Estonia or Portugal: Where Should You Live?

Written by Sáskia Doehler — Brazilian living in Estonia since 2017.

Choosing between Estonia and Portugal means more than comparing rent, salaries and temperatures. It means thinking about work, friendships and an ordinary Tuesday—not just a holiday.

I’m Sáskia, a Brazilian living in Estonia since 2017. My perspective comes from life here, not personal experience of living in both countries. I won’t pretend to know Portugal from the inside or present Estonia as perfect.

Instead, here are the questions I would ask before deciding, and the details you need to check for yourself.

Estonia or Portugal: where should you start?

I would start with a viable residency route, realistic income and everyday adjustment. A country can look wonderful without fitting your circumstances.

For Portuguese speakers, Portugal offers the possibility of using their language in daily life. Estonia might make sense if you have a concrete job opportunity or want an international working environment.

Neither “I speak Portuguese, so Portugal will be easy” nor “English is enough in Estonia” is a reliable plan. Language alone cannot solve employment, paperwork or belonging.

Compare cities, too: put Tallinn alongside a Portuguese city where you could realistically live, with plausible neighbourhoods and commutes.

Language: working is different from living

Portugal and speaking Portuguese

For a Brazilian or another Portuguese speaker, describing symptoms, reading a contract or interviewing in Portuguese can reduce the initial effort. Vocabulary, communication styles and workplace expectations may still take adjustment.

I would give this advantage extra weight when moving with children or needing work quickly. If you only speak English, don’t build your comparison around a language advantage you don’t have.

Either way, familiarity does not guarantee integration. Building a support network takes effort.

Estonia and the role of English

Estonian is Estonia’s official language, and English-speaking jobs exist in certain sectors and companies. That does not mean every profession or service operates in English.

I would separate two questions: “Can I do my job?” and “Can I manage my life?” Read actual vacancies and investigate medical appointments, school meetings and communication with service providers.

Even with an English-speaking job, I would treat learning Estonian as part of settling in.

Work: compare opportunities, not promises

I wouldn’t choose based on a country’s reputation for jobs or salaries. What matters is opportunities accessible to you.

Check vacancies for:

Required languages and experience.
Stated salary and actual benefits.
Recognition of qualifications or local licensing.
Willingness to recruit someone living abroad.
On-site, hybrid or remote arrangements.

Regulated professions may require recognition of qualifications and other specific requirements in both countries. Check before assuming your existing experience lets you start immediately.

For remote work, I would also investigate residency, taxation and the employment contract. Having clients abroad does not, by itself, authorise you to live and work in another country.

Living costs: what would you have left?

“Which country is cheaper?” is incomplete. I prefer: what remains after paying for the life my household needs?

Build the same spreadsheet for both destinations:

| Expense | What to research | |---|---| | Housing | Available homes in practical neighbourhoods | | Utilities | Electricity, water, heating and internet | | Groceries | Your usual shopping basket | | Transport | Routes between home, work and school | | Healthcare | Applicable coverage and private expenses | | Moving in | Temporary accommodation, transport and essentials | | Savings buffer | Months of expenses without new income |

I won’t attach fixed prices: listings, household size and spending habits change the result. My cost of living in Tallinn guide can help structure the Estonian side.

Keep your arrival budget separate from your monthly budget. Affording life once settled is different from funding the move itself.

Climate and routine: not a minor detail

Estonian winters are generally colder and have fewer daylight hours than Portuguese winters. Conditions within Portugal vary by region.

The useful question is not simply whether you like cold weather. How would you feel commuting in limited daylight, planning outings and staying physically active?

I would compare housing quality, indoor comfort and willingness to spend time outside. Don’t assume a milder climate guarantees a comfortable home in winter.

If possible, visit outside your ideal holiday season. Buy groceries, test commutes and explore residential neighbourhoods. Sightseeing shows only part of everyday life.

Residency, healthcare and family

Here, I wouldn’t treat a friend’s experience as a rule. Residency options depend on nationality, family connections, employment, studies and current regulations.

Entering as a visitor is not permission to live and work in either Estonia or Portugal. Before paying for a move or committing to rent, confirm your route through official sources and seek professional advice if needed.

For the Estonian side, start with my complete guide to living in Estonia.

If you’re moving with family, investigate:

Each person’s residency situation.
Whether your partner can work.
School enrolment, teaching language and support.
Healthcare access and possible insurance needs.
Continuing treatment and accessing medication.

Healthcare eligibility and required documents vary with residency and coverage. I would clarify these before travelling, especially with ongoing treatment.

Step by step: make a more confident choice

Set your priorities. Pick three essentials: career, language, family, climate or savings, for example.
Check legal feasibility. Identify a possible residency route for each family member and verify current requirements.
Research actual work. Find suitable vacancies, apply and speak to recruiters. Replace general impressions with concrete responses.
Choose one city in each country. Compare neighbourhoods, commutes and homes you would genuinely consider.
Build two complete budgets. Include arrival costs, monthly expenses and a buffer. Test a lower-than-expected income scenario too.
Talk to people with similar circumstances. A family with children may face different challenges from a single remote worker.
Set limits and a backup plan. Decide what you can spend, what must be in place and when you would reassess.

My conclusion: choose a workable life

I wouldn’t award either country a trophy. I would favour the place where viable paperwork, realistic income and a manageable routine come together.

Still undecided? Ask: which difficulty am I more willing to face? Learning a language, restarting a career, adjusting to the weather or living without nearby support?

A considered choice won’t remove every challenge. It can give you more honest expectations and a better plan.

FAQ

Is Estonia or Portugal better for newcomers?

It depends on your circumstances. I would prioritise residency, relevant job opportunities, budget and family needs rather than look for a universal winner. For Portuguese speakers, language belongs in that comparison too.

Which country is cheaper?

Without a city, housing needs and income, the comparison tells you little. Research equivalent expenses and compare what would remain in your monthly budget.

Can I live in Estonia speaking only English?

English is sufficient in some professional settings, but this varies by employer and role. Investigate life outside work too, and plan to learn Estonian.

Can I visit as a tourist and decide later?

A visit can help you assess the destination, provided you follow the entry conditions. Don’t assume you can stay or start working: that depends on the applicable permissions and rules.