Portugal: the new destination for middle-aged expats and digital nomads

In the list curated by Global City Solutions, Lisbon has been named the best city in the world to relocate to, reinforcing its position as a leading global destination.

Portugal has established itself in 2026 as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for remote workers, active retirees, and middle-aged expats. The country combines a mild climate, strong digital connectivity, and a still competitive cost of living compared to other European capitals, fueling a new wave of international arrivals, especially in Lisbon and other major cities.

A magnet for Britons and Europeans seeking a new life

In recent years, Portugal has seen a steady increase in foreign residents choosing to settle in the country, many of them from the United Kingdom. The main reasons are usually a combination of factors: a search for better quality of life, a milder climate, and a lower cost of living than cities such as London or Amsterdam.

In this context, the country stands out particularly for some lower everyday expenses compared to other European destinations. For example, a meal at a local restaurant can cost around €10–15. Regional and domestic flights within Europe from Portugal also tend to be more affordable, making frequent travel easier for expatriates.

In a recent report by the Daily Mail, a British expat said her financial situation in Portugal is “drastically better than in her home country,” highlighting that her combined council tax and water bill costs are €21 (£18.20) per month, partly thanks to solar panels. This contrasts with typical costs in the United Kingdom, where these expenses can be significantly higher.

Why Lisbon has become the main destination for expatriates

The trend of seeking new horizons in pursuit of a better quality of life is no longer limited to retirees or middle-aged people looking to relocate. Increasingly, working-age professionals, especially freelancers and independent workers, are choosing to move to the country, attracted by the possibility of maintaining remote income while reducing fixed expenses. Lisbon tops global expatriation rankings thanks to a combination of factors that make it especially attractive for people moving abroad.

• High quality of life: known for its balance between city size, services, and daily wellbeing.
• Easy integration for foreigners: established international communities help new residents adapt more easily.
• Safe and stable environment: one of the most valued factors among expatriates in global rankings.
• Cultural offering and lifestyle: combines historic heritage, active cultural life, and pleasant weather throughout the year.
• Attractive for digital nomads: more remote workers are choosing Lisbon for its connectivity and functional urban environment.
• Human-scale city: less chaotic than many other European capitals, improving the overall day-to-day experience.

The rise of digital nomads and remote work

Portugal has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for digital nomads, driven by the expansion of remote work, improved digital infrastructure, and the implementation of specific visas for this profile.

One of the key factors behind this growth is the relatively lower cost of living compared to other European countries, especially major capitals such as Paris, London, or Amsterdam. This difference allows many professionals to optimize their income without sacrificing quality of life, spending less on housing, entertainment, and daily expenses. These savings are often complemented by more efficient remote work planning through tools such as eSIMs that help maintain connectivity while abroad.

Beyond Lisbon: a growing network of destinations

Although Lisbon attracts much of the media attention, the trend is spreading to other cities such as Porto and smaller regions across the country, where the cost of living can be significantly lower.

This decentralization is reshaping the country’s map: instead of a single expatriate hotspot, Portugal is beginning to function as a network of alternative destinations that combine connectivity, quality of life, and more balanced living costs.