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Dreaming of Living in Portugal? More and More People Are Deciding to Change Countries in Search of Well-Being, Safety, and Quality of Life. Among the Most Sought-After Destinations in Europe, Portugal Stands Out. But What Really Leads So Many People to Pack Their Bags and Start From Scratch There?
Living in Portugal has become the dream of many Brazilians in recent years. Whether for the quality of life, safety, or ease with the language, the European country attracts more and more people in search of a calmer and more stable life.
Portugal has been turning into one of the most sought-after destinations for those who decide to leave Brazil or other countries in search of a more peaceful, secure life with good quality of life.
Several reasons have been cited by immigrants as justifications for this move. Below, see seven reasons often pointed out by those who chose to live in Portugal.
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Sleeping at different times each day can be a bomb for your heart and even double your risk of having a heart attack.
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Without help and without heavy machinery, a woman builds a house from scratch with stone, wood, and cement, erects a chimney, creates a complete leisure area, and transforms an empty lot into her dream home.
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The Best Climate in Europe
Portugal is widely cited as one of the countries with the best climate in the European continent.
According to the official tourism website of Portugal, the country has more than 300 sunny days a year in some regions, such as the Algarve and Lisbon. This means a milder winter and long, hot summers.
The Mediterranean climate directly influences the well-being of residents and is one of the most remembered factors for those wanting to live in Portugal.
Safety: Among the Safest in the World
Another factor frequently cited is safety. Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world.
In the 2023 report by Institute for Economics and Peace, which produces the Global Peace Index, the country ranked 7th among the most peaceful countries on the planet.
This index evaluates 163 countries based on 23 indicators that encompass three main domains: social safety, internal and external conflicts, and the degree of militarization.
For those looking to live in Portugal, especially families with children, this is a decisive aspect.
In Lisbon, for example, urban violence rates are much lower than in major Latin American capitals.
Balance Between City and Nature
Portugal is also praised for the ease of access to green areas, beaches, and parks even in large urban centers.
In Lisbon, for example, it is possible to find trails, viewpoints, and forested areas in urban neighborhoods.
In Porto, the Douro River and the City Park allow for contact with nature just minutes from the center.
The country also has several nature reserves and marked trails throughout its territory, in addition to the extensive Atlantic coastline.
World-Renowned Cuisine
Portuguese cuisine is another constant attraction for those seeking to live in Portugal.
In the most recent edition of the ranking, referring to the period of 2023/2024, Portugal was ranked as the 4th best cuisine in the world, behind only Italy, Japan, and Greece.
Dishes such as cod, pastel de nata, and francesinha are widely recognized.
Additionally, the country has dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants. This demonstrates the high culinary standard and the appreciation of local ingredients.
For many foreigners, the healthy, varied, and affordable food in Portugal is an important positive point.
Quality Educational System
In the education sector, Portugal also shows good indicators.
The country participates in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) by the OECD. In the last edition of the study, Portugal scored above the average of the assessed countries in reading, mathematics, and science.
Portuguese universities have also been gaining recognition.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, several institutions in the country are among the top thousand in the world, including the University of Lisbon, the University of Porto, and the University of Coimbra.
These rankings reflect the universities’ performance on indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, student-to-faculty ratio, citations per faculty, international research network, sustainability, employability outcomes, and proportion of international students.
For families and international students, this is a relevant factor when choosing the country as a destination.
Accessible and Efficient Public Health
The National Health Service (SNS) in Portugal is public and covers a wide range of services.
According to data from Eurostat, in 2023, the life expectancy at birth in Portugal was 82.5 years, exceeding the European Union average of 81.4 years. This value represents an increase compared to previous years.
Additionally, Portugal offers extensive vaccination coverage, basic and hospital care that is accessible even for foreigners with legal residency.
Although there are occasional criticisms regarding wait times, many immigrants report satisfaction with the free or low-cost care.
Efficient and Affordable Public Transport
The urban transport system in Portugal is frequently cited as efficient and good value for money.
Cities like Lisbon and Porto feature modern subways, tram lines, buses, and integrated train services.
Compared to other Western European countries, Portugal has one of the best value-for-money systems, according to Eurostat data.
Portugal boasts a number of characteristics that have attracted people from all over the world.
Pleasant climate, safety, good cuisine, efficient public services, and a relatively affordable cost of living are some of the most remembered points by those who have decided to live in the country.
With international rankings and official data reinforcing these aspects, the country remains one of the favorite destinations for those seeking quality of life in Europe. Therefore, living in Portugal has become increasingly appealing.
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