Retire in Greece vs Portugal: The 2026 Freedom Comparison

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.

The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.

Applicants must demonstrate a monthly net income of at least €3,500, plus 20% for a spouse and 15% per child.

Yes, Greece offers a 50% income tax exemption for 7 years to qualifying nomads who commit to staying for at least two years.

The nomad visa itself is for 1 year (renewable for 2), but 5 years of legal residence can lead to permanent residency eligibility.

Public healthcare is accessible to residents, but nomads usually maintain private insurance, which is high quality and relatively low cost.

The threshold for real estate investment has increased to €800k in high-demand areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, islands) and €400k elsewhere.

Major islands like Crete and Rhodes have excellent fiber, while smaller islands are now largely covered by high-speed Starlink.

A single person can live comfortably on €1,800–€2,200 per month, which is significantly lower than in Northern Europe.

Greece is very safe with low violent crime rates; common sense is sufficient even in busy urban centers.

No, the visa strictly prohibits local employment; all income must come from employers or clients based outside Greece.

Greece averages over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a top choice for those seeking a Mediterranean climate.

Applicants must show a monthly income of at least 4x the Portuguese minimum wage, roughly €3,300+ per month.

The original NHR is closed to new applicants; it has been replaced by the 'Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation' for specific sectors.

Often called the 'Passive Income Visa,' it is ideal for retirees with a pension or stable rental income of at least €820/month.

The public system is good but can have long waits; most expats use private insurance (costing ~€50–€150/month) for faster access.

No, real estate investment is no longer an eligible path; current options focus on fund investments, job creation, or cultural heritage.

Consistently ranked as one of the safest countries globally, it is ideal for families and solo travelers alike.

Yes, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Younger generations and those in the service industry speak it fluently.

Rents have risen; a 1-bedroom in the center is €1,200–€1,600, but living in smaller cities like Coimbra or Braga is much cheaper.

Crypto held for over a year is generally tax-free, but short-term gains (held <1 year) are taxed at a flat 28%.

Portugal has some of the best fiber optic penetration in Europe, with speeds of 1Gbps common in most urban areas.