Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, highlights Portugal’s growing appeal among UK retirees
In 2024, the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK conducted a research study among its database to understand the retirement aspirations and priorities of the UK population aged over 60. This database consists of UK-based individuals who have expressed interest in or attended events organised by the Chamber within the last five years.
In 2025, Portugal is ranked as Europe’s best retirement destination and second globally in the Annual Global Retirement Index. Why do you think Portugal is so attractive to retirees, particularly those from the UK?
Christina Hippisley: Portugal offers a unique combination of factors that make it an ideal retirement destination, especially for people from the UK. The most obvious attraction is the beautiful, sunny climate. Our recent research found that 58% of respondents cited the favourable weather as their primary reason for wanting to relocate. In addition, Portugal’s welcoming culture, relatively low cost of living, and access to high-quality healthcare make it a very appealing option for retirees.
What were the key findings of your research, and how do they align with the interest in Portugal?
C.H.: Our research uncovered some interesting insights. Notably, over 68% of respondents were open to the idea of relocating abroad in retirement. However, 75% said the thought of leaving family and friends behind would weigh heavily on their decision. While there’s strong interest in moving abroad, emotional connections remain a key consideration. Portugal helps ease these concerns because it’s relatively close to the UK – just a short flight away, making visits easy.
Another key finding was that more than 36% of respondents wish to remain engaged in part-time or remote work during their retirement. With Portugal’s expanding digital infrastructure and relaxed lifestyle, it’s well-suited to support this trend. Whether it’s consultancy, remote work, or pursuing personal projects, retirees can enjoy the best of both worlds – remaining professionally active while living in a sunny and serene location.
As people age, health concerns tend to increase. How does Portugal address these concerns and offer a better living environment for retirees?
C.H.: Healthcare is indeed a top concern for retirees. In fact, 87% of our respondents indicated that access to healthcare would be a significant factor in their decision to move abroad. Portugal has a strong healthcare system, with both public and private options available. Retirees can access the public system, which is highly regarded, or choose private healthcare services, which are often much more affordable compared to many other European countries.
Interestingly, only 20% of respondents said healthcare would be their top concern when deciding on a move abroad. This suggests that while healthcare is important, other factors like financial stability, quality of life, property options, and proximity to family take precedence.
Finances are always a major concern when it comes to retirement planning. What did your research reveal about retirees’ financial priorities, and how does Portugal perform in this area?
C.H.: Our research showed that 51% of respondents prioritize wealth-building and enjoying the rewards of their work in retirement. For some, this also involves ensuring that their descendants benefit, with 8% indicating that building wealth for the next generation is a key priority. Interestingly, 64.5% of respondents already own their primary residence, providing financial security and flexibility when it comes to purchasing property abroad.
58% of respondents cited the favourable weather as their primary reason for wanting to relocate
Portugal offers several financial advantages for retirees. The cost of living is generally lower than in many UK cities, particularly in areas like housing, utilities, and day-to-day expenses.
Your research also touched on the emotional and logistical challenges of moving abroad, such as language barriers. How significant are these concerns for potential retirees?
C.H.: Language barriers were a concern for 34% of respondents, and it’s certainly something that can impact an international move. However, many expats find that they can manage with English in Portugal, especially in popular retirement areas like the Algarve or Lisbon, where there are well-established international communities.
That said, learning Portuguese can greatly help with integration and enrich the overall experience. The good news is that there are plenty of language schools and community groups to help expats settle into their new surroundings.
Looking ahead, what do you think will continue to drive interest in Portugal as a retirement destination?
C.H.: I believe Portugal’s appeal will only continue to grow. As more people embrace remote and part-time work along with flexible retirement options, they’ll seek out destinations that offer a great lifestyle as well as financial benefits. Portugal fits this profile perfectly. The country is well-positioned to meet the needs of modern retirees who want more than just a place to relax – they are looking for opportunities to work, invest, and enjoy a high quality of life.
With ongoing improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and expat services, Portugal will remain a top choice for those looking to make the most of their retirement years.
This insightful Q&A with Christina Hippisley highlights Portugal’s growing appeal among UK retirees, showcasing the country’s unique mix of lifestyle, financial, and healthcare advantages, making it the ideal retirement destination.
If you’re interested in learning more, join the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK at the next Moving to Portugal Show on April 3, 2025, in Central London. Register here.
