Is Portugal Safe? The Ultimate Guide to Living in One of Europe’s Safest Countries
Delicious cuisine, sunny beaches & historic architecture—Portugal has much to offer for both permanent residents and frequent vacations. However, one question arises for all those looking to visit this European country: Is Portugal Safe?
If you are thinking of moving to Portugal, it’s important to consider aspects beyond the Instagram feed. Safety and security are crucial too.
Hence, in this blog, we will answer the question: is Portugal safe to travel for various groups? Additionally, we will explore whether it is a country you should consider shifting to permanently and how you can do so.
Woman Safety in Portugal - Is Portugal Safe To Travel Solo?
Ranking 19 for women’s peace and safety, Portugal is known to be one of the most reliable countries for welcoming female travellers.
This means that you can have peace of mind whether you are walking through the streets of Lisbon at night, catching a late-hour tram to Porto, or jogging along the beach in Cascais.
Violent crime is generally rare, and most locals are respectful toward women.
That said, the usual precautions do apply. You need to be alert in busy tourist spots, as pickpocketing and petty theft can occur. But rest assured, you’re more likely to get lost wandering through an alley than encounter any serious danger or assault.
Pro tip: Like anywhere, precaution is recommended. Know the path to your destination, clutch your bolsa tight, and avoid showing off valuables late at night, especially when alone.
Is Portugal Safer in Comparison To Other European Countries?
Portugal ranks high for safety in all aspects. In fact, according to the 2024 Global Peace Index, it ranked 7th globally. Compared to Spain or Italy, Portugal offers a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
So, whether you’re planning to live in the bustling city of Lisbon or settle in a quieter countryside, you can feel at ease as a woman, even if you are traveling solo.
Healthcare in Portugal: Top-Notch for Expats
If you are thinking about moving to Portugal, you should explore more than only “Is Portugal safe to visit?”. You must grasp the operations of the national healthcare system and how you might maximize it.
Given the cost, Portugal’s healthcare system is really outstanding.
Residents can access the public healthcare system or Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS. Most of the services are either free or somewhat cheap, you will discover. A dentist visit, for instance, might cost as little as €60.
Private healthcare provides access to specialist treatments and is reasonably priced for foreigners as well. Besides, it offers less waiting times than the public system.
Portugal’s healthcare system ranks quite high in terms of worldwide quality of treatment. Major national hospitals have the most modern medical equipment together with highly qualified doctors and nurses.
Public vs. Private Healthcare
While public healthcare is quite remarkable in Portugal, expats often opt for private insurance, especially when they first arrive. This is due to the shorter waiting times and the larger variety of specialists available.
Furthermore, people feel comfortable going for private healthcare due to its affordability. Private health insurance is cheaper in Portugal, in comparison to other Western countries like the U.S. and the UK.
Pro tip: If you’re worried about the language barrier when booking a doctor’s appointment, don’t worry! Many Portuguese doctors can speak English and will be able to assist you comfortably.
How to Access Healthcare as an Expat?
In order to gain access to public healthcare, you need a D7 visa approval. We’ll discuss more on this later. Next, you need to register with a National Health Service (SNS) user number. This is quite straightforward once you have your residency details sorted out.
For private healthcare, simply get insurance before or after your move.
Portugal is a healthcare heaven for retirees, too. It’s one of the reasons why so many pensioners move to the Algarve, as they can feel relaxed now that their medical care is taken care of.
With excellent healthcare services, the answer to “Is Portugal safe?” becomes clearer—retirees can enjoy peace of mind in more ways than one.
Is Portugal Safe to LGBT Community: An Inclusive and Open Society
If we talk about LGBTQ+ safety and diversity, Portugal is one of the leading countries in Europe.
It has made room for more inclusion over the years and has announced same-sex marriage legal since 2010. Portugal was one of the first countries to pass supportive laws for gender identity, even declaring discrimination against sexual orientation as illegal.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities and Communities
You will notice that Lisbon and Porot are home to LGBTQ+ communities. These cities host regular pride events and offer inclusive bars with welcoming atmospheres.
Same-sex couples are free to display affection in public, while the public attitude is generally tolerant and open-minded. In rural areas, like in many countries, you may encounter more traditional mentalities, but outright discrimination is rare.
So if you’re an LGBTQ+ individual considering a move and wondering, “Is Portugal safe?”, do not worry, as Portugal is a safe, welcoming choice.
Pro tip: Portugal doesn’t just offer acceptance; it offers celebration. Lisbon’s LGBTQ+ pride parade is not to be missed, with its colorful floats, good vibes, and endless dancing.
Is Portugal Safe For Expats: Living Conditions in Portugal
Portugal is the country to consider moving to if you want to shift your family permanently to a foreign country.
Should you find yourself asking, “Is Portugal Safe to visit?” whether your relocation is for employment, retirement, or simply a change of environment, this European nation welcomes all expats with wide arms. The society is laid back and welcoming; you will find that people treat newcomers kindly and generally helpfully.
Furthermore, English is rather common all around the nation, particularly in tourist destinations and cities. Expats will find it simpler to adapt and settle within the nation as a result.
The Expat Experience: Building Community
One of the most appealing aspects of living in Portugal as a foreigner is the growing expat community.
Thanks to remote work flexibility, people are looking to move out of their home country and shift to more relaxed and peaceful European countries, such as Portugal. Digital nomads, undergraduates, retirees, etc. – individuals worldwide are choosing Portugal as their new home.
What this means for you is that you will not be alone in a completely foreign country, with fellow expats sharing your experiences. Additionally, there are plenty of meetups, expat forums and social events that you can attend to help you find your people.
This sense of community is helpful, especially when wondering: Is Portugal safe?
Pro tip: Before you travel, get a little familiar with Portugal’s native tongue, Portuguese. Even though English is spoken widely, locals will appreciate the effort and offer a more welcoming
Is Portugal Safe To Visit For Expats?
“Is Portugal Safe?” is a question that expats often answer positively. Portugal is described by its foreign residents as one of the safest places they’ve ever lived.
The nation is well-known for low crime rates; violent events happen somewhat seldom. Still, it’s crucial to bear in mind broad safety precautions include always watching over your possessions or being wary of pickpockets in busy travel places.
Portugal is among the greatest nations for expats because of its safety, economy, lifestyle, and cost. The country ranks number 15 in the Expat Insider 2024 poll for quality of life, safety, and ease of settling in.
This means that the nation shows a good indication of dependability—making it clear that when asked “Is Portugal safe?”, you should have a reassuring answer.
Low Crime Rates in Portugal: Enjoy the Pace
According to several statistics, crime rates in Portugal are low. Violent crime is especially rare, with most incidents being related to petty theft and pickpocketing. These are also focused on tourist-heavy areas. Hence, it’s always wise to stay alert, particularly in busy places.
Is Portugal Safe? The Numbers Don’t Lie
To simply answer the question: is Portugal safe? Yes, it is, and we have the numbers to prove it!
Portugal is among the safest nations in Europe, according to the Crime Index published by Numbeo. It routinely ranks lower than nations like Spain and France, which attracts people looking for mental peace of mind.
Pro tip: Avoid parking your car in secluded or poorly lit areas, especially in touristy spots along the Algarve coast. Car break-ins aren’t common but can happen. And don’t leave valuables on display in your rental car unless you want an unexpected window repair bill.
Road Safety in Portugal: Is Lisbon Portugal Safe to Drive?
Let’s talk about driving in Portugal—because it’s a bit of a rough ride.
While the road network is well-built and nicely structured, Portuguese drivers have a reputation for being… enthusiastic. Unfortunately, tailgating, speeding, road raging, and unpredictable lane changes are common on highways.
Is Portugal Safe For Driving in Cities & Rural Areas
If you find yourself wondering: “Is Portugal safe for driving?”, you are not alone!
In cities, traffic can get busy, especially in Lisbon. This is because the city is home to narrow streets and congested roads.
Hence, when you’re new to Portugal, you might want to initially consider public transport. Public transportation in Portugal is affordable and quite reliable. Once you’ve settled in and adapted to the country’s driving culture, you can get your own car to practice and drive on the roads.
Moving to Portugal: Visa and Immigration Options
Once you have a firm “yes” to the question “Is Portugal safe to visit?”, it’s time to understand how to move into the country.
Portugal offers various visas that fit the needs of every individual. Whether you want to start a business, work remotely, or are looking to retire, you have a list of visas to select from.
Let’s see what works best for you.
Portugal D7 Visa
The D7 Visa is offered to those with a steady stream of passive income. It should at least match the Portuguese minimum wage. Furthermore, you’ll need health insurance and proof of accommodation (rental or ownership) to apply for the visa.
This visa is perfect for retirees with regular pensions or individuals looking to relax and have a steamy income every month. Beyond financial stability, is Portugal safe to retire in?
Absolutely—the country offers a secure and relaxed environment for those seeking a dream retirement life.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancing and remote jobs are the new culture of work, and Portugal supports this lifestyle.
The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to reside in the country while you continue to work worldwide. You can apply for a short-term visa (up to one year) or a two-year permit if you prefer a longer stay.
The requirements for this visa include proof of digital employment alongside the monthly income. It is expected to be around 1.5x of the minimum wage.
Portugal D2 Visa
For business owners and entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a company in Portugal, D2 is your solution.
The D2 visa allows you to establish a business with two years of residency. This visa also permits renewal. The requirements are simple: present a solid business plan and prove that you have the funds to support and run it.
Additionally, you need health insurance and proof of accommodation.
And when it comes to financial safety, let’s just say, “is Portugal safe to run a business?” isn’t even a question anymore.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is the option that will grant you residency rights in Portugal rather quickly.
It is an attractive option that lets you become a resident of Portugal as long as you make a significant investment in the country. It can be in real estate, job creation, or research.
To qualify for the visa, you need to submit proof of funds as well as your investment strategy. This visa helps you secure your residency and also allows you to travel across the Schengen Zone.
How to Work With Us?
Portugal Residency Advisors is here to guarantee a smooth transfer from your homeland to this dream European country. Our team will help you through the visa process and shifting into Portugal while targeting any urgent concerns including “Is Portugal safe”?
Ready to make the move? Let us handle the complicated details so you can adjust to your new life in Portugal with ease. Connect with us today!
Frequently asked questions about Is Portugal Safe?
For expatriates or single female visitors, is Portugal safe?
Portugal boasts low crime rates and a polite culture, thereby ranking among among the safest nations for women.
Is Portugal safer than Spain?
Yes, generally. With less crime than Spain, Portugal often ranks higher on worldwide safety indices.
Is Portugal safe to visit for tourists?
Indeed, Portugal offers visitors quite safe conditions. However, like any tourist destination, you should be alert for small-time theft in congested places.
Is Portugal safe to live in?
Sure, absolutely! It is among the safest nations in Europe for people based on low crime rates and tranquil societies.
Do I need a visa to go to Portugal?
That relies on your nationality. EU citizens as well as many other nations are allowed to remain up to ninety days without a visa.
Is Portugal safe for Uber?
Indeed, Uber is rather popular in Portugal and seen as safe, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto.
What languages are spoken in Portugal?
Although Portuguese is the official language, many individuals also speak English, particularly in places geared at tourists and foreigners.
