Portugal: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving There
Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and relatively low cost of living compared to Western Europe. In this article, we will explore essential information about living in Portugal, including population, Arab community size, job opportunities, climate, healthcare, housing, transportation, and more.
1. Population and Arab Community in Portugal
Portugal has a population of approximately 10.3 million people. The Arab community is estimated to be between 60,000 and 80,000 people, mainly from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, along with some from Lebanon and Syria.
2. Job Opportunities in Portugal
Portugal offers various job opportunities, particularly in the following sectors:
• Tourism & Hospitality: As a major tourist destination, Portugal has high demand for hotel and restaurant staff.
• Information Technology & Programming: Lisbon and Porto are emerging tech hubs.
• Education: There is demand for language teachers, especially for English and Arabic.
• Healthcare Services: Nurses and veterinarians have good job prospects.
• Freelancing: Many people work remotely as freelancers in Portugal.
Unemployment rate: Around 6.8%, relatively low compared to some European countries.
3. Climate in Portugal
Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters with some rainfall.
• Summer (June – September): Temperatures range between 25-35°C.
• Winter (December – February): Temperatures range between 5-15°C.
• Coastal cities like Lisbon and Porto have a milder climate, while inland areas experience more extreme temperatures.
4. Healthcare System in Portugal
Portugal has an excellent public healthcare system, allowing residents to access medical services for free or at low costs. However, many people prefer private health insurance for faster services.
• Public healthcare: Available to all residents once they are registered in the social security system.
• Private health insurance: Costs range from €20-100 per month, depending on coverage.
5. Housing and Rental Prices
Housing in Portugal is cheaper than in Western Europe but has become more expensive in recent years due to increased demand.
• Lisbon (capital city): A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs €900-1300 per month.
• Porto: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs €700-1000 per month.
• Smaller cities: In places like Faro or Coimbra, rent ranges between €400-700 per month.
Buying property is an option, with prices starting at €150,000 in non-touristic areas.
6. Transportation Availability
• Metro: Available in Lisbon and Porto, affordable and convenient.
• Buses: Cover most cities, with tickets costing between €1.5 – 2.
• Trains: Connect major cities at reasonable prices.
• Uber & Taxis: Widely available and more affordable than in some European countries.
• Car Rental: A good option for traveling within Portugal, with daily rental starting at €30.
7. Advantages of Living in Portugal
✔️ Low cost of living compared to Western Europe.
✔️ Friendly and welcoming people.
✔️ Pleasant weather year-round.
✔️ Possibility of obtaining permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years.
✔️ Beautiful landscapes and coastal areas.
8. Disadvantages & Challenges
❌ Salaries are lower compared to Western Europe (average salaries range from €900-1400 per month).
❌ Hard to find high-paying jobs without specialized skills.
❌ Learning Portuguese is essential for better integration.
Conclusion
Portugal is a fantastic place to live, thanks to its great climate and affordable cost of living. However, it may not be ideal for everyone. If you are considering moving to Portugal, having an independent source of income or in-demand skills like IT or teaching would be beneficial. If you are looking for traditional jobs, you might face some challenges due to the relatively low salaries.
Let me know if you have any questions about Portugal!
