With the rise of remote work, many people in the U.S. are packing up and relocating (whether temporarily or permanently) around the globe. One of the most popular destinations for U.S. expats is Portugal. In fact, Portugal has been called “the best country for Americans moving abroad.”
If you are thinking about moving to Portugal to work remotely, we’ve got answers to some of the questions that might be on your mind.
Where is Portugal located?
Portugal is in southwestern Europe. It’s bordered by Spain and has a large Atlantic coastline.
How big is Portugal?
About 35,000 square miles (roughly the size of the U.S. state of Indiana).
How many people live in Portugal?
Portugal has a population of about 10.12 million. More than two-thirds of the people in Portugal live in its cities, such as Lisbon and Porto.
How many Americans live in Portugal?
About 7,000. Overall, the expat population of Portugal is about 6.5%.
What is the weather like in Portugal?
According to Weatherspark.com, Portugal has a fairly temperate climate. Temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or climb above 94 degrees. November is the rainiest month, with about 8.5 days of at least .04 inches of rain. July is the driest month, averaging less than one full rainy day.
How does the cost of living in Portugal compare with the U.S.?
According to Global Citizen Solutions, an investment migration consultancy firm, the cost of living in Portugal is 42% less than it is in the U.S. Of course, the actual difference in your cost of living depends on where in the U.S. you currently live and where you move in Portugal.
How does the healthcare system in Portugal work?
For a detailed description of how healthcare works in Portugal, visit Expatica.com. The main thing you need to know is that you are covered by the national healthcare system if you are a legal resident of Portugal. If not, you will need to have private insurance. About one in five residents of Portugal supplement their public health coverage with private insurance.
What are the Portuguese people like?
People in Portugal are known for being friendly and laid-back. The Portuguese tend to be family-oriented and proud of their country.
How is wifi in Portugal?
Anyone who works remotely knows that fast, reliable Internet service is essential. Portugal has almost complete Internet coverage, but speeds depend on where you are based. Free wifi hotspots are widely available in cities.
Will I need a car in Portugal?
The answer to this question depends a lot on where you choose to live in Portugal and what your lifestyle is. Portugalist.com says that, in general, you can get by without a car if you live in a larger city, but that you are more likely to need one if you live in a rural area. Keep in mind that public transportation in Portugal is more widespread than what many of us in the U.S. are used to.
What can I do for fun in Portugal?
Portugal is known for both its natural and human-made beauty. If you’re a fan of beaches, Portugal has myriad coastal destinations for you to explore, whether you’re seeking big waves or peace and quiet. The architecture of Portugal can be downright breathtaking, with styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassicism.
What is Portuguese food like?
As you’d expect from a coastal country, Portugal is known for its seafood dishes. Pork, sausage, and soups and stews are popular, too. Portuguese cuisine is also notable for being simple and seasonal. Port is the most famous wine from Portugal, but there are many other varieties to explore as well.
What is the official language of Portugal?
Portuguese is the official language of Portugal and the most commonly spoken language there.
Do I have to know Portuguese to work remotely in Portugal?
Many Portuguese people are highly proficient in English. Especially in cities, you can probably get by speaking only English. But, as always, we believe that taking the time to learn the language of your new home is beneficial in so many ways! Knowing Portuguese will make daily life easier, and it will help you make friends with native speakers.
Is Portuguese easy to learn?
Portuguese is one of the easier languages for English speakers to learn. If you’ve already studied Spanish, you have a head start on learning Portuguese, but keep in mind that there are differences between the two languages. Check out these 21 essential Portuguese words and phrases.
How can I move from the U.S. to Portugal to work remotely?
If you like what you’ve read so far in this article, you may be thinking about how to try out living and working in Portugal for yourself. In that case, we have some great news: working remotely from Portugal recently got a whole lot easier thanks to the digital nomad visa program. Portugal has several types of visas, each with different requirements, that are suitable for remote workers. So it’s just a matter of figuring out which one is the best for your needs.
What are some resources for U.S. expats in Portugal?
How to Learn Portuguese
Like we said earlier, while you can probably get by in Portugal if you speak only English, your experience will be so much richer if you make an effort to learn about the language and culture.
If you’re just starting to think about working remotely from Portugal, language-learning apps are a good way to begin exploring the Portuguese language. However, if you’re getting serious about your plans to relocate to Portugal, we recommend working with a native-speaker instructor, either in person or remotely.
Your instructor can focus your Portuguese lessons on the practical vocabulary you need to get established in your new home, as well as share cultural insights.
If you’d like to learn more about the customized, flexible language training we offer, set up a free consultation now by contacting us at getfluent@fluencycorp.com or (800) 401-3159.
