Find Your Community in Portugal

Portugal has one of the most comprehensive frameworks for LGBTQIA+ rights in Europe. Same-sex marriage (since 2010), adoption rights (since 2016), and gender self-determination laws (2018) set a high standard. Anti-discrimination laws cover employment, healthcare, and public services. Compared to parts of Eastern Europe or even some Western countries, Portugal offers significantly stronger legal protections and less systemic discrimination.

Note that this is a top level summary of the Visa options available. Your personal situation will define what Visa is best for you, we recommend booking an appointment with us to evaluate which option is best for you. US and non-European citizens can relocate to Portugal through different Visa:

D7 Visa, Passive Income Visa

For retirees, remote workers, or anyone with stable passive income (e.g., pensions, investments).

D8 or Digital Nomad Visa

For remote workers earning at least €3,040/month and working for a non-Portuguese company.

Golden Visa

For investors who purchase property, start a business, or invest in funds meeting specific criteria. The Golden Visa has changed and getting it through property investment is now limited to specific type of property investments.

Student Visa

For individuals enrolling in Portuguese universities or educational programs.

Work Visa

For those with a job offer in Portugal, covering both skilled and general labor.

D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)

For entrepreneurs and freelancers looking to start or relocate their business to Portugal.

Family Reunification Visa

For family members of legal residents or Portuguese citizens.

Each visa has specific requirements but offers clear pathways to residency. The process involves gathering documentation, applying through a Portuguese consulate, and meeting minimum financial requirements.

Compared to other European countries, Portugal’s visa processes are more flexible, faster to obtain and affordable.

Portugal ranks among the top European countries for LGBTQIA+ rights (4th on the ILGA Rainbow Map) and is widely recognized for its safety (Global Peace Index). aeQuum based in Faro is also a good resource. Unlike some parts of the World where anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment is rising, Portugal has strong societal acceptance, progressive laws, and a relaxed, inclusive culture. For minorities, the country’s history of multiculturalism makes it welcoming compared to less inclusive regions.

Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve are the most obvious locations where most LGBT+ communities are. To find more LGBT+ communities, Facebook and Meetup are great platforms to find active local communities and meet with people from the community online as well as at events. Associate a town name followed by LGBT on both apps to find your new community.

In the Algarve, Faro has a wonderful LGBT+ community that meets on a monthly basis.

While most towns are tolerant towards the LGBT+ community, due to their sizes, Lisbon and Porto are where the largest and most diverse communities are but here is our take:

• Lisbon: The Principe Real neighborhood is probably the most popular gayborhood, famous for its LGBT+ life with bars, clubs, and inclusive atmosphere. Nearby Bairro Alto is also gay friendly and has a few clubs and bars. The neighbourhoods of Anjos and Intende in the Arrois sector are both welcoming to the LGBT+ communities. It was voted the coolest neighbourhood by Time Out magazine a few years back and you can often see same sex couples holding hands in the streets.
• Cascais: We couldn’t not talk about Cascais! Cascais is a quaint seaside town located 25 kilometers west of Lisbon. Cascais is a town big enough that has it all, even its own LGBT+ community.
• Setúbal: Has definitely found its place on the map, located 50 minute South of Lisbon, the international community is rapidly developing together with a growing LGBT+ inclusive community.
• Caldas da Rainha on the Silver Coast about 1 hour drive from Lisbon for example sees a growing LGBT+ community which is also true for families
• Porto: Cedofeita known for its artistic vibe, trendy cafes, and LGBTQIA+-friendly spaces like bars and galleries. Porto offers a growing LGBT+ scene. Aliados, the city center, is home to several LGBTQIA+ bars, clubs, and events. While Porto’s LGBTQIA+ scene is smaller compared to Lisbon, its welcoming atmosphere and growing community make it increasingly appealing.
• Viana do Castelo, located at a 40 minute drive north of Porto has also seen an emerging international LGBT+ community grow steadily in the past few years. Located next to the border with Spain, it is a great place if you fancy accessing both European cultures.
• Algarve: Popular among LGBT+ retirees, since the 2020 pandemic, a younger crowd of digital nomads has appeared and the local offer is fast adapting to accommodate more LGBT+ inclusive venues in Faro as well as Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos.

These areas rival top LGBTQIA+-friendly cities in Europe like Berlin or Amsterdam while being less crowded and more affordable. In Spain, the fastest-growing LGBT+ destination is Torremolinos, a relatively small seaside town located at a 20-minute drive from Malaga on the Costa del Sol. 

While the cost of real estate has been going up steadily since the financial crisis of 2008, Portugal offers a lower cost of living compared to the US and most Western European countries:

• Healthcare: Portugal’s public healthcare system is accessible and inclusive, with free or low-cost care for residents. Most migrants or expats would take private health insurance and some would use a mix of public and private healthcare.
• Eating out: Portugal’s food scene is a rich tapestry of global influences, blending Mediterranean traditions with flavors brought by explorers from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In larger cities like Lisbon, Porto and around the Algarve, you’ll find a vibrant mix of traditional eateries, trendy fusion restaurants, and diverse international cuisines. Local restaurants, known as tascas, offer hearty, authentic dishes like grilled sardines and bacalhau at incredibly affordable prices. Whether dining in a fine restaurant or a humble café, Portugal’s culinary heritage delivers both diversity and value.
• Daily Expenses: Food, transportation, and utilities are significantly cheaper.
• Cars: The country applies an import tax which makes buying a new car expensive. There are alternatives available to buy second hand cars.

• LGBTQIA+ Organizations: ILGA Portugal, AMPLOS (family support for LGBTQIA+), and Queer Lisboa (LGBTQIA+ film festival).
• Events: Lisbon Pride and Porto Pride. Note that Lisbon is hosting Europride 2025! Queer Lisboa, Facebook – LGBTQI+ – Expats & Immigrants Portugal – Queer Cascais – LGBTQ+ Rainbow Families & Kids PORTUGAL – LGBT PORTO – East Algarve Rainbow Club – Caleidoscópio LGBT – rede ex aequo –  and Meetup platforms as well as community meetups.
• Support for Non-LGBTQIA+ Minorities: Organizations supporting immigrants, such as SOS Racismo and SEF services for integration.

Portugal’s resources are on par with or better than other progressive European countries, ensuring a robust support system for anyone relocating.