Portugal is an increasingly popular destination for expats due to its sunny climate, stunning landscapes, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re attracted to its vibrant cities, tranquil countryside, or coastal areas, Portugal has something to offer everyone. However, making the move to a new country requires careful planning and understanding of the processes involved. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make your move to Portugal as smooth as possible.
1. Preparing for the Move: Defining Your Lifestyle
Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to be clear about what kind of lifestyle you seek in Portugal. Consider key questions such as:
- Why are you relocating? Are you searching for a quieter life, better weather, or professional opportunities?
- What type of environment do you prefer? City, countryside, or suburbs?
- What are your non-negotiables? Think about the things that will be essential for your new life (e.g., access to healthcare, proximity to the beach, a big garden, etc.).
Clarifying these points will help you narrow down the locations that match your preferences and lifestyle goals. Portugal has diverse regions, from bustling Lisbon to the laid-back Algarve coast. Tailoring your expectations early will help ensure your satisfaction with your new home.
2. Securing Visas and Residency Permits
If you’re moving to Portugal as a non-EU citizen, securing the appropriate visa is a critical step. Portugal offers several visa types based on your situation:
- D7 Visa: Ideal for retirees or individuals with passive income, this visa allows you to live in Portugal while receiving income from abroad.
- Golden Visa: This visa is tailored for investors looking to make substantial investments in Portugal, whether in real estate or business.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Portugal recently introduced this visa for remote workers who wish to live in Portugal while working for a company based abroad.
The visa application process can take time, so it’s advisable to start at least three months in advance. You will need to provide proof of sufficient income, secure a place to stay, and present a clean criminal record. Once you’ve been granted the visa, the next step is applying for residency permits, a requirement for staying in Portugal long term.
3. Accommodation: Renting vs. Buying
One of the major decisions when moving to Portugal is whether to rent or buy a property. Both options have advantages depending on your long-term plans.
- Renting: Rent prices in Portugal vary greatly depending on the location. For instance, Lisbon and Porto have higher rent averages, typically ranging from €800 to €2,000 per month for a city-center apartment. In smaller towns or rural areas, prices can drop to as low as €400 to €1,000 per month. Renting is a good option for those testing the waters before committing to a specific area.
- Buying: For those looking to stay long-term or seeking an investment opportunity, purchasing property may be ideal. Portugal offers relatively affordable real estate, with property prices ranging from €1,500 per square meter in rural areas to €5,000+ per square meter in prime locations such as Lisbon or the Algarve.
Savvy Cat Realty offers a personalized service, helping expats find suitable rentals or purchase properties, ensuring you find a home that fits your needs and budget.
4. Financial Considerations
Financial planning is crucial for anyone moving to Portugal. On average, a comfortable monthly income in Portugal ranges between €1,500 and €3,000, depending on your lifestyle and location. Some key expenses include:
- Rent/Mortgage: €800 – €3,000 (depending on the area and property type)
- Food: €300 – €500 per month
- Utilities: €100 – €350 per month
- Transportation: €50 – €150 per month (public transportation or fuel)
- Insurance: Health and home insurance vary between €50 and €300 depending on coverage.
Learn more about more Portugal’s cost of living.
To manage your finances effectively, it’s recommended to open a local bank account and consider exchange services such as Revolut or Wise for currency transfers. Additionally, obtaining your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is necessary for opening bank accounts and conducting most transactions in Portugal.
5. Healthcare: Public vs. Private
Portugal has a well-regarded healthcare system that includes both public and private options:
- Public Healthcare (SNS): Portugal’s public healthcare system, SNS, offers free or low-cost services for residents. Although the system is robust, wait times can be long for non-emergency services, so many expats opt for private healthcare for quicker access.
- Private Healthcare: Private insurance typically costs between €50 and €200 per month, depending on the coverage level and your age. Private insurance ensures shorter waiting times and access to a wider range of treatments and specialists.
To use public healthcare services, you will need a Número de Utente (healthcare number). Registration with your local health center is required once you receive your residency permit.
6. Navigating Transportation
Portugal has a reliable public transportation system, especially in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra. Options include metro systems, buses, and trains, with monthly passes costing between €30 and €50.
For those living in rural areas or planning to explore the country, owning a car may be necessary. If you already have a driver’s license from your home country, you are allowed to drive in Portugal for up to 185 days after arrival. After this period, you must exchange your foreign license for a Portuguese one.
7. Education for Families
Portugal has both public and private schools, with the public school system providing free education for residents. However, for expats or families looking for international curricula, private and international schools offer instruction in English or other languages.
Popular international schools include:
- The British School of Lisbon
- St. Julian’s School
- International School of the Algarve
Fees for private and international schools vary but typically range from €5,000 to €15,000 per year.
8. Cultural Integration and Language Learning
Learning Portuguese will help you integrate into local society and navigate day-to-day life with greater ease. While many Portuguese people speak English, especially in larger cities, speaking the local language will enrich your experience and ease bureaucratic processes.
Portugal also has a strong sense of community. Engaging in local activities, attending neighborhood events, and getting involved in expat groups are great ways to build connections and feel at home in your new country.
9. Settling in: Local Paperwork and Bureaucracy
Once you arrive in Portugal, there are a few local administrative steps to complete. First, you will need to apply for a resident card, which serves as your legal identification in Portugal. You’ll also need to register your address at the local parish council (Junta da Freguesia) and obtain various public service numbers, including:
- NIF (Tax Identification Number)
- NISS (Social Security Number) for accessing public benefits
- Número de Utente for public healthcare access
Navigating Portugal’s public services can be slow and time-consuming, but having the right paperwork in order will ease the process.
10. Relocation Services: Why Savvy Cat Realty Can Help
Relocating to a new country can be overwhelming, but using a professional service like Savvy Cat Realty can simplify the process. Savvy Cat Realty offers specialized relocation packages that include:
- Housing search assistance (renting or buying)
- Legal and administrative support
- Utility setup and other essential services
With our team of local experts, Savvy Cat Realty ensures that your move is stress-free, helping you navigate every step of the way.
Whether you’re moving for retirement, work, or a fresh start, this guide provides the essential steps to make your relocation to Portugal smooth and successful. For more detailed assistance, the Relocate to Portugal Workbook is a comprehensive tool that will guide you through each stage of the process. And with Savvy Cat Realty, you’ll have the expert support you need to settle into your new life in Portugal.
