Portugal is considered the friendliest country in the world

13 April 2022

We could point out multiple reasons as to why Portugal is considered one of the best countries to live in around the World. We could talk about the rich and varied gastronomy and the extensive history. Perhaps the most appreciated social cohesion or the fantastic climate throughout the year. It could be because Portugal is in one of the top ranks in the world health statistics. However, we would be talking about everything that you already know about Portugal. So, what else has this small country situated at the most extreme west of Europe next to the Atlantic Ocean got that makes it so special? The friendliness of the local people.


We recently came across a new ranking that puts Portugal in the top five of the friendliest countries around the world. It was a survey performed by Expat Insider and it has put Portugal on top, followed by Taiwan and Mexico, in second and third places.


According to the Expat Insider Survey, Portugal “has climbed nine places to claim the title of the friendliest country towards foreign residents worldwide. The sunny country offers equally warm welcome to its expats with 36% of our respondents saying they felt at home straight away”. It was also disclosed that, “when asked if they would possibly stay in Portugal forever, almost half (47%) said yes”. Additionally, and “according to a Dutch expat, the Portuguese “look after each other”. The survey concluded that “close to four in five expats (79%) regard the Portuguese as welcoming and almost a third (29%) say that local residents make up the majority of their friendship group – a figure much higher than in the average global expat circle (19%)”.


It is well-known that one of the greatest priorities and struggles for expats around the world is trying to make friends in foreign countries. It is different in every country how closed people are to welcoming new friends, and it is one of the most common complains of expats. Of course, there are many topics to consider when conducting a survey but this one served the sole purpose to measure the friendliness of the local population's attitudes towards foreign residents, and if they are likely to stay forever.


This is the first time that Portugal has claimed the top spot as the world's friendliest country. Following runners-up Taiwan and Mexico were Cambodia, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Oman, Colombia, Vietnam, and Canada. The number of countries measured were 180 and Portugal got a score of 94%, while Canada at the bottom of the top ten got 81%. For reference, the global average was 67%.



Portuguese people are welcoming, easy-going, friendly and love to talk. They are also proud of their country and culture. English and other languages are widely spoken in Portugal; therefore, it is very easy for expats to feel at home once they arrive in Portugal. 

The legal framework for the RCBE is set out in Law No. 89/2017.
by Tomás Melo Ribeiro 23 April 2025
The Central Register of Beneficial Ownership (RCBE, Registo Central do Beneficiário Efetivo) is a mandatory register established by the Portuguese government.
Portuguese Tax Return - How to apply for a submission deadline extension.
by António Pratas Nunes 21 April 2025
Submit IRS Modelo 3 in Portugal by 30 June 2025 or request an extension until 31 December with Modelo 49 in specific cases.
Novas regras para a concessão,renovação e substituição da Autorização de Residência CPLP em Portugal
by Sara Sbai Oliveira 16 April 2025
Nova lei reformula Autorizações CPLP: cartão físico de 2 anos, visto consular obrigatório e acesso à livre circulação no Espaço Schengen.
Purchasing a newly built or extensively renovated home is one of life’s most significant investments
by Margarida Tempera 14 April 2025
Bought or renovated a home in Portugal and found defects? You may have legal protection, with warranty periods from 5 to 10 years under Portuguese law.
Portugal remains an attractive jurisdiction for international investors.
by Tomás Melo Ribeiro 3 April 2025
A branch is not a separate legal entity. It operates as an extension of the parent company and is fully dependent on it, both legally and financially.
Portugal has implemented a series of tax benefits to encourage urban rehabilitation.
by Diogo Pedro and Cleuzina Cruz 1 April 2025
To maximise these benefits, property buyers should assess eligibility before purchasing a property, ensuring it meets the criteria for IMT exemption.
The most important requirement is demonstrating an effective connection to the Portuguese community
by Florbela Lopes 31 March 2025
Acquiring Portuguese citizenship through marriage or a civil partnership with a Portuguese national may appear to be a straightforward legal process.
The present overview provides a comprehensive and structured analysis of the D2 Visa.
by Luís Maria Branco and Tomás Melo Ribeiro 28 March 2025
The D2 Visa allows non-EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals to legally start a business, invest, or engage in entrepreneurial activities in Portugal.
AIMA may suspend the 'green lane' if there are security concerns or significant difficulties.
26 March 2025
A “green lane” will be established to streamline the work visa process for foreign nationals being recruited by Portuguese companies.
Here are some insights and practical recommendations to help you through the 2024 tax season.
by António Pratas Nunes 25 March 2025
The income earned in 2024 must be declared between 1 April and 30 June 2025 by submitting the IRS Model 3 declaration.
More posts