More than just the home of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal has been a major world player since pre-historic times. The westernmost country in Europe, Portugal is bordered only by Spain and the vast Atlantic ocean. This unique placement has inspired explorers, visionaries, and dreamers for countless generations.
Portugal is steeped in history—in fact it’s home to 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and when exploring its rich and varied landscape you’ll see evidence of civilizations as varied as the Celts to the Romans to the Moors. Whether you’re looking for staggering cliffs that make you feel like you’re at the very ends of the earth, or golden beaches soaked in sunshine, Portugal has something for everybody.
Ranked the 5th most peaceful country in the world, Portugal has a stable economy and a high standard of living. Portugal is also a founding member of NATO as well as a member of the European Union.
The capital city, Lisbon, is the oldest city in Western Europe—and one of the oldest cities in the world—but that’s not to say its old fashioned. Lisbon is vibrant, cosmopolitan, and progressive, not to mention the economic centre of Portugal. Take a walk through its storied streets and you’ll find architecture ranging from the ancient to the modern, bustling shops, a vibrant culinary scene and yes, a football stadium or two.
Portugal offers a residency program where in as little as 45 days, you can gain visa-free access to over 170 countries including the UK, US, Canada, and countries within the EU.
For more information, visit our Portugal program page.
