Interview with Susanna Pereira - Part 2

Planning a move to Portugal and not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. In this relaxed and honest conversation, Susanna Pereira and Elena talk about how to choose the right city, why even 15 minutes a day of language practice can make a difference, and what really helps when it comes to settling in.

Whether you’re months away from relocating or just starting to explore the idea, this episode is full of practical tips, personal stories, and encouraging advice to help you get started with confidence.

The best cities in Portugal for expats

When deciding where to move in Portugal, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Elena (RelyOn Relocation): “What city would you recommend for expats relocating to Portugal?”

Susanna (Susanna Portuguese Academy): “It depends on the person. For English speakers, Lisbon or Porto are easier. But if you want to really connect with Portuguese culture, smaller cities like Braga or Viana do Castelo offer an authentic experience.”

Elena agreed, noting that many clients choose locations based on lifestyle preferences and proximity to amenities. Some of the most popular spots include:

• Lisbon & Greater Lisbon area
• Cascais – great for families, international schools
• Porto – charming and cultural
• The Algarve – relaxed coastal living, sunny weather
• Braga or Viana do Castelo – quieter, more traditional

   

Susanna added: “Viana do Castelo is one of my favorites. It’s truly Portuguese — not overly touristic.”

Whether you’re looking for community, convenience, or culture, Portugal offers a range of options that suit different types of expats — from digital nomads to retirees to young families.

Thinking about moving to Portugal? Start now.

When asked what advice we’d give to someone considering a move to Portugal, both Elena and Susana had the same answer: start now.

Elena: “Even if your move is six months away, you should already be gathering documents, exploring visa options, and preparing. I started planning a year and a half in advance — it made the process smooth and stress-free.”

Susanna: “Yes! Even as a local, I prepared for a full year before moving back from Switzerland with my family. Planning makes all the difference.”

Portugal has much to offer — but navigating bureaucracy, visas, and logistics can be overwhelming without support. That’s where services like RelyOn Relocation come in — helping people turn the dream into reality with less stress and more confidence.

How long does It take to start speaking Portuguese?

For anyone hesitant about the language barrier, Susanna had a refreshingly encouraging answer.

Susanna: “If you dedicate just 15 minutes a day, you can learn basic Portuguese in about six months. I even created a course called Portuguese in 15 Minutes.”

She recommends one live class a week plus a bit of daily practice. That’s enough to begin basic communication — ordering coffee, having short conversations, and feeling more at home in your new country.

The biggest takeaway? You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be consistent.

Whether you’re just exploring a move to Portugal or already planning your relocation, both language and location play a huge role in how smoothly you settle in. And the sooner you begin preparing, the better your experience will be.

Catch the full episode here