Portugal: a Top 10 favourite for expats
Portugal: Top 10 Country for Expats in 2026
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If you’re thinking of buying that dream holiday home in the sun or even quitting your job and moving abroad to start a new life, then Portugal, with its climate, safety, relaxed lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere, is the place to choose.
Backed up by one of the world’s most comprehensive reports on expats – the Expat Insider Survey 2026 – Portugal has been named as one of the top ten countries in the world to live in.
The Expat Insider survey is one of the largest of its kind worldwide, offering an in-depth analysis of expat life across the globe. More than 8,000 respondents representing 162 nationalities ranked 31 countries based on quality of life, personal finance, working abroad, and ease of settling in – Portugal came in at 8th place.
Expats are generally content living here – about four out of five (78%) are happy with life in Portugal, well above the global average of 70%, and close to two in five (39%) want to stay forever.
Portugal ranks fourth in the Personal Finance Index. More than three in five expats (61%) say the cost of living in Portugal is good, compared with just 39% worldwide. Around three-quarters (76%) also say their household income gives them enough money to live comfortably, compared with 71% globally.
Portugal is particularly attractive to retirees. One in five expats (20%) moved to Portugal specifically to retire – five times the global average of 4%. Overall, 41% of expats living in Portugal are retired, compared with just 14% worldwide.
However, one area that could definitely be improved is dealing with local authorities, where Portugal ranked last place. However, we believe that the sunshine and friendly people make up for that!
The top ten best countries for expats were as follows:
1. Panama
2. Mexico
3. Thailand
4. UAE
5. Brazil
6. Spain
7. Singapore
8. Portugal
9. Malaysia
10. Luxembourg
So why wait any longer? Let our team of knowledgeable professionals help you find your new home in the sun!
Published in: Guide to Portugal / News and Updates / Portuguese Life