, a new quarter in Porto is currently crowded by ex-pats. It’s no surprise that Porto is a metropolis and among the finest cities in Europe.

3. Braga

Braga is geographically located in the northwestern parts of Portugal, it is the third-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and Porto. Braga is also among the oldest cities in the country. 

Braga houses some of the most historic centers in Portugal like the hillside church of Bom Jesus do Monte and other notable landmarks. Braga also owns some of the most beautiful properties in Portugal. 

Braga is a popular real estate and housing market. The prices of houses and properties here are some of the most affordable in the world. That’s why a lot of ex-pats residing in Braga own properties. You can get a big apartment in Porto for less than $600/year.

Braga has Roman roots and is bursting with culture. It is filled with history, art, and culture. In Braga, you’ll find a lot of fine architecture, important monuments, museums, galleries, and cathedrals. Braga also has stunning bars, hotels & restaurants, and a lively student population.

4. Lagos

Lagos is also among the best places to live in Portugal especially if you like the seaside. Lagos houses the finest beaches in the country like the Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana, and Praia do Porto de Mos.

Lagos has undergone a lot of changes to become what it is today. It is very popular among expats looking for a very quiet, safe, family-friendly environment to retire or start a family. Apartments are the most purchased property in Lagos.

5. The Algarve

The Algarve region is located between Faro and Sagres. It has some of the finest beaches and golf resorts in Portugal. It also has excellent weather all year round. This is the main reason why the Algarve is receiving many ex-pats every year. A good example is the port city of Portimão.

6. Chaves

Chaves is a Spanish word that means “key”. it is located 10km south of the Spanish border. Chaves also has fantastic architecture constructed before the rise of the Roman empire. You will have a wonderful experience if you reside in any of these parts of Portugal.