Why buy real estate abroad: global perspectives, accurate calculation

The decision to move to another country is rarely taken impulsively. More often, after a series of logical “ifs” and practical “whys”. Whether it is worth moving to Portugal is a question that combines climate, taxes, citizenship and cost of living multiplied by personal ambitions. The answer is not in generalised ratings and tourist photos, but in numbers, systematicity and nuances, which are not shouted about in advertising brochures.

Quality of life and the cost of living

The cost of living in Portugal is characterised by moderation in basic expenses and unpredictability in additional costs. Lisbon and Porto lead the way in terms of prices: renting a flat in the centre starts at €1000 per month, lunch in a café at €10, and a bus pass at €40. In rural areas the figures are almost halved.

Moving to Portugal often starts with a look at the cost of living – a key factor for families and freelancers. The budget for one person with modest consumption is from €800 per month, including rent in the suburbs, food, transport and mobile phones. An extra €300-500 for comfort.

Law and order: what gives you a residence permit in Portugal

The Portuguese residence permit programme opens access to the labour market, education, medicine and movement within the EU. There are options through investment, contract, study or even passive income from remote activities. The most popular route is through a D7 visa: you just need to prove a monthly income of €820 (minimum), rent a home and open an account.

The residence permit is issued initially for 2 years, then extended. After 5 years, you can obtain a permanent residence permit or apply for citizenship, provided you pass a basic language proficiency test. The procedure itself takes about 6 months with proper preparation.

Weather without winter and hot summers

Climate remains one of the most underrated factors in the question of whether it’s worth moving to Portugal. Unlike neighbouring Spain, it has mild winters (up to +15°C) and mild summers (average +28°C). The Atlantic Ocean mitigates temperature spikes and the level of sunshine is over 270 days per year.

This stability makes it possible to utilise the sun’s energy all year round, save on heating, get around on foot or by bicycle. In rural areas of the south, heating costs almost disappear – an important economic advantage.

Should you move to Portugal: the pros and cons from an expat’s point of view

Reviews of real people from different countries record high adaptation. Many note the friendliness of the locals, tolerance and unhurried pace of life. The country’s rating is consistently high, as well as the level of security – it is among the top 5 countries in the world.

However, the disadvantages of life in Portugal are also present. Slow service, bureaucracy, closed labour market for unskilled specialists are common complaints. Especially often – from young people without knowledge of Portuguese.

Immigration requires not only documents, but also resistance to mental restructuring. It is difficult to expect European service at the Latin American speed of work of institutions. For example: registration at the tax office sometimes takes a week if you have all the papers.

Work and taxes: who benefits

The IT sector, online services, tourism and agriculture are the main areas for expats to work in. The minimum salary in 2025 is €820. The average is €1400-1600, but only in major cities.

Taxes remain a hot topic. Residents are obliged to pay up to 48% income tax (on a progressive scale), but the NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) programme allows you to optimise deductions for 10 years. It is especially favourable for pensioners and freelancers with income outside the country.

Business is actively developing: the small and medium segment receives subsidies and access to EU funds. Opening a company takes up to 3 days if you have an NIF and a local account.

Where to live: cities with character

The cities of Portugal are not alike. Lisbon is dynamic, Porto is traditional, Braga is religious and technological, Coimbra is the student capital, Faro is beachy.

Moving to Portugal to smaller cities can reduce housing costs by 30-40%, but limits access to work and medical centres. But quietness, safety and greenery are in abundance.

Health and education: expectations and reality

Health care in the country is public and private. Free basic care is available through the SNS number, but queues for specialists reach several weeks. Private clinics are faster, with the price of a visit starting at €60.

Education depends on language and age. Public schools accept free admission, but instruction is in Portuguese only. Private and international institutions require contributions from €400 to €1200 per month.

Expats are actively investing in their children’s education in international schools because of the flexibility of programmes and the possibility of transferring to European universities without language barriers.

What the numbers say: a final breakdown

The advantages of living in Portugal are obvious: access to the EU, climate, moderate spending, tax preferences, security. The country offers easy integration for freelancers, retirees, start-ups.

On the other hand, living in the country the pros and cons are unevenly distributed. Not everyone will get quick access to the labour market, not everywhere quality medicine is available. Moving without preparation is a risk.

Assessment by key parameters:

1. Cost of living: moderate, but varies by region.
2. Climate: mild, with minimum fluctuations.
3. Safety: high, especially in small towns.
4. Taxes: optimisation is possible.
5. Citizenship: after 5 years.
6. Education and medicine: high quality but nuanced.
7. Feedback: positive, subject to adaptation.

Whether it is worth moving to Portugal depends on your specific goals and willingness to change. The country offers a comfortable environment, but requires awareness when choosing a region, status and income model. A move with a clear strategy will have maximum effect.

Whether it is worth moving to Portugal: conclusions

Whether it is worth moving to Portugal depends on your goals and readiness for change. The country offers access to the EU, a mild climate and favourable living conditions, but requires adaptation and a clear strategy. The move is justified if you take into account not only the advantages, but also the hidden nuances: taxes, bureaucracy and peculiarities of local life.

Considering Lisbon for a move? Portugal’s capital city offers a number of advantages to Russians, from its warm climate and rich history to its European standard of living and relatively easy adaptation. Lisbon is a city where majestic architecture, breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the dynamism of modern European life meet, intertwined with a measured southern pace. It offers good opportunities for living, business and investment.

In this article we will tell you in detail about life in Lisbon for Russians. Our material will help to thoroughly understand all the details: from the cost of living to the prospects of buying property.

Pros and cons of living in Lisbon

Living in the capital of Portugal has many advantages. Lisbon is famous for its mild Mediterranean climate. In summer the temperature stays between 28-30 °C, and in winter it rarely drops below 10 °C. The city has wide beaches that are open all year round. Lisbon is an ideal place for lovers of surfing and other water sports. The city’s infrastructure is developed at a high level. Metro, buses, trams – all types of transport operate on schedule. Lisbon Airport accepts flights from all over the world, which is convenient for travellers.

The cost of living in Lisbon is relatively low compared to other European capitals. For example, renting a one-bedroom flat in the city centre costs 900-1200 euros a month, and a meal in a middle-class restaurant costs 15-20 euros. The city also offers opportunities for quality education. Study in Lisbon takes place in world-renowned universities such as Universidade de Lisboa and Universidade Nova de Lisboa. There are many international schools with instruction in English, which is convenient for families with children.

The disadvantages of living in Lisbon

The pros and cons of living in Lisbon go hand in hand. The disadvantages include bureaucracy and a lengthy paperwork process. For example, it can take several months to obtain a residence permit (VNG).

Another disadvantage is high income and property taxes. For example, property tax in Lisbon varies from 0.3% to 0.8% per year of the assessed value of the dwelling. Traffic congestion and traffic jams can be a problem during rush hour. The narrow streets of the historic centre are not always suitable for modern transport. In addition, tourists flood the city in the summer, which increases prices for services and rentals.

Peculiarities of buying property in Lisbon

Property in Lisbon attracts Russian buyers due to the variety of offers. In the city you can find both old flats with high ceilings in the districts of Bairro Alto and Alfama, and modern flats in the Park of Nations. The cost per square metre in the central areas ranges from 4000 to 7000 euros, and in the suburbs you can find housing at prices from 2500 euros per square metre.

Lisbon is divided into the old and new city. The old city has historical architecture, narrow streets and famous trams. The new city offers modern residential complexes, shopping malls and business centres. Buying property in these areas is suitable for investment and personal residence.

How the process of buying a property works

There are several steps required to purchase a home. First, a preliminary contract is signed with the seller. The buyer pays a deposit of 10% of the cost of housing. Then the object is checked for legal cleanliness. After that, the parties sign the main contract at a notary.

The following documents will be needed for the transaction:

1. Buyer’s Passport.
2. Portuguese Tax Number (NIF).
3. Extract from the land registry.
4. A document of the appraised value of the property.

Once the contract is signed, the buyer pays property transfer tax (IMT), which ranges from 2% to 8%. Notary fees and title registration are also required.

How to get a residence permit in Lisbon through buying a property

One of the ways to get a foothold in Lisbon is to participate in the Golden Visa programme. An investor buys a property worth 500,000 euros or more and receives a residence permit for 1 year with subsequent extension. After 5 years, it is possible to apply for permanent residence and, subsequently, for Portuguese citizenship.

The best neighbourhoods in Lisbon to live in

Lisbon is divided into several interesting neighbourhoods for living and investing. Among them stand out:

1. Bairro Alto is the historic centre, famous for its narrow streets, bars and restaurants. A great choice for nightlife lovers and active leisure travellers.
2. Alfama is the city’s oldest neighbourhood with stunning views of the Tagus. It is home to old buildings, fado clubs and cosy cafés. The cost of accommodation is higher than average due to its popularity with tourists.
3. Parc des Nations is a modern neighbourhood with new residential complexes, waterfront and developed infrastructure. A great option for families and investors looking for modern housing.
4. Ajuda is a quiet and inexpensive area where you can find flats priced at 2500-3000 euros per square metre. Suitable for those who prefer to live away from the tourist flows.
5. Cascais and Estoril are suburbs of Lisbon offering luxury villas and flats by the ocean. The cost of real estate here starts from 5000 euros per square metre.

Family neighbourhoods and infrastructure

For families with children, proximity to schools and kindergartens is important. Living in Lisbon with children for Russians is comfortable due to the presence of international schools such as Carlucci American International School of Lisbon and St. Julian’s School. These schools offer programmes in English and a high level of education.

The infrastructure of neighbourhoods such as Oeiras and Almada includes parks, playgrounds and sports complexes. Transport links allow quick access to the city centre.

Features of life in Lisbon for Russians

Life in Lisbon is made easier for Russians thanks to the loyal attitude of the Portuguese towards foreigners. Many locals speak English, which makes communication easier. Portuguese culture combines southern emotionality and European openness.

Russian communities are actively developing in Lisbon. Russian-speaking doctors, lawyers and business consultants work in the city. There are shops with familiar products and cafes offering Russian cuisine.

Language barrier and obtaining documents

Knowing Portuguese makes it much easier to adapt. Language courses are available in language schools and online. In order to obtain a residence permit or permanent residence permit, it is necessary to pass a basic language proficiency exam (A2).

The process of obtaining a visa to Portugal for Russians requires the preparation of a number of documents, such as a certificate of income, health insurance and proof of residence. After moving in, an application for a residence permit is submitted. After 5 years one can apply for a residence permit and subsequently for Portuguese citizenship.

Cost of living in Lisbon

The cost of living is lower than in other European capitals such as Paris or London.

Rental Housing:

1. One bedroom flat in the city centre – 900-1200 euros per month.
2. A two-bedroom flat – 1400-1800 euros.

Products:

1. Bread costs 1 euro.
2. A litre of milk is €0.90.
3. Chicken fillet – 6 euros per kilo.

Transport:

1. A monthly pass is 40 euros.
2. Taxi around the city – 10-15 euros per trip.

Utility payments and taxes

Utilities cost an average of 100-150 euros per month for a 70 square metre flat. This includes electricity, water, gas and internet. Property taxes in Lisbon include an annual IMI tax (0.3%-0.8% of the value of the property). When buying a home, the IMT tax is paid, which is up to 8% of the value of the property.

Conclusion

Life in Lisbon for Russians combines comfort, warm climate and European standard of living. The city offers opportunities for business, investment and quiet living. Moving requires careful preparation, but the advantages – a mild climate, affordable housing and developed infrastructure – make Lisbon an attractive choice for many Russians.