Moving to Portugal: A Relocation Guide
Portugal is one of the most popular countries in Europe to move to. The weather is mild, the pace of life is relaxed, and the cost of living is lower than much of Western Europe. It is also one of the safest countries in the world, which adds to the appeal.
People move here for all sorts of reasons, whether for work, a project, or a fresh start. At Kassoe Housing we arrange furnished homes for people relocating to Portugal for work, so we know the practical side well. This guide covers why people move, what to sort out, where to live, what it costs, and how to find somewhere to stay.
Why move to Portugal
For many people it comes down to quality of life. A few of the things that draw people here:
- Great weather
- A relaxed, outdoor lifestyle
- A lower cost of living
- One of the safest countries in the world
- Great food and wine
- English widely spoken
For those moving for work, the main hubs are Lisbon and Porto. Both have growing economies and a strong international scene.
What to sort out before you move
The paperwork is where moving to Portugal takes the most thought. The exact steps depend on your nationality and your situation. The essentials usually include:
- Residency. EU citizens can live and work in Portugal freely. Citizens from outside the EU usually need a visa or residence permit. The right one depends on your circumstances.
- A NIF number. This is your Portuguese tax number. You will need it for most things, from working to opening a bank account.
- Registering your residence. Once you have an address, you register locally so you are connected to local services.
- A Portuguese bank account. Useful for day-to-day life and local payments.
- Healthcare. Register for public healthcare if you are eligible, or arrange private cover.
- Tax. Understand your tax residency status early. Many people take professional advice on this.
Rules change and vary by situation. Always check the official guidance before you commit. The Portuguese government’s guide to living in Portugal is a good place to start.
If you stay in serviced, furnished accommodation through Kassoe, the housing side is simpler. The home comes furnished and ready. The utilities and admin are handled for you. Your own residency and tax still need sorting, since they apply to you wherever you live.
Where to live in Portugal
Portugal has a real mix of cities, coast and countryside. The right base depends on your work, your budget and the lifestyle you want. As a broad guide:
- Lisbon is the capital and the main business hub. It is lively, coastal and the most expensive place to live.
- Porto is the second city in the north. It is growing fast, full of character, and better value than Lisbon.
- Braga is a younger northern city with a growing economy and lower costs.
- The Algarve, in the south, is known for its beaches and large international communities.
- Cascais and Estoril, just outside Lisbon, are popular coastal towns with an international feel.
The cost of living
Your money tends to go further in Portugal than in the UK or much of Western Europe. Rent is usually the biggest cost. It varies a lot between the big cities and smaller towns.
Lisbon and Porto are the most expensive places to live. The rest of the country offers much better value. Eating out, transport and daily life are generally affordable, which is a big part of the appeal.
In a furnished home through Kassoe, the utilities and admin are taken care of, so those are costs and tasks you do not set up yourself.
Finding somewhere to live
Once you have picked a region, you need to find somewhere to live. This is often the hardest part of any move abroad. A new rental market, a different language, deposits, furniture and utilities all take time. Usually just when you are starting a new job.
This is where serviced, furnished accommodation helps. The home is fully furnished and ready to move into. The utilities and bills are handled for you. You can read more about what we offer.
At Kassoe Housing this is what we do across Portugal and the rest of Europe. We have been arranging furnished accommodation since 2018. We work with companies and their teams, and handle every detail. That covers finding the right home, the paperwork around it, and support during the stay.
You also deal with real people throughout. Our team knows the local market and is there to help. Quality matters to us too, with sustainability built into how we operate.
In short
Moving to Portugal is a rewarding move, and a little planning goes a long way. Sort the paperwork early. Choose the region that fits your work and budget. Have a comfortable home ready before you arrive. Then you are free to enjoy what brought you there.
If you are moving to Portugal for work, tell us what you need and we will help you find the right place to stay. For larger or recurring needs, you can also make a tender request.