Embracing Portugal. Una Plaude’s Journey and Why You Should Make the Move Too

Moving abroad is more than a geographical change; it’s a shift in perspective, lifestyle, and possibilities. Portugal, with its diverse landscape, rich culture, and warm community, has become one of the top destinations for expats worldwide. To shed light on what it’s really like to move to Portugal, let’s take a look at the inspiring journey of Una Plaude, a successful entrepreneur and expat whose move to Portugal became the perfect blend of personal growth, family balance, and professional fulfillment.

Meet Una: A Global Citizen Who Found Her Home in Portugal

Originally from Latvia, Una Plaude is no stranger to the expat life. She’s lived across Europe and Asia, from Belgium to Switzerland, and most notably, Bangkok. Her international background shaped her passion for culinary arts, as she created restaurants that reflect a mix of Asian and European influences. After years of adventure and adaptation, Una found her place in Portugal, where she moved with her partner and their 7-year-old daughter. They settled in São Pedro do Estoril, a picturesque area within Cascais, known for its coastal charm and family-friendly atmosphere.

Portugal wasn’t just another country on her list; it became the place where she could build a fulfilling family life, grow her culinary business, and enjoy a high quality of life. Let’s delve into the elements that make Portugal not just a place to live but a destination to thrive in.

Adapting to the Portuguese Lifestyle

Moving to a new country always comes with challenges, but Portugal has a unique way of making adaptation enjoyable. Una describes her first impressions of Portugal as surprisingly comfortable. The people, the culture, and the pace of life allowed her to ease into her new environment. Portugal is known for its warm, welcoming communities, and its people have a reputation for being both kind and open-minded.

For Una, adapting to Portugal meant embracing a different rhythm. Life here moves at a comfortable pace. There’s time to enjoy a coffee, time for family, and time to experience the beauty of Portugal’s surroundings. The Portuguese lifestyle is about balance, which has helped Una to manage her bustling career while creating a peaceful home life.

For those considering a move, it’s important to know that Portugal’s pace can provide a much-needed break from the rush many of us experience. It allows expats to reconnect with what’s important, from health to personal passions and family time. The country’s climate also helps – with over 300 sunny days a year, Portugal provides the ideal environment for a laid-back yet productive life.

Why São Pedro do Estoril Became Home

While Lisbon is Portugal’s bustling urban hub, Una found her heart captured by São Pedro do Estoril, a serene area near Cascais. Known for its coastline and beautiful beaches, São Pedro offers the perfect mix of relaxation and convenience. For Una, it’s not just the stunning scenery that makes São Pedro special; it’s the lifestyle that comes with it.

Living along the "Linha de Cascais," a beautiful coastal train route connecting Lisbon to Cascais, Una enjoys an easy commute to her restaurant in Lisbon while retreating to the calm surroundings of São Pedro at the end of the day. The area’s community feel, safety, and scenic views make it an ideal place for families. Her daughter has flourished in this environment, making friends and learning Portuguese.

São Pedro do Estoril embodies Portugal’s commitment to a balanced life. Expats here can experience the benefits of city living while also enjoying the relaxation of coastal life. Cascais, with its cultural richness and high-quality services, is a popular spot for those seeking the best of both worlds. It’s easy to see why so many people, like Una, find their perfect home in this beautiful region.

Raising a Family in Portugal

For Una, family life was a key reason for choosing Portugal. Raising a child in Portugal has been a positive and nurturing experience. The country offers a child-friendly environment, with a strong focus on community, family values, and education. Una’s daughter is thriving, quickly learning Portuguese and making friends. The multilingual environment – with many schools offering bilingual education – has made the transition smooth and enriching for her child.

Portugal’s educational system also aligns well with Una’s family values. With a variety of school options, from public to private and international, parents can choose what best fits their child’s needs. The emphasis on learning and cultural immersion helps children adapt easily, and the community’s openness to foreigners makes them feel welcome.

Portugal offers peace of mind to expats who prioritize family. With a low crime rate, accessible healthcare, and plenty of outdoor activities, it provides a safe and enriching environment for children. Many expats describe Portugal as a “hidden gem” for families, offering both comfort and opportunity.

The Culinary Journey: Bringing Bangkok to Lisbon and Lisbon to Bangkok

As a culinary entrepreneur, Una’s journey is defined by her love of food and her drive to bring flavors from one culture to another. In Lisbon, she runs a restaurant that brings the tastes of Asia to Portugal, inspired by her years spent in Bangkok. Interestingly, she also has a restaurant in Bangkok that offers European cuisine, bridging the flavors she’s missed while living abroad.

This cultural blend has allowed her to stay connected to her experiences abroad while contributing to Lisbon’s diverse dining scene. Portugal’s open attitude towards different cuisines has allowed Una to bring her unique approach to Asian-European fusion to the heart of Lisbon. For food lovers and expats like her, Portugal is an exciting culinary playground with a strong appreciation for innovation in the kitchen.

If you’re a creator or entrepreneur, Portugal is full of potential. The supportive business environment, combined with a growing international community, means that you can build something unique while still feeling at home. For those considering bringing their passion projects to a new country, Portugal offers a welcoming landscape for culinary, creative, and tech entrepreneurs alike.

Overcoming Challenges: What You Need to Know

No move is complete without challenges, and Una faced her own set of obstacles when settling in Portugal. Language barriers, bureaucratic processes, and adapting to local customs were all part of the journey. However, Portugal’s expat-friendly attitude made it easier for her to navigate these challenges. She describes the learning curve as a manageable one, with resources available to help foreigners integrate smoothly.

Many expats share Una’s experience: while the Portuguese language can be a hurdle, most locals are patient and supportive. English is widely spoken, especially in larger cities like Lisbon and Porto, which helps newcomers ease into daily life. Additionally, Portugal has a robust community of expat support groups, which offer guidance on everything from paperwork to finding local services.

To succeed in Portugal, Una advises that you approach the journey with patience and openness. The Portuguese people are known for their warm, approachable demeanor, and learning to communicate even a little in their language goes a long way. Building local connections can make the difference between feeling like a visitor and feeling at home.

Practical Advice for Moving to Portugal

Thinking of moving to Portugal? Here are some practical tips inspired by Una’s experience:

• Start with a Visit – Spend time in different regions, from Lisbon to Porto to the Algarve, to understand which area suits your lifestyle best.

• Learn the Basics of Portuguese – While many people speak English, learning a few phrases in Portuguese will enrich your experience and help you connect with locals.

• Explore Residency Options – Portugal offers various visa programs, including the D2 entrepreneur visa, the D8 remote work / remote business owner visa and the Golden Visa, which make it easier for expats to establish residency.

• Consider Healthcare and Schooling – Portugal has both public and private options for healthcare and education, so explore what works best for your family.

• Embrace the Culture – Portugal has a rich cultural heritage, from traditional music and dance to modern art and food. Engage with it to feel truly at home.

Why Portugal? A Perfect Balance of Life, Work, and Happiness

For Una, Portugal is the perfect blend of work and personal life. Here, she has been able to build a thriving business while finding a peaceful home for her family. The country’s pace, culture, and sense of community offer a level of comfort and fulfillment that many expats are searching for. Her journey in Portugal is not just about adapting to a new country; it’s about fully embracing the lifestyle and making it her own.

If you’re considering a move abroad, Portugal should be at the top of your list. It’s a country where the quality of life is high, the opportunities are endless, and the people are incredibly welcoming. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a retiree, or a family looking for a safe place to raise children, Portugal has something special for everyone.

So, take the leap and explore what Portugal has to offer. Follow the footsteps of people like Una, who have discovered not just a place to live but a place to call home. Portugal’s charm, culture, and sense of possibility are waiting for you – come and see for yourself.

In the end, moving to Portugal is more than a change of scenery; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. With its supportive community, beautiful landscapes, and balanced way of life, Portugal has everything to offer the aspiring expat. So, are you ready to make the move? Portugal awaits. Book a complimentary one-on-one call with moviinn today to explore your options.