Are you a US citizen dreaming of leaving America behind for a country that’s safer, more inclusive, and protective of both your rights and your pets? If you’re considering relocating, Portugal, and especially Madeira Island, stands out as an exceptional destination. Here’s why Portugal is exactly what you’re looking for.
Why Move to Portugal? 4 Reasons
Safety: Enjoy Peace of Mind
Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries globally. In the 2024 Global Peace Index, Portugal secured an impressive 7th place out of 163 countries, making it significantly safer than the US, where violent crime, particularly gun violence, is a persistent issue.
To illustrate, the homicide rate in Portugal is roughly seven times lower than in the US, and incidents of gun violence are extremely rare. According to Gallup (2023), an impressive 83% of Portuguese residents feel safe walking alone at night, a statistic many US cities can only envy. If safety is your top priority, Madeira Island offers an even greater sense of security. Its small communities and tight-knit atmosphere ensure crime rates are extraordinarily low, providing you with peace of mind in your new home.
Rule of Law: Reliable and Transparent Governance
Portugal’s legal system is stable, transparent, and trustworthy, qualities highly attractive to anyone moving from the US. According to the World Justice Project’s 2024 Rule of Law Index, Portugal ranks 28th out of 142 countries worldwide, reflecting a strong, predictable legal environment where individual rights are respected, and corruption is significantly lower than global averages.
For Americans accustomed to a highly polarized political environment, Portugal offers a refreshing contrast: a robust democratic system with dependable institutions, clear laws, and firm protections for human rights.
LGBTQI+ Rights: Equality and Acceptance
Portugal’s progressive stance on LGBTQI+ issues makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking acceptance and equality. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, adoption rights for LGBTQI+ couples have existed since 2016, and gender identity changes through self-determination have been legal since 2018. Conversion therapy on minors was banned in 2024, reaffirming Portugal’s commitment to LGBTQI+ equality.
In contrast to many US states, where LGBTQI+ rights remain uneven and vulnerable, Portugal’s legal protections are comprehensive and consistent nationwide. According to ILGA-Europe, Portugal ranks 9th in Europe for LGBTQI+ equality, highlighting broad social acceptance in addition to legal rights.
Animal Welfare: Strong Legal Protections for Your Pets
Portugal recognizes pets as sentient beings under the law, a progressive step that gives them significant legal protections. Since 2014, animal cruelty, including abandonment and mistreatment, has been criminalized, carrying penalties of up to two years in prison or substantial fines.
Compared to the patchwork of animal welfare laws in the US, Portugal’s protections are comprehensive and consistently enforced across the entire country. Euthanasia of healthy stray animals is banned nationwide, with municipalities instead relying on humane strategies like sterilisation and adoption.
Moreover, Portugal ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals in 1994, committing to robust welfare standards. The People-Animals-Nature (PAN) political party actively promotes animal rights in Portugal’s parliament, ensuring animal welfare remains a priority on the political agenda.
Madeira Island: The Ideal Destination Within Portugal
Madeira Island takes all these Portuguese advantages and amplifies them:
- Enhanced Safety: Madeira’s smaller communities and welcoming residents foster extremely low crime rates.
- High Quality of Life: Enjoy an island paradise with subtropical weather, natural beauty, and outstanding infrastructure.
- Welcoming Community: Madeira is home to a vibrant expat community, making it easy for new arrivals from the US to integrate and feel at home immediately.
In Madeira, you benefit from all of Portugal’s protections for safety, human rights, LGBTQI+ equality, and animal welfare, set against a breathtaking backdrop.
Final Thoughts: Why Move to Portugal?
If you’re considering leaving the US for a safer, fairer, and more progressive lifestyle, Portugal, and especially Madeira, is a powerful choice. With unmatched safety, strong and reliable rule of law, progressive LGBTQI+ rights, and extensive protections for animals, Portugal offers everything necessary for a fresh start and peace of mind.
Ready to make the leap? Portugal awaits with open arms, welcoming communities, and a brighter future.
The founding of Madeira Corporate Services dates back to 1996. MCS started as a corporate service provider in the Madeira International Business Center and rapidly became a leading management company… Read more
