How to Find the Best Place to Live in Portugal (That Matches Your Lifestyle)

Moving to Portugal is more than choosing a house, it’s about choosing the life you want to live. Whether you're dreaming of ocean views, vibrant city energy, or quiet countryside serenity, the country offers a variety of lifestyles, climates, and communities. But how do you decide what place fits you best?

As architects and consultants who specialize in guiding foreigners through this process, we know the questions you should be asking and the ones you don’t even know you have yet.

1. First, Define Your Lifestyle Priorities

Before falling in love with a view or a neighborhood, take time to reflect on your values and needs:

• Do you want to walk everywhere or prefer driving?

• Are you seeking cultural life or peace and quiet?

• Do you need to be close to international schools and medical services?

• Are you investing for the future or building a home for your family?

This step will save you time and money and guide every decision that comes next.

2. Understand Portugal’s Lifestyle Zones

Portugal may be small, but its diversity is immense. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular regions and what they offer:

• Lisbon & Surroundings
  For those who want culture, international connection, and a dynamic lifestyle. Great for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and urban families.

• Cascais & Estoril
  A blend of beach-town calm and sophistication. Ideal for families, retirees, or anyone craving a more relaxed pace with top-tier services.

• Comporta & Alentejo Coast
  Trendy but low-key. Perfect for creatives, nature lovers, and those seeking design-forward simplicity.

• Porto & North
  A cultural hub with authenticity, history, and value for money. Often chosen by investors or those seeking a more traditional atmosphere.

• Algarve
  Known for sunshine and golf, but also great for remote workers, families, and those who love outdoor living year-round.

3. Test Before You Invest

If possible, visit the areas you're considering. Even a short stay can reveal a lot:

• How do you feel walking those streets?

• Do you feel safe?

• Does the pace match your rhythm?

When a client can’t visit, we offer virtual scouting with video walk-throughs and local insight to help them make informed decisions.

4. Think Long-Term (and Legally)

Finding a place to live also means thinking about:

• Residency requirements and visas

• Property taxes and buying rules

• Access to schools, healthcare, and transport
  A local team makes all the difference here. At FOUND, we offer architectural and bureaucratic guidance tailored to your lifestyle, not just the property.

5. Let the Right Place Find You

Sometimes, what you think you want isn’t what truly fits. That’s why our process always starts with listening to your story, your values, your vision. We don’t just find properties. We help you find where you belong.

Whether you're moving from the U.S., Canada, the UK, France, Germany, China or Brazil, Portugal can feel like a dream but only if the place you choose aligns with your life. Take time, ask for guidance, and remember: the best decision is the one that feels right.

Ready to explore your next chapter in Portugal with clarity and confidence?
Book an Orientation Meeting with FOUND – and let us guide you home.

Buying Property in Portugal: What Foreigners Need to Know in 2025

Why Portugal Remains a Top Destination in 2025

Portugal continues to be one of the most attractive countries in Europe for foreign homebuyers. With its mild climate, excellent healthcare, low crime rates, and welcoming lifestyle, it's no surprise that people from the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, China and Brazil are seeking to invest or relocate here. Whether you're dreaming of retiring by the sea, working remotely from a charming town, or investing in a growing real estate market, Portugal has something to offer.

Can Foreigners Still Buy Property in Portugal?

Yes, foreigners can absolutely buy property in Portugal. There's no citizenship or residency requirement to purchase real estate here. The Portuguese government continues to welcome international buyers, and the process is relatively straightforward compared to other European countries. However, working with experienced local professionals is essential to avoid costly mistakes.

Legal & Immigration Changes in 2025: What You Need to Know

Over the past year, Portugal has introduced important changes to its immigration and tax laws:

• The Golden Visa program no longer accepts property purchases as a qualifying investment. This has shifted attention to other pathways.

• The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime which offered attractive tax breaks has been officially phased out. Transitional rules apply for those already in the system, but it’s no longer available to new applicants.

• D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa): Ideal for retirees and remote workers with regular income (e.g., pensions, dividends, rental income).

• D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa): Designed for remote workers employed outside of Portugal, this visa continues to grow in popularity.

Buying a home doesn’t automatically grant residency, but owning property can support your visa application and help build a case for long-term settlement.

What You Need to Buy a Property in Portugal

If you’re planning to purchase a home in Portugal, you’ll need to prepare a few key documents:

• NIF (Portuguese tax number): Essential for any legal or financial transaction

• Portuguese bank account

• Power of Attorney (POA): If you're abroad, this allows a local representative to handle the process for you

• Independent lawyer or consultant to ensure due diligence

We recommend working with professionals who understand both the local regulations and the expectations of foreign clients.

Is Buying a Home Enough to Live in Portugal?

Not by itself. Purchasing property does not grant you automatic residency. However, owning real estate can strengthen your visa application by proving financial stability and long-term commitment. For D7 or D8 applicants, a rental contract or property deed is often required to prove a place of residence.

If you're thinking of retiring, relocating with your family, or establishing a base in Europe, buying the right property in the right place is a powerful step but it should be part of a broader relocation strategy.

Why It Pays to Have the Right Support

Portugal’s buying process is friendly, but navigating it from abroad can be challenging. Working with experienced professionals, especially those who know the country intimately, helps you avoid common pitfalls, understand your options, and feel supported at every stage.

At FOUND, we’re architects with deep local knowledge. We guide you through the entire journey, from choosing your ideal region to understanding visa pathways and securing your perfect property. We’re not just consultants; we’re your trusted eyes and hands on the ground.

Final Takeaways

• Foreigners can buy property in Portugal without restriction

• 2025 brings changes in tax and visa policies - stay informed

• Owning a home supports, but doesn’t guarantee, residency

• The right support helps turn your vision into a confident, clear reality

Ready to explore your options? Let us guide you through the journey of finding your place in Portugal.

Life in Portugal: Why Community Matters When Choosing Where to Live

Why Location Is Not Enough
Not every beachside town guarantees a better life. Choosing where to live should go beyond looks or price. Each city, village, or neighborhood in Portugal has its own character and pace, what suits one person may not work for another. That’s why it’s essential to consider more than just square meters and sunshine.

The Hidden Factor: Community
One of the most underestimated elements when moving abroad is community. Research shows that having strong social ties contributes to longer life expectancy, lower stress, and better mental health. In Portugal, the quality of life often comes from the small, everyday interactions: saying hello to your local baker, sharing coffee with a neighbor, or joining a yoga class around the corner. But not every place offers the same sense of belonging. Some towns are sleepy; others are vibrant. Some are international; others deeply traditional.

Even for Investment, Community Matters
If you’re buying a home as an investment for short-term rentals like Airbnb or long-term leases, community still plays a crucial role. The right neighborhood brings stability, trust, and connection:

• It’s where you find reliable support cleaning staff, property managers, legal help

• Areas with authentic, local experiences tend to attract better guests and stronger reviews

• Community ties create word-of-mouth value and long-term sustainability. A disconnected property may look profitable at first but struggle without a strong network around it.

Finding Your Place Among Locals and Expats
Expats often feel more comfortable living near others who share their language or background and Portugal offers several areas where foreign communities thrive. But integrating into Portuguese culture brings a deeper connection. Learning the language, supporting local businesses, joining community events all this creates real bonds. At FOUND, we help our clients find that sweet spot between comfort and authentic integration.

What to Consider When Choosing Where to Live in Portugal

• Lifestyle preferences: city life, coastal towns, rural villages

• Sense of community and social connection

• Proximity to international schools, coworking spaces, creative hubs

• Access to public transport, markets, green areas

• Presence of other expats vs. traditional communities. These factors influence your quality of life far more than just square footage or design.

How FOUND Helps You Belong
We’re architects with human insight. We don’t just analyze properties we walk the neighborhoods, speak to locals, feel the pace of each place. We listen to your story and help you choose the right environment based on who you are and how you want to live. Because a house is only a home when it feels like you belong.

Moving to Portugal is more than a change of address, it’s a shift in how you live. Choosing the right place to land is essential to making that shift sustainable, joyful, and aligned with your purpose. Whether you’re retiring, investing, or starting a new life chapter, community is what turns a place into home.

Want to discover where you truly belong in Portugal?
Book a call with FOUND and let’s find your place, together.