What’s not love about Madeira? Living in Madeira is the best option for those who like great weather, amazing quality of life, a low cost of living and breath-taking natural landscapes. Living in Madeira also offers a good business environment and various investment opportunities.
Where is Madeira?
Having trouble finding Paradise? Madeira sits the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 1000 km from mainland Portugal. It’s geographically closer to Morocco (≈520 km) than to Europe! Nevertheless, Madeira is an integral part of the Republic of Portugal and of the European Union.
The Madeira Archipelago comprises four distinct groups of islands:
- Madeira is the biggest island, and home to most of the population. It’s also where the capital city of Funchal is located.
- Porto Santo is a small island to the northeast of Madeira. With roughly 5.000 inhabitants, it’s most famous for its yellow sand beaches.
- Desertas Islands are three small islands to the southeast of Madeira. These islands are uninhabited and are a designated natural reserve for the endemic marine and bird species
- Savage Islands are a group of uninhabited islands further southeast of Madeira. The islands are a natural reserve because of its importance as a nesting spot for several endangered species of birds.
Political Autonomy
As defined by the Portuguese Constitution, the Autonomous Region of Madeira has political and administrative autonomy and is governed by a Regional Government, with the legislative power being assigned to the Legislative Assembly of Madeira.
Despite its political and administrative status, Madeira is an integral part of Portugal and the European Union. If you are living in Madeira with a Golden Visa, or other resident permit you will be allowed to travel with no restrictions in the entire Schengen Area.
Living in Madeira
Moderate Climate
Madeira features a mild, relatively humid climate. The temperatures usually vary between 16⁰ C (61⁰ F) in the winter and 25⁰ C (77⁰ F) in the summer. The north part of the island is, on average cooler and more humid, while the south part is warmer, sunnier, and drier. Living in Madeira is experiencing the 4 seasons in a single day. In the easternmost and westernmost parts of the island, wind is almost always stronger. The capital city of Funchal, because it’s surrounded by mountains, is more sheltered from the winds and usually features a warmer climate.
These dynamic microclimates allow for year-round practise of water sports, hiking, trekking, and exploring the island.
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Stress-free lifestyle
Living in Madeira is calm and stress-free. Forget hour-long traffic jams and say hello to having a drink while watching the sunset at Funchal’s waterfront. Your workplace will never be far, leaving you more room for family time, or to socialise with friends. Public transport is, however, limited to buses and taxis. All cities in Madeira are very walkable, even the capital city of Funchal.
Education
Public education in Madeira is free for all those living in Madeira until the twelfth grade, or 18 years of age. There are international schools that offer education in English and are fully integrated with the Madeira’s public education system.
Schools in Madeira
Healthcare
The Regional Health Service is the network of public health institutions, free for all those living in Madeira. There are three major hospitals (and another one currently in construction) and multiple private health institutions as well.
Healthcare in MadeiraLower cost of living
The cost of living in Madeira is lower than in the Portuguese mainland. Goods, rentals, and utility bills cost less, specially comparing to big cities like Lisbon and Porto.
Check out the average prices for living in Madeira.
Safety & Quality of life
Madeira is a safe destination. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Madeira’s government has taken steps to reduce the risk of contagion and limit outbreaks. Every traveller entering Madeira must present a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR or a certificate of full vaccination. In terms of quality of life, living in Madeira is bar none. Crime rates are low, and people live a peaceful lifestyle. The locals are friendly, tolerant and, generally, fluent in English. In short, living in Madeira is safe.
Exploring nature
If you are one to explore nature, living in Madeira is perfect for you. There is no shortage of awe-inspiring natural landscapes to visit. The Laurel Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the ex-libris of Madeira. This prehistoric forest once covered the entire island before Portuguese explorers settled here.
Today, 60% of the forest is protected and is an important habitat for over 1.200 species of plants, close to 300 species of birds and some reptiles and invertebrates. Many species of plants and birds are endemic to Madeira Island, making the preservation of the Laurel Forest an important factor for the protection of biodiversity. Living in Madeira means living close to nature without sacrificing a modern lifestyle.
Gastronomy
Madeira's cuisine is rich in history and is influenced by local ingredients. By living in Madeira, you can indulge in many mouth-watering traditional dishes. espetada madeirense, carne de vinha d'alhos, filete de espada, and fried corn are just some of the traditional dishes of Madeira.
Wine
Living in Madeira also means being surrounded by a long history of winemaking. Madeira Wine is famous worldwide as a fortified wine produced with local grapes, that is exposed to heat before the ageing process. This produces a wine that will last for centuries, unspoiled
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Advantageous Tax Regime
For companies and individuals. Madeira offers a very advantageous tax regime with a corporate tax rate of 14,7%. For trading, consultancy, holding and international services companies, industrial activities, among others, the International Business Centre of Madeira presents an even more beneficial corporate tax rate of 5%, as well as reduction of other tax rates and a host of other advantages for partners. The Non-Habitual Resident scheme offers a competitive tax regime for foreigners living in Madeira.
Real Estate Market
Madeira has a thriving real estate market. Whether you want to buy a property to live in or as an investment, Madeira is full of real estate opportunities. The mild climate, stunning landscapes, low cost of living in Madeira, and unique quality of life attract travellers and investors worldwide, creating a very appealing market for those who want a second home for vacations, investment, or living in Madeira.
Check out our properties for sale.
Digital Nomads and remote working
Remote working is here to stay. Digital nomads have no fixed workplace, living in constant change and using the internet to communicate and work. Madeira welcomes digital nomads, creating dedicated spaces where they can live, work, and enjoy Madeira's extraordinary quality of life. Digital nomads living in Madeira can benefit from the advantageous regime for Non-Habitual Residents.