Why expats are making Porto and northern Portugal their next port of call

Northern Portugal has long been known to Britons for its most famous export: port wine. But in recent years, Brits have been looking to the northern city of Porto for far more than a heady tipple. Increasingly, everyone from holidaymakers to entrepreneurs and families relocating overseas is looking to Porto as their next port of call.

Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, which organises the Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars (next taking place in London on 3^rd April), comments:

“Porto delivers a charming blend of historic architecture, gastronomic delights and contemporary dynamism. It’s a winning combination for entrepreneurs looking to relocate from the UK, with an impressive digital economy and a laidback, family-friendly lifestyle that is a hit with expats of all ages.”

Porto’s cultural diversity and vibrancy are key drivers behind increasing international interest in its city life. Porto’s foreign population has more than doubled in the past five years, with the Porto Metropolitan Area now home to more than 69,000 international residents. Around a third of those live within the city itself, which has a total population of 231,800.

Porto’s role as an “emerging centre for digital business innovators” and as “an important talent hub” for scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, saw fDi Intelligence rank it as the Best European City for Foreign Direct Investment Attraction in 2025.

Soaring job creation rates – estimates put the number created at around 28,000, following €2 billion of recent foreign direct investment projects – are underpinning Porto’s success. All told, the Porto Metropolitan Area accounts for 16.2% of Portugal’s gross domestic profit (GDP).

Porto’s economic success is reflected in demand for homes in the city. Confidencial Imobiliário reports that Porto saw a 7.8% year-on-year jump in house prices during Q4 2024, while the number of dwellings sold jumped 19% from 2023 to hit 6,800 units in 2024.

For those interested in relocating there, Porto will be well served at the upcoming Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars in London on 3^rd April 2025.

Among others, Portugal’s leading luxury developer Nomad Capital will be present at the free-to-attend show, speaking about its recently launched Nomad Eden project in the popular Foz area of Porto.

BSA Investments, led by Paulo Paredes, will also be speaking at the Moving to Portugal Show, presenting its Douro Living project – eight houses that use minimalist, modern design to maximise the area’s sunlight and far-reaching views over the Douro River. The homes enable families to enjoy country calm while being only 30 minutes from Porto.

Porto is celebrated for its high quality of life, safety, welcoming community and year-round programme of cultural festivities. Excellent healthcare services, an affordable lifestyle, internet speeds that quality it as one of the top 25 cities in Europe for fast internet and a direct, 2.5-hour flight time from the UK all add to Porto’s appeal. For those who prefer to avoid flying, Porto is a six-to-seven-hour drive from the Spanish ports of Santander and Bilbao, both of which offer regular, direct ferry services to the UK.

Travelling sustainably is a priority for many Porto residents. The city is recognised as a global leader in terms of climate action and transparency, aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2030 – a full 20 years ahead of the EU’s target. By 2020, it had already reduced emissions by 57% compared to 2004 levels, with further significant work planned as part of the Porto Climate Pact.

Further details of life in Porto and the north of Portugal will be available at the Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars at London’s Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel on 3^rd April 2025. Free tickets to the event can be obtained by registering online at https://MTP-London2025.eventbrite.co.uk.