Many foreigners choose Portugal as the destination to enjoy their retirement, be it for the long sunny days, or for the low cost of living and fiscal benefits. Cascais, Lisbon, Oporto and Algarve are some of the more sought-after locations to enjoy this new life chapter.
Portugal is in the top 10 list of best countries for retirees (Global Retirement Index 2020). Foreign pensioners benefit from a specific fiscal regime, integrated in the Non-Habitual Resident status. Furthermore, the cost of living in Portugal is lower when compared to other countries, while the health care provided by the Portuguese National Health System is easily accessible.
The high value of houses in Lisbon – when compared to the rest of the country – is the reflex of the cost and quality of living that a foreign retiree will have to experience here; given the large affluency of tourists, a foreigner will feel “at home” and will not find any problem in speaking English. The cosmopolitan feeling of the Portuguese capital is very similar to that of other European cities, with the advantage that this one is considered one of the safest in the world.
Spread throughout Lisbon, there are many restaurants proposing flavors from the four corners of the Earth; the large international luxury brands parade between the Avenida da Liberdade, Baixa and Chiado; beautiful gardens in every corner invite for lingering afternoons. The cultural agenda is very diversified; there is always something going on: expositions, concerts, films, theatre plays and other shows to enjoy. There is a large number of good libraries and bookstores where book lovers can satisfy their reading pleasures immersed in a good volume.
Thirty minutes by train from Lisbon, Cascais has beautiful beaches where it is a delight to jump in the water during the warmer months, and a long boardwalk connecting from Oeiras to Cascais, that calls for long promenades along the shoreline throughout the year. Golf adepts will find the best greens here; for those more attracted by sailing, there’s plenty of marinas between Lisbon and Cascais.
Article in a Bestguide and Porta da Frente partnership.