Expats in Portugal - Report from Internations

It seems, according to Internations, that Expats in Portugal can enjoy a family paradise with an excellent quality of life. This information comes from the Internations Expat Insider Survey, and goes on to say that the climate is pleasant and locals are welcoming, but that job security and career prospects rank poorly.

Here are some of the top findings of the survey:

• Portugal attracts an above-average percentage of retirees
• It ranks in the top 10 for family life
• Expats in Portugal enjoy the climate and weather
• Around 80% of expats feel at home there
• A large majority rate the cost of living positively

In overall results, Portugal ranks 6 out of 68 countries for 2018. Regarding quality of life, expats are generally satisfied with local socialising and leisure activities, and many state that they consider the weather a potential benefit before even moving there. Portugal has mild winters and a sunny summer climate.

Portugal is considered peaceful by 98% of those surveyed, and expats rank personal safety there as very good. One expat from South Africa said, “Portugal is safe and secure. The people are fantastic and have helped us in all aspects unreservedly”. Medical care is also generally considered affordable and of good quality.

Welcoming locals play a big part in the happiness of expats here. Over 80% feel it is easy to settle in and that they feel largely at home. The global average for this is 60%. Expats claim they face few or no challenges getting used to the local culture and that even if they do not learn the local language, they don’t find it difficult to live there.

Career prospects and career satisfaction here rank very lowly, standing at 61st out of 68 countries. Job security ranks 53^rd which is also disappointing. However, almost three in five expats working in Portugal do rate their work-life balance positively and are satisfied with their job in general. A quarter of respondents in Portugal are retirees, and according to the survey, it seems Portugal is also popular with freelancers!

The affordable cost of living certainly attracts expats. Just over three quarters say that their disposable household income is enough or more than enough to cover living expenses and it seems that Portugal is the place to be for families and ranks 11^th for family wellbeing. The vast majority agrees that attitudes towards families are friendly and that children’s safety seems good.

With more than 3.5 million members in 420 cities around the world, InterNations (http://www.internations.org) is the largest global network and information site for people who live and work abroad. InterNations offers global and local networking both online and face-to-face at more than 6,000 monthly events and activities. Source: Expat Insider Survey 2018

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