Cost of Living

News & Articles The Average Cost of Living in Portugal (2025): What You Need to Know Portugal continues to attract people from around the world thanks to its mild climate, relaxed pace of life, and relatively affordable cost of living — especially compared to other Western European countries. However, how much you’ll spend depends a lot on where you choose to live. In this post, we’ll break down the average cost of living in Portugal — including rent, food, transport, utilities, schools, and more — with a comparison between five key regions: Lisboa (Lisbon), Porto, Braga, Oeste, and the Algarve. Cost of Living News & Articles The Average Cost of Living… Healthcare in Portugal News & Articles Understanding the Healthcare System in… Bank Account Portuguese Bank Account Need to open a Portuguese… Visas Portugal Residency Visa Which visa do you need… While Portugal remains more affordable than many of its European neighbors, prices have increased, especially in high-demand areas like Lisbon and the Algarve. If you’re considering relocating, it’s crucial to research local prices, weigh the quality of life, and look into available support networks or relocation assistance. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant urban life, coastal relaxation, or a more affordable inland experience, Portugal has options to match a variety of budgets. Whether you’re planning to retire, work, or start a new life in Portugal, rest assured—you’ll be in good hands when it comes to healthcare. 🏡 Rent Rent prices vary dramatically depending on location, with Lisbon and the Algarve being the most expensive areas. City/Region 1-Bed Apartment (City Center) 3-Bed Apartment (Suburbs) Lisboa €1,200 – €1,700 €1,600 – €2,300 Porto €900 – €1,300 €1,300 – €1,800 Braga €600 – €900 €900 – €1,300 Oeste (e.g. Torres Vedras, Caldas da Rainha) €700 – €1,000 €1,000 – €1,500 Algarve (e.g. Lagos, Faro) €1,000 – €1,500 €1,400 – €2,000 🛒 Food & Groceries Grocery prices are quite stable across the country. A monthly grocery bill for a couple or small family is typically between €300–€500. Example Prices (2025) Cost 1L milk €1.10 1kg chicken breast €6.00 12 eggs €3.00 1kg apples €2.20 Loaf of fresh bread €1.80 Eating out? A lunch menu at a local restaurant can cost between €9–€12, while dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is around €40–€60. 🔌 Utilities & Internet Monthly utilities (electricity, gas, water) for a standard apartment average between €90–€150, depending on the season and household size. Service Average Monthly Cost Electricity/Gas/Water €90–€150 Internet (fiber, 200 Mbps+) €30–€40 Mobile phone plans €10–€25 In colder parts of Portugal like Porto or Braga, winter heating costs can increase due to the lack of central heating in many homes. 🏫 Schools Public schools in Portugal are free, but international and private schools can vary widely in cost. City/Region Private Portuguese/ International School Tuition (annual) Lisboa €8,000 – €20,000 Porto €6,000 – €16,000 Braga €4,000 – €10,000 Oeste (few options) €5,000 – €12,000 Algarve €6,000 – €15,000 Enrollment fees, books, and lunches are often additional. 📍 Summary: Monthly Budget (Single Person) City/Region Basic Monthly Budget (Rent + Essentials) Lisboa €1,800 – €2,400 Porto €1,500 – €2,000 Braga €1,100 – €1,500 Oeste €1,300 – €1,700 Algarve €1,600 – €2,300 (higher in summer) Final Thoughts While Portugal remains more affordable than many of its European neighbors, prices have increased, especially in high-demand areas like Lisbon and the Algarve. If you’re considering relocating, it’s crucial to research local prices, weigh the quality of life, and look into available support networks or relocation assistance. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant urban life, coastal relaxation, or a more affordable inland experience, Portugal has options to match a variety of budgets. Useful Links Refund Policy Privacy Policy Visas – Foreign Affairs AIMA Tax Office (AT) Social Security Travel Insurance National Health System Contact us: [email protected] All prices include VAT – Portugal Wizard is represented by Sofia de Sousa Botelho Queiroz Soares, a sole proprietorship company governed by Portuguese law with registered office at Rua António Jacinto da Silva, 189 RC Esq. 2645-616 Cascais, Portugal –  VAT 212844245 – Copyright Portugal Wizard © 2025

Healthcare in Portugal

News & Articles Understanding the Healthcare System in Portugal: Public vs Private Care If you’re considering moving to Portugal or are already living here, one of the key aspects to understand is how the healthcare system works. Portugal is known for having a high standard of medical care, accessible to both residents and expats. The country offers a mix of public and private healthcare services, each with its own advantages, depending on your needs, budget, and residency status. Cost of Living News & Articles The Average Cost of Living… Healthcare in Portugal News & Articles Understanding the Healthcare System in… Bank Account Portuguese Bank Account Need to open a Portuguese… Portugal’s healthcare system strikes a balance between accessibility and quality, and whether you choose public, private, or both depends on your personal circumstances. If you’re relocating to Portugal, getting your número de utente early and considering a complementary private insurance plan can give you the best of both worlds. Whether you’re planning to retire, work, or start a new life in Portugal, rest assured—you’ll be in good hands when it comes to healthcare. 🏥 The Public Healthcare System (SNS – Serviço Nacional de Saúde) Portugal’s public healthcare system, known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), was established in 1979 and is funded through general taxation. It provides universal coverage to all legal residents, with many services offered either free or at very low cost. Key Features: Access: Portuguese citizens and legal residents (including EU citizens and foreigners with residency status) can access public healthcare. To use the system, you need to be registered at your local health center (centro de saúde) and have a user number (número de utente). Costs: Basic healthcare services are often free for vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, pregnant women, and low-income individuals). Others pay small co-payments known as taxas moderadoras, which usually range from €5 to €20 per consultation. Services Covered: General practitioner visits, specialist consultations, emergency care, maternity care, vaccinations, chronic disease management, and hospital services are all covered. Waiting Times: Public healthcare is affordable but can involve long waiting times for specialist appointments or non-urgent procedures. Strenghts: Low out-of-pocket costs Universal coverage High-quality emergency care Challenges: Bureaucracy and paperwork Long wait times for specialists or surgeries Limited English-speaking staff outside major cities 🏥 The Private Healthcare System Portugal also has a robust private healthcare sector that runs parallel to the public system. Private care is used by many locals and expats who seek faster access, more choice, or English-speaking providers. Key Features: Access: Anyone can access private healthcare by paying out of pocket or using private health insurance. Costs: Consultations typically cost between €50 and €100, while more complex procedures can be significantly more expensive. Private health insurance helps offset these costs. Insurance Options: Local insurers (like Médis, Multicare, AdvanceCare, or Allianz Portugal) offer a wide range of plans. Monthly premiums vary depending on age, coverage, and pre-existing conditions but often start around €30–€80/month. Services: Many private hospitals and clinics offer faster diagnostics, modern facilities, and multilingual staff, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Strenghts:  Short waiting times Greater comfort and service quality More flexibility in choosing providers Challenges:  Can be expensive without insurance Insurance may exclude pre-existing conditions or have waiting periods Not all rural areas have private facilities Public vs Private: Which Should You Choose? Most residents in Portugal use a combination of both systems. For example, they may visit a public health center for routine care and emergencies, while relying on private services for faster specialist appointments or elective procedures. Here’s a quick comparison: Feature Public (SNS) Private Healthcare Cost Low or free Higher (unless insured) Waiting Times Longer Shorter Language Availability Limited English outside cities Often multilingual Access Requirements Residency and user number Open to all (pay or insured) Service Quality Generally good Excellent facilities and comfort Final Thoughts Portugal’s healthcare system strikes a balance between accessibility and quality, and whether you choose public, private, or both depends on your personal circumstances. If you’re relocating to Portugal, getting your número de utente early and considering a complementary private insurance plan can give you the best of both worlds. Whether you’re planning to retire, work, or start a new life in Portugal, rest assured—you’ll be in good hands when it comes to healthcare. Useful Links Refund Policy Privacy Policy Visas – Foreign Affairs AIMA Tax Office (AT) Social Security Travel Insurance National Health System Contact us: [email protected] All prices include VAT – Portugal Wizard is represented by Sofia de Sousa Botelho Queiroz Soares, a sole proprietorship company governed by Portuguese law with registered office at Rua António Jacinto da Silva, 189 RC Esq. 2645-616 Cascais, Portugal –  VAT 212844245 – Copyright Portugal Wizard © 2025

Bank Account

Portuguese Bank Account Need to open a Portuguese Bank Account? Look no further! At PORTUGAL WIZARD we help you to open a bank account in Portugal, single or joint, with no hassle and stress free. How to open a Portuguese Bank Account? Are you looking to open a Portuguese Bank Account from the comfort of your own home? Look no further! Our remote bank account opening services provide a seamless and convenient solution for individuals and businesses alike. Why opening a bank account with us? Convenience: Open your Portuguese bank account from anywhere in the world. Efficiency: Say goodbye to lengthy paperwork and time-consuming processes with our streamlined approach that ensures swift account setup, allowing you to start banking in Portugal without delay. Security: Rest assured that your personal and financial information is handled with the utmost confidentiality and security. We prioritize data protection to safeguard your sensitive details. Benefits of a Portuguese Bank Account: Access to a stable and reputable banking system. Convenient online banking services for managing your finances anytime, anywhere. Competitive interest rates and a wide range of banking products to suit your needs. Seamless integration with international payment systems for cross-border transactions. Expert support and assistance from our dedicated team throughout your banking journey. Order Now How It Works Order the service here: After payment confirmation we will get back to you in 48h. Our experienced team will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Documentation Submission: Provide the necessary documentation electronically, securely, and conveniently. We’ll assist you in preparing and submitting all required paperwork to initiate the account opening process. Verification Process: Our team will liaise with the bank to verify your identity and review your application. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring transparency and clarity throughout the process. Account Activation: Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your account details and access instructions. Congratulations – you’re now ready to start banking in Portugal remotely! Get Started Today Don’t let geographical barriers hinder your financial needs. Experience the convenience and flexibility of opening a bank account in Portugal with us. Contact us now to begin your journey towards banking excellence! Useful and convenient. Reliable Portuguese Bank. Documents certified by a Portuguese lawyer. Required Documents: Passport Proof of Address Proof of employment Proof of income NIF NOTE: Due to the recent changes on banks’ policy and compliance, we are only able to support certain country’s citizens on opening a bank account. Check if yours is available. AArgentinaAustraliaAustria BBelgiumBrazilBulgaria CCanadaChileCroatiaCyprusCzech Republic DDenmark EEstonia FFinland France GGermanyGreece HHungary IIcelandIrelandItaly JJapan LLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourg MMalta NNetherlandsNew ZealandNorway PPoland RRomania SSlovakiaSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSpainSwedenSwitzerland UUKU.S.A. FAQs How long will it take to get my Bank Account? Usually opening a Bank Account as a non EU citizen can take up to 8 weeks. However, this will depend on how long the bank’s compliance department will take to verify all the documents.  Is this account valid for my D7 visa submission? Yes. At Portugal Wizard we are D7 visa experts and all our services comply with the visa submission. The account is open in a well established Portuguese bank.  Can I open an account from abroad, while I am not in Portugal yet? Yes! This is the main purpose of this service. We understand the struggle to find a reliable bank that is willing to open a bank account for non EU citizens as the EU money laundry rules are getting stricter and the struggle to be able to do it from your home country. That’s why open an account through Portugal Wizard is safe and convenient.  Which documents will I need to open a Bank Account in Portugal? You will need: Passport Proof of Income NIF Your country tax ID Useful Links SERVICES Refund Policy Privacy Policy Obtain your NIF Open a Bank Account Get a 12 month rental

Visas

Portugal Residency Visa Which visa do you need to enter Portugal? Learn about the different type of visas for entry in Portugal. Type of Visas for Portugal Portugal has become one of the top destinations for immigrants all over the world so if it also caught your interest, there is some important information you need to be aware of before you decide to move. To enter and stay in the country, you may need a visa and/or a resident permit and this will depend on different factors: The length of your stay. The purpose of your stay. Your nationality. If you are a non EU citizen and you want to stay in Portugal more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. Long-stay visas, in compliance with existing domestic law, can be either temporary or for residency authorization purposes, depending on the duration of the stay and granting the visa holder an authorization to stay in the country according to different purposes: study, internship, work, medical treatment, among others. There is also a new type of visa that allows foreign citizens to travel to Portugal in order to look for work. Temporary stay visas allow entry and stay in Portugal for less than a year. Temporary stay visas are valid during the entire stay and allow for multiple entries. Residency visas allow two entries and is valid for a period of 4 months. During that time, the holder of a residency visa is required to request a residency permit with the Immigration Authority (AIMA). The job seeker visa entitles its holder to enter and remain only in Portugal for the purpose of looking for job; authorizes its holder to carry out a subordinated work activity, until the visa expires or until the residence permit is granted. Portugal offers a variety of residency visas for individuals looking to relocate for different purposes. Whether you’re retiring, studying, working, or investing, there’s a visa suited to your needs. Below are some of the most popular residency visa options available for those interested in moving to Portugal: 1. D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa) The D7 Visa is ideal for retirees or individuals with passive income who wish to live in Portugal. To qualify, applicants must prove they have a stable, regular income to support themselves during their stay. This visa is perfect for those looking to enjoy life in Portugal without being reliant on the local job market. 2. D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa) The D8 Visa is designed for individuals who work remotely and wish to live in Portugal. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they have a stable income from outside Portugal and that they can support themselves while living in the country. This visa is perfect for digital nomads, freelancers, or remote workers who want to experience life in Portugal while continuing their work abroad. 3. Golden Visa The Golden Visa program targets investors willing to make significant financial contributions to Portugal. This can include purchasing commercial properties and creating jobs and investing in innovative businesses or other eligible investments. Through this program, applicants can gain residency and the opportunity to apply for citizenship in the future, making it a popular option for individuals seeking long-term investment in Portugal. 4. Work Visa Individuals seeking employment in Portugal can apply for the Work Visa. To qualify, applicants must have a valid job offer from a Portuguese employer.  5. Entrepreneur Visa The Entrepreneur Visa is designed for individuals looking to start their own business or invest in an existing company in Portugal. Applicants need to present a viable business plan and meet specific financial criteria. This visa supports entrepreneurs looking to contribute to the local economy and create jobs. Choosing the Right Visa for Your Move to Portugal Each residency visa option comes with its own set of requirements, processing times, and benefits. To ensure the best outcome, it’s crucial to carefully review each visa’s criteria to determine which one aligns with your specific needs. Consulting with an immigration expert or legal advisor can greatly streamline the application process, helping you avoid any unnecessary delays and ensuring you meet all the necessary requirements for your chosen visa. Contact Us Useful Links SERVICES Refund Policy Privacy Policy Obtain your NIF Open a Bank Account Get a 12 month rental