Living in Portugal

Regions of Portugal

  Portugal

  Algarve

  Alentejo

  Central Portugal

  Lisbon

  Northern Portugal

Emergency Numbers

 - Police 112
- Fire Service 115
- Ambulance 115

Living in Portugal is an appealing prospect thousands of people contemplate each year when they either visit Portugal or watch programmes about relocating to the sun on the television.

However as fanciful as it may sound more and more British residents are opting for a life in Portugal over life in the United Kingdom.

Moving abroad though is life changing and to ensure your move to Portugal is successful it's important to carry out as much research as possible before packing your bags.

The allure of warmer winters, hotter summers, a less expensive lifestyle with more time to enjoy the better weather, does mean many boxes are ticked for many already who are thinking of living in Portugal.

It's important to remember though, when looking at living in Portugal, life will not be one long holiday. Though there will be, without a doubt, a certain amount of barbecues in the summer sun, lazy lie ins and countless festivals and markets to attend. To counter balance this there will also be frustrating rounds of bureaucratic red tape sorting out various things such as car importation, induction into the health system, enrolling children in school and tackling IRS returns.

However although living in Portugal may prove to be challenging at times, the rewards such as the climate, the hospitable people and lower cost of living surely outweigh the minor inconveniences? Once the paperwork is out of the way, Portugal can be a very exciting place to live and once you get to know your neighbours and the region in which you have relocated to.

It is important though when you are looking to live in Portugal not to get carried away on a property viewing trip. Although the property could be perfect, you have to ask yourself, is the location right. After all changing something to a property is relatively easy; changing the location is not so easy.

Take your time when planning to live in Portugal in buying the right property in the right location for you. By renting a property first in the location you wish to live is a great way to test whether or not the Portuguese lifestyle is right for you without a large, financial commitment.

Although there are many properties for sale in Portugal and despite it being a relatively small country in comparison with the United Kingdom and other European countries, the topography changes dramatically. It is important, if you are relocating, to think about the lifestyle you hope to achieve when looking at different areas of Portugal as they are very different and it could sour your dream if you purchase in the wrong location.

Traditionally the most popular region in Portugal for Expatriates to relocate to was the Algarve. However, home buyers have been looking further afield where properties are less expensive, though the quality of life is equal.

With good access links to Lisbon, the central Portugal and Silver Coast regions of Portugal have proved particularly popular over recent years with many looking to live in Portugal. The central Portugal region has good access links to Lisbon international airport and a tantalising number of historic towns and villages as well as lush green scenery most of the year.

As alluring as the central Portugal region has become for overseas buyers it is important to remember the region is quite large with vastly different landscapes. Properties can appear to be incredibly cheap when searching on the internet, but with all things in life there is usually a good reason for this.

In some of the more remote, mountainous areas the simple reason for this can be economy and employment migration. Properties in these smaller, rural hamlets are often sold off by families who have moved to the larger towns and cities in search of employment. Unfortunately as a by-product of this local amenities are usually far more sparse and this is a big consideration to think about if you are going to live, full time in Portugal.

If you enjoy a full and active social life, eating out at various restaurants then although these small villages can be appealing when you see them for the first time, but imagine yourself living there before you part with any money for a property. *more info: Getting the Right Location for your home in Portugal

Although you may find the thought of living in Portugal daunting, we hope here at gekkoportugal.com to provide you with all the information you will need to achieve your dream and ensure it doesn't turn into a nightmare in this small Iberian country.