Looking to relocate. But to where?

People seem to have strong reactions to Lisbon. Either they love it, or they think it's a dump overrun by African migrants begging in the streets. The only way to know what's true is to go there, I suppose.

Not sure where the bit about african immigrants comes from. Noticed some angolans there, but overall it looks like one of Europe large cities with the least africans, and Portugal from memory actually is the country in (western ?) Europe the least number of muslims per capita along Iceland. Wages are so low it is far from a magnet for economic migrants, and it's out of the way from Africa to Northern Europe. it's different when it comes to south Americans though. Very far from an expert, that's one of the countries in western Europe where I spent the least time.
Little violent crime as well.
If u mind the language there seems to be upmarket seaside resorts populated mostly with well off foreigners- and probably some cheaper resorts as well, considering french middle classes now go and retire in Portugal.
I liked Lisbon very much,although large parts of it are worn out. Cost if living and crime are low, taxes are sweet by European standards and i don t mind the lingo so much. Among my top destination to move back to Europe.
But you need to check other places in portugal as well, some prefer Porto (many Brazilian pilot families working in Asia seem to retire there for some reason) and others head to seaside resorts.
In Auckland right now, can't advise it when it comes to time zone, not sure about the rest, except that I'm a little disappointed we didn't stop over in Sydney.
 
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I liked Lisbon very much,although large parts of it are worn out. Cost if living and crime are low, taxes are sweet by European standards and i don t mind the lingo so much. Among my top destination to move back to Europe.

Sing me up too! Portugal also has a huge British expat population and I think they do speak some sort of English. Plenty of online forums too:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/portugal-89/

Wiki:"British migration to Portugal has resulted in Portugal being home to one of the largest British-born populations outside of the United Kingdom. Migration from the UK to Portugal has increased rapidly since the late 1990s and the estimated population of British nationals in Portugal in 2006 was 49,000, including 11,000 living in Portugal for part of the year."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_migration_to_Portugal
 
Not sure where the bit about african immigrants comes from. Noticed some angolans there, but overall it looks like one of Europe large cities with the least africans, and Portugal from memory actually is the country in (western ?) Europe the least number of muslims per capita along Iceland. Wages are so low it is far from a magnet for economic migrants, and it's out of the way from Africa to Northern Europe. it's different when it comes to south Americans though. Very far from an expert, that's one of the countries in western Europe where I spent the least time.
Little violent crime as well.
If u mind the language there seems to be upmarket seaside resorts populated mostly with well off foreigners- and probably some cheaper resorts as well, considering french middle classes now go and retire in Portugal.
I liked Lisbon very much,although large parts of it are worn out. Cost if living and crime are low, taxes are sweet by European standards and i don t mind the lingo so much. Among my top destination to move back to Europe.
But you need to check other places in portugal as well, some prefer Porto (many Brazilian pilot families working in Asia seem to retire there for some reason) and others head to seaside resorts.
In Auckland right now, can't advise it when it comes to time zone, not sure about the rest, except that I'm a little disappointed we didn't stop over in Sydney.

Looking at the numbers, some of the largest immigrant countries are Brazil, Angola, Guinea and Cape Verde - to the untrained eye they're all Africans. Ex-colonies have some migration preference I guess.
I imagine the lowest Muslim numbers nowadays are in Eastern parts of EU, where I'm from you can live for years without seeing a single Muslim.
 
Looking at the numbers, some of the largest immigrant countries are Brazil, Angola, Guinea and Cape Verde - to the untrained eye they're all Africans. Ex-colonies have some migration preference I guess.
I imagine the lowest Muslim numbers nowadays are in Eastern parts of EU, where I'm from you can live for years without seeing a single Muslim.


Indeed, Portugal has muslim numbers similar to eastern rather than western europen countries but still the least muslims are encountered in some eastern european countries. One doesn't find many arabs in Lisbon streets, probably even less outside Lisbon.

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/11/29/5-facts-about-the-muslim-population-in-europe/
 
Usually I like to recommend Monaco, it has so many advantages.

But since low cost of living is of high priority to you, and you already consider eastern europe, I have to following suggestion for you:

Bulgaria !

Bulgaria offers you among the lowest cost of living of all countries in Europe. Quality of life is still pretty good. They have excellent internet infrastructure. Time zone should be ok for you.
And they have regions with fantastic climate, I really encourage you to read a bit about the city of Sandanski. It was the location's pleasant climate and hot mineral springs that attracted Thracian, then Roman settlers here.

And as a superbonus: only 10% flat tax on everything in Bulgaria (only examption is interest from bank accounts, those are taxed even lower at 8%) ! The lowest tax rate in the whole european union.

Greetings,
CALLumbus

You can also have Bulgarian nationality within18 months (even for your children), no language requirements, no obligation of minimum stay in the country. Bulgaria evenb accpets double nationality. Cost you about 300,000 euro.Too expensive for 95% of ET posters. Free travelling in all Schengen countries, etc...
 
You can also have Bulgarian nationality within18 months (even for your children), no language requirements, no obligation of minimum stay in the country. Bulgaria evenb accpets double nationality. Cost you about 300,000 euro.Too expensive for 95% of ET posters. Free travelling in all Schengen countries, etc...

Greetings schweiz !

Thanks for the additional info, have you lived in Bulgaria ? I read lots of good stuff about it, on paper it looks really like there is lots of advantages.

I would still prefer Monaco though... :-)
 
Looking at the numbers, some of the largest immigrant countries are Brazil, Angola, Guinea and Cape Verde - to the untrained eye they're all Africans. Ex-colonies have some migration preference I guess.
I imagine the lowest Muslim numbers nowadays are in Eastern parts of EU, where I'm from you can live for years without seeing a single Muslim.

That's obvious, as there is no free money in these countries.
 
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