How to move to Portugal from Hong Kong: A Practical, Honest Guide

Portugal has quietly become one of the most popular European destinations for people leaving Hong Kong — and for reasons that go far beyond sunshine and scenery.

For many, the appeal comes down to safety, stability, affordability, and realistic residency options, combined with a clear long-term path to EU citizenship. But moving from Hong Kong to Portugal is not the same as moving from the US, the UK, or even other parts of Asia. The expectations, planning horizon, and trade-offs are different.

This guide focuses on what Hong Kong nationals — and people who have built their careers in Hong Kong — actually need to know before making the move.

Why Portugal Appeals So Strongly to People from Hong Kong

Portugal is one of the easier EU countries for Hong Kong passport holders to relocate to — and one of the few that works equally well as either a full relocation or a long-term “Plan B.”

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The main reasons people from Hong Kong choose Portugal include:

Safety and Political Stability

Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is low, daily life feels calm, and political changes tend to be incremental rather than disruptive.

For people coming from Hong Kong, this sense of predictability and personal safety is often just as important as lifestyle.

Realistic Residency Options

Portugal offers multiple residency visas that are genuinely attainable for middle-class families, professionals, retirees, and investors — without needing family ties or employer sponsorship.

A Clear Route to EU Citizenship

After 5 years (possibly increasing to 10 years) of legal residency, it’s possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Once granted, this allows you to live, work, retire, or study anywhere in the EU.

The language requirement is relatively modest (A2 Portuguese), especially compared with other European countries. Dual citizenship is also recognized.

Passport Reality Check for Hong Kong Nationals

A common misunderstanding is around visa-free travel.

Hong Kong SAR passport holders can visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This is useful for travel — but it does not allow you to live, work, or stay long-term in Portugal.

To move to Portugal, you still need a residency visa, such as:

• D7 (passive income)
• Digital Nomad Visa
• Golden Visa
• D2 (business visa)

What About BN(O) Passports?

If you hold a BN(O) passport, it affects your UK options, not Portugal.

For Portuguese immigration purposes, BN(O) holders are still treated as third-country nationals, just like Americans, Canadians, or Australians. There are no special shortcuts or exemptions for Portugal.

Visa Options for People Moving from Hong Kong

Portugal offers several residency visas, but the following are the most relevant — and most commonly used — by people coming from Hong Kong.

Golden Visa (Plan B Residency

The Golden Visa has historically been especially popular with Hong Kong residents because it offers EU residency with minimal physical-stay requirements.

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Why it appeals to Hong Kongers:

• Only ~7 days per year physical presence required (on average)
• No need to relocate immediately
• Long-term hedge for stability and EU access
• Path to citizenship after 5 years (subject to future law changes)

Important change:
Real-estate investment is no longer an eligible route. Most Hong Kong applicants now use Portuguese-regulated investment funds, typically starting at €500,000.

This means the Golden Visa today is more of a financial and due-diligence decision than a lifestyle one — something Hong Kong investors tend to be comfortable with, but should approach carefully.

Popular investment and donation routes

Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for people who:

• Work remotely for overseas employers, or
• Are freelancers with international clients

It suits professionals who want to live full-time in Portugal while keeping Hong Kong or international income.

Minimum income requirement: €3,680 per month in actively earned income (e.g. salary from a remote job or freelancing income)

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This visa requires significant physical presence in Portugal, which makes it less suitable as a “Plan B” but ideal for a genuine relocation.

D7 Visa (Passive Income / Retirement)

The D7 visa is often called the retirement visa, but it’s suitable for anyone with passive or semi-passive income, such as:

• Pensions/ US Social Security
• Rental income
• Dividends
• Royalties

It’s popular with retirees and financially independent families.

As of 2026, an individual would need €920 per month in passive income to qualify.

Like the Digital Nomad Visa, the D7 requires you to live in Portugal most of the year, making it best for people committing fully to the move.

D2 Visa (Business / Entrepreneur)

The D2 visa is for those who want to start or run a business in Portugal. This could be:

• A guesthouse
• A café or restaurant
• A consultancy
• An online business with Portuguese operations
• Or any other kind of business

Approval depends on a credible business plan, not just capital. As with each of the other visas, you will also need sufficient savings to support yourself as you launch your new business.

Considerations for those moving from Hong Kong

Cost of Living: A Reset for Hong Kong Expectations

Portugal is significantly cheaper than Hong Kong — even in Lisbon.

That said, expectations matter.

• Housing is cheaper, but often older
• Apartments are larger, but insulation can be poor
• Eating out is affordable, but the cuisine is different
• Services can be slower, less efficient, and less polished

Lisbon is the most expensive part of the country, but still costs far less than central Hong Kong. Outside Lisbon and Porto, prices drop quickly.

Pace of Life: The Adjustment Most People Underestimate

This is often the biggest cultural shock.

Portugal operates at a much slower pace than Hong Kong:

• Bureaucracy takes time
• Emails go unanswered
• Appointments start late
• Processes are rarely optimised

This can be frustrating at first — especially for people used to Hong Kong’s efficiency — but many find it becomes one of Portugal’s biggest benefits once expectations reset.

Work, Careers, and Qualifications

Portugal is not a high-salary economy.

Highly credentialed professionals from Hong Kong should be aware that:

• Salaries are lower
• Corporate career ladders are limited
• Qualification recognition (medicine, law, teaching) can be slow and exam-heavy

As a result, many Hong Kong movers:

• Work remotely
• Keep overseas roles
• Start businesses
• Treat Portugal as a base rather than a career accelerator

Language and Citizenship Planning

Portuguese is essential for long-term integration. However, you don’t need it to move to Portugal. It isn’t a legal requirement and English is widely spoken throughout Portugal, particularly in places like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

While English works in daily life — especially in Lisbon and Porto — citizenship requires A2-level Portuguese. Many Hong Kong families plan for this early, especially if EU citizenship is the long-term goal.

Children generally pick up Portuguese faster than adults, which can influence schooling decisions.

Where to Live in Portugal

You can live anywhere in Portugal, but in practice, most people moving from Hong Kong tend to cluster in a few key areas. Each offers a very different balance of pace, cost, infrastructure, and international feel — and choosing the right one often matters more than the visa itself.

Below are the most common options, with the trade-offs laid out clearly.

Lisbon

Lisbon is the most popular choice for people relocating from Hong Kong — and usually the easiest transition.

It’s Portugal’s largest city and most international by far. You’ll find:

• The widest choice of international schools
• The strongest English coverage in daily life
• The largest expat and international professional community
• The best transport connections (airport, trains, metro)
• The most international shops, restaurants, and services

That said, Lisbon is not a skyscraper city. Buildings are generally low-rise, older, and historic. Apartments are often spacious by Hong Kong standards, but insulation, heating, and soundproofing can be weaker than expected.

Lisbon is also the most expensive place in Portugal, especially for rent, although it’s still significantly cheaper than Hong Kong. For people who want convenience, international services, and minimal friction in the early years, Lisbon is often the default starting point.

Porto

Porto is Portugal’s second city and appeals to people who want an urban lifestyle without Lisbon’s price tag or intensity.

Compared to Lisbon, Porto is:

• Smaller and more compact
• Cheaper for both rent and property
• More traditional and less tourist-driven
• Cooler and wetter, especially in winter
• Slower-paced overall

One major advantage for Hong Kongers is location. Porto sits close to many other Portuguese cities and towns (e.g. Braga and Guimarães) and offers easy access to Northern Spain, which expands travel and lifestyle options.

English is spoken, but less universally than in Lisbon, and the expat community is smaller — which some people see as a benefit rather than a downside.

Algarve

The Algarve is best known for beaches, sunshine, and a relaxed pace of life — and it’s especially popular with retirees and families.

Key features include:

• Around 300 days of sunshine per year
• Coastal towns with excellent beaches
• A slower, quieter lifestyle
• A large international and English-speaking community
• Good private healthcare options

The Algarve feels less like a city and more like a collection of towns spread along the coast. This means you often need a car, and social life can be more dispersed.

For people coming from Hong Kong’s density and intensity, the Algarve can feel like a dramatic lifestyle shift — in a good way — but it’s not ideal if you want a fast-paced, urban environment.

Madeira

Madeira is an Atlantic island with a very distinct feel and appeals to people who value nature, climate stability, and calm over scale and variety.

Why people choose Madeira:

• Mild temperatures year-round
• Dramatic scenery and world-class hiking
• A slower, quieter rhythm of life
• A growing digital nomad community
• Lower population density than mainland cities

Funchal, the capital, offers modern amenities, but Madeira is still an island — which means fewer choices for schools, shopping, and specialist services. Flights to mainland Europe are frequent, but you’re always one flight away.

Madeira works particularly well for digital nomads and retirees who don’t need big-city infrastructure.

Silver Coast

The Silver Coast (Costa de Prata) is often described as a lower-cost alternative to the Algarve, with a more Portuguese feel.

It offers:

• Beautiful Atlantic beaches
• Cooler winters than the Algarve, but warm summers
• Lower housing costs
• Fewer tourists
• Easy access to Lisbon (from the southern end) or Porto (from the northern end)

The region is anchored by cities like Coimbra and Aveiro, which provide universities, hospitals, and services without the cost or crowding of Lisbon.

The Silver Coast suits people who want space, affordability, and proximity to major cities — without living in them.

Choosing the Right Area as a Hong Kong Mover

People coming from Hong Kong often prioritise:

• Infrastructure and services
• International schools
• English usage (at least initially)
• Healthcare access
• Predictability

From Visa to Citizenship: The Typical Path

1. Visa application (from Hong Kong)
2. Residency permit issued in Portugal (by AIMA)
3. Maintain residency for 5 years (possibly increasing to 10 years), renewing permits as required
4. Apply for citizenship, showing:
   • A2 Portuguese
   • Clean criminal record
   • Basic ties to Portugal

FAQs

Can people from Hong Kong move to Portugal?
Yes. Portugal’s residency visas are open to Hong Kong nationals.

Can Hong Kong nationals become Portuguese citizens?
Yes, after 5 years (possibly increasing to 10 years) of legal residency.

Is Portugal easy to move to by EU standards?
Yes. Portugal is among the most accessible EU countries for non-EU nationals.

Why is Portugal so popular with people from Hong Kong?
Safety, stability, affordability, and realistic long-term options — without extreme barriers.

Final Thoughts

For people coming from Hong Kong, Portugal isn’t about chasing the next global city or replicating a high-pressure career environment. It’s about safety, stability, lifestyle, and long-term options.

Portugal offers something that’s becoming increasingly rare: a place where daily life feels calm and predictable, where personal safety is high, and where the future doesn’t feel constantly under threat from sudden political or social shifts. For families in particular, that sense of normality — children walking to school, evenings that aren’t rushed, a slower rhythm of life — is often the biggest draw.

That said, Portugal is not a career destination in the way Hong Kong is. Local salaries are lower, corporate opportunities are limited, and professional progression is slower. For people whose identity or financial goals are tightly linked to fast-moving, high-paying careers, this can be one of the hardest adjustments to make.

Choosing the Right Visa Matters

For those who aren’t yet ready to commit fully, the Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive entry routes into Europe. It allows you to secure Portuguese residency — and a potential path to EU citizenship — while spending very little time in the country each year. For many Hong Kong families, this flexibility makes it an ideal “Plan B.”

For those ready to make a clean break and relocate properly, income-based options like the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa are often a better fit. These visas are designed for people who will actually live in Portugal, integrate, and build a new routine — whether that’s through retirement income, investments, or remote work.

One of Europe’s Most Practical Entry Points

Taken as a whole, Portugal remains one of the most accessible, realistic, and flexible entry points into Europe for people from Hong Kong. Few countries combine:

• Attainable residency visas
• A clear path to citizenship
• High levels of safety
• Manageable living costs
• A genuinely livable lifestyle

Portugal may not offer Hong Kong’s speed, scale, or career intensity — but for those willing to trade some of that for stability, space, and long-term security, it continues to be one of the strongest options in Europe.