Housing
- One bedroom, city center
- €900-1,300
- One bedroom, suburbs
- €700-1,000
- Three bedrooms, city center
- €1,400-2,200
Country research
Retire in Portugal
Portugal combines a Mediterranean climate, established public and private healthcare options, and a residence route for people with regular passive income. Costs and access to services differ substantially between Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and smaller communities.
76.6Overall research score
98.6Safety index
At a glance
The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.
Cost of living38.6/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper
Safety98.6/100Safety index
Healthcare83/100Quality index
Average temperature15.4°CYearly average
Why Portugal
A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.
Portugal may suit retirees who value EU infrastructure, coastal and inland lifestyle options, and a documented passive-income residence route. Check current AIMA requirements and local housing costs before applying.
What stands out
- Public healthcare coverage; newcomer eligibility varies
- Social stability
- EU access.
Costs and planning
Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- €280-350
- Restaurant meal
- Varies by city and provider
- Utilities
- €130-180
- Health insurance
- €100-150
Residency and taxes
- Visa or permit
- D7 (Passive Income)
- Minimum annual income
- EUR 11,040
- Processing time
- Varies by consulate and AIMA appointment
- Income tax
- 48% Max. CGT: 28%. Inherit: 0% (Direct).
Safety, climate, and healthcare
The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.
Safety
- Safety index
- 98.6/100
- Intentional homicide
- 0.007 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
- Police response
- Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city
Climate and healthcare
- Sunshine
- Not listed
- Rainfall days ≥10 mm
- 25 days per year
- Doctor visit
- €50-70
- English speakers
- Not available as a comparable national statistic
Cities to consider in Portugal
Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.
Cascais
Upscale coastal town near Lisbon, Mild Atlantic climate and scenic beaches
- Rent
- €950-1,600/month
- Safety
- 80
Lisbon
Historic charm, Cosmopolitan city life
- Rent
- €1,100/month
- Safety
- 68.2
Porto
Historic riverside city with UNESCO-listed center, Mild Atlantic climate, cooler than Lisbon/Algarve
- Rent
- €750-1,200/month
- Safety
- 70
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about retiring in Portugal
What is the cost of living in Portugal?
The relative PPP price-level score for Portugal is 38.6/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as €900-1,300, while health insurance is €100-150.
Is Portugal safe for expats and retirees?
Portugal has a safety index of 98.6/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.007 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.
How is the healthcare system in Portugal?
The healthcare system in Portugal has a quality index of 83/100. A doctor visit costs €50-70, and health insurance typically costs €100-150 per month.
What are the visa requirements for retiring in Portugal?
Portugal lists the route “D7 (Passive Income)”. The published minimum-income field is EUR 11,040 per year and processing is Varies by consulate and AIMA appointment. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.
What is the tax situation for retirees in Portugal?
Retirees in Portugal face income tax rates of 48% Max. CGT: 28%. Inherit: 0% (Direct).. Property tax is IMI is generally 0.3–0.8% of taxable urban property value and inheritance tax is Stamp duty may apply at 10%; spouse and close-family transfers are generally exempt. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.
How large is the expat community in Portugal?
Portugal has approximately 1,127,184 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Lisbon, Porto, Cascais.
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Use the same measures to compare nearby or similar retirement options.
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Hungary
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