Expat Testimonials: Real Stories from Retirees in Portugal

"After 35 years in the insurance industry in London, retiring to the Algarve has been transformative. The relaxed pace of life, incredible weather, and warm community have made this the perfect retirement. Our pension stretches much further here, and the healthcare system has been impressive—better than what we experienced in the UK."

"We moved from Boston to Cascais three years ago and couldn't be happier. The walkability, safety, and seaside location remind us of a European San Diego but at half the cost. Our mornings start with coffee at local cafés, afternoons often involve beach walks, and evenings are spent enjoying incredible seafood. The D7 visa process was straightforward with good legal help."

"After considering several countries, Portugal won our hearts. We settled in Porto after visiting just twice. The authenticity, stunning architecture, and food scene sold us. Our three-bedroom apartment costs less than half what we paid in Toronto, and we've found a welcoming community of both locals and expats. Learning Portuguese has been a challenge but also a joy."

"Tavira in the eastern Algarve has proven perfect for us—less touristy than western Algarve but with all the sunny weather and beautiful beaches. We live comfortably on our pension of about €2,300 monthly, including rent for a two-bedroom apartment near the center. The friendly Portuguese people and relaxed pace make every day feel like a vacation."

"We chose Setúbal, just south of Lisbon, for our retirement and found the perfect balance of authenticity, affordability, and convenience. The seafood is incredible, the Arrábida Natural Park provides stunning hiking opportunities, and Lisbon is just 45 minutes away when we need city amenities. Our healthcare experience with both private and public systems has been excellent."

"Moving to the Silver Coast (Nazaré) from Vancouver was the best decision we've made. We bought a beautiful three-bedroom house for what a one-bedroom condo would cost back home. The surfing is world-class, the community is tight-knit, and we're close enough to Lisbon for cultural experiences. We appreciate the authenticity of Portuguese life here."