Geography

Comprising one fifth of the Iberian Peninsula (which is shared with Spain), Portugal is famous for stunning weather, beautiful sandy beaches, fantastic coastlines and so much more. As a smaller country, visitors can easily take in the entire island in one trip, and the good news is that there’s so much not to be missed. It has a number of regions that offer their own attractions; from architecture, to scenery. From north to south, these are:

• Algarve
• Alentejo
• Lisbon and the Lisbon Coast
• Estremadura and Ribatejo
• Beiras
• Douro and Tras-os-Montes
• Minho

The average altitude in Portugal is low (240m), but its highest mountain range, the Serra da Estrela, is 1993m. There are two island groups, Azores and Madeira, a host of rivers, vineyards and nature reserves all to be explored.

Climate

Portugal plays host to a Mediterranean climate and has 3000 hours of sunshine. Those stopping by at any time of year are likely to enjoy the weather however, as winters are mild but often rainy (this will vary depending on the region).

Population

With a population of around 10 million people, it will be simple to set up in more densely populated areas like Lisbon and Oporto and similarly to get lost in nature in the lesser inhabited areas like Corvo (found in Azores) and Mourao (in central Alentejo). The further inland you go, the less densely populated Portugal gets, so it can be an easy task to choose a way of life for residents hoping for something a little bit different.

Religion

Portugal is mainly Catholic in religious denomination, but as the people are so accepting, this country offers religious freedom.

Language

Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, but English, Spanish and French are all widely spoken here, too.

Food

When it comes to eating out in Portugal, visitors and ex-pats can expect to enjoy fresh, local produce, bold flavours and a host of traditional recipes that have often been handed down from generation to generation. Many dishes contain paprika, bay leaves and garlic and the sweet pastries you’ll find in bakeries island-wide are just as unique as the main dishes you’ll see in every restaurant. Let’s not forget that Portugal is revered for the quality of red wine produced in the county’s very own vineyards, so it can be worthwhile to ask about complimentary flavours when dining.

Transport

Portugal is one of the better-equipped European destinations for transport with regional, inter-regional and inter-city trains and a major bus network that will take you wherever you want to go.

Education

The schooling system in Portugal is mixed between public and private and is mandatory for children between 6 and 18 years of age. Public education is free and universities are relatively cheap, which makes it an attractive option for individuals hoping to study abroad. Functioning under a high-quality national curriculum, families relocating from other countries often speak well of their overall experience.

Healthcare

Healthcare is also mixed between public and private in Portugal, so non-natives can expect to register with their local council before they can obtain a healthcare number that will allow them access to public services. This will cover all major medical procedures, outside of dentistry and cosmetic surgery.

Benefits of migrating to Portugal

There are a whole host of benefits to be considered when you want to move to Portugal long-term, so let’s take a quick look at the top reasons people move here:

• Portugal has an advanced economy and boasts a high standard of living alongside a slower pace of life. Those in progressive sectors like IT and finance do as well as those in mining, agriculture and fishing
• As a Schengen country, visa-free travel to all European and other Schengen countries is simple
• With the right visa, individuals and their families can work, study and live in Portugal with little fuss
• There is easy access to high-end education and well-appointed healthcare services, with the opportunity for private services if these are preferred
• Visa holders will be eligible for passports and citizenship after 6 years – and this will open up travel rights to the entire EU block
• For those hoping to stay for a set amount of time (or even permanently), minimal documentation is required

Portugal freelance open work permit

Portugal has a long history of welcoming immigrants and offers an open work permit for those who want to relocate here. This means that there’s no need to have a job lined up before making the move and no sponsorship will be necessary.

The benefits of an open work permit are:

• The whole family can be included on the application form
• Government fees for migration are extremely affordable
• There is a fast processing time of 6-9 months for a Portugal Residency Card
• There are no restrictions based on educational status before living, working, or going to school in Portugal
• Citizenship can be obtained after as little as 5 years