Is Spain Or Portugal Better For Expats?

Is Spain Or Portugal Better For Expats?

Is Spain Or Portugal Better For Expats?

For many expatriates, deciding where to relocate can be a daunting task. Spain and Portugal, with it’s Iberian peninsula, have long been popular destinations for expats wanting to enjoy the sunshine, scenic beauty, and cultural attractions of Southern Europe. While both offer a similar Mediterranean lifestyle, each country has its own unique advantages and drawbacks.
 
Spain is known for its warm weather, beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place to retire, start a business or be a digital nomad. Portugal, on the other hand, is a bit more laid back. It’s known for its beautiful countryside, quaint villages, and delicious food. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the simple life.
 
Let’s explore the differences, some pros and cons for living in Portugal and Spain from an expat perspective, including the cost of living, healthcare, climate, and more. Keep reading to find out which country might be better for expats to live.

Do You Need Visas To Live In Portugal or Spain?

So you’re thinking about packing up and starting a new life in Portugal or Spain. Before you get ahead of yourself, you need to figure out if you need a visa to live there.
 
The good news is that if you’re an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa to live in Spain or Portugal – lucky you! Just pack your bags and show up, no paperwork necessary.
 
If you’re not an EU citizen, don’t panic just yet. Depending on how long you plan to stay and what you plan to do while you’re there, you might need a visa. 

For example, if you’re planning on staying for less than 90 days and just chilling out, you can enter as a tourist without a visa. But if you’re planning on working, studying or retiring, you’ll need a specific type of visa.
The best thing to do is to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you want to move to. They’ll be able to advise you on what kind of visa you’ll need and how to apply for it.
 
It’s also worth noting that if you’re planning on staying for an extended period of time, you may need to register with local authorities and obtain a residence card. 
 
This will allow you to access public services like healthcare and education, and also make it easier for you to open a bank account or get a job.
 
It’s important to stay up-to-date on any changes in immigration laws or policies, especially if you’re planning on staying for a longer period of time. Consulting with an immigration lawyer or expert can also be helpful in navigating the visa process. 
Overall, whether you’re an EU citizen or not, it’s essential to do your research and understand the visa requirements for your specific situation before making any big moves. With the right planning and preparation, you can make your dream of living in Spain or Portugal a reality.
 
For those expatriates that are looking to make the move permanent and may even be considering citizenship, you may want to look into a golden visa. It’s a legit way for non-European Union citizens to get residency in either Spain or Portugal by investing a certain amount of money in property or businesses. 
 
The amount varies depending on the country and the type of investment. But once you’ve made the investment, you can get residency pretty quickly – usually within a few months. And after a certain period of time, you may even be eligible to apply for citizenship.

Cost of Living In Spain vs Portugal

Both Spain and Portugal are relatively affordable countries to live in compared to other places in Europe. That being said, it is good to compare the cost of living in each country. 

There are differences in cost between cities and regions, with larger metropolitan areas generally being more expensive.  Portugal is also known to be slightly cheaper and more affordable than Spain, with lower prices for food, drinks, and accommodation.
 
Spain has a stronger economy with things being slightly higher there.  Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive cities, while the cost of living in smaller cities like Valencia or Granada is more affordable. 

In general, you can expect to spend about €1,200-€1,500 a month to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and transportation.
region of Valencia

If you choose to live in Portugal, Lisbon and Porto are the pricier cities, but again, smaller towns and cities offer cheaper housing and living expenses. 

On average, you’ll need to budget about €1,000-€1,500 a month to cover your living expenses compared to Spain.
 
This is just a quick rundown on the cost of living in Portugal and Spain. Expatriates will find it safe to live in these affordable regions of Spain and Portugal compared to other European countries.

Healthcare in Spain vs Portugal

Both Spain and Portugal have good universal public healthcare systems that provide free or low-cost medical services to residents and visitors alike.  They also have affordable private healthcare options available as well. However, Spain’s healthcare system is considered to be slightly better than Portugal’s, with shorter waiting times and more modern facilities.

In Spain, the public health care system is called the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). It covers everything from basic doctor visits to hospital stays to prescription drugs. And the best part? It’s free! 
 
Well, technically not exactly free – you do have to pay a small percentage of the cost of your prescription drugs, but everything else is covered.
 

The health care system is managed by each region, but they all follow the same basic guidelines. As a visitor, you’ll need to show your passport and provide some basic information to sign up for health care services. 

The card you receive will allow you to have access to doctors and hospitals for everything from routine check-ups to emergency care.

Over in Portugal, the public health care system is called the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). The health care system is more centralized, with a national health service that provides free care to everyone. 
 
Like in Spain, it covers everything from basic check-ups to major surgeries. And again, it’s free! You do have to pay a small co-payment for doctor’s visits, but it’s a pretty small price to pay for high-quality health care. 
Just like Spain, you’ll need to bring your passport and provide some information to sign up for services. However, if you’re only visiting for a short time, you might need to pay for some services out of pocket.
 
Overall, you can feel pretty good about the health care situation in Spain and Portugal. Just remember to pack your passport and make sure you’re covered before you go!

Climate in Spain And Portugal

First off, Spain and Portugal have a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. But within that broad description, there are some differences you should be aware of. 

Both countries experience regional variations in climate. The north tends to be cooler and wetter, while the south is drier and sunnier. 

The Atlantic coast is generally more temperate and humid, while the Mediterranean coast is hotter and drier.
 
In Spain, the northern regions tend to be cooler and wetter, while the southern regions can get scorching hot in the summer. 

And don’t forget about the Canary Islands, where it’s pretty much sunny and warm all year round.
As for Portugal, the north tends to be cooler and rainier, while the south is hotter and drier. And if you’re looking for some beach vibes, the Algarve region should definitely be on your radar.
 

So, if you’re imagining sunny beaches and blue skies year-round, you’re not entirely wrong. But the reality is a little more complex than that. 

Summers can indeed get hot and sticky, with temperatures averaging around 30-35°C (86-95°F) in both countries. 

But winters can be surprisingly chilly, especially if you’re used to a more tropical climate. You can expect temperatures to range from 5-10°C (41-50°F) on average, with occasional dips below freezing in some parts of the countries.

So, what does all this mean for expatriates? Well, if you can handle the heat and don’t mind a few chilly mornings, you’ll likely find the climate in these countries quite pleasant. Plus, there’s always the option of escaping to the mountains or the coast if you need a change of scenery. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always air conditioning!

Languages of Portugal and Spain

Spanish is the official language in Spain, while Portuguese is the official language in Portugal. However, many people in both countries also speak English, especially in tourist areas. 
 
If you’re moving to Spain, the Spanish they speak is a bit different from the Spanish you learned in school. The official language is Spanish (or Castilian), but there are also several regional languages such as Catalan, Basque, and Galician. 

It’s a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in the local language, especially if you’ll be living in Catalonia or the Basque Country. Don’t worry, the locals are usually pretty patient with foreigners trying to learn the language.
 
Portuguese is the official language spoken in Portugal, and it’s spoken by over 200 million people worldwide. Like Spanish, there are regional dialects in Portugal, may be quite different from the standard language.
 

One thing to keep in mind is that while many locals speak English, it’s always a good idea to try and learn the local language. 

It shows respect for the culture and can really help you connect with the locals, which in turn helps give you access to social activities. Plus, it makes one better prepared to navigate day-to-day tasks like shopping or ordering at a restaurant. 

So get out there and start practicing your Spanish or Portuguese. Luckily, there are many resources available to help you learn a new language. You can take classes, use language-learning apps, or even hire a language tutor. With a little effort, you’ll be speaking like a local in no time!

Culture And Lifestyle Of Portugal vs Spain

Portugal and Spain share a similar Mediterranean culture, with vibrant cities, delicious food, and a love for art and music. However, there are still cultural differences between the two countries, especially in terms of traditions and customs.
 
If you’re planning on moving to Portugal or Spain, it’s important to understand the cultural differences that you may encounter. 

These countries have a rich history and a unique way of life that can take a bit of getting used to, but with a bit of knowledge and an open mind, you’ll be able to embrace the local culture and truly enjoy your new home.
 

Both countries have a strong sense of pride in their history and traditions. Both are known for their love of good food – fresh seafood and tapas in Spain, port wine and pastéis de nata (custard tarts) in Portugal.  

Music and festivals are also very common – from the bull-running festivals in Pamplona to the wine-tasting events in the Douro Valley, there’s always something to celebrate. 

In addition, the architecture and art of these countries are world-renowned, with spectacular old towns and museums full of treasures. 
But there are some differences that you should be aware of, too. For example, in Spain, people tend to eat dinner late in the evening, sometimes as late as 10pm or 11pm. And in Portugal, afternoon siestas are still common, with many shops and businesses closing for a few hours in the middle of the day.  This can also be true for parts of Spain.
 
Perhaps the most important aspect of the culture in Spain and Portugal is the concept of family and community. People here value spending time with loved ones and building strong connections with neighbors and friends. The slower, relaxed lifestyle are common in both countries which are perfect for those expatriates seeking this kind of quality and standard of living. 

Taxes in Spain vs Portugal

When it comes to taxes for expats, it’s important to understand the differences between countries. Spain and Portugal, both popular destinations for expatriates, have their own tax laws and regulations. Knowing the tax differences between these two countries can help you make informed decisions about your financial planning, investments, and overall living expenses.
 

In general, the income tax rate is slightly higher in Spain than Portugal, although this varies depending on your income bracket. Spanish residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while Portuguese residents are only taxed on income earned within the country. 

In Spain, residents must pay tax on their worldwide income and are subject to progressive income tax rates, ranging from 19% to 45%. Non-residents are only taxed on their Spanish income at a flat rate of 24%.

 Additionally, Portugal  also offers a generous non-habitual residency program, which provides Portuguese tax incentives for foreign residents who are retirees or have high-value skills. 

Portugal’s non-habitual resident (NHR) regime allows expats to receive certain income without being subject to any tax for a period of up to 10 years. Afterward, the income is taxed at a flat rate of 20%.
 

In terms of taxes on property, Spain has a wealth tax that applies to all assets that exceed €700,000 , including real estate, while Portugal does not. On the other hand, Portugal has a more favorable tax regime for inheritance and gifts, with lower rates and exemptions for family members. 

It’s also important to note that both countries have double taxation agreements with many countries, allowing expats to avoid paying tax twice on the same income.

Navigating these tax differences can be complex, and it’s important to seek professional advice from a tax consultant who specializes in expat taxes. By understanding the tax differences between Spain and Portugal, you can make informed decisions that minimize your tax liabilities and help you achieve your financial goals.

Travel To Other European Countries from Spain and Portugal

If you’re planning on living in Spain or Portugal, you might be wondering about your ability to travel to other European countries. 

Well, good news – both countries are part of the Schengen Area, which means that you can have plenty of opportunities to travel freely to other Schengen countries without needing a visa.
 
That’s right, you can just pack up your bags and head to France, Germany, Italy, or any of the other 25 Schengen countries without any hassle. Just make sure you have your passport or ID card with you, because you might need to show it at the border.
 

Of course, there may be some limitations and restrictions when it comes to traveling during a pandemic, so make sure you check the latest advice and guidelines before you make any travel plans. 

But generally speaking, living in Spain or Portugal gives you plenty of opportunities to explore this beautiful part of the world. So get ready to hit the road and see what Europe has to offer!

So Which Country is Better For Expats - Spain or Portugal?

We as a family decided on Spain as the country of choice with language being one of the deciding factors.  I had studied Spanish through high school and college.  I even spent a summer in Mexico working on my language skills.  The adults took classes online and we prepped the kids with YouTube videos and Duolingo to get them ready.   
 
Valencia was our destination – cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, beautiful beaches, slower paced but still active enough for a growing family and retired grandma. And guess what? The Spanish we learned was not the same as the Spanish in Valencia. Different Spanish dialect – thank goodness the locals are patient and understanding!
 
However, the answer to the above question ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. Both countries offer a unique blend of culture, history, and lifestyle. Spain boasts a larger expat community, but Portugal has a lower cost of living and a more relaxed pace of life. It is up to the individual to weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision for their personal situation.

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