Portugal was placed 10th out of 46 destinations, while the United Kingdom ranked 38th, highlighting Portugal’s continued appeal for people seeking a better balance between lifestyle, safety, climate, healthcare, leisure and everyday wellbeing.

The Quality of Life Index forms part of the wider Expat Insider survey by InterNations, and it is one of the largest surveys of its kind. The 2025 edition gathered views from more than 10,000 expats representing 172 nationalities, with destinations assessed across several areas of expat life.

The Quality of Life Index considers five main subcategories: safety and security, healthcare, leisure options, travel and transit, and environment and climate. These are all areas that matter directly to people thinking about where they want to live, work, retire or spend more time in the future.

Portugal performed particularly strongly for environment and climate, safety and security, and overall quality of life. InterNations reported that many expats in Portugal value the country’s natural environment, air quality, climate, relaxed lifestyle and access to the sea.

For many people considering a move from the UK, Portugal’s ranking reflects what they are already looking for: a safe European base, more time outdoors, a better work-life balance, a strong food culture, welcoming communities and a lifestyle that feels more connected to daily wellbeing.

Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, said:

“Portugal’s position in the top ten for expat quality of life is very much in line with what we hear from people attending our Moving to Portugal events. Many visitors are not simply looking for a holiday destination or a place to buy property. They are asking deeper questions about how they want to live, where they feel safe, how they can spend more time outdoors, and what kind of environment will support their family, work or retirement plans. Portugal continues to speak very clearly to those priorities.”

The new ranking comes at a time of heightened interest from UK and Irish residents considering relocation, retirement, investment or property purchase in Portugal.

To support people looking at their options, the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK will host its next Moving to Portugal Shows & Seminars in Dublin, London and Edinburgh in the autumn of 2026.

The events bring together expert speakers and trusted exhibitors covering key topics such as residency, visas, taxation, pensions, property, healthcare, schools, financial planning and everyday life in Portugal.

Upcoming Moving to Portugal Show & Seminars

Dublin
Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Herbert Park Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin
Register: https://MTP-Dublin-2026.eventbrite.co.uk

London
Thursday, 15 October 2026
Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa, London
Register: https://MTP-London-October.eventbrite.co.uk

Edinburgh
Thursday, 12 November 2026
The Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh
Register: https://MTP-Edinburgh-2026.eventbrite.co.uk