Portugal is increasingly becoming a top destination for families worldwide, drawn by the country’s unique blend of opportunities for both children and adults.
Data from the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) reveals a consistent rise in foreign residents. In 2021, the number reached a record high of 698,887, marking the sixth consecutive year of growth since SEF started its records in 1976.
A significant portion of these newcomers are of working age, with approximately 76.4% falling between 25 and 44 years old.
Driven by remote work possibilities and diverse visa options, many families are choosing Portugal, prioritizing an improved way of life
## The Appeal of Family Life in Portugal
Portugal’s landscape ranges from mountains and vast countryside to beautiful coastlines, complemented by pleasant climate conditions.
For families seeking a closer connection with nature, Portugal offers an environment perfect for year-round outdoor activities and a wellness-centered path.
There’s never a shortage of activities, from surfing and horse riding to cycling. In addition, free activities are often sponsored by Portugal’s municipalities and extra-curricular programs are available in the public school systems for kids.
## Education for Expat Children
Major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and areas in the Algarve region offer quality international schools with foreign-based curriculums and languages like English, German and French.
Portugal’s public schools offer sports, arts, and numerous after-school clubs in arts and science without tuition costs, so you do not have to only consider private schooling.
Because of the growing international population, schools are experienced in helping forgein children learn Portuguese and transition with ease.
## Hospitality and Language
Many public schools are offering Portuguese classes to expat adults, so the whole family can learn together. This is just one of the welcoming approaches Portugal shows to people of all backgrounds.
The people of Portugal have a genuine welcoming nature that is hard to ignore. When you don’t speak Portuguese, most locals know English, or will patiently try to communicate with you even in rural areas.
The people of Portugal display genuine hospitality that is seen in the most unexpected ways. If you don’t speak Portuguese fluently, most will speak English, and even in the remote parts of the country, you are received with kindness and understanding, even if they can’t speak your native language.
The warmth of the community is a way of life in this region. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised when neighbors deliver fresh fruits and vegetables from their gardens, or when you meet the local baker that delivers fresh bread to your door.
There is a strong sense of community, and one sees that this is an area that is also centered around family, as is noticed by how highly they value the well-being of the younger generation.
A large part of the national environmental initiatives goes toward maintaining the natural wonders of the country and keeping a carbon footprint at a minimum. However, they also provide leisure and entertainment to the community, such as skate parks, soccer fields, tennis courts and playgrounds, which are present throughout the country.
## A Safe Haven for Families
Portugal is known as the safest country in the world with extremely low numbers of safety concerns or terrorist threats. As a way of life here, children enjoy the freedom they had growing up, with the ability to roam, play and explore without the risks of today’s world. Most days children can be seen at the beach playing in the water with friends or riding their bikes around the city and trails.
There are many areas just outside of the big cities where children can pick fruit right off the tree and spend more time outdoors in nature than in front of screens. As a way of life, many are seeing the beauty and simple joys of life and disconnecting from technology to reclaim traditions and cultural roots.
On the other hand, Portuguese vendors stock the shelves with well-known brands and goods, so if you are ever craving something familiar, you typically can find it easily.
## Vacations and Cost of Living in Portugal
Having a lower cost of living than many other nations in Western Europe and boasting almost all days as sunny days, Portugal makes having a second home desirable and in a very kid-friendly area.
Visiting the Silver Coast of Portugal will open your eyes to the best beaches in the country, along with water parks, dolphin-watching boat tours and sea inflatables.
