Feel like a change of pace? Portugal offers an extremely high quality of life and is still refreshingly affordable.
The atmosphere here is relaxed. Savouring life slowly is the way it goes down. It is a country of astonishing beauty, idyllic weather and welcoming people.
The Portuguese work culture is slightly different to what you may be used to. Work relationships may be quite formal. Meetings in Portugal are meant for discussion and to give instructions, not for decision-making. Long lunches are a part of the Portuguese working day. Enjoy.
There are two options for healthcare, state or private – private hospitals offer quicker access to care.
To obtain your health card (cartão de utente) from the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), go to the Healthcare centre closest to you. Bring proof of residence, a utility bill or your residence permit.
To open a bank account you’ll need to present the following documentation:
Portuguese Resident’s Card; ID Card or Passport; proof of residence in the country of origin; Portuguese tax number card and an address in Portugal where you receive your mail.
The account will provide a chequebook, banking card (multibanco) and a Visa card.
A typical monthly rate on a long-term, 2-bedroom apartment in Lisbon would be around 500€ per month, excluding utilities.
To find a property, consult the online and paper versions of newspapers like Expresso, or go straight to a specialised rental agency. Because of the language barrier, it may be easier to use a specialised agency.
Portuguese law states that after the key has been handed over, the tenant should pay the first month and second months’ rent in advance.
There are several Portuguese airlines offering regular domestic and international flights: TAP - Air Portugal is the most popular airline and SATA has regular flights between the islands of the Azores and from the Azores to Madeira and mainland Portugal.
Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses, the Portuguese railway company, is a vast, national rail network and also offers international train services to Vigo, Madrid and Paris.
All motorways are marked with the internationally recognised sign and users must pay tolls...
The underground, or Metro, is an invaluable resource in Lisbon and operates between 6am and 1am. Taxis are also a good option.
Portugal is very affordable.
