Portugal among the world’s best places to retire in 2022

2 February 2022

According to the 2022 Annual Global Retirement Index from International Living, Portugal is among the World’s Best Places to Retire, coming fourth on the top 10 ranking. 


This Index is a “selection of outstanding destinations where you can live a healthier and happier life, spend a lot less money, and get a whole lot more” and it is informed by writers who actually share their own experience in each country, “where they’re gathering their intelligence” and coming up with handful information about each destination. The ranking’s criteria range from Housing, Benefits, Residency, Fitting in/Entertainment, Development, Climate, Healthcare, Governance, Opportunity, and Cost of Living. 


As mentioned, Portugal ranks 4th on the Index, following three Central America countries: Panama (1st), Costa Rica (2nd) and Mexico (3rd). The indicators where Portugal scored the most are Healthcare, Climate and Development. 


When it comes to describing the country, it is mentioned that even though there are “vibrant cities full of Old-World charm, miles of golden sandy beaches, green, rolling hills, some of the best healthcare in the world, low cost of living, and safety”, in fact, what is on top of the preferences by the correspondents is the Portuguese people. 


The Index by the numbers:

In Portuguese law, an employment relationship is characterised by the existence of subordination.
by Margarida Tempera 6 June 2025
Hiring in Portugal imposes numerous obligations on employers, many of which are not always intuitive to those unfamiliar with the national legal framework.
Who is legally required to register their marriage in Portugal, and under what circumstances?
by Danielle Avidago 4 June 2025
To summarise, if you are a Portuguese citizen who got married abroad, you are legally required to register your marriage.
If you live or earn in Portugal, confirm if you must file IRS and stay compliant with tax rules.
by Diogo Pedro 30 May 2025
The deadline to submit the Portuguese Personal Income Tax return (IRS) for income earned in 2024 is 30 June 2025.
Company dissolution in Portugal requires proper steps to ensure a smooth, legally compliant closure.
by Tomás Melo Ribeiro 29 May 2025
Company dissolution in Portugal starts liquidation, a legal process. The business stops but exists until formally closed. Shareholders decide the legal path.
Renting property in Portugal—whether long-term or buy-to-let—can be both profitable and rewarding.
by Margarida Tempera 28 May 2025
Portugal protects tenants, but landlords have legal ways to reclaim property and unpaid rent, with eviction and debt recovery procedures, lease or not.
Since 1 December 2023, applications are only submitted online via a lawyer or previously in person.
by Joana Loureiro Veríssimo 27 May 2025
Portuguese nationality is a right that can be acquired through various means: birth, marriage, parentage, length of residence, or Sephardic Jewish ancestry.
The injunction process lets creditors secure an enforceable title without a full declaratory lawsuit
by Margarida Tempera 22 May 2025
Portuguese law provides a fast, cost-effective and accessible solution through the injunction procedure, established by Decree-Law no. 269/98 of 1 September.
Became Portuguese after birth via an administrative request and by fulfilling legal requirements.
by Sara Sbai Oliveira 20 May 2025
Portuguese Nationality Law No. 37/81 outlines pathways to citizenship: attribution and acquisition. This article focuses only on acquisition.
The 2025 elections took place yesterday, with the Democratic Alliance (AD) securing victory.
19 May 2025
The right-wing coalition of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the People's Party (CDS) won 32.7% of votes, securing 89 parliamentary seats.
Proper legal guidance is essential to ensuring parental responsibilities are fulfilled.
by Joana Torres Fernandes 15 May 2025
This overview aims to assist individuals considering divorce or already in the process of separating and having children.
More posts