Why Portugal remains firmly on the radar

With the dates now announced for the Autumn 2026 Moving to Portugal Shows and Seminars, The Resident sat down with Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, to discuss why Portugal continues to attract so much interest from people in the UK and Ireland looking to live, invest and build a future in the country.

The Resident: Why does Portugal continue to attract such strong international interest?

Christina Hippisley: Portugal has moved from being seen mainly as a lifestyle choice to being considered as a serious long-term destination for families, investors, professionals and retirees.

The appeal is broad. People are attracted by the climate, security, healthcare, education, connectivity and the quality of property available across different regions. But they are also looking at Portugal in a more strategic way. They want to understand how they can structure a move properly, how taxation may affect them, what residency options are available, and how Portugal fits into their wider family or financial planning.

We are seeing a more informed audience. Many people have already visited Portugal several times. Some have friends or family already living there.

T.R.: Is quality of life still the main reason people look at Portugal?

C.H.: Quality of life is still one of the strongest reasons, but people now define it more carefully. It is not only about sunshine, although the climate is clearly important. It is about whether people can create a better daily routine, whether their children can access good schools, whether healthcare is available, whether they can travel easily, and whether they feel settled and safe.

Portugal performs very well on those softer but important measures. Lisbon is often cited as one of Europe’s sunniest capitals, with around 2,810 hours of sunshine a year, which is a significant contrast for many people coming from the UK or Ireland.

But the more serious point is that the weather supports a different lifestyle. People spend more time outside. Sport, walking, golf, the sea, food and social life all become part of daily living. For many people, that is not a small detail. It is part of why they begin to imagine a different future.

T.R.: What role do schools and healthcare play in people’s decisions?

C.H.: They are very important, particularly for families and for those thinking beyond a holiday home.

On education, Portugal now has a high number of international schools, especially around Lisbon, Cascais, Porto and the Algarve. Families want continuity. They want to know whether their children can follow British, international, American or IB-style pathways, and whether a move can be made without disrupting their education. That is often one of the decisive questions.

Healthcare is equally important. Portugal has both public and private healthcare provision, and many international residents use a combination depending on their circumstances. The wider indicators are encouraging. The OECD’s 2025 Country Health Profile for Portugal reported life expectancy at 82.7 years in 2024, around one year above the EU average.

That does not mean people should make assumptions. Healthcare planning needs to be considered properly, including registration, insurance, access to private care and regional provision. This is why meeting advisers in person can be valuable.

T.R.: Property is often central to the Portugal conversation. What are people looking for now?

C.H.: People are looking for quality, certainty and the right fit for their lifestyle. The conversation is less about buying any property in Portugal and more about choosing the right location, the right type of home and the right level of service or infrastructure.

Some people want city living in Lisbon or Porto. Others are drawn to Cascais or the Lisbon coast. The Algarve continues to be particularly strong for resort living, golf, coastal communities and year-round lifestyle.

Portugal offers a wide range of options, from apartments and townhouses to managed resorts, villas and more private residential communities. What matters is that people understand the differences between each market.

A family looking for schools and year-round services will have different priorities from someone looking for a lock-up-and-leave property, a golf environment, or a long-term retirement base.

Good property decisions in Portugal are rarely made on price alone. They are made by understanding location, access, legal structure, build quality, management and future use.

T.R.: How important are fiscal benefits in attracting people to Portugal?

C.H.: Tax is still part of the conversation, but it needs to be approached carefully and professionally. Portugal’s fiscal landscape has changed, and people should not rely on old assumptions or outdated information.

For some people, there may still be relevant incentives or tax planning opportunities, but these depend on personal circumstances. The key point is that tax should be considered before decisions are made, not afterwards. A move to Portugal, the purchase of a property, the sale of assets, pension arrangements or investment structures can all have implications.

The best outcomes usually come when people take advice early and look at the whole picture. That is why our seminars include tax specialists alongside legal, residency and property experts. No single area should be considered in isolation.

T.R.: What should people understand about residency options?

C.H.: There are different pathways to living in Portugal, and the right route depends on the individual or family. Some people may be retired or financially independent. Others may work remotely, own a business, invest, or have family reasons for moving.

For investors, Portugal’s Golden Visa, formally called the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), remains an important route, although the rules and qualifying investments have changed over time.

Portugal’s immigration agency AIMA states that the ARI regime allows third-country nationals to obtain a temporary residence permit for investment activity, with the right to live and work in Portugal and circulate within the Schengen Area.

There can also be a pathway towards permanent residence or citizenship for those who meet the relevant legal requirements. The residency period to apply for a permanent residence permit remains at five years. However, Portugal’s nationality rules have recently changed, with the standard residence period for naturalisation rising from five to 10 years for most applicants, and to seven years for EU and CPLP nationals. Applicants must meet the applicable conditions and should seek specialist advice.

For most people, the important message is not to assume there is one universal route. The correct pathway depends on nationality, income, family circumstances, investment plans and long-term objectives.

T.R.: Connectivity matters for people who still need to travel. How well does Portugal work as a base?

C.H.: Connectivity is one of Portugal’s major strengths. Many people are not cutting ties with the UK, Ireland or other markets. They may still have business interests, family commitments or professional advisers elsewhere.

Portugal works well because it is close enough to remain practical. Lisbon, Porto and Faro offer strong connections to the UK and Ireland, and the flight times are short. For people who need to travel back regularly, that makes a real difference. Portugal can offer a different lifestyle without making people feel disconnected.

That is one reason why we see interest not only from retirees, but also from business owners, consultants, professionals and families who want a more flexible base.

T.R.: What can visitors expect from the Autumn 2026 Moving to Portugal Shows and Seminars?

C.H.: The events are designed to give visitors clear, practical and reliable information in one place. They are not simply property exhibitions. They bring together advisers and companies who can explain the different parts of the process, including residency, taxation, legal matters, banking, healthcare, education, lifestyle and property.

Our Autumn roadshow will visit Dublin on September 22, 2026, London on October 15, 2026, and Edinburgh on November 12, 2026. Each city has its own distinct audience, but the questions are often similar. People want to know whether Portugal is right for them, what steps they need to take, and who they can trust. The events offer expert guidance on residency, taxation, property, healthcare, education and lifestyle.

The Chamber’s role is to create an independent, professional environment where those questions can be answered properly. Portugal remains highly attractive, but it is important that people make informed decisions.

To register for the Autumn Moving to Portugal Shows and Seminars, visit movingtoportugal.org.uk