Thread by @thejessdanara

This is Portugal:

• No wealth or inheritance tax
• 40% cheaper than the UK or US
• Home to Europe’s first crypto-friendly bank

Previously a dictatorship, it’s now one of the most peaceful countries in the EU.

Here are 8 reasons why Portugal should be on your radar: 🧵

1/ The rhythm is different

Portugal moves slower, and that's a good thing.

No more packed calendar.

Instead, it's espresso at the café. A walk by the ocean. A talk with a stranger.

You don't realize how fried your nervous system is until you feel relaxed here.

2/ Luxury lifestyle at half the cost

Lisbon is 30–40% cheaper than NYC or London.

But the hidden gems are Aveiro and Porto:

• Gorgeous homes
• High quality food
• Sunset wine tastings

You can live beautifully here on 2k month and feel ultra rich.

3/ Tax-Friendly

• 0% wealth or inheritance taxes
• 20% flat income tax for foreign professionals
• No crypto tax if you don’t trade professionally

Portugal rewards relocation.

4/ Good climate all year

Forget cold grey cities.

Portugal has 300+ days of sunshine a year.

Mild winters, warm summers.

It’s the kind of weather that makes you go outside, take long walks, and feel alive again.

5/ Time zone advantage

Portugal is perfectly placed for global work:

• Mornings align with Asia
• Afternoons sync with the U.S.

You can run an international business without pulling all-nighters or burning out.

A dream for digital nomads.

6/ Affordable high quality healthcare & education

Private health insurance in Portugal starts at just €50/month. Clean clinics. Quick appointments. Modern care.

And if you’ve got kids, you can find top-tier international schools across Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

7/ Safety

Portugal consistently ranks as one of the top 10 safest countries in the world.

Low crime. No mass shootings. Peaceful streets, even at night.

Safety is the norm.

8/ Tech hub in disguise

Lisbon and Porto are full of real talent, real founders, and real innovation.

It's a bunch of smart people solving real problems by the ocean.

Half of SF and Web3 live here.

Some of the downsides:

• Bureaucracy can be slow
• Salaries for locals are low
• Some locals still prefer cash over card
• Government websites and systems can feel outdated

Portugal vs. EU Neighbors:

• Lower cost of living than Spain, Italy, and France
• More sunshine than Germany or the UK
• Safer than most Western capitals
• Rising creative economy without the noise

Portugal is where peace meets potential.

Definitely worth considering.

Recent developments:

• 2024 saw steady economic growth & low inflation
• Government launched startup visas & digital nomad perks
• Lisbon & Porto hosting major Web3 and AI events

Portugal is quietly becoming Europe's most creative hub.

Personally…

I lived in the U.S for 11 years, and Colombia for 2.

I came back to Portugal in 2024.

Most recently I decided to act as a tourist in the country I was born in.

What I found reconnected me to the version of myself I lost chasing success abroad.

Before you leave…

If you want to read my deeper reflections about Portugal:

I wrote a 7-part essay from my two-week road trip through Portugal and Spain.

You can subscribe and read for free here:

thejessdanara.substack.com

If you could move to any country tomorrow for a slower, more fulfilling life, where would you go, and why?

Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

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