More and more families from all over the world are moving to Portugal to enjoy the exceptional possibilities that the country offers for kids and grown-ups alike... 

According to SEF - Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (Portuguese foreigners and border services), 81% of foreigners living in Portugal are working-age citizens.

With the possibility of working remotely and the many incentives available for expats, many families have made the important decision to move with their children to Portugal in search of a better quality of life.

Living in Portugal with children

Portugal offers a gorgeous coastline, with pristine beaches and a wonderfully mild climate. For families looking to be close to the water and enjoy the outdoors all year long, there couldn’t be a better place to live. From surfing to horseback riding or cycling, there’s plenty to see and do! As for keeping the children busy, there are also lots of activities available free of charge in the Portuguese municipalities and public schools’ extra-curricular programmes.

In Lisbon and the Algarve, you’ll also find some of Portugal’s best international schools, offering official foreign curricula in languages such as English, German and French.

›› Find out more about schools in Portugal

Public schools also offer plenty of reasons to move to Portugal with the family. Throughout the country, Portuguese public schools offer sports and arts activities as well as after-school clubs in arts and science, all free. Adults are equally welcomed to come to school and participate in Portuguese classes that some public schools have created especially for expats! And this is just one example of the welcoming atmosphere Portugal has always encouraged towards foreigners.

The Portuguese's genuine hospitality is visible in the simplest of gestures, from speaking English to anyone who doesn’t understand the language to helping newcomers feel welcome in their neighbourhoods. Don’t be surprised if a neighbour offers you fresh fruits and vegetables from their garden or introduces you to the town baker who delivers fresh bread door-to-door every morning!

The Portuguese not only have a strong sense of community but are also very family-orientated. This is a country that loves children and it’s very common to see how protective the people are towards the well-being of future generations.

This culture is seen in national environmental policies to prevent climate change and preserve natural habitats. But it’s also very present in local initiatives aimed at promoting a healthier and happier lifestyle. Every town has leisure areas designed specifically for children, such as skate parks, tennis courts, soccer fields, or playgrounds, which are common even private in residential areas.

Because Portugal is such a safe country, with very low crime rates, Portuguese children still enjoy a childhood not too different from that of their parents, where there's no shortage of tattered knees and lots of vitamin D! And don’t be surprised to see children at the beach playing in the water with friends or riding their bikes until late in the afternoon!

Not too far from Portugal’s most popular towns and beaches, you’ll find villages where many children eat the fruit directly from the trees and spend less and less time looking at screens and more time looking at the stars. The Wi-Fi signal may be excellent all over the country, but a greater awareness of the pleasures of a simple life is driving many Portuguese families to put the brakes on technology and reclaim what makes the country so special.

However, if and when you need technology nearby or are craving a familiar item from back home, Portuguese shops are stocked with well-known products and brands. So if this crosses your mind while thinking of moving with your kids, rest assured you can easily find practically anything in Portugal, as there are also plenty of shops and online stores offering international products.

But you don’t have to live permanently in Portugal to enjoy everything this beautiful country offers families!

With property prices more affordable than in other Western European countries and exceptional value for money, Portugal is also very popular amongst foreigners who want a second home for the holidays in a child-friendly atmosphere!

Places such as the popular Silver Coast of Portugal not only offer Portugal’s best family beaches but also countless things to see and do, including water parks, dolphin-watching boat tours and sea inflatables.

›› The Silver Coast - Top 8 Activities for Children

Our Portugal Realty family would love to welcome yours to the simple life! To find your dream home in Portugal, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Portugal Realty™ - Property for sale in Portugal