After years of talk, we finally made our move to Portugal in September 2023. This decision came after a long time of searching for the perfect place to raise our family. We’d previously lived in South Africa (sunny climate), Ethiopia (affordability), and even the UK (hoping for a high quality of life, but let’s just say it can be pricey!).
However, none of these places truly felt like home for our young family of four, especially with our energetic twin toddlers in tow. So, we went back to the drawing board, complete with a very detailed spreadsheet, to find our forever home.
Our thorough search led us to Portugal (Lisbon, to be exact). And for the first time, we feel confident that we’ve found a place where we can settle down and truly thrive for years to come. So, if you’re searching for a welcoming place to raise your family, I hope you find our experience useful.
Here are 8 reasons why you should move to Portugal (and bring your family along) too:
Let’s talk weather, because you know I had to talk about it after mentioning the UK! Portugal’s climate is a delightful change from cloudy Wales, for sure.
Winters here are mild with occasional rain showers, but overall quite pleasant. This means park outings are still an option on most days. (Very important if you have toddlers).
Summers may get pretty hot (around 30C/ 85F), but most areas benefit from cooling breezes. A well-positioned fan tackles the hottest days at home, and of course, the stunning beaches are always there for an SPF-backed escape.
I’m won’t pretend that summers here aren’t getting hotter and longer. They are. But it’s still very bearable (especially if you know where to go). Some of the local municipalities also seem to be proactive about cooling down the cities by planting trees on the sidewalk. They even planted trees this year, just in front of our apartment block!
I digress.
Bottom line:
If fun in the sun and mild winters are your thing, you should definitely consider moving to Portugal.
Why You Should Move To Portugal #2:
It's One of the Safest Countries in the World
Safety is paramount for any family, and Portugal offers a dramatic shift from what we faced in South Africa.
Portugal enjoys a very low overall crime rate, even ranking as the 7th safest in the world, alongside the likes of Iceland and Denmark. While petty crimes like cybercrime and fraud are on the rise, and not every area of Portugal/ Lisbon can be considered low-crime, feeling comfortable leaving the house at any hour, day or night, has been a welcome change from the paranoia we felt in South Africa.
Portugal also takes a unique approach to drug possession, treating it as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. This has demonstrably contributed to a decrease in violent crime and property offenses since its implementation in 2001. It’s a forward-thinking, long-term, compassionate approach that prioritises rehabilitation and social well-being over punishment and vengeance.
This, and the fact that around 78% of the Portuguese population trust the police, really impacted our decision to move here over countries like the US and UK where the rift between police and the people they are serving is only widening.
Why You Should Move To Portugal #3:
The People
Unlike our experience in the UK, where my husband’s family lived next door for decades without knowing many neighbours, we’ve built friendships quickly here. From our apartment block and our regular restaurants, to our children’s school and beyond, we have people we could genuinely call upon. (Like that time we had to push-start our car after the headlights were left on all night).
The Portuguese people are remarkably open and welcoming, happy to chat even when our Portuguese was nonexistent. Their warmth is genuine, but without being overwhelming (unlike, say, the surprise house calls from many of our neighbours in Ethiopia!).
I also love that every neighbourhood is its own little microcosm. There are small cafes, nail salons, and fruit shops in every area. Sure, there are big malls and brand names for when you need them, but there’s also a lot of life on the streets.
We really needed this feeling of community after the pandemic and the seismic shift in social life that happens when one has children.
In Portugal, we’ve found a perfect balance that has truly made us feel like we belong.
A Growing Expat Community (and Why That Matters)
While the Portuguese are undeniably friendly, their social circles often revolve tightly around family and childhood friends. So, breaking into those established groups can be a challenge.
That’s where the expat community comes in. They know what its like to make the move to Portugal, and are often eager to welcome new arrivals into the community.
Why You Should Move To Portugal #4:
Family-Friendly
Portugal isn’t just good for us grown folks. It’s a haven for families with young children, too. Here’s why:
Under-2s Free: Under-2s often get a free ride on most forms of public transport and the majority of attraction tickets we’ve tried (like the oceanarium and various theme parks). You also often get reduced prices for children until they hit their teenage years (around 13-15 years old).
Playgrounds & Parks: You’ll have plenty of time to soak up the sun at one of many (and I mean many) playgrounds and parks in Portugal. Even the greater Lisbon area has several notable parks, including Monsanto and, one of my favourities, Mata dos Medos. These spaces are perfect for picnics, impromptu games, or simply letting your little ones burn off some energy before naptime.
Indoor Adventures: Major Portuguese cities offer a variety of indoor activities. For example, the Lisbon area offers trampoline parks, the best interactive science museum you’ve ever seen, and an incredible oceanarium.
Outdoor Adventures: I’ve mentioned the parks, yes. But there are golden beaches down the coast ready for your sandcastle building skills. And if it’s real castles you’re into, head to Sintra, where you’ll be spoiled for choice with which to explore. There are also theme parks, like Dino Parque in Lourinha, which, of course we have annual passes to because… well, toddlers.
Festivals and Events: Portugal is a country that loves to party. I cannot state that enough. Throughout the year, festivals, fairs (like book fairs and classic fairgrounds), concerts, and unique markets fill the streets. There’s always something to check out, and thankfully, most towns send their residents a magazine with the month’s lineup so you don’t miss out.
Extra-curriculars: Local municipalities here are often the backbones of their communities. Many of them also host (very affordable) activities like dance classes, yoga for kids, swimming lessons, and martial arts programs. Its also a great place to socialise with other parents.
With its welcoming atmosphere, budget-friendly options, and endless opportunities for play, Portugal truly is a paradise for young children (and their parents who are always wondering what to do next!).
Why You Should Move To Portugal #5:
It's Easy on the Budget
Compared to the likes of the UK and US, Portugal offers a significantly lower cost of living.
Groceries, utilities, and even eating out are noticeably cheaper. School is free after a certain age, but there are also affordable, high-quality private schools to send your children to.
For us, putting our daughters in daycare in the UK for 3 afternoons a week cost as much as full-time nursery at a private school in Portugal, with considerably better facilities. (It even has a little farm!).
It was a no-brainer for us. If we wanted some money left over at the end of the month, while also providing quality education for our children, Portugal was the place to be.
Portugal’s healthcare is also socialised and readily available. We found this out first-hand when our daughter hurt her hand in a bicycle accident and needed stitches. We only paid for subsidised antibiotics and painkillers, but otherwise the ‘surgery’ and everything after were free.
It’s important to note that Portuguese wages tend to be lower and rent in some areas (like Lisbon) can be inflated. So, to make the best of the Portuguese lifestyle as a foreigner, I’d recommend maintaining remote work with a foreign company or establishing an online income.
Why You Should Move To Portugal #6:
English Gets You By, Spanish Is Even Better
In big cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, (and, of course, the tourist enclave of the Algarve), you’ll find English readily spoken in shops, restaurants, and even in administrative offices.
This fluency can be a double-edged sword, however.
While incredibly convenient, it makes learning Portuguese somewhat frustrating as friendly locals too easily switch to English if/ when they sense your struggle.
Spanish speakers have it even worse, as Portuguese shares many similarities and Spanish TV shows are widely understood.
But worry not!
If you’re determined to master the language, there are numerous affordable options. Local Portuguese language schools offer expat-friendly classes, providing a fantastic opportunity to make friends. You could also go the online route, like getting lessons on iTalki.
Why You Should Move To Portugal #7:
Diversity and Acceptance
Unlike our experiences in South Africa where I grew up and where racial lines are more defined, Portugal feels wonderfully diverse and accepting. This is perhaps rooted in their history.
The result is a mixed society with people from Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Saint Tome and Principe, Macau, and East Timor. And because people are not just intermarrying within their own ethnicities, there is a wonderful mix of colours, especially in the big cities.
But don’t worry, if that changes, I’ll be sure to update this post.
Why You Should Move To Portugal #8:
The EU is One of the Best Places to Live
The EU is security. Stability. A sense that ‘The Man’ is not some boogeyman selling your interests to the highest bidder, but actually looking out for you. Being part of the European Union, for me, is a major perk of settling in Portugal.
Sure, there’s the allure of borderless travel between vastly different countries that are as tiny and close together as sprinkles on a cupcake. But what I was after went way deeper (after living in Africa most of my life).
I’m talking about governance.
As an EU a member state, Portugal adheres to strict regulations regarding consumer rights, environmental protection, and worker safety. This translates to a higher quality of life and a sense of being protected from the undue influence of large corporations and private interests, which can sometimes hold more sway in countries like the US and UK.
Living in Portugal within the EU framework offers peace of mind, knowing you’re residing in a region that prioritises the well-being of its citizens.
Also, as a sweetener, Portugal has the 4th best passport in the world (which you can get after 5 years of residency).
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