Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Maryam Siddiqui
You’ve probably heard a lot about Lisbon’s entrepreneurial scene and the Algarve’s stunning beaches. But how much have you heard about Central Portugal’s beauty, development, and tranquility? We’re here to spill all the details of what it’s like living in Central Portugal and the benefits of moving to an underrated region!
From Aveiro’s charm and Nazaré’s beach resorts to Viseu’s architecture and Covilhã’s local cuisine, the Central Portugal region hasn’t been explored by most expats yet. While this may seem like a downside to some, this region offers more than you could imagine.
Read this article till the end to know all the opportunities you can explore while living in Central Portugal. Is this a good place to relocate? Does it cost more to live here than in Lisbon or the Algarve? Can you get a Golden Visa if you live here? Know all the answers to your questions and more! Happy reading.
What is living in Central Portugal like?
Small cities, close-knit communities, and absolutely stunning landscapes; that’s how you would describe Central Portugal.
Central Portugal is South of Porto and North of Lisbon, with some cities that are more populous, like Coimbra, and others that aren’t as known, like Monsanto. People here enjoy the small-town vibe with a few urban centers that keep the economy running.
This region holds a lot of cultural significance and is home to many monarchs, poets, and scholars.
Who lives in Central Portugal?
The Central region of Portugal is home to almost 2.27 million inhabitants in all cities combined. It’s a large administrative zone with cities that have major administrative status within the country.
Approximately 11.8% of the population compromise of young people aged below 15 years, and 61.1% of the population is of working age. The elderly account for about 27%, out of which many are expat retirees from all over the world.
People living in Central Portugal are those that don’t want to be too near the hustle and bustle of cities like Lisbon and Porto. People here much rather prefer a slower pace of life, with less traffic and more affordable housing.
Why are expats moving to Central Portugal?
Living in Central Portugal is a dream come true for many people. Especially now that other regions of Portugal are starting to fill in more every year, the Central region is an excellent alternative.
Let’s give you some more details! Discover three reasons why expats are moving to Central Portugal:
Central Portugal is safe and developed
While the world struggled to rise from the post-pandemic recession, Portugal’s GDP surpassed previous levels shortly after the world opened for business again. The country employed wide-ranging policies to sustain employment and income growth and to maintain financial stability.
Developments aren’t just for metropolitan cities like Lisbon and Porto. Although towns like Viseu, Tomar, Batalha, and Castelo Branco are known for their history and old architecture, new developments in infrastructure keep taking place.
Traveling between towns and other cities outside of Central Portugal is not an issue either, thanks to the availability of public transport. No matter where you are, you will feel safe. Portugal ranks as the fourth safest country in the world, so there’s hardly much to worry about on an everyday basis.
Health and education are a priority
You know there’s something right when a region invests in its health and education sectors!
One of the main reasons to live in Central Portugal isn’t the scenic landscapes or marvelous beaches. It’s imperative to live in a region where you know you have access to good facilities, and your children can get the best education possible.
As a report by the World Health Organization confirms, the Central region’s strengths lie in the presence of quality education and research centers. There are several public universities, medical and nursing schools, as well as incubators for innovative businesses.
Coimbra is also home to Portugal’s largest hospital, Coimbra University Hospital Center, and the largest nursing school, Coimbra’s Nursing School.
Central Portugal regions still qualify for the Golden Visa
One of the biggest reasons why Central Portugal is becoming the talk of the town recently is because the region still qualifies for the Golden Visa. What this means is that you’re eligible to apply for the Golden Visa if you’ve purchased a property in the Central region.
“How is that different from other regions?” Good question.
Well, purchasing a property in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and the Silver Coast of Portugal as an investment was enough to get a Golden Visa until recent changes were made. However, making real estate investments in those regions is no longer valid.
This change was made as an attempt to distribute capital investments in regions that needed it more. And investors are making the most out of this opportunity!
There are numerous stunning properties within Central Portugal that you can invest in and see the asset values grow twice and thrice over the years.
- Read our Complete Guide To Golden Visa In Portugal to know all about capital investments and how to get a European Passport!
Buying a property in Central Portugal
Whether for investment purposes or personal use, buying a property in Central Portugal can be a great deal. They’re much cheaper than in bigger cities but are still getting increasingly valuable each passing year thanks to Portugal’s booming real estate market.
You can find a house close to a beach or one that’s located in a secluded area with privacy. There’s something for everyone, and you can find a house that meets your needs within your budget.
Take a look at the average property prices in different regions of Central Portugal:
| Region | Price/100m2 |
|---|---|
| Aveiro | €162,400 |
| Leiria | €138,900 |
| Coimbra | €122,600 |
| Santa Maria | €115,100 |
| Viseu | €92,600 |
| Castelo Branco | €72,400 |
| Guarda | €66,500 |
Prices are from Idealista (as of October 2022).
Renting a flat in Central Portugal
If you’re aware of property prices in the Northern and Southern regions of Portugal, you would’ve noticed that prices are considerably lower in Central Portugal. Hence, rent is also much lower.
For example, you can find a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Coimbra for nearly €480, and around €345 if you move away from the city’s center. In Leiria, renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere around €750 if you’re in the city’s center and €570 if you’re away from it.
So, you can tell by now that rent is quite affordable if you compare it to other Portuguese cities or other countries.
Is it better to live in Central Portugal or Lisbon?
It’s really difficult to label a particular region of Portugal as worse or better off. It’s all about lifestyle preferences, the kind of environment you’re looking for, and whether you have the right facilities near you.
Lisbon, as you probably know by now, is the country’s business hub. It’s a city with a lot going on; loads of businesses, cafes, and also lots of traffic. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s still heavily populated with expats and entrepreneurs.
People love Lisbon for different reasons, and the biggest reason is that it’s very expat-friendly, has a very typical city vibe, and has lots of opportunities for growth.
On the other hand, Central Portugal does not have many urban centers, with business dealings happening till midnight. People here enjoy surfing on the beach and indulging in the outstanding gastronomy.
It all depends on what pace of life you’re looking for and what kind of lifestyle you want to create for yourself.
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Is living in Central Portugal better than living in the Algarve?
Similar to our opinion above, there is no worse or better-off region in Portugal. The Algarve is another very famous region among expats, tourists, and locals alike. Millions of tourists visit the region every year, and those that fall in love decide to relocate forever.
So, it’s very difficult to claim that living in Central Portugal is better than living in the Algarve. However, the Algarve is much more densely populated and is a huge tourist magnet. This means that people visit often, there are significant business dealings, and it is also much more expensive.
Of course, it comes with its perks, like having a larger expat community and more options for International Schools in the Algarve. You’ll also find that the language barrier is lower compared to Central Portugal.
With that being said, expats have recently started to look for more “under the radar” cities, and Central Portugal is full of them. You won’t have to worry about busy cafes, overcrowded beaches, or high rent costs.
What is the cost of living in Central Portugal?
The cost of living in Portugal itself is quite low compared to other European countries, but it’s also lower than in other regions within the country itself. As we mentioned above, the cost of living in Lisbon and the Algarve is higher since they’re more renowned and have more expats.
The cities in Central Portugal are less popular and hence cheaper to live in. However, you’ll find that the average cost of rent in Leiria is much higher than in other cities due to its proximity to Lisbon. Nazaré is also a little costly because it’s famous among expats.
Nonetheless, you can live comfortably for €1,000 to €1,500 depending on where you live since all other costs are similar to the rest of Portugal. Of course, your monthly expenses also depend on your lifestyle preferences.
Take a look at the table below to get an idea of the cost of living in Central Portugal.
| Expenses | Costs |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rent (one-bedroom) | €480 |
| Apartment Rent (three-bedroom) | €740 |
| Groceries (monthly) | €200 |
| Utilities | €95 |
| Public Transport | €30 |
| Gasoline (per liter) | €2.02 |
| Leisure/Sports | €40 |
| Three-course meal for 2 (Mid-range restaurant) | €30 |
| Movie Ticket | €6.75 |
Estimates are from Numbeo (as of October 2022).
Safety
One thing’s for sure; safety and security will be one of the last concerns that keep you on your toes in Portugal. The country ranks as the fourth-safest country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index.
The locals are welcoming no matter where you’re from, so you’ll often come across strangers who greet you with “Bom Dia” (good morning) with a smile on their faces. The slow and calm pace of life keeps the Portuguese relaxed and happy.
You will hardly come across any serious or violent crimes in the neighborhood or nearby. However, with all that being said, you should still be aware of your surroundings and careful when you’re out and about.
Since Portugal is a tourist hub, petty crimes like pickpocketing are more common. So keep your belongings close and be vigilant.
Access to health care
Accessing health care while living in Central Portugal as an expat is quite straightforward. Starting from June 2022, public health care in Portugal has been made free for all legal residents.
Public hospitals are managed by the National Health Service, also known as the SNS. The state makes sure that access to public healthcare is an easy, streamlined, and satisfactory experience. To access public health centers and hospitals, you need the Número de Utente, which is a user number assigned to each individual when they register at their nearest health center.
Private hospitals often have shorter waiting times and relatively better facilities. Although they come with additional costs, they’re still affordable since healthcare is not as expensive as in other countries.
Here are a few renowned hospitals in different cities within Central Portugal:
- Hospital Cândido de Figueiredo – Viseu
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário – Coimbra
- Centro Médico Veríssimo Delgado – Nazaré
- Centro Hospitalar de São Francisco – Leiria
Work labor
The population in Central Portugal accounts for almost 22% of the country’s population, and 61% of people are of working age. As one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, there are many opportunities in the tourism sector.
Other than tourism, some major industries in Portugal include automobiles, construction, IT, agriculture, and transportation. Since many areas are still developing, there’s a growing need for highly skilled workers in these fields.
Once you start looking for jobs in your field of interest, you will find something that matches your requirements. Many digital nomads also consider Central Portugal an excellent location to live in while working remotely, thanks to its low living costs and tranquility.
Education
To start, Coimbra is famous for the University of Coimbra, where numerous expats enroll to pursue higher education. The university is well-acclaimed, provides excellent resources and tools to students, and has a great learning environment.
Such is the case with most educational institutions in Central Portugal. As we mentioned earlier on in the article, Central Portugal takes health and education as a top priority. Hence, schooling is at par with European standards.
Since public schooling is in Portuguese, many expat families enroll their children in International Schools. The curriculum is mostly taught in English, French, and German.
Here’s a list of some of the best International Schools in Central Portugal:
- St. Paul’s School – Coimbra
- Colégio S. José – Coimbra
- Center for Luso-International College – Leiria
How can a foreigner move to Central Portugal?
If you’re a non-EU citizen, you must obtain a Residence Visa to move to Portugal. However, you will not require a visa to travel here if you’re from within the European Union.
You can move to Portugal on the basis of work, studies, retirement, business, and family reunification. There are different visas for each purpose, and so are the requirements, but the process to apply for a visa and a Residence Permit stays the same.
The first step is locating a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate nearest you. You will be given an application form to fill out all your necessary details. Along with this, you will attach all your documents and pay a fee of €90 per application.
There are technical details to each type of visa. Read our article Portugal’s Residence Visas: Types And How To Apply and discover which visa is the right fit for you! If you need any assistance, feel free to contact professionals at Viv Europe.
Is it worth living in Central Portugal?
While we can’t really decide what’s worth it from your point of view, we can tell you that people absolutely love it there!
If you’re not fond of metropolitan areas and a lot of commercial activity, Central Portugal is an ideal option for you.
You’re unlikely to ever get tired of the breathtaking scenery in Nazaré, or the city known as “Portuguese Venice” Aveiro, or the annual carnival in Torres Vedras.
So, give this side of Portugal a chance during your scouting trip and decide whether living in Central Portugal is the right fit for you!
Do you need help moving to Central Portugal?
We did warn you about falling in love with Central Portugal! The region often goes unnoticed, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less perfect to live in. Since it’s safe, prioritizes education and healthcare, and is less densely populated with expats, living in Central Portugal is a dream for many.
For more opinions, ask questions on our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats and discover what they think. We’re a community of over 8,600 members that love to guide new expats through our own personal experiences.
When you’re ready to take the next big step, get in touch with our professionals here at Viv Europe. We’ve helped hundreds of families with their dream of relocating and would love to be a part of yours too! Let’s turn your dream into a reality step by step.
