If you have already fallen in love with European culture and are considering settling on this continent, have you ever wondered why you should choose Portugal?

Are you thinking about moving there but still need a more convincing reason? If you are considering leaving your current job and relocating to a developed country for a new life and career, then settling in Portugal is the right choice for you.

Today, countries in the European Union (EU), particularly Portugal, are considered among the most livable in the world and offer your family a great opportunity to achieve the dream of becoming global citizens (see more about the benefits of global citizenship).

There are many reasons why people come to Portugal—some for travel, others for business or to live—but everyone agrees that it is easy to “fall in love” with this country. Below are some reasons why people should consider settling in Portugal. Take a look:

• High quality of life: Portugal is considered one of the countries with the best quality of life in the world. In terms of climate, healthcare, and safety, it ranks highly across the board. According to one of the most comprehensive global surveys on expatriates—Expat Insider 2017—Portugal is among the top countries for quality of life.
• Low cost of living: Most expatriates find that the cost of living in Portugal is lower than in their home countries. This is especially evident in grocery shopping, dining out, and rental prices. In addition to lower living costs, the country also offers a more appealing lifestyle compared to many other EU nations.
• Relaxed pace of life: Once you get used to the local lifestyle, you will appreciate the slower pace—such as limited banking hours and the fact that some businesses close for a few hours each afternoon. This gives you time to escape the heat of summer days, take care of household tasks, or socialize with friends.
• Stunning natural landscapes: Located along the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal boasts breathtaking scenery. The western coastline features unique rock formations rising from the sea. There are also mountain ranges such as Serra da Estrela and Serra de São Mamede, along with national parks and nature reserves. The sandy beaches in the south are popular destinations for sunseekers, and you can also explore volcanic islands like Madeira and the Azores.
• Diverse food and drink: With its long coastline, Portugal offers an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, along with excellent wines. The country has many vineyards producing local wines, including the famous port wine. You can enjoy unique dishes such as pastéis de nata (custard tarts), tripeiros (tripe-based dishes), and the popular sandwich francesinha.
• A country of festivals: The Portuguese truly know how to celebrate. Towns and cities across the country host lively street festivals throughout the year. Notable among them are the Santos festivals in June, with major celebrations in Lisbon and Porto, where streets are filled with food, music, and colorful decorations.
• Mild weather: Portugal enjoys a temperate climate year-round, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C. Summers are warm and sunny, especially in the south, where the average temperature in Algarve in July is around 24°C.
  Fast and accessible residency programs: Portugal is one of the few European countries offering residency programs with relatively reasonable investment requirements and a straightforward application process. Within approximately 3–6 months, investors can obtain a residence permit and enjoy many of the benefits available to European residents.