Updated: December 17, 2024

Assisted living in Portugal allows retirees to enjoy a high quality of life, access top amenities, and benefit from the excellent healthcare options that retirement housing and assisted living communities offer to residents.

In this article, we’ll delve into what assisted living is, why consider Portugal, and the types of senior living options. Plus, we’ll delve into the top locations to consider in the country.

Why choose Portugal for retirement?

Looking for a place to retire, you’ll want to have peace of mind that you’re choosing the best option for you. These are your days to unwind and relax and to make the most of this stage of your life. Your golden years should be enjoyed to the fullest.

There are an array of reasons to consider retiring to Portugal, from the welcoming Portuguese people to the country’s jaw-dropping natural beauty.

Global Citizen Solutions, our residency and citizenship division, recently created a guide on the best countries for American retirees to move to, based on quality of life, security, and economics – with Portugal ranking in second position. While the focus of this study was on Americans, the findings are universal – Portugal provides an array of qualities to boost their quality of life, ensuring retirees can enjoy the activities and infrastructure that allow them to live their best lives.  

Below, we focus on some of the key reasons why more retirees than ever before are making the leap to embrace a new culture for their golden years and why Portugal holds all the cards when it comes to the top locations to retire to.  

An up-and-coming Blue Zone?  

A safe, stable country with ample sun, good food, and a Mediterranean lifestyle that is perfect for retirees, Portugal has even been in discussions about being a new blue zone – specific areas across the globe that are pinpointed as providing exceptionally long lives to its population, combining physical activities, rich social interactions, low levels of street, healthy diets (a focus on fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, and healthy oils), and low disease incidence.

The climate in Portugal certainly helps, with the possibility to enjoy the great outdoors throughout the year. Plus the close-knit community culture of the Portuguese is infectious, and you’ll quickly be able to form a close circle of friends here. 

Healthcare quality and accessibility

Portugal offers a high-quality healthcare system, with both public and private healthcare options. Public healthcare is covered under the National Health System, known as the SNS, and is free for residents over the age of 65. The coverage is extensive, with there being more than 240 hospitals in the country.

Those seeking private options may be pleasantly surprised by the cost of private healthcare, particularly when you compare private healthcare plans with those in the USA.

Residency options

Portugal has a wide range of residency options for retirees looking to relocate to Portugal. If you are an EU citizen looking to relocate to Portugal – perhaps you’re from Northern Europe and are looking to enjoy a milder climate for your golden years and delectable cuisine – then the process to secure residency is very straightforward. You will simply need to register at your local town hall if you intend to stay for more than three months to get a registration certificate.

If you are a non-EU citizen, then there are several options to retire to the country. The most popular choice is the Portugal D7 Visa – also referred to as the retirement visa or passive income visa. This visa allows you to move to Portugal provided that you can provide proof of having sufficient passive income to sustain your life in Portugal, which falls to €820 per month and which can include pensions.  

Another option is the Portugal Golden Visa, whereby you can secure residency in the country in return for making a significant investment into Portugal. 

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is where assistance is provided to residents to help them with daily tasks such as medication management and bathing, while also encouraging independence. You will find a wide range of assisted living homes dotted around the country, many of which provide personalized care to each resident to ensure all their needs are met.  

Assisted living is focused on those who require help with their daily activities, with benefits including being part of a safe and supportive community, access to qualified medical assistance, and opportunities for socialization and community engagement.  

Other Types of Senior Living Options in Portugal 

Alongside assisted living homes, there are many different types of retirement homes and accommodation options for elderly people in Portugal. Below, we provide information on some of the common options for those retiring in Portugal and seeking a retirement home.  

Independent living communities 

You’ll find an array of independent living communities in Portugal, where residents are part of a community, but usually will have their own independent living apartments or independent living units. They will also have communal amenities, such as a shared swimming pool, fitness center, and so on.  This form of retirement community is perfect for a maintenance free lifestyle. 

Retirement homes catering to specific needs 

Alongside independent living communities, you will find specific retirement homes catering to a range of needs, such as memory care facilities for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, rehabilitation services, homes with nursing facilities providing 24/7 medical care and skilled nursing care for those with more complex health needs, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) for a full range of care levels.  

Best Regions for Senior Living

Portugal has an array of spectacular locations, and choosing the right spot to retire to will depend completely on your personal preferences. Below, we detail some of the top contenders when it comes to enjoying your golden years to the fullest.

Note that this list is by no means exhaustive, and you will find top retirement spots across the country, from the Douro region in the north, where retirees can enjoy some of the most spectacular landscapes in Portugal, to the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores, to enjoy an unrivalled ocean vistas.

Algarve

The Algarve has long been a favorite with retirees, with its unrivaled coastline, mild climate in which to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year, and strong expat community. This breathtaking destination regularly tops charts of the best regions to retire to – and with good reason. In many ways, the Algarve is geared to expats and retirees, with English widely spoken, excellent healthcare services, and several retirement homes to cater to retirees.  

In the Algarve, Monte da Palhagueira has elevated luxury retirement living to new heights and is located close to the romantic and historic town of Alte. Monte da Palhaguiera is an English-speaking retirement homes surrounded by sun-dappled hills and just 20-minutes from Faro Airport.  

You can find out more about the spectacular Algarve region in our article on Algarve Portugal real estate.  

Comporta

If you are seeking elegant luxury retirement living, then look no further than Comporta, situated a short distance to the south of Lisbon. Affectionately known as the “Hamptons of Europe”, Comporta is one of the stand-out luxury destinations in Portugal.  

Here, you have the infamous Cork Tree Residences in Comporta, a groundbreaking sanctuary. Cork Tree Residences offers a vibrant, elegant lifestyle to residents with upscale amenities that are focused on independent living but that retain a sense of community.  

For an overview of Comporta and its vibrant property market, you can check out out article on Comporta real estate. 

Lisbon and Porto 

While the Algarve and Comporta in the southwest of Portugal are top choices for those seeking retirement living by the coast, those looking to be close to a vibrant city may have Lisbon or Porto in their sights.  

Lisbon is the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, combining rich cultural experiences with state-of-the-art amenities. You are also within striking distance of beautiful beaches, excellent healthcare, and essential services and amenities.  

One of the best retirement homes close to Lisbon is Life Plan Resorts, where you’ll have an array of activities on offer – 100 activities in total, from tennis to golf – and where you’ll feel part of the community very easily, with rehabilitation, pet spas, and a fine dining restaurant serving up exceptional food. There is also an excellent hotel for family visits.  

Porto, the second largest city in the country, located in the north, is also a top contender, where retirees will enjoy a slightly milder climate, beautiful parks, and a historic charm unlike anywhere else in the country. 

 

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Both Lisbon and Porto have all the facilities needed for healthy seniors. If you are on the hunt for a fine dining restaurant or want to enjoy a museum or art gallery, then living in close proximity to a bustling city means that there is always something to get involved in. Access to leading golf courses, water sports, and other activities, such as hiking and yoga, are also key reasons why more retirees than ever before are seeking out retirement living options in Portugal’s two biggest cities.  

You can find out more about Lisbon in our article on Lisbon real estate, while those looking to relocate to the north can find more information on the country’s second largest city in our article on Porto real estate. 

Want to know how to snap up a property in Portugal? Checkout our ultimate guide

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Cost of Living in Portugal

The low cost of living in Portugal is one of the key reasons why so many expats relocate to Portugal. From weekly groceries to property prices, most things are quite affordable compared to other Western European countries and the USA.

Take private healthcare, for example, where the average cost of private health insurance usually falls between €400 to €800 per year, whereas, in the US, annual premiums can set you back thousands of dollars.

Cost of assisted living retirement homes in Portugal

While the cost will completely depend on the retirement home or nursing home you opt for and whether you wish to maintain independence or require assistance for daily tasks. Retirement homes, such as assisted living Portugal homes, providing a more hands-on approach, will cost more costing more. The cost of assisted living in Portugal can range from a monthly fee of between €3,000 and €4,000. A luxury retirement village or luxury care home in Portugal will cost much more than this, where you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and modern amenities. 

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

  • Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
  • Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
  • Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
  • Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
  • Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.

Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Portugal

Senior living in Portugal includes various housing options designed for retirees, offering comfortable accommodations, social opportunities, and access to healthcare services. Senior living refers to communities that cater to individuals seeking active, assisted, or independent lifestyles. The range of options on the table caters to the needs of retirees, with different homes offering varying degrees of independent living. There are also several senior assisted living Portugal care home options.

Retirement villages in Portugal are residential communities for seniors, providing housing, amenities, and services tailored to retirees. This senior living option often features outstanding amenities, social activities, healthcare access, and a secure environment.

Amenities may include fitness centers, swimming pools, restaurants, healthcare facilities, housekeeping, social events, and transportation services. Specific offerings vary by location and community type. Many organize day trips and outings for residents to enjoy the beauty of Portugal and to keep active, with a range of activities available in the country.

The minimum age to be part of senior living communities is typically 55, depending on the community’s rules. Some senior living communities may allow younger spouses or dependents to reside in residential homes as well.

Yes, many senior living and retirement villages in Portugal provide on-site healthcare or have partnerships with local medical providers, offering services such as primary care, emergency assistance, and wellness, nutrition, and social support programs. 

Costs vary based on location, community type, and services offered, typically ranging from €3,000 to €4,000 monthly. Luxury options or extensive care services may cost more. 

Both options are available, though renting is more common. Renting provides flexibility and avoids long-term commitments, while purchasing offers potential investment benefits. 

While not mandatory, learning Portuguese enhances daily life. Many retirement communities cater to international residents, with English widely spoken.

Popular regions include the Algarve for its climate and relaxed pace of life, Lisbon for its amenities and vibrant lifestyle, and Porto for its cultural vibrancy. Comporta is also a top location, for those looking to retire in style and peace.

Options include independent living, assisted living, continuing care communities, and private institutions. Some cater specifically to expats or offer specialized support services for medical or memory care needs. Many will have qualified medical assistance and medical professionals on hand. 

Yes, foreigners can retire in Portugal. The most popular option is the D7 Visa. Also known as the retiree’s visa or passive income visa, where retirees will need to demonstrate that they have sufficient passive income to sustain themselves in the country. Retirees can access public healthcare for free, and there are also private insurance options, with healthcare costs very affordable compared to the USA or other Western European countries.

The monthly fee will typically range from €3,000 to €4,000, depending on the location, services, and level of care required. Luxury senior communities may cost more than this, while you may also be able to find cheaper options.

If you are a non-EU national, you will need to secure a residency visa to relocate to Portugal. The D7 Visa (also known as the retirement visa) and the Portugal Golden Visa are good options to consider. For the D7 Visa, you will need to show proof of sufficient income (€820 per month), while for the Golden Visa, you will need to make an investment into Portugal (minimum investment €250,000).

Yes, renting is a common option in senior living communities, offering flexibility and lower upfront costs compared to purchasing. Buying property in Portugal can, however, be a smart investment option.  

Assisted living services often include personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation tailored to individual needs. This will depend on the senior living options you opt for.  

Yes, several retirement communities in Portugal cater specifically to expats, offering English-speaking staff, familiar cultural activities, and international resident networks. This includes the Life Plan Resorts close to Lisbon, a comprehensive resort for promoting healthy aging and brain vitality.  

Apply for a D7 Visa, also known as a retirement visa, where you will need to demonstrate proof of passive income (€820 per month), accommodation, and health insurance. Another good option to consider is the Portugal Golden Visa, the country’s residency by investment visa.