According to an analysis by International Living magazine, which ranked the country 4th among the best places to live in 2026, safety is the factor that most sets Portugal apart from other countries.

It is common to see families and children on the streets until midnight, or people walking peacefully with their mobile phones in hand, reflecting an absence of social tension that particularly attracts those coming from large cities in the US or the UK.

In addition to safety, the diversity of landscapes and climate is a major attraction. The country offers microclimates for all tastes: from the mild winters of the Algarve to the ‘eternal spring’ of Madeira, passing through the cooler and greener north.

Added to this natural wealth is a culture of inclusion and daily respect, in which the LGBTQ+ community is widely accepted. This welcoming environment extends to ease of social integration, making it simple to build a community through walking groups, language exchanges, or reading clubs, all in a setting where history is present in every tile and in every traditional fishing port.

When it comes to the economy, although Portugal is no longer the ‘bargain’ destination it once was, it still offers excellent value for money compared to cities such as London or New York. The cost of living has adjusted, with rents for one-bedroom flats outside Lisbon's centre at around €1,500 per month and for two-bedroom flats on the outskirts of Porto at around €1,200 per month.

In terms of mobility, cities are very accessible without a car: a monthly public transport pass costs between €30 and €40 (even cheaper for pensioners), and ride-hailing services (such as Uber) maintain competitive prices of between €3 and €5 for short trips.

Healthcare and bureaucracy are the final pillars of this choice. The National Health Service (SNS) offers universal coverage, but many retirees choose to supplement this service with private health insurance — which costs, on average, €130 per month — to ensure faster access to specialists.

For those planning to move, D7 visas (for passive income from €700/month) and D8 visas (for digital nomads with income above €3,000/month) remain the main routes to residency.

Portugal thus presents itself as a country that is modernising its rules without losing the familiarity and deep roots that make it a true safe haven for the future.