Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Live and Invest Overseas.
Portugal is hard to resist …
We’ve named thin-sliced corners of this beautiful, sunny, friendly, safe, welcoming, and affordable country as the world’s top retirement havens more than any other.
Just what makes it so tough to beat when considering options the whole globe over for reinventing your life?
In fact, Portugal checks every box on the would-be retiree’s list.
1. The Weather
Portugal’s Algarve region enjoys one of the most stable climates in the world and 3,300 hours of sunshine per year, meaning more sunny days than almost anywhere else in Europe.
As a result, this region has a long-standing reputation as a top summer destination among European sun-seekers and a top winter retreat for those looking to escape Northern Europe’s coldest months.
The Algarve has no bad weather months, but it does have a winter. January and February can be cold enough that you’ll want a coat.
The best months can be September and October, when the summer crowds have gone but the weather and sea temperature are still ideal.
2. Safety
Portugal ranks as the fourth-safest country in the world. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is limited to street crime during the busy tourist season.
As well, this country has managed to keep itself separate from the immigration crisis that is playing out in other parts of Europe.
3. Good Infrastructure in Portugal
Portugal and the Algarve have enjoyed important infrastructure investments in recent years, specifically to do with the country’s highway network and airports.
As a result, this is an easy region to get around and also a great base for exploring all of Europe and North Africa.
4. Affordable, International-Standard Health Care
In the national health system, you’ll pay a small surcharge on doctor’s visits (about 4 euros, or $4.30 in U.S. currency at the time of publication) and tests (about 10 euros). A medical appointment in the private system is still affordable — between 50 and 80 euros.
As a result, medical tourism is a growing industry in the region, in particular for cosmetic, hip replacement, and dental specialties. Another reason why Portugal is our top retire-overseas option.
5. Golf
The region boasts 42 courses in less than 100 miles and is recognized as a top golfing destination in continental Europe and the world.
6. Great Beaches in Portugal
The Algarve’s 100 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline are punctuated by jagged rock formations, lagoons, and extensive sandy beaches, many awarded coveted Blue Flags from the European Blue Flag Association.
The water off these shores is azure, and the cliff-top vistas are spectacular.
Most beaches have lifeguards during the summer season. Note that restaurants and snack bars are sometimes open only seasonally.
7. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Portugal is among the lowest in Western Europe, on average 30% lower than in any other country of the region.
A couple could live here comfortably but modestly on a budget of as little as 1,800 euros per month.
With a budget of 2,500 euros per month or more, you could enjoy a fully appointed lifestyle in this heart of the Old World.
8. English Is Widely Spoken
Living here, you could get by without learning to speak Portuguese … though any effort to learn the local language is a show of respect and appreciated.
9. Healthy Living
The Portuguese are the biggest fish eaters per capita in Europe, and fresh fish of great variety is available in the ever-present daily markets.
The abundance of sunshine in this part of the world means an abundance of fresh produce, too, also available in the local markets.
Meantime, pollution rates are low, and streets, towns, and beaches are kept clean and litter-free.
10. User-Friendly Residency Options
If you’d like to live in the country full-time you can arrange to do so simply by showing a reliable income of at least 1,200 euros per month, per couple.
Many countries offer similar residency programs based on guaranteed income; however, these are typically targeting foreign retirees and come with age restrictions.
That is not the case in Portugal.
Anyone of any age who can prove income to meet the requirement can be granted the right to remain in Portugal long-term. This is one of the easiest residency hurdles of any country in Europe. Indeed, it’s one of the easiest of any country in the world.
And that’s why Portugal is our top retire-overseas option.
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