Why Portugal is perfect for families?
From all over the world, more and more families are moving to Portugal to enjoy the exceptional possibilities the country offers for kids and grown-ups alike...
According to SEF - Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (Portuguese foreigners and border services), in 2021 the number of foreign residents in Portugal increased for the sixth year in a row, for a total of 698,887 — the highest number SEF recorded since it was founded in 1976.
The majority of foreign residents in Portugal are of working age (76.4%), with the largest age group being 25-44 years old.
With the possibility of working remotely and the several Visa options available for foreigners of all nationalities, many families have made the important decision to move to Portugal in search of a better quality of life.
Moving to Portugal with a family
Portugal offers a diverse natural landscape, with mountains, countryside and pristine beaches, plus a wonderfully mild climate.
For families looking for a healthier lifestyle, close to nature or the ocean to enjoy the outdoors all year long, there couldn’t be a better place to live!
From surfing to horseback riding or cycling, there’s plenty to see and do! As for keeping the children busy, there are also lots of activities available free of charge in the Portuguese municipalities and public schools’ extra-curricular programmes.
Moving to Portugal with school-age children
In bigger cities such as Lisbon, Porto or even in the Algarve, you’ll also find some of Portugal’s best international schools, offering official foreign curricula in languages such as English, German and French.
However, public schools also offer plenty of reasons to move to Portugal with children. Throughout the country, Portuguese public schools offer sports and arts activities as well as after-school clubs in arts and science, all free of charge.
Schools in districts where the number of international residents has increased significantly also have experience in receiving foreign children and integrating them, which makes adapting and learning the Portuguese language easier for young children.
Learning the Portuguese language
Adults are equally welcome to come to school and participate in Portuguese classes that some public schools have created especially for foreigners! And this is just one example of the welcoming atmosphere Portugal has always encouraged towards residents from all nationalities and walks of life.
The Portuguese people's genuine hospitality is visible in the simplest of gestures. If you don't understand Portuguese, most people will speak English and even in smaller villages — where not everyone speaks a second language — they will always do their very best to try to communicate with you.
It's the Portuguese way to help foreigners feel welcome... So don’t be surprised if a neighbour offers you fresh fruits and vegetables from their garden or introduces you to the town baker who delivers fresh bread door-to-door every morning!
The Portuguese not only have a strong sense of community but are also very family-orientated. This is a country that loves children and it’s very common to see how protective the people are towards the well-being of future generations.
This caring culture is also seen in national environmental policies to prevent climate change and preserve natural habitats. But it’s also very present in local initiatives aimed at promoting a healthier and happier lifestyle. Every town has leisure areas designed specifically for children, such as skate parks, tennis courts, soccer fields, or playgrounds, which are common even private in residential areas.
Portugal is one of the world's safest countries
Because Portugal is one of the world's safest countries, with very low crime rates and where terrorist threats are unheard of, Portuguese children still enjoy a childhood not too different from that of their parents, where there's no shortage of tattered knees and lots of vitamin D. And don’t be surprised to see children at the beach playing in the water with friends or riding their bikes until late in the afternoon!
READ MORE: Is Portugal safe to live?
Not too far from Portugal’s most popular towns and beaches, you’ll find villages where many children eat fruit directly from trees and spend less and less time looking at screens and more time looking at the stars. The Wi-Fi signal may be excellent all over the country, but a greater awareness of the pleasures of a simple life is driving many Portuguese families to put the brakes on technology and reclaim what makes the country so special. However, if and when you do need technology or are craving a familiar item from back home, Portuguese shops are stocked with well-known products and brands. So if this crosses your mind while thinking of moving with your kids, rest assured you can easily find practically anything in Portugal, as there are also plenty of shops and online stores offering international products.
Enjoying family holidays in Portugal
But you don’t have to live permanently in Portugal to enjoy everything this beautiful country offers families!
With a lower cost of living in comparison to many other Western European countries, and more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Portugal is also very popular amongst foreigners who want a second home for the holidays in a child-friendly atmosphere.
Places such as the popular Silver Coast of Portugal not only offer Portugal’s best family beaches but also countless things to see and do, including water parks, dolphin-watching boat tours and sea inflatables.
If you're dreaming about moving to Portugal with your family and are looking for a dream home, book a call with Portugal Realty to learn more!