Why do people live in portugal

Worth getting a Portuguese number. House insulation and central heating are relatively new concepts in Portugal. Although Portugal is a warm country, it can get cold at night and due to a lack of insulation and poor building quality, home interiors can become very cold. Older houses were also built to keep out the hot sun which is fine in Summer but not great in Winter. Since December , it is a legal requirement for all properties that are advertised commercially for sale or rent to have an Energy Performance Certificate.

Among other things, this will calculate the thermal efficiency of the property. Buildings with a construction license issued prior to must have an energy certificate but are not required to meet any particular grade.

Buildings with a construction license issued after 4th July must meet the standards of grade B or above. If you are considering to buy or rent a property with a rating of C or lower, you may have heating and insulation issues. Looking for a product or service from a business that speaks your language? Browse our directory of English-speaking, expat-friendly businesses across Portugal. Marketing by Unity Online. Why Live in Portugal?

Why live in Portugal over other amazing countries? Did you know these facts about Portugal? The largest population age group is years. There are This compares with The People The Portuguese are generally extremely helpful and friendly. Football, history, culture and coffee are among other Portuguese passions.

Portugal came third in the Global Peace Index Portugal has to offer to those who live there an excellent infrastructure and facilities. For example, the motorway network and the coverage of telecommunications, internet and cash dispenser machines. In addition, it is noteworthy that the traffic is considerable less, compared to other foreign cities. The Portuguese hospitality is one of the main Portuguese characteristics. People are friendly and willing to help foreigners.

This enable third country nationals outside of the European Union to invest in Portugal and, therefore, obtaining a temporary residence permit. Most foreigners come to Portugal to work and study. Moreover, in recent years a substantial number of foreigners moved to Portugal for retirement.

Still others invest i n real estate, fostering urban regeneration and subsequently enjoying high profitabilities in the international short-term-rental. Before moving we advise you to travel to the Country and choose what is the region that suits you better, in other words, see for yourself where is the best place to live in Portugal for you.

If you prefer green landscapes, you can have them in the North Region, where there are an abundance of water and cool climate. If you prefer a cosmopolitan area, you have the Oporto Region. This is the second largest city in the country, with intense commerce, countless companies and several traditional districts.

If to be among forests and mountains is more your style, go to the Centre Region. Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain in Portugal mainland, where in the winter it gets quite cold and it snows, so it is sought after for walking and skiing. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, next to which you have a good view of the Mondego River, the largest river born in Portugal.

Bathed by the Tagus River, this city has a magnificent light, with ancient historic districts and numerous monuments and museums. If you prefer to live in the middle of an unending horizon, with a warmer and less densely populated climate, you have the Alentejo.

This unique region has extensive plains, where wheat is harvested, for bread making, the basis of the renowned Alentejo cuisine. The Alentejo has countless towns, villages of ground floor houses, whitewashed, with Arab and Roman influences. If you like the sun, mild climate and warm sea water temperature for a large part of the year, Algarve is your place. In this region of extensive sandy beaches, where water sports and golf are played, there are several restaurants where fish and fresh seafood are eaten.

For those who like evergreen landscape mixed with volcanic landscape, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, you can choose one of the 9 islands in the Azores. Here the cows graze freely, from where milk is extracted to make the famous cheese. Whatever stage you are at, InterNations GO! Our expert expat team is ready to get your relocation going, so why not jump-start your move abroad and contact us today?

Best to start early! Once we've helped you move to Portugal, we can make you feel at home by introducing you to other expats who have already settled and are part of our Portugal Community. Attend our monthly events and activities in Portugal and get to know like-minded expats in real life.

Aug 27, , PM. Nov 11, , PM. Nov 13, , PM. Nov 20, , PM. Start here. Living Tap to see all guide sections. Relocation Services. Main Embassies The main embassies in Portugal are located in Lisbon. Public Holidays in Portugal There are 14 public holidays in Portugal. Need to Relocate to Italy? Get started. Cost of Living The average cost of living in Portugal will hugely depend on the part of the country you choose to live in.

Cost of Living in Portugal by District and City When it comes to the cost of living in Portugal, the country can be broken down into two areas—the appealing yet expensive west and south coasts, and the cheap but less enticing center and east side close to the border with Spain.

Food and Alcohol Prices in Portugal Below is a table with average grocery and alcohol prices, along with costs of eating out at restaurants.

Culture and Social Etiquette Greeting Women in Portugal greet people with two kisses, one on each cheek, starting on the right. Portuguese Language and Socialization The Portuguese are very friendly in nature, and the country is often named as one of the most welcoming for expats.

Dining Etiquette The Portuguese follow the continental table manners—fork on the left hand and knife on the right. Fabric napkins are placed on the lap. The host usually dictates the start of the meal, so wait for them to wish you bom apetite , or to simply start eating. This could be a bottle of wine, flowers, or chocolate.

The Portuguese are fairly relaxed when it comes to time. Arriving 15 minutes late to dinner is generally accepted, but do not keep others waiting for you. If it is a social gathering or a party, it is acceptable to arrive half an hour to an hour late.

Driving in Portugal Driving in Portugal is fairly easy. Driving Rules in Portugal The minimum age for driving in Portugal is 18, but some motorcycles can be driven at You drive on the right side and overtake on the left side. The use of seatbelts is compulsory for every driver and passenger.

It is mandatory to use a helmet on motorcycles. Children younger than twelve are not allowed to drive in the front seat, unless taller than one and a half meters. It is illegal to use your mobile phone while driving. Your car must have the following compulsory documents: road tax certificate, registration documents, and the IPO test. All vehicles must have a reflective vest and a warning triangle at all times.

Having insurance for your car is mandatory. You should also know that all expenses resulting from an accident fall on the person with no insurance, regardless of who made the infraction.

Using these without the proper subscription and device in your car will incur a fee. Renting a Car in Portugal There are many rental car companies in Portugal. Ready to Move to Italy? Public Transportation in Portugal In this section, learn about how public transportation in Portugal works, your various options, and how much public transportation costs.

What is Public Transportation like in Portugal? Buses Buses are the most widely available mode of transportation in the country. Metros You can find metro services in the districts of Porto and Lisbon, connecting the city centers to surrounding neighborhoods and municipalities. Taxis Taxis in Portugal are typically beige or black—you can spot them by the sign on their roof. Taxi fares usually start at around 3 EUR 3. Updated on: November 11, Join Our Exciting Events in Portugal Once we've helped you move to Portugal, we can make you feel at home by introducing you to other expats who have already settled and are part of our Portugal Community.

Aug 27, , PM Nov 11, , PM Nov 13, , PM Nov 20, , PM 9. Learn more about Portugal Moving to Portugal Read more. Relocating to Portugal Read more.