WHAT MAKES THE PORTUGUESE ISLAND OF MADEIRA SO UNIQUE?
13 reasons why the flower island is a paradise for
emigrants, digital nomads and those seeking peace and quiet of all ages and
tips for emigrants
RELOCATING TO MADEIRA
WHEN MADEIRA BECOMES HOME
To experience Madeira as more than just a holiday destination and, one day, be able to say: “This is home.” For more and more people from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and other countries, this thought marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The mild climate throughout the year, impressive natural scenery, the Atlantic Ocean, good infrastructure and the unique combination of peace and tranquillity with an international way of life make Madeira an exceptional place to live and work. However, relocating abroad is about much more than simply packing your bags. It means finding the right place for your life, choosing a suitable property and making numerous practical, financial and administrative decisions. This is where local experience is particularly valuable. Michael Otto, founder of IMMOMADEIRA, came to Madeira himself more than 30 years ago – and stayed. Today, he supports people who are planning to take a similar step.
MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN MADEIRA
IF YOU WANT TO LIVE HERE, YOU SHOULD REALLY KNOW THE ISLAND
After many years working in the international tourism industry, Michael Otto’s career brought him to Madeira. What was originally intended to be a temporary stay became a new home. He started a family on the island, built up an extensive personal and professional network over the years and came to know Madeira from a perspective that goes far beyond that of a visitor. This experience now shapes IMMOMADEIRA’s property consultancy. Anyone moving to Madeira permanently needs more than simply a beautiful house with sea views. They need a property and a location that suit their everyday life and their new way of living. How far away is the nearest supermarket? How quickly can you reach Funchal? What kind of microclimate does a particular location have? At what altitude is the property situated? How good are the transport links? Are restaurants and cafés within easy reach? Would you prefer to live in seclusion or close to the centre of activity? How important is proximity to the airport?
And above all:
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE IN MADEIRA?
This is where we begin – only then do we start looking for your property.
WHAT MAKES MADEIRA SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE TO LIVE?
13 GOOD REASONS TO START A NEW LIFE IN THE ATLANTIC:
#1 MILD CLIMATE ALL YEAR ROUND
Extreme temperature fluctuations and long, gray winters are not experienced on Madeira, as the island lies in the middle of the warm Gulf Stream of the Atlantic. Here the climate is pleasantly subtropical and mild all year round, which is why Madeira is also called the island of eternal spring. The south in particular offers many hours of sunshine a year and Atlantic winds ensure a rapid change in the weather when it rains. The consistently warm climate is also the reason why Madeira is the flower island: you will encounter a variety of exotic plants and flowers everywhere all year round. The water temperature also remains largely stable all year round, only fluctuating between 17 and 23 degrees. Since there is no industry to speak of, Madeira scores with excellent air and water quality.
#2 BREATHTAKING NATURE
The island of Madeira rises steeply and majestically out of the Atlantic, offering a wealth of natural spectacles, landscape areas and plants that you can hardly find anywhere else in such a small area. From the mountains of the Central Massif, which reach almost 1,900 meters high, whose peaks are sometimes covered in clouds and whose slopes are covered in green forests, across the high plateau to the picturesque bays, from the subtropical, warm and sunny southwest to the Eastern Cape, which rugged rock formations are shaped by the waves of the Atlantic, from the livelier, somewhat more gently sloping south side, to the wilder northern half - everywhere on the island you will be surprised by breathtaking views and wonderful insights into a partly still completely untouched nature, for example in the jungle of Madeira, in the Laurisilva, which is surrounded by the UNESCO has designated it as a world natural heritage site. The evergreen laurel forest with its ancient trees and huge ferns has something magical and mystical, especially on foggy days, while the colorful and exotic plants and flowers all over the island are a real mood lifter.
#3 VARIETY OF LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
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Madeira is undoubtedly THE island for outdoor athletes and hikers. For all possible activities here - whether canyoning, golfing, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, sailing, surfing, diving or trail running - experienced and multilingual teachers, guides and schools can be found on Madeira. The classic leisure activity on the island, hiking, can be done here in many ways: high up on the peaks of the island, through the jungle, along the levadas, the irrigation canals that surround the island, and even across the island with overnight stays in small inns - there are hiking trails for every level of difficulty and taste, even off the beaten track.
Do you want to swim in the Atlantic? At this point we'll dispel the prejudice that swimming in Madeira is difficult because there are no suitable beaches: The island offers everything from fine, bright, flat sandy beaches that are also suitable for children to dark lava sand bays and pebble beaches to natural sea pools and so offer many ways to enjoy swimming in the crystal clear ocean.
#4 CULTURAL & CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS
Monotonous island life? Not at all, because there is something going on in Madeira all year round. Traditional and folkloric festivals such as the flower festival, carnival or the wine festival alternate with sporting competitions such as the annual island rally or the trail running competitions. At Christmas, the exuberant decorations, especially in Funchal, and the Christmas markets provide variety and the gigantic New Year's Eve fireworks are world famous. Open air concerts in the parks of Funchal, classical indoor concerts and evenings in which the traditional, longing Fado is sung in the taverns complement the lively nightlife in the capital. Museums, galleries and a modern design center serve the needs of art lovers and those interested in history, while botanical gardens and parks inform nature lovers about the diversity of Madeira's flora. Unique tourist highlights include the large outdoor gallery of artist-painted doors in the old town of Funchal and - also in the capital and located directly on the waterfront - the CR7 Museu, with which the football star and most famous son of the island, Cristiano Ronaldo, has set a monument. Literally, because his statue in front of the museum is one of the most popular photo motifs among tourists.
Are you looking for quieter leisure activities? Connoisseurs will also get their money's worth in Madeira with the culinary diversity on offer: whether you want to try traditional Madeiran specialties in rustic wooden huts in the mountains or prefer to enjoy international cuisine in fine dining style with fantastic views on the sea, whether you dine directly on the beach or would you rather enjoy your afternoon tea on the terrace of a traditional luxury hotel or even take a culinary stroll through Funchal's old town, the Zona Velha, where restaurants, bars and cafes are lined up close together - in Madeira, no wish remains unfulfilled. And if you take a look at the Madeira page of the Michelin Guide you will find that nine restaurants are highlighted here, one of which Michelin awards two stars and two one star. Madeira also has something to offer in the area of alcoholic drinks, namely the famous Madeira wine, which you can taste at Blandys in Funchal, and the traditional island drink, the Poncha, made from Aguardente de Cana-de-Acucar, which is distilled on the island, freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice and honey. Poncha bars can be found all over the island, including in the mountains. They are often rustic inside and always well attended by locals.
#5 SECURITY
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Madeira is generally known as a very safe oasis compared to the mainland. The crime rate on the island is correspondingly low when compared to the national average and figures in other European countries - Madeira has the lowest crime rate per capita in Europe. In addition, according to the Regional Directorate of Statistics of Madeira (DREM), it has been declining in recent years.
#6 PEACE AND SEPARATION OR LIVING CITY LIFE?
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No decision necessary: On Madeira, peace and seclusion in a wonderful and untouched nature and the opportunity to take part in the busy and lively island life, especially in the capital Funchal, are close together. You don't have to decide whether you prefer one or the other, on the island of eternal spring you can reach anywhere within a short time thanks to the good road connections and the Via Rapida expressway in the south. A trip to the north or, conversely, a detour to the south can also be accomplished as part of a day trip thanks to a tunnel that leads through the Massif Central.
#7 LARGE SELECTION OF REAL ESTATE AT CURRENTLY AFFORDABLE PRICES
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A steadily increasing real estate and construction boom has been observed on Madeira for years. More and more architects are settling on the island who specialize in planning houses on very steep, small plots and are planning, for example, ultra-modern villas with overhanging, virtually "free" floating pool terraces - take a look at our real estate blog, an example is our dream property in April 2024 - or watch our film at the top of the homepage.
The island is becoming increasingly popular with emigrants and property prices have risen accordingly (increase in property prices in Portugal in 2023 compared to 2022: 11.1 percent). Which is why we recommend you act now if you're considering a move to Madeira. At the moment you can still find a large selection of affordable properties on the island - compared to the mainland - most of them due to the steep slopes with a view on the Atlantic, whether apartments in newly built residential complexes, traditional houses in the typical Madeiran style or ultra-modern villas. We also offer building plots and are also specialized in so-called lost places, beautiful and large, rather hidden and often built with banana plantations or sugar cane fields, comparatively cheap plots of land with a dilapidated house on it. You can have these uncut diamonds completely renovated according to your needs for a unique living experience. Madeira currently offers a lot of potential for real estate development projects, especially in the southwest part of the island between Calheta and Ponta do Pargo and in the northern half. If you tell us your wishes promptly, we guarantee to find the right property for you!
#8 EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE & MEDICAL CARE
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The previously isolated island of Madeira has experienced rapid improvement and upgrading of its infrastructure in recent years. From large shopping centers to modern supermarkets, organic shops and regionally oriented small shops to the traditional farmers' market, from a large variety of local fruit and vegetables to the baker who learned to bake bread in Germany, from the Pastelaria with typical Madeiran delicacies to the specialized Deli, here you will find everything you need for life. In the capital Funchal, chic designer fashion stores line up alongside interior design and decoration shops, jewelers and galleries, offering a varied shopping experience. In Madeira you will also find excellent schools and daycare centers. The medical care is also excellent. In about three years, the large university clinic will be completed, which, together with the other clinics on the island and the numerous practices, will ensure a comprehensive health care network.
#9 VERY GOOD WORKING CONDITIONS, FAST INTERNET
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If you are not yet retired and would like to work in Madeira, we also have very good news for you: working conditions have improved significantly in recent years. This is due, on the one hand, to the fact that high-speed internet has been retrofitted almost everywhere on the island and, on the other hand, to Madeira's increasing popularity in upscale tourism, which is resulting in improved job opportunities. In addition, Madeira has now become a hotspot for digital nomads, who move from everywhere with their laptop under their arm, especially to Ponta do Sol, which is now officially called the ultra-modern Digital Nomads Village. Here you will find co-working spaces, a large network of like-minded people including network marketing, advice from specialists and even accommodation specifically tailored to the needs of digital nomads. A website on the topic summarizes all of Madeira's offerings for this target group.
#10 FRIENDLY LOCALS AND AN UPSCALE AUDIENCE
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The friendliness of Madeira's locals is almost legendary. Your hospitality too. For example, if you just wanted to buy some local fruit and vegetables during one of your hikes from one of the many small farmers who often live with their families in very modest circumstances, you may “have to” stay for dinner - despite the language barrier A lively conversation takes place, the self-made wine and home-made schnapps are brought to the table and the meeting, which was originally planned as a short purchase, turns into an evening-long, boozy social experience with local specialties and cultural exchange.
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Of course, you will also find an international, more upscale audience on Madeira, as the little pearl in the Atlantic is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination even in the USA and Canada. People from all over Europe and from overseas move to the island and add a variety of new elements to the local culture. The result is a unique mix of tradition and modernity in a very small space.
#11 GOOD CONNECTIONS TO THE MAINLAND, EUROPE AND THE WORLD
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In the past, direct flights to Madeira were rare and expensive and changing in Lisbon was an annoying stopover with longer waiting times. This is now a thing of the past, because in recent years the number of cheap direct flights has increased significantly, as has their frequency, and even with a stopover in Lisbon the waiting times have been significantly reduced, as planes now depart several times a day between the Portuguese capital and the island. From Lisbon you can fly quickly to all corners of Europe and the world and the airport itself shortens the waiting time with its numerous shops, cafes and bistros. However, the approach to the island remains an adventure due to the location of Madeira's only and short runway, which was built on a rock towards the sea and extended several times over the last few decades.
#12 LOWER COST OF LIVING, INCREASED QUALITY OF LIFE
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Our conclusion: by moving to Madeira you can expect a significant increase in your quality of life - and at the same time the cost of living is lower than in many other countries in Europe. According to the website statista.com, Portugal is in 21st place in the price level index for consumer goods and services in European countries in 2022, Germany is in 13th place, Austria is in 12th place and Great Britain is in 7th place. Switzerland has the highest cost of living.
#13 "MADEIRA, SO SUSTAINABLE"
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The name of the new sustainability campaign presented by the Madeira Tourism Office in September 2023 says it all: In recent decades, the Autonomous Region of Madeira has established itself as a model destination for nature conservation on a global level. The island achieved this by putting into practice various guidelines and measures for the preservation of natural heritage, the sustainability of the territory and the enhancement of endogenous resources. In order to establish itself as a sustainable destination, the region went through a certification process. EarthCheck was the responsible institution here. EarthCheck is one of three companies accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and is a leader in scientific benchmarking and certification for the tourism and travel industry. The certification process requires the gradual achievement of goals for four pillars: environment, culture, economy and social. The destination must demonstrate that it meets the criteria in an appropriately sustainable manner. This includes the sustainability of the destination (cultural, ecological, economic and social) and the appreciative strengthening of the tourism sector. In addition, the destination must focus on diversity in the tourism offer, make investments in the tourism sector and increase the popularity of the destination.
The development of Madeira as a sustainable destination is in line with the ten articles of the World Tourism Organization's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These help to maximize the benefits of tourism and minimize the potential negative impacts.
Madeira is also pioneering the energy transition: the Socorridos hydroelectric power plant aims to optimize water production for local needs. In light of climate change, a European project has optimized the Socorridos hydroelectric power plant so that it supplies electricity and water all year round.
RELOCATING TO MADEIRA: WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER?
FROM THE INITIAL IDEA TO A NEW LIFE
Between the first thought of living in Madeira and receiving the keys to your new home, there are several important questions to resolve.
Our checklist will help you consider the essential points at an early stage.
01 | TRY BEFORE YOU MOVE
EXPERIENCE THE ISLAND AS PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE FIRST.
A holiday and everyday life are two different things. If your personal circumstances allow, spend several weeks in Madeira before making a final decision. Do your shopping there, test important journeys, experience different weather conditions and get to know several regions. Then decide where you could genuinely see yourself feeling at home in the long term.
02 | RIGHT OF RESIDENCE
CHECK THE RULES THAT APPLY TO YOU AT AN EARLY STAGE.
Madeira is part of Portugal. Citizens of European Union countries are therefore subject to different residence rules from nationals of non-EU countries. If you wish to live permanently in Madeira, you should clarify in good time which registration, residence certificate or residence permit is required in your particular case. For non-EU citizens, the requirements depend, among other things, on the reason for their stay. Deal with this before your move, rather than waiting until afterwards.
03 | NIF & DOCUMENTS
PREPARE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS IN GOOD TIME.
The Portuguese tax identification number, NIF – Número de Identificação Fiscal – is required for numerous procedures in Portugal and is also of central importance when buying property. You should also check at an early stage which personal documents and supporting evidence you will need for residence, purchasing property, banking, insurance and other registrations.
04 | TAX
CLARIFY YOUR TAX POSITION BEFORE CHANGING YOUR RESIDENCE.
This point is particularly important if you continue to have income, a business, property, investments, pensions or other financial interests outside Portugal. The Portuguese tax authorities may, among other circumstances, consider you tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Portugal during a relevant twelve-month period. Under certain conditions, tax residence may also arise after a shorter stay if you have a home in Portugal that is clearly intended to be used as your habitual residence. Before moving, obtain individual advice on the tax consequences of changing your residence.
IMMOMADEIRA does not provide tax advice itself, but we can recommend suitable contacts if required.
05 | LOCATION & PROPERTY
THE FIRST QUESTION IS: HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?
Do not begin solely with the question:
WHICH PROPERTY DO I LIKE?
The more important question is:
WHAT SHOULD MY EVERYDAY LIFE IN MADEIRA LOOK LIKE?
City or countryside? Sunshine or slightly cooler temperatures? Sea views or short distances? Peace and quiet or restaurants within walking distance? Proximity to Funchal, the airport, a school or a doctor? On Madeira, even a few kilometres and a few hundred metres of altitude can make a remarkable difference. This is precisely where our more than 30 years of experience on the island is particularly valuable. We do not simply want to find the property that suits you. We also want to find the place in Madeira that suits you.
06 | FINANCING
SET A REALISTIC FRAMEWORK BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR SEARCH.
Your budget includes not only the purchase price, but also purchase costs and, where applicable, expenses for financing, renovation, furnishing and moving. If you intend to finance your property purchase in Madeira, tell us as early as possible. IMMOMADEIRA can now also assist you with arranging financing options. This allows you to establish a realistic financial framework before beginning your property search.
07 | HEALTHCARE & INSURANCE
CHECK YOUR INSURANCE COVER.
If you are moving permanently to Portugal, you should clarify in good time how your health insurance cover will be affected by the change of residence and under what conditions you will have access to the Portuguese healthcare system. The situation may differ, for example, for pensioners, self-employed people, employees and families. You should also check whether your existing insurance policies will remain valid after a permanent move to Portugal.
08 | BANKING & PAYMENTS
PREPARE YOUR FINANCES FOR THE MOVE TOO.
Consider in good time which existing banking arrangements you wish to retain and whether a Portuguese bank account would be useful or necessary in your personal circumstances. Also take into account standing orders, insurance policies, utility contracts and regular payments relating to your property.
09 | MOVING, CARS & PETS
PLAN THE PRACTICAL DETAILS IN GOOD TIME.
Which furniture and personal belongings should be brought with you? What would be more practical to buy anew in Madeira? Should you bring your own car to the island? What formalities apply to registering it? And what do you need to consider when moving with pets? An international move involves many detailed questions. Good planning and local contacts can save you considerable time and effort. Do not wait until shortly before the move itself to begin organising everything.
10 | LANGUAGE
PORTUGUESE MAKES SETTLING IN EASIER.
In many situations, you can get by well in English in Madeira. Nevertheless, anyone planning to live on the island permanently will benefit considerably from knowing some Portuguese. Even basic language skills make dealings with authorities and conversations with neighbours, tradespeople and local service providers easier – and, above all, provide a different way of connecting with the people of Madeira. Learning the language also means discovering the island in a different way.
YOUR NEW HOME IN MADEIRA
FROM THE FIRST IDEA TO SETTLING IN
Relocating to Madeira is a major decision. However, you do not have to coordinate all the associated steps alone. IMMOMADEIRA helps you search for your future home, puts together an individual selection of suitable properties, organises viewings and guides you through the property purchase up to completion before a notary. We remain your point of contact afterwards too. Through our network in Madeira, built up over decades, we can help establish suitable contacts and coordinate processes for many practical matters – for example, financing, moving, services or minor repairs to your property. One dedicated contact. More than 30 years of experience in Madeira. One shared goal: to turn your property in Madeira into a home.
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ARE YOU PLANNING A LIFE IN MADEIRA?
Tell us about your plans.
Your first personal consultation with IMMOMADEIRA is free of charge.
YOU DON'T YET KNOW WHICH REGION, WHICH PLACE SUITS YOU?
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