Considering relocating from France to Portugal? Find out more about the advantages of living in Portugal and why this is probably one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your family!

Living in France you are probably already familiar with some of the most famous aspects of Portugal. This is, after all, the land where Fado and Cristiano Ronaldo were born! However, there is much more than the magic of music and football glory to offer those visiting or living in Portugal. And we are not just thinking of "pastéis de nata" and wine!

Portugal has many advantages to offer French citizens who wish to buy a house to live permanently or a second home to enjoy holidays in the sun:

An easy, safe and beautiful life…

Anyone who has visited Portugal or has friends living here knows that the quality of life is unbeatable.

Unlike many other European countries where high demand from both tourism and foreign residents has changed the identity of cities and towns, in Portugal there is still authenticity that can be felt even in the larger cities.

Although you will easily find all the comforts of modern life and most of the population speaks one or more foreign languages, this high degree of internationalisation has not altered the fundamental essence of the Portuguese culture and the authenticity of its people.

Even the younger generations of Portuguese maintain a very distinctive way of experiencing day to day life and relating to everything that surrounds them. From appreciating nature to enjoying a coffee at your local café, there is a constant focus on maintaining things simple and authentic…

“Old time values” such as kindness, warm hospitality, honour and family represent a fundamental part of Portuguese culture and are reflected in small details of daily life. The very low crime rate reflects this pacific nature of the Portuguese people, and foreigners constantly describe the climate of safety they feel while visiting and living in the country.

If a simpler, genuine, authentic life is what you are looking for, then Portugal is definitely the place for you!

Affordable cost of living…

Another positive aspect is the extremely affordable cost of living in Portugal.

Portugal offers arguably the lowest cost of living in Western Europe, and it is no coincidence that it attracts an above-average percentage of retirees. Just about everything, from buying a property to groceries, is quite affordable.

›› FIND OUR MORE: How much does it cost to live in Portugal?

At a local café, for example, you can enjoy a starter, meat or fish “prato do dia", and a coffee for about €5! At a local “tasca” or restaurant you can dine easily for under €10, plus a little more for a glass of Portuguese wine. Local fruit and vegetables are also very cheap… and absolutely delicious!

The food scene in Portugal is simply fabulous, and not only because of prices! Portuguese food is fresh and locally grown produce is widely available in farmers markets. There are also superb international restaurants and several options for those who enjoy 5-star dining.

The tax incentives are equally attractive, especially for pensioners or people of working age who benefit from Portugal’s special income tax schemes such as the NHR status. To know more about the tax benefits of living and buying a house in Portugal, it would be wise to seek the help of an experienced Portuguese accountant to assist you in navigating the world of tax and residency benefits. You may save a lot of money!

Excellent property value & quality…

When it comes to buying real estate, where else is it possible to purchase beachfront property, with new construction and modern architecture, for less than 200 thousand euros? In Portugal, this is not only possible but in some cases even affords you sea views, depending on the region of Portugal.

Although property prices in Portugal vary greatly from north to south, in the Silver Coast, for example, you can easily find fabulous properties at unbeatable prices.

›› FIND OUR MORE: Why so many expats are moving to the Silver Coast

Regardless of worldwide constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in Portugal property prices continue to rise as well as demand from foreign investors. However, real estate prices per square metre are still very competitive when compared to other areas of Europe with a similar climate and landscape.

According to Bruno Valentim, a property consultant from our Portugal Realty team, the success of Portuguese real estate demand is due not only to its prices but also to the quality and characteristics of new build properties. “New build homes in Portugal are designed to privilege the country’s wonderful lifestyle. That’s why all of our properties for sale have very spacious areas, large floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-plan design. Now, more than ever, our international clients want homes bathed in natural light and a natural flow between indoor and outdoor areas. They want a refuge from the outside world, where they can spend time with family and friends and really enjoy being at home… our new build villas and apartments are designed to guarantee this lifestyle”, says Bruno Valentim.

Wonderful climate…

Another reason why Portugal is so popular amongst French expats is because of its wonderful weather. With mild temperatures and more than 300 days of sunshine per year, you can enjoy the outdoors practically during all seasons.

It’s quite common for families to enjoy picnics in local parks throughout the year, basking in the sun and appreciating Portugal’s simple pleasures. And there is always plenty of things to keep busy, especially outdoors. Hiking, water sports, cycling, visiting monuments or simply getting lost in the landscape... Portugal may be a small country geographically, but it is huge in the number of places to visit and activities to enjoy. 

Proximity and ease of travel...

The best part is that everything is so close by. With an excellent road network and several public transport alternatives, you can travel from the mountains to the sea, and from north to south, in no time at all.

And for those who like to travel across borders, Portugal also offers excellent conditions for easy air travel. From Porto, Lisbon and Faro airports there are hundreds of daily flights worldwide.

For those who travel regularly, you’ll be impressed with how moving around Europe with Portugal as a base is so easy. And bargain flights to France will allow you to visit friends and family whenever you want.

In addition to the ease of travel, there are also the advantages of Portugal being an EU country: you can come and go as you please, whenever you wish! 

One of the best public healthcare services in the world

Additional perks for French citizens moving to Portugal include universal access to its excellent national healthcare system, which is free for children under 18 and for people over 65. The remaining population only pays a small fee.

Considered one of the best public health services in the world, Portugal's SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) is composed of a vast network of primary care, speciality consultations, medical treatments and hospital services, all of which are available to anyone living in Portugal. There is also a wide range of private health services which are equally close by.

On the Silver Coast, for example, in any village the nearest public healthcare centre or hospital is only a short drive away.




A fantastic climate, great quality of life and low cost of living… Contact us to start your journey towards a simpler and more authentic way of life. The process of relocating from France to Portugal is easy, and we will be at your side every step of the way!

Welcome to the simple life!

Portugal Realty™ - Property for sale in Portugal