Portugal puts out the welcome mat for younger expat talent

If you’re a qualified, experienced expatriate professional looking to relocate, you’ll be more than welcome in Portugal.

A recent study carried out by the Bank of Portugal indicates qualified expats are not only revitalising the country’s labour market but also boosting the country’s dwindling demographics. Spurred by the recovery of the Portuguese economy, its perception as a safe place to live and the financial rewards for those employed, qualified professionals are flocking to make Portugal their next expat home. For many newly-arrived British expats, a further incentive to the move is Brexit, a key factor in transferring expat talent to anywhere outside the UK. Qualified, dynamic young Brits as well as Italians and Brazilians now make up the country’s diverse expatriate communities.

During the first half of this year, the numbers of younger, in-work expat residents increased to 198,000, making up three per cent of Portugal’s population in their age bracket and totalling 40,000 more than in 2017. Retaining the new arrivals is now a priority, as is attracting more of the same professional talents as the economy continues to strengthen. As an expat location, Portugal has much to attract younger top-talent expats, with its capital Lisbon a favourite for its lively scene and vast choice of entertainment as well as its thriving expatriate community. As with many expat destinations worldwide, Portugal’s bureaucracy can be trying at best and excruciatingly slow at worst, but those who’ve already been there and done that can help by demystifying the processes.

An issue for reluctant expat linguists is the Portuguese language, considered one of the planet’s hardest to learn. Locals are welcoming and can help, but taking a course before arrival is essential and, for those who truly can’t cope, many locals in the big cities have a reasonable command of English. As regards living expenses, accommodation in Lisbon’s central area is very expensive, but apartments in the suburbs are far more affordable, with this rule applying to other large conurbations in the country. Portuguese cuisine is another pleasant surprise for new expat arrivals, with restaurants serving delicious local dishes at a reasonable cost.