Top 10 Places to Live in Portugal for Immigrants in 2026

If you’re researching a move to Portugal in 2026, you’ll quickly notice one thing: everyone seems to recommend a different place!

Some swear by the coast. Others say inland is where the real Portugal begins. And then there are the lists that haven’t been updated since 2019, before visas tightened, rents shifted, and remote work changed everything.

This list is different.

These are the top places immigrants are actually choosing to live in Portugal for 2026, based on lifestyle, visa reality, walkability, cost, healthcare access, and what we’re seeing on the ground working with relocation clients every week.

No fantasy villages. No influencer hype. Just places that work.

1. Lisbon

Lisbon remains the gateway city for many immigrants, especially first-timers.

It offers:

• International schools

• Direct flights to the US and UK

• Walkable neighbourhoods

• Established expat networks

That said, it’s no longer cheap, and many newcomers now use Lisbon as a starting point, not a forever home. Rents are high, competition is fierce, and flexibility is key.

Best for: City lovers, short-term arrivals, digital nomads, strong public transport fans.

2. Porto

Porto has quietly become one of the most popular places to live in Portugal for immigrants who want culture without Lisbon chaos.

It’s:

• More compact

• Slightly more affordable

• Cooler in summer

• Deeply Portuguese, but welcoming

Areas like Foz do Douro, Matosinhos, and Vila Nova de Gaia are especially popular with international families and retirees.

Best for: Culture seekers, food lovers, walkers, coastal city fans.

3. Cascais

Cascais consistently ranks high for immigrants relocating with families or planning long-term life in Portugal.

Why?

• Beaches and green space

• International schools

• Safe, polished feel

• Easy Lisbon access

It’s not budget-friendly, but for those who can afford it, Cascais offers one of the smoothest lifestyle transitions.

Best for: Families, professionals, polished coastal living.

4. Coimbra

Coimbra is one of Portugal’s most underestimated relocation gems.

It combines:

• Excellent healthcare

• A strong rental market

• A real working Portuguese city

• Lower costs than Lisbon or Porto

We’re seeing a big increase in immigrants choosing Coimbra for D7 and D8 visas, especially those wanting walkability without city stress.

Best for: Retirees, couples, slow-living seekers, healthcare access.

5. Aveiro

Often called the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro is far more than a postcard.

It offers:

• Flat terrain and cycling culture

• Coastal access

• Rail links to Porto and Lisbon

• A growing international community

Aveiro is increasingly popular with Americans and Northern Europeans wanting a calm, liveable city with seaside energy.

Best for: Cyclists, walkers, coastal calm without crowds.

6. Braga

Braga has exploded in popularity over the last few years, especially with younger immigrants and remote workers.

Why people love it:

• Youthful energy

• Lower rents

• Tech and startup growth

• Excellent transport links

It’s lively, affordable, and one of Portugal’s fastest-growing cities.

Best for: Remote workers, younger movers, long-term planners.

7. Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha is a favourite with immigrants who want a real Portuguese town, not an expat bubble.

It’s:

• Affordable

• Walkable

• Close to the Silver Coast beaches

• Increasingly popular with creatives and retirees

This is a practical, liveable choice rather than a glossy one.

Best for: Budget-conscious movers, artists, slower pace seekers.

8. Figueira da Foz

If you want beach living without Algarve prices, Figueira da Foz deserves attention.

It offers:

• Long sandy beaches

• A relaxed atmosphere

• Lower rental prices

• Easy access to Coimbra

We’re seeing growing interest from immigrants priced out of southern Portugal.

Best for: Beach lovers, retirees, relaxed coastal life.

9. Évora

Évora represents a different Portugal altogether.

Set in the Alentejo region, it offers:

• History and beauty

• Warm, dry summers

• Slower pace of life

• Lower population density

It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s magical.

Best for: History lovers, artists, heat seekers, countryside fans.

10. Lagos

The Algarve still attracts immigrants, but Lagos stands out for doing it better than most.

It balances:

• Beaches

• Walkability

• International residents

• Real Portuguese life

Unlike some Algarve hotspots, Lagos still feels grounded.

Best for: Sun seekers, active retirees, coastal lifestyle fans.

Choosing the Right Place Isn’t About Lists

Here’s the truth most “Top 10” articles won’t tell you:

The best place to live in Portugal depends entirely on your visa, income, health needs, lifestyle, and tolerance for uncertainty.

That’s where many people get stuck.

How We Help at Your Casa Key

At Your Casa Key, we don’t just tell you where to live.
We help you figure it out properly.

We offer:

• Location guidance based on your visa and lifestyle

• Rental search support for visa-compliant properties

• Scouting trips and local insights

• Plain-English help with the realities of moving to Portugal

If you’re planning a move to Portugal in 2026 and want clarity rather than guesswork, you’ll find all our services, pricing, and client reviews on our website.

👉 Explore how we can help you make Portugal work for you at
www.yourcasakey.com