Astrid(43)

I have retinitis pigmentosa — a progressive eye condition. In Deventer I worked as a nurse in home care, but I felt increasingly limited. Not by my eyes, but by the Dutch system that put me in a box. I wanted to start fresh somewhere.

I chose Porto because of the hospitals. Hospital de Sao Joao is one of the best in the country and actively recruits international staff. I had my diploma recognized through the Ordem dos Enfermeiros. The hospital adapted my workplace — larger screens, adjusted lighting, a buddy system.

Portuguese disability legislation is more progressive than I expected. With an atestado de incapacidade (disability certificate) of at least 60% you get tax benefits on IRS, discounts on public transport and priority for social housing. My visual impairment was recognized without any problems.

My apartment in Campanha costs €650 per month. Porto metro is fully wheelchair accessible and has guide lines and audio announcements. The city actively invests in accessibility — not perfect, but better than many Dutch cities with their impossible bike paths and narrow sidewalks.

Socially I am doing well. There is an active disabled expats community in Porto, and my Portuguese colleagues are incredibly helpful. The culture here is warmer — people ask how you are and mean it. In the Netherlands sympathy always felt like distance, here help feels like closeness.

My salary is €1,350 net per month — lower than in the Netherlands. But with lower rent, cheaper food and the tax benefits through my disability, I come out ahead. And I am happier. That cannot be measured in money.