Living in Viseu: The Medieval City of Portugal

Last Updated on July 14, 2023 by Laila Oliveira

The medieval city of Viseu might be less popular than Lisbon or the Algarve, but it is undoubtedly a good destination for expats and tourists. This destination is tucked away in between mountain ranges in the tranquil region of Beira. Living in Viseu will help you delicately balance between a vibrant cosmopolitan vibe and an overall laid-back demeanor.

This city is also an important historical center of the country, decorated by giant statues, cobblestone streets, and old architecture. So what is living in Viseu like for expats? Is it a good destination that you should consider living permanently? Tag along as we attempt to answer these questions, among many others.

What is living in Viseu like?

If you want to live in a destination with plenty of history, good weather, and a gentle pace of life, then Viseu is the place for you. 

This small city in central Portugal offers all the benefits of contemporary living without the unnecessary hustle and bustle associated with large cities. Like other cities in Portugal, Viseu boasts a fantastic café culture thanks to the many restaurants within the location.

Besides that, the city has several well-maintained praias fluviais (river beaches) that allow you to experience the whole Portuguese experience. And other modern conveniences like shopping malls are also available for you to shop from. Two popular shopping malls service the whole city; Palácio do Gelo and Forum Viseu.

But there’s a lot more that’ll interest you; keep reading and check out the map!

Who lives in Viseu?

As mentioned earlier, this destination is not quite as popular. However, it’s slowly becoming popular not only among expats but also tourists from around the globe. 

The city of Viseu is home to over 100,000 residents, where the foreign presence accounts for about 3.3% of the entire population. In general, expats looking for a relaxed and silent life away from the city find this destination charming and accommodating.

Young people in Viseu account for 13.3% of the population, while 63.1% are working-age and 23.6% are elderly. You can see there’s a mix of what kind of people you’ll live with, but we’re sure you’ll be delighted by whoever they are.

Why are expats moving to Viseu?

Viseu is one of the few hidden gems in Portugal, and the recent attention this destination receives means many good things are going on. Discover the main reasons why expats are choosing to move to this destination.

There is something for everyone

Viseu is a charming city filled with beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious local cuisine. The area has many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking trails, parks, and lakes.

The nearby Serra da Estrela mountain ranges are a great place to explore and experience breathtaking views of the region. The city truly has something for every kind of expat. Whether you’re looking to explore nature, immerse yourself in culture, or simply enjoy the local lifestyle, Viseu is a great place to call home!

Good quality of life

Another reason why Viseu is a great city to live in is because it offers a wide range of benefits and attractions. The city is well connected with the rest of Portugal, boasting excellent public transportation links. Home to many shops, cafes, and restaurants, Viseu also has cultural attractions such as museums and art galleries.

The local population is welcoming and friendly, and the city is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and a strong sense of community. There are numerous parks, gardens, and open spaces to explore and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Viseu also offers high-quality healthcare services, with several hospitals and clinics in the area providing medical help when needed. Education is also important in Viseu, with many universities and schools offering various courses.

Prospects of working as a digital nomad

The city also presents an ideal living destination for digital nomads, who previously had to obtain a passive income visa to work in Portugal legally. 

But things got easier! The new Digital Nomad Visa has changed this requirement and allows digital nomads worldwide to reside and work in Portugal for up to a year.

This provides an opportunity for digital nomads to enjoy the benefits of living and working in Portugal, including affordable living costs and free travel within the Schengen zone. 

Several coworking spaces with high-speed internet and comfortable seating are available in town, making them the perfect places to meet and socialize with other newcomers to the city.

Buying a property in Viseu

Viseu is Portugal’s fifth-largest city and has plenty to offer potential buyers. With a temperate climate, vibrant culture, and rich history, the city provides an attractive backdrop for living or investing in real estate.

Although Viseu is located close to major metropolitan areas like Porto and Coimbra, it remains relatively affordable compared to other Portuguese cities. According to Idealista, buying property per square meter costs €998. 

Property values have steadily increased over the past few years, making it a great investment opportunity for those buying property in Portugal.  

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of properties in the municipalities in the city:

Estimates are from Idealista (as of July 2023).

Renting a flat in Viseu

Viseu is a great city to rent a flat in, as it provides many amenities to make your stay comfortable. Similar to buying a house, rental apartments are available at different prices depending on factors like the size, location, and current condition of the house. 

This city offers excellent accommodation options such as apartment rentals, condo rentals, and villa rentals. On average, renting a flat in this destination costs about €5.9 per square meter.

Is it better to live in Viseu or Aveiro?

Before we begin the comparison, it is essential to mention that no city is better than the other. It all comes down to your unique needs and preferences. Viseu is relatively larger than Aveiro, which is evident in its population density. 

Viseu has a population of just over 100,000 people, while Aveiro has about half as much. When deciding between living in Viseu or Aveiro, it’s essential to consider factors such as cost of living, job opportunities, transportation, safety, and entertainment. In Viseu, housing costs are generally lower than those in Aveiro, and there are plenty of job opportunities due to its large population. 

An extensive public transportation system in Viseu makes it easy to get around the city. However, Aveiro does have a more relaxed atmosphere than some other cities in Portugal and provides access to the beaches of the Atlantic coast. Overall, both Viseu and Aveiro offer a variety of activities and attractions, making them great places to live.

Is living in Viseu better than living in Coimbra?

First, both Viseu and Coimbra are located in central Portugal and are quite similar on multiple fronts. However, one key differentiating factor is that Coimbra is relatively more expensive than Viseu. This information is important, especially if you want to relocate on a budget. Nonetheless, both Viseu and Coimbra have plenty to offer regarding culture, activities, and attractions.

Ultimately, deciding which city to live in depends on personal preference. If you’re looking for a mix of culture, nightlife, and historic sites, then Viseu is the perfect choice. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a vibrant student life with plenty of cafes and restaurants, then Coimbra should be your destination. With both cities offering incredible experiences, the choice is yours!

What is the cost of living in Viseu?

Like the rest of Portugal, the cost of living in Viseu is relatively low. That said, this particular destination is among the cheapest places in the country.  

Food costs are lower than the average for Portugal, with prices for essential items such as bread and milk around 22% below the national average. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Viseu’s city center costs about €430 per month, while the cost drops to €350 outside the city center.

Utility bills are also relatively inexpensive, with electricity and heating accounting for an average of €50-65 per month. That said, you need to remember that the cost of living differs from one individual to the next. 

Your spending habit is often the determining factor of exactly how much you will need for expenditure every month.

Safety living in Viseu

Generally, Portugal is considered a safe country, and Viseu is part of that. Part of the reason why this city is quite peaceful is the presence of enough surveillance cameras and enough police force in the city. Viseu is a safe city with a relatively low crime rate, meaning visitors generally don’t have to worry about their safety when visiting the area.

The local police do an excellent job of keeping the streets safe, and up-to-date security measures are in place in public spaces. Of course, practicing basic safety precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding dark alleys is always necessary. 

In addition, visitors should be aware of common tourist scams and pickpocketing in busy areas. Overall, Viseu is a great destination for travelers who want to explore the city safely and securely.

Access to health care in Viseu

Portugal has a universal healthcare system, the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), which provides healthcare services to all residents, including those in Viseu.

In Viseu, you can find a range of healthcare facilities and services, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers. The healthcare infrastructure in Viseu is relatively well-developed, and the city has both public and private healthcare providers.

Public healthcare facilities in Viseu are operated under the SNS and are generally more affordable for patients. The main public hospital in Viseu is the Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, which provides a wide range of medical and surgical services. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities and staffed by qualified healthcare professionals.

In addition to the public healthcare system, Viseu has private healthcare providers offering medical services. Private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers provide more personalized and often faster access to healthcare services, but they can be more expensive.

• Read Also: Accessing Public Hospitals In Portugal As A Foreigner.

Work labor in Viseu

In general, Viseu has a relatively low unemployment rate. The primary sectors that drive employment in the city are the service industry, which encompasses tourism, banking, and insurance. The food and textile industries also contribute to job opportunities in Leiria.

Regrettably, the minimum wage in Portugal is not considered high, currently averaging below €1,000 compared to other European Union nations. The average salary for employees in this destination is about €883, as per Numbeo. 

You can earn even more in Leiria if you possess advanced skills in specific fields, such as technology and innovation.

Education in Viseu

Apart from offering a relatively affordable cost of living, Portugal is also known to provide the best education for locals and foreign nationals. Viseu also benefits from the well-structured education system in the country. This destination is home to the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, which is the primary institution for higher education in the city.

The IPV offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different fields of study. However, it is worth mentioning that there are no international institutions of education within the city, although international schools may be available in nearby cities or regions within Portugal. 

These schools often cater to the needs of expatriate families or students from diverse backgrounds.

How can a foreigner move to Viseu?

The very first step in immigrating to Portugal is obtaining a visa, which will depend on the purpose of your move. 

A wide range of visas are available, with the D2 Business Visa and D7 Passive Income Visa being the most commonly used. 

After obtaining the visa, the next step is finding suitable accommodation in your desired location. You can choose to either purchase or rent real estate based on your preferences.

You must register with your local government and the national healthcare system to access public services such as healthcare and transportation. Although this may seem overwhelming, working with reputable immigration consultants can simplify the process.

Is it worth living in Viseu?

Deciding whether it is worth living in Viseu, or any other place, depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Nonetheless, there are many reasons why Viseu is a great place to live. 

For starters, it is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture and a high quality of life. Viseu has a low cost of living compared to other European cities, which makes it an affordable place to live.

The city is also well-connected, with easy access to major transportation hubs, including airports and train stations. This means you can easily explore the surrounding areas or travel to other parts of Portugal. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a beautiful, affordable, and vibrant city with a high quality of life, Viseu is definitely worth considering as a place to live.

Do you need help moving to Viseu?

Relocating to a foreign country is an extensive undertaking that requires thoughtful consideration. Taking your time and clearly understanding your goals and motives for moving is essential. When you’re ready to take the leap, be sure to contact our experts at Viv Europe for assistance.

Additionally, it may be helpful to join our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats, and seek input from other expats on their experiences living in Leiria. Let’s begin the planning process!