Retirement Homes in Porto Portugal: Your Comprehensive Guide

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a cultural treasure trove where residents can enjoy a relaxed pace of life against the backdrop of intricate architecture and the famous Douro River.

For those looking to retire to this charming city, Porto has much to offer, attracting an increasing number of expats in recent years. In this article on retirement homes in Porto Portugal, we deep dive into how you can get your European fix and relocate to one of the most gorgeous cities in Europe.

Rich cultural and historical appeal

Porto’s historic center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering residents the chance to get lost in and explore the rich fabric of the city. With countless charming parks, unique markets, museums, and art galleries, Porto is a city built on history, with stunning azulejos (tiles), making a simple wander down the winding streets a memorable experience.

An afternoon well spent is one browsing the books in the Livraria Lello bookshop, one of the oldest in the world – and definitely one of the most beautiful. Another landmark is the Clergios Tower, which reflects the city’s storied history, while on the opposite side of the river, you’ll find several Port wine houses for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience.

And it’s not just a high quality of life you can expect, but an affordable one. The cost of living in Porto is 14 percent cheaper than the cost of living in Lisbon, including rent. If you compare this to London or New York, the difference is even greater, with prices in Porto 52 percent cheaper than London and 65 percent lower than New York. This is according to data taken from Numbeo.  

Dining out is affordable, with meals at a very good local restaurant costing less than €15 and usually including a dessert and a coffee, while transport, groceries, and healthcare costs are also very affordable compared with other Western European countries and the USA. Plus, the food in and around Porto is considered to be some of the very best in the country.  

Healthcare in Portugal

When relocating to another country, one of the most important things to consider is healthcare. Portugal, you’ll be pleased to know, has excellent healthcare, with the country ranking in 21st position in Numbeo’s 2024 Mid-Year Index, which takes into account everything from skills, competency, and friendliness of staff to equipment for modern diagnosis and treatment. 

You have both public and private options. Public healthcare is covered under the National Health Service (SNS) and is free for residents aged over the age of 65. There is also extensive private healthcare in Porto and across the country available at a fraction of the cost when compared with other countries such as the USA.  

For example, the average cost of private healthcare insurance in Portugal will set you back around €400-€800 per year, while in the USA, this can cost you thousands of US dollars. The main advantage of opting for private healthcare is quicker waiting times. English is also widely spoken in the healthcare sector so you should not face any communication issues. 

Types of Retirement Homes Available in Porto

Retiring in Porto offers diverse options when it comes to different types of retirement homes. Below, we share some of the most common. Bear in mind that English-speaking retirement homes are not as plentiful as in Lisbon or the Algarve, so be sure to check this when scouting out the right retirement home for you, as language is key to communication when it comes to being part of a close-knit retirement community. 

• Independent living: Independent living is perfect for retirees seeking autonomy. These communities offer a maintenance free lifestyle and where residents will have their own housing, such as independent living apartments or other independent living units. There will be shared amenities such as fitness centers and communal dining areas. 
• Assisted living: Provides additional support with daily tasks like meal preparation, housekeeping, and medication management, offering peace of mind for those who need extra help. 
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): These senior living communities combine the best of retirement living homes, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care, ensuring residents’ needs are met as they evolve over time. 

You will also come across retirement homes offering specialized care for residents who have chronic conditions or who have conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s and several options for assisted living in Portugal. 

Amenities and Services in Porto’s Retirement Homes

You will find a wide range of amenities and services in Porto’s treatment homes. In this section of our Retirement Homes in Porto Portugal article, we delve into some of the amenities you can expect to find.  

Also, are there fitness classes to help residents stay in shape? Regular medical checkups? Is there qualified medical assistance on-site? Is there a focus on mental health to ensure residents’ minds are in tip-top shape? How does the retirement home foster community relations and social interactions? Are there options to play tennis, for example, if you’re a keen tennis player? Or a swimming pool? Make sure to make a note of things that make your daily life sing and see if the home can cater to your needs.  

Dining and nutritional plans

If you dine well, you’re going to feel good, and sound health is arguably the most important thing in life. Make sure you ask the retirement home you are interested in about their dining options and nutritional plans. They will almost always be able to tailor their food options to residents to cater to special dietary requirements, but be sure to ask how this will work on a day-to-day basis. Many homes will offer a mix of Portuguese fare and international foods. 

Social and recreational programs

As we’ve mentioned, make sure to ask about their recreational programs to see what types of activities they offer. Whether it is hiking, golfing, swimming, tennis, yoga, or watersports, you’ll want to see whether you’ll be able to enjoy your hobbies. There may also be cultural trips, book clubs, and other engaging activities to foster a close-knit community, plus gardening and cooking classes.  

Key Locations to Retire in Porto

There are several top neighborhoods in Porto, and locations close by that could be the perfect place to retire to. Below, we provide a brief overview of some of the top spots to consider.  

Note that this list is by no means exhaustive, and you’ll find stunning neighborhoods across the city that could be the perfect retirement spot – most neighborhoods have charming parks and are well-connected by public transport. If you are seeking a retirement home, make sure to check where it is located and make sure you are happy with the location. Buying property in Porto, Portugal, also presents an attractive option for retirees, with properties very affordable compared with other Western European cities, such as London and Paris. 

Foz do Douro

The neighborhood of Foz do Douro is well known amongst residents for its stunning beaches such as Praia da Luz, intricate architecture, and long promenade where you can enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will also find some terrific restaurants here. If you are seeking a beautiful place to retire in style by the ocean, this is a top spot to consider.  

Ribeira and the city center

Retirees who love to be in the thick of the action should consider Ribeira and the city center, which, as we mentioned, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next to the river, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning river views, and easy access to top restaurants, numerous museums, boutique stores, and art galleries.  

Vila Nova de Gaia

A running joke with Porto locals is that the only good thing about Vila Nova de Gaia, which is located on the other side of the Douro River, is the stunning views of Porto. This is very unfair, however, as you’ll find top amenities, easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, and a diverse range of restaurants. 

Matosinhos

If you are looking to retire in Portugal and want to enjoy outrageous ocean views while being part of a lovely community then Matosinhos may be the place for you. This city is located a short distance to the northwest of Porto and has really come into its own in recent years, with some excellent restaurants here, such as A Marisqueira de Matosinhos, attracting Portuguese locals from afar.  

Practical Considerations for Retiring in Porto 

In this section of our Retirement Homes in Porto Portugal article, we’ll delve into some practical considerations that you should bear in mind when retiring in Porto.  

How much does a retirement home cost in Porto?

The cost of retirement homes and senior living communities in Porto will depend completely on the home you opt for, with those offering more hands-on support costing more, alongside those with more high-end amenities. As a ballpoint figure, most will cost between €3,000 and €4,000, depending on the level of care. A luxury care home in Portugal or a retirement village will obviously cost more.  

Residency requirements

While EU retirees will have no problem relocating to Portugal, non-EU citizens looking to retire in the country will need to secure a valid residence permit. The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the passive income visa or retirement visa is a good option, where you will need to prove you have passive income amounting to €820 per month, which can include pension income. Another option is the Portugal Golden Visa, where you will need to make a qualifying investment into Portugal, with the minimum investment amount being €250,000.  

After five years of legal residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit and Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet the requirements.  

Expat community and choosing a retirement home where English is spoken

While there may not be as many expats living in Porto as in Lisbon or the Algarve region, you’ll still find a strong expat community in Porto. According to the 2023 Portuguese Migration and Asylum Report by AIMA, the agency responsible for integration, migration, and asylum, there are 35,653 foreign nationals in the district of Porto, a 52.8 percent increase from the previous year.  

Bear in mind that there are not as many retirement homes in Porto that cater to English-speaking expats as there are in Lisbon and the Algarve, so be sure to bear this in mind. If you are looking to retire in Portugal, make sure you consider your options carefully. 

Consider the location

Portugal offers a warm climate, although it is worth bearing in mind that the south will be warmer than the north of the county. If you are looking for warmer days, then the Algarve in the south could be a safe bet. The Portuguese coast of the Algarve is considered one of the most stunning coastlines in the world. 

Alongside Porto and the Algarve, Lisbon, as the capital city, is where you can find some of the best retirement homes in the country and where English is widely spoken. An excellent retirement home close to Lisbon is Life Plan Resorts, which even has its own fine dining restaurant and hotel to cater to visiting family and to maintain strong family bonds. 

There are also other parts of the country with highly regarded retirement homes, such as Cork Tree Residences in Comporta, a short drive south of Lisbon. Comporta, known for its stunning natural beauty, luxurious feel, rich culture, and unique architecture (a blend of local Alentejan architecture and modern finishes) has become highly sought-after by leading international designers and expats looking for something truly special.  

Elsewhere in the country, if you are looking for a retirement villages in Portugal to relocate to, you will also find many options. 

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.