Through the stories of several inspiring women, we explore how the journey to Portugal, while daunting, has led to profound opportunities and lasting fulfilment.


A Path to Reinvention

Portugal, with its stunning landscapes and welcoming communities, offers more than just a change of scenery—it provides a chance to slow down, reflect, and pursue long-held dreams. For many women, relocating here is a decisive moment where the pursuit of a more meaningful life outweighs the comfort of the familiar.

I reached this crossroads after two decades in London’s demanding drinks industry. Burnt out and overwhelmed by the pressures of entrepreneurship, Brexit, and the pandemic, I craved a fresh start. Moving to Portugal wasn’t just an escape; it was a rediscovery of purpose. This journey led to co-founding the Algarve Women's Network (AWN) and creating Her Freedom Business, a coaching program empowering women to build remote-first businesses aligned with their dream lifestyles.


Overcoming Fear: A Shared Experience

The stories of other women who have relocated to Portugal reveal similar themes of fear, uncertainty, and ultimate triumph. These women, from diverse backgrounds, all faced significant fears before making the move, but they found the courage to pursue their dreams.


Sandra Westein, a Dutch entrepreneur, had always dreamed of living in Portugal. She ran a virtual assistance business in the Netherlands but was nervous about starting over in a place where she knew no one. However, Sandra took the leap in 2020 and was pleasantly surprised by the opportunities that awaited her. "The opportunities I got here were so much better than I would ever get in the Netherlands," she shares. Sandra adapted quickly, expanding her business to include workations for entrepreneurs in Portugal. Her advice to aspiring expats? "Upskill your services to an online model and focus on networking as soon as you arrive."


Deirdre McGinn, an Irish Career and Performance Coach, also faced significant fears before moving to Portugal. Her concerns included financial stability, language barriers, and the possibility of not finding a supportive community. Despite these fears, Deirdre moved her entire business online during the pandemic and discovered that her client base actually grew. "Today, I have a healthy digital business based on referrals and a strong network," she says. Deirdre’s story highlights the importance of confronting limiting beliefs and trusting that the move will lead to greater opportunities.


Reinvention: Turning Passion into a New Career

For some women, relocating to Portugal offers the chance to completely reinvent themselves, pursuing passions that may have been sidelined by the demands of a previous career. Andrea Michelle Otley, an English finance manager, is one such woman. After years of dealing with the relentless 9-5 grind and struggling with the effects of an undiagnosed autoimmune disease, Andrea knew she needed a significant change.

Moving to Portugal provided Andrea with the opportunity to embrace a new chapter in her life—one that focused on her long-held passion for art. She now creates stunning mosaics and is the co-founder of the Quinta Art Collective, a group of artists that has gained acclaim across Portugal and Europe. "I used to have a studio in my home in the UK, but 9-5 work in finance paid the bills," she explains. "This time, I wanted to start afresh—new country, new career, new me."

Andrea's journey is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to follow your heart and pursue a new career path. "Follow your heart and passion, but don't forget to acquire some basic business and entrepreneurial skills," she advises.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;


Building Community

One of the biggest concerns for women relocating to a new country is the fear of being alone and unsupported. However, Portugal offers a vibrant and welcoming expat community, especially for those who are willing to reach out and build connections.

In addition to local networks like AWN, digital communities play a crucial role in offering support. Platforms such as Facebook groups and online forums allow women to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges, creating a supportive environment even before they arrive in Portugal.


The Freedom to Design Your Life

At the core of these stories is a common theme: the freedom to design a life that aligns with personal values and passions. For many women, this freedom was something they struggled to achieve in their previous lives, where the demands of work and society often dictated their choices. The ability to work remotely has been a game-changer for many women, allowing them to prioritise their well-being without sacrificing professional success.


The Challenges Are Real, but the Opportunities Are Boundless

In the end, relocating to Portugal is about more than just a change of scenery. It’s about finding the freedom to design a life that aligns with your values and passions. It’s about building a community that supports and uplifts you. And most importantly, it’s about having the courage to take the leap and trust that the journey will lead you to a place of profound fulfilment.

Author

Kamila is a dedicated advocate for entrepreneurial community development and women’s empowerment. She helps women build remote-first businesses that align with their passions and support a lifestyle of freedom, inspiring them to seize opportunities and create their dream lives.


Community Lead Portugal | Multi-Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Bestselling Author | Founder of HerFreedomBusiness.com | Co-Founder of Algarve Women’s Network

Kamila Laura Sitwell