The guide
Moving to Madeira
The wish for a change of place usually comes quickly – the real work begins with the preparation. Here are the most important topics to clear up before your move.
- Entry (EU)
- ID card is enough
- Mandatory vaccinations
- none
- Cost of living vs. Germany
- ~25% cheaper
- Official language
- Portuguese
Visas & entry requirements
EU citizens do not need any special entry documents or visas for Madeira – an ID card or passport is enough, and even a provisional ID is no obstacle. These documents are needed at baggage drop, check-in and boarding (outbound and return flights).
Children under 16 may need their own child ID. There are no mandatory vaccinations. If you enter from a non-EU country, a valid visa is required – please ask the responsible embassy.
Work & employment opportunities
The job market on Madeira is strongly shaped by tourism: tour guiding, Airbnb management, guided hiking and rafting tours, water sports, hospitality. The airport in Santa Cruz also offers jobs.
If you have experience in real estate sales, you will find opportunities here too – many agencies are specifically looking for staff who can serve Western Europeans in their own language. There is also demand in healthcare, as prevention is highly valued on the island.
Finances & cost of living
For EU citizens, little changes financially: the euro is the currency and common bank cards work as usual. There are noticeable differences in the cost of living, though:
- Hardly any heating needed (mild climate all year, except at elevations above 500 m)
- Electricity and water are cheaper than in Germany
- Overall, life can be around 25% cheaper than in Germany – if you don’t insist on brand-name groceries, you save considerably more
Language & cultural adjustment
The official language is Portuguese, and many locals also speak Madeirense, a dialect of their own. Madeirans are hospitable and open – especially in the tourist-oriented everyday life, English or German is often spoken too. If you still learn the basics of Portuguese, you will get much further in daily life and the locals will appreciate it greatly.