In June 2025, the current “minority” government bowing to pressure from Chega, introduced new Citizenship laws, raising the residency from 5 years to 10 for Canadians, making it amongst the highest in Europe. The government is proposing to apply these laws retroactively,
Chega is basically the political equivalent of the People’s Party of Canada. The main difference is that Chega is the current opposition party with 60 seats compared to the governing party’s 91 seats, and is gaining popularity every day. This should give any Canadian thinking of choosing Portugal second thought.
Looking for an under-the-radar wilderness weekend escape from the city? Look no further than Portugal’s charming Schist Villages.
Income Tax and Sales Taxes are much higher in Portugal than in Canada, however there is a program called NHR that can greatly reduce your tax burden. There are also some “gotchas” when moving from Canada to Portugal, namely Canada’s vicious “departure tax.
Some advice on navigating social media and leaving reviews for Canadians. The laws are different here.
Portugal generated a remarkable 71 % of its electricity from renewables in 2024. Canada weighs in at an almost as impressive 67% (2023). Both countries outperform the global and EU averages and continue to push for renewable growth in the near future.
Much of the information and most of the resources in english give information that is relevant to Americans, but there is a lack of information geared to the Canadian immigrant to Portugal. Canada is a completely different country than the USA, and Canadians will have a different experience moving here.
Some people choose to live in Toronto and work very hard and then move to a warmer climate where they can sit on a beach all day and retire. I am choosing the middle path. I can work in Europe at a slower pace and make less money and start enjoying fantastic beaches and culture now rather than wait until I am older. I am easing into a later stage in life where money matters less and quality of life matters more.