What if you wanted to know where to find and connect with expats in Portugal? You can find them through websites, Facebook groups, meet-up events, and by moving to cities and regions in Portugal with the most expats.
As an international tourist destination, Portugal has a vibrant expat community. It’s also made up of freelancers, digital nomads, remote workers, and expat workers.
In this article, we will cover how and where you can find expats in Portugal.
Why Expats Love Portugal?
There are many amazing reasons expats love moving to Portugal. First, the cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower than in many Western European countries. Secondly, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking 6th place on the Global Peace Index.
Portugal is also one of the warmest countries in Europe with a fantastic Mediterranean climate. So you can expect up to 300 days of sunshine annually.
That said, Mainland Portugal has an average temperature of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius in the north and 16 to 18 degrees in the south. However, the Azores and Madeira are usually hotter and wetter because of their location.
You’ll also love that the Portuguese people are known for their friendliness and willingness to help newcomers. And Portugal boasts excellent healthcare, safety, and a relaxed pace of life.
From vibrant cities to stunning coastlines and charming villages, Portugal offers something for everyone. And you have attractive visa programs, like the Golden Visa and D7 Visa, that make it easier for expats to obtain residency.
Forums and Expat Communities
Fortunately, there are several online communities dedicated to expats living in Portugal and aspiring movers. Some of them include
- Expatexchange.com (https://www.expatexchange.com/portugal/liveinportugal.html): This is a fantastic community where you can ask questions and receive insights from other expats in and around Portugal.
- Internations.org (https://www.internations.org/portugal-expats): Internations also has a dedicated community for expats in Portugal, you won’t just network and connect with others but also join exciting events and groups for expats. Plus, they have a wealth of resources available to help you.
- Expatforum (expatforum.com): This isn’t dedicated to expats in Portugal. However, it’s a more general platform, where you can find and connect with expats in Portugal as well as the rest of Europe.
- Reddit.com: You can also find dedicated expat communities on Reddit focused on Portugal.
- Quora.com: Quora doesn’t have a dedicated group of experts per se. But you can still find groups where you can network with other international expats and learn a lot from their experiences, support, and advice.
- Meetup.com: This website allows you to filter city by city in Portugal to find events for everything from hiking to tours and more.
- Expats Portugal: You’ll love this friendly forum for expats in Portugal. Here’s a place to learn more about living in Portugal and connect.
- Facebook Group: There are tons of Facebook groups you can also join to connect and network with people in Portugal. A good one is the Expat community in Portugal. However, be on the lookout for Facebook scams.
Cities, Towns and Villages to Find Expats in Portugal
Portugal has a vast variety of towns, villages, and cities depending on your preferences. Do note that besides the locations we’ll talk about here, expats also move to other parts of Portugal.
For instance, I’ve seen digital nomads and retirees moving to places like Obidos and Olhao. However, the destinations below have higher percentages of expats. So, it’s these locations where you are more likely to practically walk into an expat.
Lisbon
Lisbon is the bustling capital city. It is also a cultural hub with a vibrant nightlife scene. Here you’ll find an amazing public transportation system made of buses, trams, and a metro system. There are also high-speed trains to other parts of the country directly from Lisbon.
You’ll also find several beautiful parks, monuments, and other landmarks. Plus the temperatures and weather in Lisbon rarely go above 8 to 21 degrees Celsius (46-70 degrees Fahrenheit).
Apart from landmarks, Lisbon is also home to a variety of golf clubs like Belas Clube de Campo, Aroeira Golf Club, Lisbon Sports Club, and more. Because this city is close to the Atlantic, you can also indulge in many different water-based activities like beach lounging, sailing, surfing, and more. Furthermore, you’ll find a great variety of accommodation options ranging from shared apartments to full-on townhomes and condos.
Porto
Porto is renowned for its historic center and world-famous wine region. Here’s another vibrant city but with much older architecture. For many, Porto gives off a more lived-in vibe. Also, there’s extensive public transportation here.
The weather and temperatures range from 8 degrees Celsius in January to 22 degrees Celsius in August.
Porto also offers a fascinating number of recreational activities alongside historic sites, gorgeous parks, and outdoor activities. Like Lisbon, there are also water spots, and golfing to be enjoyed. And the many cafes and restaurants offer decent wi-fi.
Cascais
Cascais is a gorgeous coastal town located just 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) west of Lisbon. Here you’ll fall in love with the historic sites, vibrant cultural scene, and beaches. Cascais is also accessible by public transport.
However, Cascais enjoys a more Mediterranean climate with temperatures averaging 8 to 17 degrees Celsius (46 -63 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter and 18 to 28 degrees Celsius (64-82 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer months.
Silver Coast
The Silver Coast of Portugal is a 93-mile stretch of coastline between Lisbon and Porto. It contains traditional rural villages alongside small expat and tourist hubs. You’ll find a slower pace of living, plus good food and amazing weather around these regions. It’s also a popular place among surfers heading to Nazare and Peniche in search of the perfect wave.
The Algarve
The Algarve makes up the southern region of Portugal. It extends from the south of the Tagus Valley to the Liberian Peninsula. It’s a prime destination for both locals and tourists alike. It also boasts beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, making it popular for retirees.
Here you’ll find stunning many expat communities among its popular cities including Lagos, Portimao, Tavira, and Faro.
Azores
The Azores is a North Atlantic Ocean archipelago located around 1,000 miles (1,600km) west of the Portuguese mainland. There are about nine major islands and the biggest is Sao Miguel where you have the capital Ponta Delgada.
Here’s a perfect place if you want raw and untouched nature. However, a downside to living on the Island is isolation. Plus, there’s not very frequent public transport there.
Alentejo
The Alentejo is also a fine spot to find expats in Portugal. However, it’s very laidback and the average age of the population here is over 70. So, it’s a lot more ideal for retirees. However, many foreign creatives also choose to purchase their homes there.
Many expats are drawn to this region because they can always travel to Lisbon by car using about an hour. Plus, the region is also known for its stunning hilltop towns and wine.
Madeira
Like the Azores, the Madeira Islands are a North Atlantic Ocean archipelago. This region is known for its renowned dessert wine and tourism. The capital Funchal is the 8th biggest city in Portugal with a population of over 100, 000.
Tons of expats and foreign investors also love this region. For instance, the most famous soccer superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo owns a seven-story mansion in Funchal, his hometown.
Braga
Braga is often called the “Rome of Portugal”. This is because it’s a fantastic city filled with religious traditions, history, and culture.
So, you’ll see how this place is brimming with a blend of old and new buildings, charming streets, and busy squares. Braga also has a great number of famous festivals like the Sao Joao and Semana Santa (Holy Week). Plus, Braga’s expat community is rising, especially as many international students and professionals prefer this less crowded and affordable city.
Viseu
Viseu is also a great city for anyone who wishes to be more in sync with nature. You’ll love how the Visea is surrounded by rivers and mountains perfect for hikes and excursions. Plus, the city’s charming Renaissance architecture is magnificent.
That said, Visea is lesser known compared to Porto and Lisbon. But it still has its fair share of tourists and expats. So you can expect to have a fantastic time living there.
Aveiro
Aveiro is an amazing place to stay as well. Known as the Venice of Portugal, you’ll love how his town borders the ocean and the ria. Plus, there are several Art Nouveau buildings here and you can learn more about their history at a specialist museum. Also, note that Aveiro receives fewer tourists than many other Portuguese cities. Hence, it can offer a decent number of expats without feeling overcrowded.
Sintra
Sintra is a smaller town compared to Porto and Lisbon. But it’s also a fantastic location about 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) west of Lisbon. It is known for its rich history and architecture. You’ll also love to learn about Sintra’s history, especially the fairytale castles and fascinating parks to explore. Plus, there’s a thriving expat community there waiting for you.
Setubal
Setubal is also a fantastic city and within proximity to Lisbon. Here you’ll find a bustling historic town and the heart of the Portuguese sardine industry. This town is also famous for its sweet mascatel wine. You’ll especially love the lively food markets, tree-lined boulevards, and gorgeous alleyways. Property prices are also decent and reasonable in the area. And beyond that, you may even find finer apartments closer to the beaches, especially if you have a bigger budget.
Chaves
Chaves is also a great rural town with a growing number of expats. However, this place is a lot more situated 10km south of the Spanish border. It’s famous for many spas and thermal baths which are believed to have healing properties.
Chaves also has gorgeous architecture dating back to Roman times. It is home to a tall tower and two 17th-century fortresses that marks the remains of Chaves Castle. That said, many of the villages surrounding the town are extremely poor. But the inhabitants are famous for their friendliness.
Properties here are more affordable. But the winters are cooler and the summers shorter than you would have in Lisbon. However, there are several airports nearby. So you can always travel conveniently to other parts of Portugal.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a city and municipality in west-central Portugal. It has a large student population and a great affordable location for everyone. Coimbra also has several monuments you’ll love to see. The upper parts of Coimbra’s downtown are UNESCO-classified. That said, Coimbra is super affordable and a great choice for people looking for a decent youth population. Coimbra is also becoming popular among retirees.
How to Find Expats in Portugal
Now let’s talk about the numerous ways to find and connect with expats in Portugal.
1. Join Expat communities
Fortunately, there are tons of virtual and physical expat communities in Portugal. They present excellent opportunities to find, and network with other expats.
2. Attend local meetups
There’s always a local event happening where ex-pats can connect. Be sure to go beyond the meetups dedicated to expats. That way you can also broaden your network to include the locals.
3. Use coworkingspaces
Tons of restaurants and bars in Portugal, especially Lisbon offer co-working spaces. Making use of these areas especially when you are a remote worker will help you meet more people.
4. Attend the fair and concerts
Portugal has a ton of festivals, fairs, and concerts. Plus these events make the ideal environment for casual conversations. You’ll love how they provide opportunities to connect and network with other people.
5. Join local activities
Joining local activities is also a fantastic way to make friends and meet other expats. It’s more than just filling your calendar. You’ll love how these events enable you to immerse in the vibrant Portuguese culture. For instance, you can join a sports team, or go on a wine-tasting adventure. You can also use this as an opportunity to learn new skills.
6. Find ex-pats on social media
Your social media is also a great way to find and connect with expats. On Facebook alone, you’ll find tons of networks and groups of expats living in Portugal. There are also dedicated groups on other social media platforms. You just need to find them with a click of a button.
Wrapping Up
Portugal’s expat population is flourishing, thanks to its many advantages. With careful planning and research, Portugal can be your dream destination for a fulfilling and enriching expat experience. That said, this article provides all the information you need to find expats in Portugal. You can search using the forums we’ve listed as well as provide insights on where to live in Portugal to enjoy a thriving international scene.
