Updated: June 26, 2024
Brazilians make up the largest expat group in Portugal. Whether it’s the common language, high quality of life, safety, or better education and work opportunities, more Brazilians than ever before have their sights set on Portugal.
Brazilian nationals have contributed to significantly boosting the real estate market in Portugal in recent years, with 250,000 Brazilians snapping up properties in 2023, accounting for 15 percent of transactions. When it comes to where Brazilians are snapping up properties, there are some key locations that stand out.
Where are Brazilians buying property in Portugal?
Brazilians tend to seek out coastal areas when buying property in Portugal, with Lisbon, Cascais, and the Algarve each being the top locations that Brazilians opt for. Porto, the charming second-largest city in Portugal, is also increasingly on the radar of Brazilian buyers.
Lisbon
It should come as no surprise that property in Lisbon is in high demand, with Brazilians and other foreign buyers particularly interested in the neighborhoods that overlook the Tagus River, such as Príncipe Real, Baixa, and Parque das Nações.
The types of properties are mostly apartments in the Portuguese capital, but as you move away from the center you will also find plenty of spacious houses and mansions on the market.
On the south bank of the River Tagus, you’ll also find new developments emerging in Seixal and Almada and along the coastline of Costa da Caparica. Further south still, Tróia, Comporta, and Melides have been increasingly popular, with stunning villas available that effortlessly combine local architecture with modern eco-designs.
The largest community of Brazilians in Portugal will be found in Lisbon, as the city is a melting pot of different cultures, is home to top-quality education and business opportunities, and has a thriving arts and cultural scene. Alongside this, some of the best restaurants are found here, from fine dining restaurants to typical Portuguese eateries.
Cascais and Estoril
The Portuguese Riviera, the magnificent stretch of coastline between Lisbon and Cascais, has long been a sought-after location for expats. Proximity to the Portuguese capital allow buyers to enjoy the best of both worlds, the vibrancy of being close to a cosmopolitan city, while also being right by the waterfront.
Cascais is a charming seaside town known for its luxury villas and apartments, charming beaches, and high-quality lifestyle, while Estoril has long been known for its lively, relaxed vibe and serene waterfront properties. Proximity to the beautiful Sintra Cascais Natural Parks, world-class golf courses, and top fine dining restaurants add to the appeal of these locations.
For Brazilians looking to relocate to Portugal with family, this part of Portugal is also a top location. 13 of Portugal’s 51 international schools can be found in the Cascais and Estoril area, with a further 3 in nearby Sintra and 4 in Carcavelos and Oeiras, on the coastline from Cascais to Lisbon.
Brazilians living in Portugal tend to favor Cascais and Estoril as the coastline here is one of the most picturesque in Western Europe.
Algarve
Brazil is well-known for having some of the best beaches in the world, alongside an incredible climate.
As such, many Brazilians in Portugal seek out the Algarve region in southern Portugal for a taste of home.
Albufeira, Loulé, Portimão, and Faro are the locations of choice for Brazilians looking to buy in the Algarve, while Lagos and Vilamoura are also becoming increasingly popular, particularly amongst luxury buyers.
Porto
Brazilians are increasingly looking to buy property in the Porto metropolitan region. Both the city of Porto itself and nearby cities such as Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos have seen increasing numbers of Brazilian buyers.
The rich cultural heritage, favorable real estate prices, and high quality of life are key factors, alongside the fact that Porto is a less expensive city than Lisbon and also has excellent education options. Brazilians working in Portugal will be able to strike the perfect work-life balance. The city’s robust economy and safety further enhance its attractiveness as an investment destination.
Other Locations
While most Brazilians tend to favor the locations we’ve outlined above, there are still significant Brazilian communities in other parts of Portugal.
Braga, Loures, Setúbal, Leiria, Coimbra, and the Silver Coast are other locations where you will find many Brazilian nationals.
While not as popular as some other locations, the autonomous islands of Portugal, Madeira, and the Azores are also gaining interest from Brazilian buyers.
Why are Brazilians moving to Portugal?
Brazil has some of the most fascinating cities and locations in the world, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and the Amazon. However, a high quality of life, excellent economic opportunities, and top education and healthcare options have led many Brazilians to relocate and buy property to Portugal.
A variety of residency options
The Portuguese government provides an array of immigration options for Brazilians and other non-EU citizens to relocate to Portugal, such as through the D7 Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Golden Visa. Residency visas also allow family members to be included in the application, provided you meet additional requirements. As a Portuguese resident, you will be able to travel around the European Union easily, and after five years, you can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.
Easily accessible
While Portugal may be a small country in comparison to Brazil, the variety of landscapes that you will find is another big draw, from the 1,794 km coastline that boasts pristine beaches to the high mountains of Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, the country has everything. It is also very accessible, where it is possible to drive from Sagres in the south to Bragança in northern Portugal in just seven hours, just an hour longer than it would take to drive from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro.
There are also great public transport links that link up the country easily, and it is also very easy to travel to Spain and other European countries by train. The three international airports, located in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, make international travel straightforward.
High quality of life
Portuguese people are known for their welcoming nature. Many Brazilians also highlight safety as a key aspect in the reasoning behind their move to Portugal, with the country ranking in seventh position in the newly published 2024 Global Peace Index. Alongside this, Portugal is also one of the most affordable Western European countries, has progressive legislation, and high-quality healthcare and education systems.
Thriving real estate market
Portugal has become a top location for foreign investors looking to capitalize on the booming Portuguese real estate market. With affordable houses compared with other Western European countries and a market that continues to move from strength to strength, with high rental yields and the potential for high capital appreciation, many investors have their sights set on Portugal.
For Brazilians in Portugal looking for a lifestyle similar to their own, beach locations such as the Algarve and Cascais, where there is a great influx of foreign nationals and a strong Brazilian community, are popular locations for Brazilians buying property in the country.
Looking to buy property in Portugal? Check out our complete guide to buying property!
