What are the Pros and Cons of Living and Working in Portugal?

Here is another milestone towards your bright destination: Portugal. With a new discussion, what are the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal? Many people from all over the world aspire to a luxurious lifestyle in Europe. Yet, it is not easy for everyone to fulfill their dream because Europe is not a commonly accessible destination.

This is Portugal in the whole of Europe that provides living with all necessities and luxuries at an affordable price and with an easy process of documentation.  

You must choose Portugal as an option but before that, you must know very well what are the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal.

What are the Pros and Cons of Living and Working in Portugal?

There are a lot of advantages of living in Portugal that include it in the list of the best countries for immigrants, and they call it their second home. However, you may also face some problems in living there and getting a job.  

So, let’s find out what are the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal.

Advantages (Pros) of Living in Portugal 

If you have decided to live in this captivating country, you will be glad to discover that what are the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal. Before going to the cons, let’s go through the pros first.

Portugal is a place where the sun shines brightly for most of the year; you can relax in the sunbath for more than 300 days. You can visit friendly locals and enjoy the spots that are specially oriented to receive families. You can access all these facilities at a relatively low cost of living. 

There is no doubt that Portugal has an overflow of advantages that make it an appealing destination for foreigners. 

Warm and Mild Climate

One of the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal is its mildly warm environment that will make Portugal your comfort place. If you have a never-ending love for nature and can’t resist the charm and attraction of abundant sunlight and warm weather, then Portugal is the perfect destination for you. 

Since it is already mentioned that you will get sunshine for more than 300 days in Portugal, if you are a seeker of sunlight, you will be surprised to find this country like heaven. 

The most ideal city in Portugal in terms of atmosphere is Lisbon, which boasts a pleasant average of ten hours of sunlight during the time of winter. 

You can experience a stark contrast to the brighter days in Northern countries of Europe. 

Portugal experiences some changes in climate despite its relatively modest size. 

On mainland Portugal, the north has an average temperature of 10–12 degrees Celsius, while the south has somewhat warmer temperatures of 16–18 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, because of their unique locations, the islands of Madeira and the Azores are typically hotter and wetter.

Portugal is no doubt an oasis for foreigners who are yearning for an area that exudes a burst of adequate sunshine, warmth, and a soft climate. As you move your venture towards the south, you will be able to enjoy an even more pleasant and inviting temperature in the atmosphere. 

Although the winters in the north can be harsh, they are not as bad as those in other parts of the country. All in all, you will be welcomed by sunny, warm summers that will make everyone who values a connection to nature and enjoys the comforts of a mild environment happy to call Portugal home. 

Affordable Cost of Living

When it comes to the the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal, the cost of living is a significant element. Portugal stands out from the other European countries like the UK,  Ireland, France, Scotland, Germany, and even neighboring Spain. The reason is that it is an exceptionally budget-friendly option. 

Due to its affordable cost of living, Portugal has gained a lot of reputation as one of the most ecconomic countries in Western Europe. It draws the attention of foreigners and digital nomads who are seeking a cost-effective lifestyle. 

The attraction of Portugal’s affordable cost of living is no doubt one of the most charming aspects of the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal. To put the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal into perspective, the costs of living in the US are approximately 42 percent more than the expenditures you would encounter in Portugal.

Particularly, you will notice a considerably lower price of living if you are moving to Portugal from major US cities such as New York or San Francisco. 

Moreover, you will be pleased to know that you can get high-quality real estate properties in Portugal. You can go for dinner and groceries with family or friends and everyday commodities at costs that would not overload your pocket. 

If you have a dream of embracing a sophisticated quality of life without straining your finances, it is a reality in this beautiful country, it makes it an ideal choice for those who are seeking both affordability and an exceptional standard of living.

Here is a table that explains the average cost of living in Portugal.

Safety and Low Crime Rate

Portugal is a popular example of a high quality of life and it is underscored by its exceptional standards of safety. 

According to the World Population Review, in 2022, Portugal ranked third among the safest countries in the world. As of the latest Global Peace Index in 2022, Portugal ranked as the seventh safest country in the world, after Denmark, New Zealand, Austria, and Singapore.

There is a very low rate of crime in Portugal as compared to other European countries. You will notice this for yourself among the other pros and cons of living and working in Portugal when you live there.

Portugal has commitment to provide you with safety which permeates various aspects of daily life. It creates a secure and stable atmosphere for its residents and visitors.

Moreover, the people in Portugal are very friendly and treat the guests with excitement, warmth, and friendliness, which enhances the value of the Portuguese Language.  There is always someone to help you who will try to communicate with you in English and direct you. 

Outstanding Diversity

In the pros and cons of living and working in Porugal, you will get an outstanding diversity as an advantage. Portugal has a vast coastline that stretches over 1800km and provides a mesmerizing tapestry of diversity to its inhabitants. You will get the greetings of the fabulous landscapes of Portugal, depending on the region that you choose to call home. The fascinating scenes and lifestyle of Portugal have their own charm. 

Are you yearning to escape the dreadful heat of summer and embrace tranquility? You don’t have to look further than the peaceful Northern part of Portugal, where cool weather and untouched beauty are awaiting for you. 

Northern Portugal is a soul of nature lovers and is very popular for having a number of national parks and winter sky slopes. 

If you are craving the glamor and excitement of city life, you must go to live in the bustling metropolises of Lisbon and Porto and Lisbon. These two cities are complete wonderlands for you, and you will get the chance to experience the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal by yourself.  

These large European cities are full of bright energy and cosmopolitan flare, and they have a wide range of enterprises, co-working spaces, cultural events, and vibrant nightlife. In the middle of these vibrant cities, boredom will seem like a distant memory.

Are you looking for a calm, peaceful rural vacation that exudes tranquility? Central Portugal entices you with its carefree and relaxed way of life. Time lags less here, and compared to other places, the expense of life is more affordable. And for those who love the heat, here is the perfect place to soak up the intense heat and appreciate life’s little pleasures.

Disadvantages of Living in Portugal

The question, what are the pros and cons of living in and working in Portugal can’t be completely addressed without discussing the challenges in life in Portugal. 

There are pros and cons of living and working in Portugal just like it does in any other country. It is important to talk about the drawbacks of living and working in Portugal, even though you are here to learn about its positives.   

Compulsion of Learning Portuguese Language

As a foreigner residing in Portugal, you will probably be able to get by using English on the streets and tourist attractions, but Portuguese is typically spoken in official government offices.

Additionally, studying Portuguese can aid with your integration into the community, friendship-making, and the development of deep connections with Portuguese residents, should you be a foreigner relocating to Portugal.  

Necessity of Cash

There are some places in Portugal where you can’t use any of your bank cards, such as credit cards or debit cards.

While not all places may accept Visa and MasterCard, bank cards in Portugal are issued under the Multibanco system. On the other hand, you have the option to pay with your phone number by using the MB method.

Bureaucracy and Pace of Life

One of the biggest issues among the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal, which you have to face, as well as the Portuguese people themselves, is bureaucracy. Everyone acknowledges that bureaucracy is one of the main drawbacks of living in Portugal. In Portugal, most processes might take a long time, and paperwork moves slowly as well.

 Cold and Non-Private Houses

You won’t find radiators in homes in Portugal like you would in some other European countries. Since the walls retain the majority of the humidity throughout the day and it can get very cold at night, you will need to purchase a heater for yourself in order to stay warm.

The possible lack of privacy in Portuguese homes is another significant disadvantage. Thin walls are typical in Portuguese homes because of the construction type that is common to them, which might make it possible to hear what your neighbors are doing. This feature may irritate people who are used to quieter environments quite a bit. 

So, you have found out what are the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal. Portugal is a very well-known country and a center of attraction for foreigners due to its ideally warm and mild climate, natural beauty, affordability, and better facilities for health and education.

In terms of the pros and cons of living and working in Portugal, there are some challenges for you. You might have to learn Portuguese to communicate in offices and workplaces. There are some areas where there is no acceptance of bank cards, and you will have to take cash with you all the time. 

In addition to these pros and cons of living and working in Portugal, the bureaucratic system might be bothersome for you. You will have to wait for the completion of your paperwork due to the slow speed of the process. Besides, in your house, there is much probability that you are going to miss the warmth and privacy you were expecting.