Around 2700 vaccines against Monkeypox will be arriving in Portugal. Through the agency HERA, the European Commission signed a deal for the supply of Monkeypox vaccines for EU countries. The distribution of vaccines will be carried out proportionally to the population of different countries.
The distribution operation is still being developed with the European Commission but will prioritize the countries most affected. Currently, there are 240 cases of Monkeypox, known as Variola dos Macacos, in Portugal, making it the third member state in the European Union with the most cases.
The DGS has said that the National Vaccination Program, Technical Commission for Vaccination, and Infarmed are evaluated a vaccination strategy for the doses available to Portugal. It is still unclear how the vaccines will be distributed in Portugal.
According to DGS, all of the confirmed cases of Monkeypox in Portugal have been reported in men between the ages of 19 and 61, with most of them under the age of 40. Most cases were reported in Lisbon and Vale do Tejo, with some cases in the north and the Algarve. All cases remain stable and under supervision.
On Tuesday, the European Commission announced that almost 110,000 doses of the vaccine have been attributed through a contract. The vaccines will be distributed proportionally to the population at the end of June. The contract includes distributing the Monkeypox vaccines to all EU member states, as well as Iceland and Norway.
The vaccine is called Imvanex, a third-generation vaccine that is currently approved in Europe to prevent smallpox, but that is also effective against Monkeypox.
According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the WHO, the virus “is behaving in an uncommon manner” due to the increase in cases in countries.
Since the beginning of the year, the WHO has registered over 1600 cases of Monkeypox in 39 countries, including 32 countries that had not previously registered outbreaks.
A place where nature and modern tourism meet, Peneda-Geres National Park is a national treasure in northern Portugal, one that many tourists do not know about. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Peneda-Geres National Park covers over 700 km2 of protected land with stunning mountain trails, river beaches, and historical villages such as Geres. The Peneda-Geres National Park consists of four main mountain ranges: Peneda, Geres, Amarela, and Soajo.
From swimming in the lagoons among the mountain ranges, discovering some of the best hiking trails in the country, as well as tasting the regional cuisine, Peneda-Geres National Park has a lot to offer for any kind of tourist. Make sure to pack comfortable hiking shoes and dress in layers with a bathing suit at hand, you never know when you’ll find a beautiful waterfall!
How to get to Geres? Located in the northwest of Portugal between Upper Minho and Tras-os-Montes, the best way to get here is by car. It is around 1.5 hours from Porto and 40 minutes from Braga by car and while public transport to the region is available, we recommend booking a guided tour or private vehicle for convenience.
Things to do in Peneda-Geres National Park
Hiking: Best trails in Peneda-Geres National Park
Peneda-Geres National Park features some of the most amazing hiking trails in all of Portugal, fit for hikers of all physical conditions. We recommend booking a guided tour so you do not get lost. This tour includes a hiking trail to a waterfall, as well as a trip on a 4×4 Land Rover, and a traditional Portuguese lunch. Book this hiking and sightseeing private tour where you will get to discover the park’s landscape, fauna, and flora, as well as rivers and waterfalls.
If you prefer to hike on your own, here are our four favorite trails in Peneda-Geres National Park for hiking.
1. Cidade da Calcedonia – PR1 TBR
If you are brave enough for this high difficulty level trail, the Cidade da Caledonia trail is 6.5 kilometers and allows you to explore an ancient fortified village from the Iron Age. You will get to discover archaeological items dating back hundreds of years. The trail takes around 5 hours and you will get a view of the Covide vale, as well as find some cows. However, beware this is one of the hardest hiking trails in Geres and should not be hiked alone.
2. Sao Bento – PR7 PBR
A 10 kilometers hike in Sao Bento, this trail takes around 4 hours and a half and is of medium-level difficulty. The hike stretches along the south-eastern cliffs of the Caldo river and you will get to discover interesting religious sites such as the Basilica of St. Benedict, Portugal’s second-largest sanctuary. You will find granite stones with the ancient footprints of St. Eufemia on the way, as well as find evidence of nearby bears and wolves.
3. Preguica – PR10 TBR
Translating to “hike of laziness”, this trail is of medium difficulty and is 4 kilometers long. Within the three hours of the hikes, you will see the river Gere, a diversity of trees, and the Preguica viewpoint. The hike starts at Casa da Preguica and you will enjoy the views of the Geres valley that goes all the way to the Canicada dam.
4. Sobreiral da Ermida do Geres – PR14 TBR
A 13-kilometer hiking trail that takes 5 hours, Sobreiral da Ermida do Geres is a medium-level difficulty hike that goes through forest areas. However, the highlight of the hike is the Arado waterfall, perfect for taking some photos. Starting in the Ermida viewpoint, the trail also goes through the Arado bridge, built in 1936, and a cork oak farm filling 200 hectares.
Explore the Traditional Villages in Peneda-Geres National Park
The Peneda-Geres National Park is not only the home of natural beauty and nature but of historic villages that have been around for centuries and luckily rightfully preserved. If you are looking to discover these in between hikes and swimming, our three favorite villages in Peneda-Geres National Park are Geres, Fafiao, and Tourem.
The village Geres gives the national park its name and is probably the most well-known village inside the park. The village has many spas, hotels, and regional shops, as well as houses with locals who still live there.
Fafiao village is a small one and features less than two Portuguese traditional restaurants. The village is home to a popular attraction, Fojo do Lobo, an ancient trap built to hunt wolves. The attraction has two walls that are two meters high and 64 meters long.
Tourem used to be a border defense town in the 13th century against Spain, but today is the location of historical attractions. For example, the stunning church of S. Pedro dates back to the 13th century and is made of granite, as well as the monastery of Santa Maria de Junias. The village also features green meadows and is highly isolated as you will not see other villages around.
Photo by Álvaro Montanha (Unsplash)
Camping: Where to Camp in Peneda-Geres National Park
Peneda-Geres National Park features beautiful campsites where you can pitch your tent for a real nature experience. The large park features many camping options that are affordable at less than 5 euros a night per person. Here are a few campsites that are popular with tourists and locals alike:
Ermida Geres Camping: Located in the village of Ermida, this camping site is family-run and features bathrooms with hot water, internet, campervan camping, a bar, and a barbecue. They even provide camping equipment so you do not need to bring anything.
Parque Cerdeira: Located in the heart of the park, this campsite offers tent spots, as well as tree tents, bungalows, and a tarp tied to trees. It also has a swimming pool and a kids adventure park.
Geres Green Park: Located on the river banks of Cabril river, this campsite is close to hiking trails There are 48 tent spots and 3 caravan sites, a barbecue, pub, laundry, dishwasher, snack bar, and more.
Vale dos Moinhos: 1.5 kilometers away from the village of Geres, this campsite offers affordable rooms and spots to camp your tent. It is close to waterfalls and you can swim in the Geres river and Barragem da Albufeira lake nearby. The campsite features a barbecue, wifi, free parking, and more.
Ponte Saltos Camping: Located at the banks of Cavado River, this campsite features a barbecue grill, direct access to Canicada Dam, a mini-market, a bar, and more. They even offer electric bike rental!
Swim in the Lagoons in Peneda-Geres National Park
You cannot miss a beach day at the lagoons in Peneda-Geres National Park. Among the valleys of the four mountain ranges of the park, you will find plenty of gorgeous natural lagoons. Do not forget to pack water and food as facilities will be close to impossible to find nearby. Here are our favorite lagoons in Peneda-Geres National Park for those hot summer days:
Poco Azul: This lagoon has crystal-clear waters and is one of the most popular in Geres, featuring a small waterfall. However, to get to Poco Azul, you must hike through an 8-kilometer trail.
Sete Lagoas: Translating to seven lagoons, these lagoons are located against the Cavado River and the temperatures can reach 20 degrees celsius. To get to the lagoons there are multiple hikes, the shortest starting from Xertelo village (5 kilometers).
Arado Lagoa: Located on the Arado river near Ermida, this lagoon has one of the largest waterfalls in Geres. You can get there by car. The lagoon is formed by the waterfall and offers crystal clear waters.
Photo by Micael Rodrigues (Unsplash)
5 Best Restaurants near Peneda-Geres National Park: Where to eat in Geres?
1. Taberna da Ti Ana da Eira
A well-kept secret, Taberna da Ti Ana da Eira is one of the best restaurants in the region, located in Montalegre. The dishes are produced from regional products, many from the actual village. Like a Portuguese miradouro (viewpoint), the family-run restaurant boasts large windows that offer panoramic views of the Paradela reservoir and the Peneda-Geres National Park. We recommend the alheira and the traditional Cozido a Portuguesa made with local meats.
2. Restaurante Casa Capela
Located in the Geres village, Casa Capela is a cozy Portuguese restaurant with affordable prices overlooking the Geres Park. If you’re looking for large dishes that will fill you up after a hike, head here. Meals are cooked on a traditional wood stove for an authentic experience. We recommend the cabritinho assado (veal) and the Polvo a Lagareiro (octopus), as well as the Pudim Abade de Presicos (caramel pudding) for dessert.
3. Restaurante Pedra Bela
Located in Terras do Bouro, Pedra Bela is known for its meats cooked on a wood stove and a welcoming environment. However, do not just try the meats as the octopus and codfish dishes are some of the best in the region. The restaurant pays homage to the local gastronomy, as well as local products and is committed to making every guest feel like a family member.
4. Restaurante Cerdeira
Located in the Peneda-Geres National Park in Parque Cerdeira, Cerdeira Restaurant is a reference in local gastronomy and overlooks the gorgeous green mountains. A large restaurant seating up to 100 people, Cerdeira focuses on serving delicious dishes of Minho by sourcing local products such as vegetables from the garden. We recommend the Bacalhau a Lagareiro (codfish) and the costeletao (veal), while vegetarian dishes are also available.
5. Saber ao Borralho
Located in the village of Soajo, Saber ao Borralho opened in 2006 and has been a local favorite ever since. The restaurant is surrounded by typical granite houses and is decorated traditionally according to the village traditions. Although Saber ao Borralho serves a range of delicious regional foods, we recommend the cachena stew, containing meat, rice, beans, and vegetables. The bacalhau com broa is also delicious, a codfish dish with cornbread.
Transportation in Peneda-Geres National Park: How to get around Geres
If you were looking forward to traveling around Geres by bus, not so fast. There is barely any public transportation. We recommend traveling by car so you can access as many villages, waterfalls, and lagoons as possible. In reality, you will also be doing some walking if you want to access the best-kept secrets of the park. Rent a car here for affordable prices. In fact, if you are flying to Porto you can pick a car up at the airport and return it when you fly back home.
If you are looking for a cabin experience in the middle of the woods – Secret do Geres in Viera do Minho is the best spot to book. Offering one-bedroom treehouses surrounded by nature, each unit comes equipped with wood balconies, a private bathroom, and a double bed. The property also features a swimming pool, garden, and room service for breakfast in bed. Tahiti waterfall is only 8 kilometers away and the Geres park is 7 kilometers away.
Featuring comfortable one, two, and three-bedroom houses, Pousada Village is located in Vieira do Minho and overlooks the river and valley. The property features a restaurant, bar, garden, and outdoor pool for guests to enjoy. A sauna and indoor pool are also available at Pousada Village. Each unit comes equipped with a flat-screen TV, a seating area with a sofa, a kitchen, and a private bathroom. The property is located 12 kilometers from Tahiti waterfall and less than 5 kilometers from the Geres park.
Located in Vieira do Minho, DOBAU Village is less than 4 kilometers away from Geres park. Featuring a large outdoor swimming pool, a children’s playground, barbecue, terrace, and gorgeous views of the river, DOBAU Village provides a luxurious hotel experience for an affordable price near Geres. The property offers apartments sleeping up to six people with private bathrooms, mountain and river views, a flat-screen TV, and a private terrace.
Located only a 2-minute walk from Albufeira Geres river beach, Selina Geres is a popular hostel offering private rooms, beds in dormitories, and even glamping tents. The ideal off-grid escape, Selina Geres is located on the shores of Cavado River and features a restaurant-bar, cinema room, rooftop, yoga deck, and outdoor pool. There are plenty of social events at Selina Geres, as well as yoga lessons. The property is a 7-minute drive away from Peneda-Geres National Park and a 10-minute drive from the village center.
A 4-star hotel, Tempus Hotel & Spa is located less than 15 kilometers from Peneda-Geres National Park. The hotel features a restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine, a bar, as well as several pools. The property also features a high-quality spa and wellness center which includes a sauna, hot tub, Turkish bath, and indoor pool. The modern rooms come equipped with a private bathroom, a living area with a sofa, and a flat-screen TV.
The Portuguese government is creating a new visa that simplifies procedures for foreigners who want to work in Portugal. The new work visa allows foreigners to enter Portugal for six months and is also targeted at higher education students. Digital nomads will also be allowed to have a residence visa.
Ana Catarina Mendes, the Deputy Minister for Parliamentary Affairs said that the new visa would reduce bureaucracy and increase the validity of documents. The visa aims to “revitalize the job market, attracting more human resources”.
When questioned by journalists, Ana Catarina Mendes said that “fiscal incentives are not expected, as well as other incentives other than a state that is more friendly to citizens and more simplified”.
When asked about whether the work visa will promote cheap labor, the Deputy Minister said that the goal of the current government is to increase the minimum wage “for all that arrive here and are already here”.
The visa includes good news for families that want to move to Portugal. Until now, a foreign citizen would need legal status to bring family over to Portugal. With this work visa, the family of the citizen can move right away.
The visa will still need to be debated in parliament. Therefore, it is still unclear who will be eligible for the visa. However, Ana Catarina Mendes said that the visa will “cover as many people that wish to come to Portugal”.
If you’re looking to start a business in Portugal, you are not the only one! The majority of global investors are confident in Portugal, even more than countries like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, according to Ernst and Young. The Portuguese government offers public financial assistance to businesses that are committed to innovation and there are thousands of high-skilled workers. The Portuguese market offers stability, with the World Bank ranking Portugal 39 out of 190 countries in its ease of doing business index. Opening a business in Portugal also allows your company to tap into the European Union (EU) market, with the EU accounting for over 7% of the world’s population and 23% of the nominal global GDP. To open a business in Portugal, you need to have residency in Portugal, as well as a tax and social security number.
If you are a non-EU/EFTA national and you want to start a business, you need to obtain a Portuguese visa and residency permit. Take a look at our guide to starting a business in Portugal. From the steps you need to take to register your business and taxes, we have everything you need to know.
Steps to Starting a Business in Portugal
1. Make sure you can legally start a business in Portugal
Before you get into the nitty-gritty details of starting your company, make sure you can actually legally start a business in Portugal. You need to have your own Portuguese residency card, a tax number (NIF) from the Portuguese tax office, and a social security number. If you are a non-EU/EFTA national and you want to start a business, you need to obtain a Portuguese visa and residency permit.
Brainstorm names for your company and check out if your favorite is already taken in a Portuguese Registry of Business Names. If not, register your company’s name via a Validation Certificate known as Certificado de Admissibilidade which is issued by the National Registry of Companies and costs €75. The certificate is usually valid for 3 months.
3. Choose the business structure – Types of Companies in Portugal
There are multiple legal structures for businesses in Portugal, regulated by the Portuguese Companies Code. You must select the one that best fits your company structure. Take a look at the business types in Portugal:
Private Limited Company: Known as a Sociedade por Quotas. These need a minimum of two partners and a minimum capital investment of €5,000. Shareholders need to pay a minimum of €100 per share and are all viable for debts covered by business assets.
Public Limited Company: Known as a Sociedade Anomina, requires at least five shareholders and a minimum capital investment of €50,000. Shareholders are liable for debts that amount up to their share value.
Partnership: Known as a Sociedade em Nome Colectivo, a Partnership requires a minimum of two partners and their liability extends to personal assets that can be used to cover any company debts.
Limited Liability Partnership: Known as a Sociedade em Comandita, requires a minimum of two partners who run the business and have unlimited liability which includes personal assets, as well as sleeping partners who give capital and where their liability is limited to the amount they invested.
Cooperative: Cooperatives are non-profit organizations run through the principles of cooperative models.
Single-Member Limited Company: Known as a Sociedade Unipessoal por Quotas, this is where one person runs a business but debt liability is limited to business assets. This requires a minimum capital investment of €5,000.
Individual Limited Liability Establishment: Known as an Estabelecimento Individual de Responsabilidade Limitada, this is similar to a Single-Member Limited Company. However, the capital investment of €5,000 must include at least two-thirds cash.
Sole Trader: Known as Empresario em Nome Individual, this is a form of self-employment where one person trades as a business. There is no minimum capital requirement and sole traders have unlimited liability for business debts.
Freelancers differ from a Sole Trader but are similar, without operating as a business from a fixed place (such as a hairdresser). Freelancers are responsible for making their own income tax (IRS) payments, and social security contributions, but do not pay corporate tax.
4. Set up your company
Now that you have your company’s name down and have selected the adequate business company, it’s time to set up your company by signing the deed of incorporation. You can do this online which allows you to set up your company quickly. This costs around €360 and your company will be registered within 1 to 2 days. Your company will be provided with a tax number (NIF) and a social security number. The deed includes specific information about your company such as the type of company, each partner’s capital share, etc.
5. Start your business activity
In Portugal, it is mandatory for companies to have an accountant. Once you have signed the deeds, your accountant can help you set up a bank account for your company. With your IBAN information, your accountant will register your company’s activity with the tax office so you are ready to pay taxes.
Taxes for Businesses in Portugal
1. Corporate Income Tax (IRC) in Portugal
Limited and incorporated businesses must pay Portuguese corporate tax. Self-employed sole traders and those with stakes in partnerships pay income tax instead. Companies in Portugal must pay their corporate tax in three installments, July, September, and December. Corporate tax in Portugal has a flat rate of 21% on taxable profit, slightly below the European Union average of 21.9%. Small and medium-sized companies pay a reduced Portuguese corporate tax rate of 17% (lower in Madeira and the Azores) on their first €25,000 of taxable profit.
Along with corporate tax, you need to pay a surcharge to your local municipality, at around 1.5% on the profit charged by the regional municipality. Other surcharges on top of your corporate tax bill include:
3% state charge on profit between €1.5 million and €7.5 million (2.1% in Madeira, 2.4% in the Azores)
5% surcharge on profit between €7.5 million and €35 million (3.5% in Madeira, 4% in the Azores)
9% surcharge on profit over €35 million (6.3% in Madeira, 7.2% in the Azores
Companies pay corporate tax on their net profits. Costs can be deducted when calculating profit such as labor costs, marketing costs, tax planning costs, insurance, bills, etc.
2. Social Security (TSU) in Portugal
If you have employees, you must contribute to Social Security. The Portuguese Social Security is a system that also secures the basic rights of citizens and ensures equality in opportunities, providing measures of support such as unemployment allowances, paternal leave, and other financial support. The Single Social Tax (TSU) corresponds to 34.75% of the gross salary of each worker. Of this, companies pay 23.75% and employees pay 11%. Companies must pay their social security contributions between the 10th and 20th of the month after the salaries they refer to.
3. VAT (IVA) in Portugal
Known as IVA in Portugal, self-employed people and companies that produce, market, or provide services in Portugal must pay Value Added Tax (VAT) to tax authorities. The VAT is paid by consumers when purchasing these goods and services. In essence, VAT is money that the company keeps until it must be returned to the state, as it is being paid by clients.
Companies with a Portuguese VAT number need to submit regular returns with their taxable supplies sales and costs. Companies with a turnover equal to or higher than €650,000 must submit this monthly, while companies with a turnover less than €650,00 submit quarterly. Monthly VAT returns are due on the 10th business day of the second month following the VAT reporting period, while quarterly VAT returns are due by the 15th business day.
Take a look at the VAT rates in Portugal:
Mainland Portugal – Normal 23%, Intermediate 13%, Reduced 6%
Madeira – Normal 22%, Intermediate 12%, Reduced 5%
Azores – Normal 16%, Intermediate 9%, Reduced 4%
The normal VAT rate refers to most taxable goods and services. The intermediate VAT rate refers to food and drink goods and services. The reduced VAT rate refers to essentials like vegetables, transport, medicine, etc.
4. Work Compensation Fund (FCT) & Guarantee Fund for Work Compensation (FGCT)
Also known as the Fundo Compensação do Trabalho (FCT) and the Fundo de Garantia de Compensacão do Trabalho (FGCT) in Portuguese, these were established in 2013 to ensure the workers’ right to receive half of the compensation owed to them in case of termination of their employment contacts. Employers must contribute 1% of pay monthly for employees hired after 1 October 2013 (0.925% to FCT, 0.075% to FGCT). If an employee decides to terminate their contract on their own, the fund is returned to the company.
Financial Support for Opening a Business in Portugal
Public financial support is available to lucky companies looking to innovate, provided by Portuguese agencies. Turismo de Portugal promotes innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting tourism start-ups with venture capital, real estate investment, and more. The Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade is responsible for dealing with all foreign investment projects, and selecting projects that best contribute to the competitiveness and sustainability of the economy, such as creating jobs and increasing GDP. Moreover, the Portuguese government’s Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (IAPMEI) provides financial incentives and assistance to help you open a business in three main areas:
Corporate and Entrepreneurial Innovation
This assistance encourages investment in innovation, promotes qualified entrepreneurship, and supports the expansion of technology-intensive activities. There are two main incentives. The SI Qualified and Creative Entrepreneurship is intended for small and medium-sized enterprises that have been in operation for two years. The incentive is between 35% and 75%. The SI Productive is intended for companies of any kind that are producing new products and services or are improving their current production.
SME Qualification and Internationalism
This assistance aims to promote small and medium-sized competitiveness and productivity and develop their presence in the global market. It is divided into two systems: an individual project or a joint project. The SI Qualification Individual Project is intended for small and medium-sized companies of any kind while the Joint Project is intended for not-for-profit entities with specific expertise targeted at small and medium-sized companies. The Individual Project has an incentive limit of €500,000 while the Joint Project has an incentive limit of €180,000 x the number of companies participating.
Research and Technological Development
This assistance promotes relationships between companies and scientific institutions, looking to create knowledge and intensify research and development. There are three support systems for companies of any legal form: SI R&D Companies, SI R&D Centres, and SI Industrial Property. The SI R&D Companies and Centers assistance seeks to invest in increasing the research and development in a company and the Companies assistance offers an incentive of up to €1,000,000. The SI Industrial Property supports projects that promote the legal registration of industrial property through patents and models, nationally and internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starting a Business in Portugal
Can foreigners start a business in Portugal?
To start a business in Portugal, you need to have your own Portuguese residency card, a tax number (NIF) from the Portuguese tax office, and a social security number. If you are a non-EU/EFTA national and you want to start a business, you need to obtain a Portuguese visa and residency permit. However, foreign companies can open up a branch or subsidiary of their company in Portugal. To do so, they must register the branch office with the Portuguese Registries and Notaries (IRN), as well as register the branch or subsidiary with the Commercial Registry Office.
How much does it cost to start a business in Portugal?
Opening a company usually costs €360 and can be done online, or at the Registries and Notaries (IRN). There are other costs. For example, when you register your company’s name via a Validation Certificate known as Certificado de Admissibilidade, you must pay €75 for the certificate. You must also hire a Certified Accountant who will submit your tax returns. This usually costs at least €100 per month.
What taxes do companies pay in Portugal?
Here are the taxes that businesses must pay in Portugal:
Corporate Tax (IRC): Corporate tax in Portugal has a flat rate of 21% on taxable profit, slightly below the European Union average of 21.9%. Small and medium-sized companies pay a reduced Portuguese corporate tax rate of 17% (lower in Madeira and the Azores) on their first €25,000 of taxable profit. You also need to pay a surcharge to your local municipality, at around 1.5% on the profit charged by the regional municipality.
VAT: The VAT rates in mainland Portugal are 23% (normal), 13% (intermediate), 6% (reduced). The VAT is paid by consumers when purchasing these goods and services.
Social Security (TSU): The Single Social Tax (TSU) corresponds to 34.75% of the gross salary of each worker. Of this, companies pay 23.75% and employees pay 11%.
Work Compensation Fund (FCT) & Guarantee Fund for Work Compensation (FGCT): These ensure the workers’ right to receive half of the compensation owed to them in case of termination of their employment contacts. Employers must contribute 1% of pay monthly for employees hired after 1 October 2013 (0.925% to FCT, 0.075% to FGCT).
According to a study by Eurostat, Portugal is the fifth country in Europe with the worst quality of life for women as they age and the second country with the largest gender difference. The study conducted refers to the year 2020, the first year of the covid-19 pandemic.
Portugal takes 25th place in a list with 29 European countries. Only women from Lithuania, Finland, Slovakia, and Denmark have less healthy life years. Portuguese women can only expect to live without an illness until 58.7 years of age, while the age for men is 63.5 years. The EU average is 63.5 healthy life years for the male sex and 64.5 healthy life years for the female sex.
Although Portuguese women have a higher life expectancy that Portuguese men, their healthy life years are inferior by 2.1 years. This difference is the second-highest in the European Union, only surpassed by the Netherlands with a 2.8 year difference.
However, in comparison to 2019, Portugal still improved its ranking when it comes to the healthy life years of women.
The study by Eurostat analyzed three phases of the population’s life, starting at birth, excluding residents in nursing homes.
Healthy life years, also known as HLY are the number of years that a person is expected to continue to live in a healthy condition.
The oldest country in Europe, Portugal’s cultural heritage is vast and there is so much history to explore particularly its World Heritage Sites. Portugal is home to 17 World Heritage Sites, as listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). From astounding monasteries, landscapes, and historic centers, we have selected our 9 favorite UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal.
A world heritage site since 1996, the Historic Center of Porto includes the parishes of Se, Vitoria, Sao Nicolau, and Miragaia. The Historic Center has been urbanized and modernized but remains reflective of medieval times since the Middle Ages. UNESCO awarded the title as they found that the area had a remarkable universal value due to the huge number of historical buildings. The area overlooks the Douro river and is home to the city’s most iconic buildings such as the Se do Porto, Sao Bento Railway Station, Torre dos Clerigos, Palacio da Bolsa, and more. A protected area was also defined by UNESCO which includes Aliados Avenue, Praca de Trindade, Carregal Garden, Vila Nova de Gaia, and more. Since the decision in 1996, there has been a growth in the tourism sector in Porto.
Sintra gained the UNESCO Cultural Landscape classification in 1995, encompassing a mountainous strip with gardens, parks, and monuments. UNESCO accepted the classification due to the astounding historic landmarks present in the area, making Sintra worthy of heritage status. Sintra was swept up in the Romantic movement in the 19th century, where most of the well-known landmarks came about. The most famous monument is the Pena Palace, a romanticist style palace from the 19th century, as well as Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra National Palace, Seteais Palace, Castle of the Moors, and more. The Romanticist period has made its mark on Sintra, today a town known for its romantic forested terrain and astonishing palaces that once belonged to royal families and aristocrats.
A region near Porto that has been producing wine for over 2,000 years, Alto Douro Wine Region was made a World Heritage site in 2001. Covering over 250,000 hectares of which 20% is used for wine production, the region includes the river Douro and the Varosa, Corgo, Tavora, Torto, and Pinhao. This region is where the Douro river flows from Porto and where Douro wines are made, the grapes are grown on the hill topped vineyard. The area holds the ideal conditions for growing grapes, with a hot dry climate and rocky soil, and is associated with Port wine production primarily, as well as table wines. Whether you are on a boat trip along the river with a view of the vineyards, visiting a vineyard, or staying at a hotel within the greenery, you will find the region is deserving of its UNESCO titles.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, the Convent of Christ is a former Catholic convent in Tomar, as well as a castle in the center of Portugal. Used by the Knights Templar, a Catholic military order, the castle was first built in 1160, and the convent was added later as an extension. Located on the top of a hill, the property was used to secure the border of the Christian kingdom against the Moors. After the Templar Order was dissolved in 1312, the property was transferred to the Order of Christ. The Covent of Christ features a Manueline nave, eight cloisters built in the 15th and 16th centuries, and a Romanesque round Catholic church. The Convent is open to the public and the church still holds religious services.
The 987-hectare landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture on the island of Pico in the Azores extends through most of the island’s western, northwestern and southwestern coasts. The landscape features a network of black basalt stone walls running parallel to the coast, built to protect the vines from the wind and sea, allowing for the production of wine in the area. The wine cultivation of vines in Pico began in the 15th century due to the island’s volcanic soil that is rich in nutrients and the warm microclimate. The landscape was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004, as UNESCO found that the area is of outstanding universal value due to its authenticity.
Located on the archipelago of Madeira, Laurisilva of Madeira is a laurel forest, a type of subtropical forest found in areas with high humidity, comprised of around 15,000 hectares of land. This is the largest surviving area of laurel forest and contains a unique set of plants and animals such as the Madeiran long-toed pigeon. The Laurisilva of Madeira plays a large role in biodiversity conservation with at least 76 plant species endemic to Madeira and the landscape covers over 20% of the island. From rocky landscape, cliff, and thick blankets of lush green, moss, and ferns cover the forest.
The capital of the Alentejo province, the landmarks in the Historic Center of Evora were mostly built in the 15th century, while the famous Roman Temple was constructed around the first century A.D. In fact, Evora’s history is incredibly rich, the city has been a political and social center boasting a two million year history. The Historic Center of Evora was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 due to its significant historic events, from the 16th century as a time of religious influence and urban planning to the concentric growth of the town in the 17th century.
Located in Northern Portugal, the University of Coimbra is situated on a hill overlooking the city and has evolved for more than seven centuries throughout the old town. From the 12th century Cathedral of Santa Cruz, the 16th century Royal Palace of Alcacova, and the 18th century Botanical Garden, the university is a reference in the development of higher education institutions all over the world. Listed in 2013, UNESCO found that Coimbra University is an outstanding example of an integrated university city that keeps cultural and ceremonial traditions alive through the centuries.
Located north of Lisbon, the Monastery of Alcobaca was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. Founded in 1153 by the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, UNESCO believes the monastery is a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art, due to its size and the purity of its architectural style. The Monastery of Alcobaca has been properly conserved without ruining the property’s integrity, following an early Gothic style and representing the founding of this style in Portugal.
Waiting times at Lisbon airport have surpassed three hours on Sunday due to “insufficient resources and functioning SEF border control areas”, according to ANA Airports. Long waiting lines are present at arrivals, but also departures for passengers without EU documents. Passengers at Lisbon airport were being given water to help minimize discomfort during waiting times this weekend.
SEF has announced that the airports at Porto and Faro are also facing a high influx of passengers. The Observador reports that on Saturday and Saturday over 100,000 people passed through border controls at Portuguese airports, around 50,000 in Lisbon, 36,000 in Faro, and 10,000 in Porto.
According to Ana Vieira, the inspector of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), these are record high numbers never before seen by SEF, “a new reality and we must find solutions”.
To mitigate the chaos at Lisbon airport, a plan to increase staff in Lisbon by over 100 people is underway by July 4. 49 members of staff will be added to the Porto airport and 45 to Faro airport. Ana Vieira also said on Monday that more e-gates will soon be available for passengers from Canada and the United States to relieve pressure at arrivals.
Waiting times for those without EU documents are likely to remain long throughout the summer, particularly until the end of July.
With both rent and restaurant prices being around 25% cheaper than in Lisbon, Funchal allows you to live your island dream without paying the more expensive prices of mainland Portugal. Whether you’re looking for a temporary home as a digital nomad or looking to settle down with the whole family, the sixth-largest city in Portugal has so much to offer. From views of the Atlantic ocean to green forests and mountainous cliffs, Funchal, on the island of Madeira is an expat’s dream. If you’re considering Funchal as a permanent or temporary home, let’s take a look at the average monthly budget in Funchal for expats without children, families, and digital nomads.
Cost of Living in Funchal for an Expat – Less than €1100
The monthly budget for an expat in Funchal is less than €1100, making it around €200 cheaper than Porto and €400 cheaper than Lisbon. A one-bedroom apartment costs around €740, although you can always opt for renting a room which should cost less than €500. The public transportation system is quite efficient and a monthly pass is around €35. Utilities are a lot cheaper than in mainland Portugal at around €120 including phone data and cable TV. For exploring the island, eating out at your favorite restaurants, and exploring the nightlife, budget at least €150 a month. Groceries for a single person average out at around €40 a week.
Health care could add to your monthly budget in Funchal. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the National Health Service (SNS) for free for up to 90 days in Portugal. This allows them time to get registered as legal residents to continue using the public health system. However, no-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health systemic they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well. Even if this is the case, before arriving in Portugal and becoming a legal resident, they must purchase private health insurance to cover medical care.
Cost of Living in Funchal for a Digital Nomad – €965+
The monthly budget for a digital nomad starts at €965, making it slightly cheaper than Porto and Lisbon. Although co-working spaces are less common than in Porto and Lisbon, you can still find a few starting at €120. Accommodation prices are generally the time, with beds in a hostel room starting at €15 a night and private rooms starting at €40 a night. However, if you are looking for a private Airbnb, they are more affordable in Funchal starting at €1,200 a month. A transportation pass for a month costs around €35 and you should budget at least €200 a month for exploring the island and discovering the cuisine and nightlife. If you decide to cook rather than eat out, you will only need around €40 a week for groceries. If you prefer eating out 3x a day, budget at least €8 per meal so around €720 a month.
Cost of Living in Funchal for a Family of Four – €2380+
The monthly budget for a family of four in Funchal is a lot more affordable than in Lisbon and Porto, particularly due to the private school prices. While you can choose to put your children in a Portuguese public school for free, if you are looking for an English-speaking and international environment, private international schools in Funchal are not as expensive as in mainland Portugal with prices starting at €3,000 a year.
A three-bedroom apartment costs around €1160 a month, but prices can go up to €1400. For transportation, if you choose to purchase monthly passes for your family, this will cost around €140. If it is more convenient to drive instead, fuel can cost anywhere between €150 and €250 a month depending on your consumption and vehicle. Budget at least €450 a month for eating out with the family and leisure activities such as going to the cinema and museums. Basic utilities should cost around €130 a month, including cable TV and phone data. A weekly grocery shop will cost anywhere between €125 and €150 a week if you know the best spots to shop.
For health care, EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card can use the National Health Service (SNS) for free for up to 90 days in Portugal. This allows them time to get registered as legal residents to continue using the public health system. However, no-EU citizens are only entitled to use the public health systemic they are employed and pay social security in Portugal, having to be registered as legal residents as well. Even if this is the case, before arriving in Portugal and becoming a legal resident, your whole family will have to have private health insurance to cover medical care which costs around €50 per person a month.
A monthly budget for a family of four can be anywhere from €2,380 (or less if you reduce leisure activities) to over €5,000.
The Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa will be meeting Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday in London. The two politicians will close a political deal that regulates relations between the two countries post-Brexit.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Joao Gomes Cravinho said that “an agreement between the two countries is being prepared, focused on the areas of defense, external politics, science, higher education, and climate change, particularly in relation to the ocean”.
On Saturday, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was present at the Portuguese Embassy in London. When asked about Portugal and the United Kingdom closing a bilateral deal on commercial relations, the President of Portugal said this was possible. He said that such a deal “was already being prepared by the last government under the same Prime Minister. If it does not go against the European Union, each member state is free to build bilateral relations”.
While the two countries’ commercial relations are predominantly regulated by the Brexit agreement, these can be specified by the two Prime Ministers if they respect the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union.
Antonio Costa’s meeting with Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street is foreseen to take place at 1 pm on Monday.
The Portuguese Prime Minister had to cancel his schedule last week for health reasons, leading him to miss the celebrations of the Day of Portugal. He is now ready to resume his schedule.
Fun fact: the Anglo-Portuguese alliance is the oldest alliance in history. The alliance was ratified at the Treaty of Windsor in 1386 between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Portugal. Historically, the two kingdoms, as well as the modern Portuguese Republic and the United Kingdom have never fought a war against each other and have never participated in a war on opposite sides, since signing the treaty.
Under the Passport Power Rank, Portugal ranks number 3 for being the most powerful passport, along with other countries such as Switzerland and Belgium. For many around the world, obtaining Portuguese citizenship is a privilege that allows passport holders the ability to travel and live freely across European Union countries. Portugal’s citizenship scheme is an attractive one, allowing for dual citizenship and having minimal residency requirements where citizens can live anywhere in the world without ever losing their citizenship. Portuguese citizenship also allows you the right to vote and hold the rights of any other Portuguese. If you are looking to obtain Portuguese citizenship, this guide has everything you need to know about becoming a citizen in Portugal.
How to Get Portuguese Citizenship
1. Descent or Birth
You can acquire Portuguese citizenship if you are a child:
of a Portuguese parent born in a Portuguese territory
of a Portuguese parent born abroad if the parent is there serving the Portuguese state
of a Portuguese mother or father born abroad if their birth was registered at the Portuguese civil registry or alternatively if they declare they want to be Portuguese
who was born in Portuguese territory to foreign parents if at least one parent was born in Portugal and resides in Portugal at the time of birth
that was born in Portuguese territory to foreign parents if they declare they want to be Portuguese and if one parent has resided in Portugal for at least 5 years at the time of birth
born in Portuguese territory that does not have another nationality
born in Portuguese territory or abroad to a parent who got Portuguese nationality after the birth of the child
with at least one grandparent of Portuguese nationality who is sufficiently familiar with the Portuguese language
born in Portuguese territory to foreign parents if the child has lived in Portugal for 10 years
2. Naturalization After 6 Years of Residence
Those who have lived in Portugal for six years can apply for Portuguese citizenship if they pass a Portuguese language test and have not been convicted of a crime punishable in Portugal with a prison sentence of 3 years or more.
There are a few ways to obtain naturalization as a Portuguese citizen as a non-EU individual. As you will need to reside in Portugal for at least 6 years to be eligible for citizenship, you will need to apply for a visa. You can either obtain citizenship through an investment visa, the Portugal Golden Visa, or opt for the D7 or D2 Visa. However, if you are a member of the EU, you can legally reside in Portugal without a visa and obtain citizenship after 6 years.
Citizenship through Investment: Portugal Golden Visa
Created in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa is known as one of the most attractive in the world. The Portugal Golden Visa was created to boost foreign investment to benefit the Portuguese economy. There are five types of investments you can make to qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa: a real estate acquisition, an investment fund, a capital transfer, job creation, or making a donation. Let’s take a look at the types of investments:
Property Investment: Most people think you need to purchase property that costs at least €500,000 in Portugal to get a Golden Visa. However, you can spend less. If you purchase real estate in a low-density area in Portugal, the minimum to spend is €400,000. You can also buy real estate that is over 30 years old in an urban rehabilitation area and renovate it for at least €350,000. However, since January 2022, you cannot purchase real estate in Lisbon, Porto, and coastal towns. Only properties in Azores and Madeira, as well as interior territories, are now eligible for the Portuguese Golden Visa as these are low-density areas.
Investment Fund: Spend a minimum of €500,000 subscription in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund. In Portugal, these are known as fundos de capital de risco and are investment funds that support Portuguese businesses.
Capital Transfer: The most expensive option to qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa is making a capital transfer of a minimum of €1.5 million to Portugal. You must have proof of bank transfer deposits to Portugal from an international account that adds up to at least this amount.
Job Creation: There are two main investment options in this category. The first option is to create a minimum of ten new full-time jobs in a Portuguese business that you own. You do not need to invest a certain amount here. The second option has two requirements. First, you invest a minimum of €500,000 in an existing Portuguese business. Second, that business must create a minimum of five new full-time jobs within three years.
Donation: You can either invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving national heritage or €500,000 in a research and development activity in Portugal.
Also known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa, the D7 Visa is a long-term residency visa that was introduced in 2007 and unlike the Portugal Golden Visa requires no investment. Along with retirees, this visa is suitable for some remote workers and digital nomads. This visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want residence in Portugal and have a reasonable passive income. This income can be from a retirement pension, as well as a financial investment, real estate, and salary.
The minimum passive income required is €8,460 per year for the main applicant. For a spouse, you must add 50% to this (€4,230) and for a dependent child, you must add 30% to this (€2,538). Therefore, for a couple with one child, you would need around €15,300 a year to be eligible for the D7 Visa.
There are other requirements including a clean criminal record, proof of residence address in Portugal (rental or purchase), and you must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first 2 years of your residence.
The Portugal D2 Visa allows entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent service providers to reside in Portugal. This visa only applies to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to start a business or relocate their existing business to Portugal. You can also choose to invest in an existing business in Portugal.
To be eligible, you must show that you either have set up a company operating in Portuguese territory or that you have the financial resources in Portugal that demonstrate you can set up a company in Portugal. You can obtain these financial resources through a proof of loan from a Portuguese bank. There is no official amount that you need, but the recommended amount is at least €5,000. You will also need to show that you have enough money to sustain yourself. For yourself as the main applicant, you must have 100% of the minimum salary which is €8,460 per year. For a spouse, you must add 50% to this (€4,230) and for a dependent child, you must add 30% to this (€2,538). Therefore, for a couple with one child, you would need around €15,300 a year to be eligible for the D2 visa.
After three years of marriage or cohabitation with a Portuguese citizen, you can acquire Portuguese citizenship without having to reside in Portugal. Your citizenship will not be revoked if you get divorced. If you are not married but have lived with your partner for more than two years and can prove so, you are also eligible as your relationship is considered a de facto union.
However, you cannot obtain Portuguese citizenship if you are serving another country on non-mandatory military service or if you exercise any non-strictly technical public position in another country.
Moreover, if you adopt a child from abroad that is under the age of 18 they can apply for citizenship immediately.
4. Acquisition by Descendants of Sephardic Jews
Under the Jewish Law of Return, the Portuguese government grants Portuguese citizenship through naturalization to the descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Portugal during the Portuguese Inquisition. By January 2022, there were over 50,000 cases granted, with around 80,000 pending. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich got Portuguese citizenship through this law.
5. Former Portuguese Territories
Citizens of former Portuguese colonies who were born during the period of Portuguese rule are entitled to Portuguese citizenship. This includes Angola, Cape Verde, Portuguese India, Guinea Bissau, East Timor, Macao, Mozambique, and Sao Tome and Principe. Citizens from Portuguese India and Macao who descend from those under the period of Portuguese colonialism are also eligible for citizenship.
Applying for Portuguese Citizenship
You can apply for Portuguese citizenship in a Portuguese consulate in your country of residence or in Portugal in the following places:
The desk at the Institute of Registries and Notaries at the National Center for Support to the Integration of Migrants (CNAIM) in Lisbon and Porto.
In Lisbon Registration Spaces.
In the Citizen Shop of Odivelas.
In the Civil Registry.
The documents necessary will depend on your path to citizenship and will differ if you choose to go the visa route. However, these are the documents necessary for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization:
Passport
Birth certificate
Proof of knowledge of Portuguese language (A2 level)
Details of residence permit
Date and place of birth, occupation, current residence, and list of countries you have resided in
Criminal record certificate
Document issued by SEF proving legal residence for at least 6 years
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Portuguese Citizenship
Can you buy Portuguese citizenship?
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can technically purchase Portuguese citizenship through the Portugal Golden Visa. This visa allows you to make an investment in Portugal and be eligible for citizenship after six years of residence. There are five types of investments you can make to qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa: a real estate acquisition, an investment fund, a capital transfer, job creation, or making a donation. Take a look at our guide to the Portugal Golden Visa.
How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship?
Citizenship is available after six years of residence or three years if you are claiming citizenship by marriage.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Portugal?
Portugal allows dual citizenship so Portuguese citizens that acquire foreign citizenship do not lose their Portuguese citizenship and vice versa.
How much does it cost to apply for citizenship in Portugal?
The costs of citizenship through naturalization are around €175 to €200.
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