Also if you have companies abroad you can hire people to work with you in your Lisbon offices for very low salaries. The fact is that nobody is ever prepared to share the truth behind moving countries and what may have held them back in the beginning, and what may have made them change their mind. This two-step process involves meeting all the visa requirements, which include obtaining a . [:db_insert_placeholder_5] => a:3:{s:4:"path";s:10:"/node/1908";s:5:"query";a:0:{}s:6:"routes";O:41:"Symfony\Component\Routing\RouteCollection":2:{s:49:". In many ways, Portugal is a modern European country with all the facilities you could need in major cities. When they file their US tax return from abroad, there are exemptions available that they can claim though, including the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion if your income is from employment (or self-employment), or the Foreign Tax Credit, which allows you to claim US tax credits to the same value as foreign income taxes youve paid. Typically youll buy space in a shipping container these are usually 20 feet or 40 feet long, which gives enough space for furniture and most household goods. That said, costs vary throughout the country, with Lisbon the most expensive place, particularly for property. You'll find that it's difficult to get courier services to find you if you're not in a mainstream town. They are usually proud of their village and love that someone from another country has chosen to live there. There are plenty of companies that promote cheap living abroad but they often paint a very rosy picture that may not take into account all the factors involved. Cut the costs of currency exchange and sending money to Portugal with Wise. Even if you ultimately intend to buy a place in Portugal, renting for a while when you first arrive can be a smart move. Though I am a Portuguese citizen and was raised in U.S. and American husband have bought a home in Azores 6 years ago, we still do feel if this is the right move for us as we are moving there end of this year. A simple internet search will show you that there aren't very many job opportunities advertised online for Portugal. I have lived in Portugal,Caldas da Rainha for 11 years and every word you have written I totally agree with.Well done,I have seen many people go back to their homes disillusioned and our of pocket because they believ ed a lot of rubbish on Facebook. Kids are generally involved in whatever their family is getting up to, from eating out to attending parties and festivals. Content copyright Julie Dawn Fox, 2010-2023 | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer & Disclosure | Advertising & Media | Terms & Conditions | Contact | Camino Portugus | Feel More Connected, Exclusive Portugal Itineraries By Julie Dawn Fox, 2-Week Portugal Discovery Tour By Julie Dawn Fox, 4 Days In The Algarve Itinerary (from Lisbon), 3-Days Taste Of The Alentejo Itinerary (From Lisbon), 3-Day Taste Of The Minho Tour (From Porto), 3-Day Historical Villages Of Portugal Itinerary (From Coimbra), Quick Query Portugal Travel Consultation With Julie, Great travel deals for Portugal and beyond, Why Visit Portugal? The answer is: it depends. If you are working in Portugal, having visitors can be tricky to manage, especially if they are staying in your home and affecting your routine. Thats why this article is so very appealing. Our Q&A addresses topics like lifestyle quality, cost of living, and more to assist you. Portugal offers a great climate, beautiful coastlines, historic cities and a vibrant culture. This need not kill your plans completely but recognising that it could be an issue offers you the chance to address it. Great weather, low cost housing, strong infrastructure and friendly people contribute to this. Others choose to store their things and start again in Portugal rather than ship a container, particularly if theyre crossing the Atlantic or if they arent sure whether theyre moving permanently. Soak up the rays Most of Portugal has warm summers and temperate winters. Europe is the ancient heart of Western Culture. Portugal private health insurance is 1/10 the the cost of what we paid in US. Portugal is the most popular. For example if you don't have enough money to get the bus they will let you in, or if you are missing a document in the bank they will let you send it later but still let you do whatever you want to do. This is part of the reason why there are so many decaying properties in Portugal. Income is taxed on a sliding scale based on the amount you earn, from 14.5% to 48% for top earners. Driving in Portugal is mostly fine, with a few caveats; bumper huggers are common and impatience rules the road, especially in cities. After all, Portugal is one of the worlds safest countries and regularly features in the top 10 lists of places to retire to or live abroad. This really takes the glitter off the falsehoods of a supposed paradise. Shop around to find the perfect bank account for your needs based on your personal preferences and location. As the saying goes, hindsight is a wonderful thing! Since the Brexit vote, that has plummeted and currently hovers at around 1.10 to the pound, which has a major impact on your income. Portugal has a great weather, with about 300 days of sunshine per year, so imagine how wonderful is to live here!. In general, they are applied to the worldwide income of Portuguese residents, however Golden Visa holders and other foreign permanent residents can apply for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax program. If youre moving to Portugal with your family you may choose to put your children in a public or private international school. Many job opportunities are found through word of mouth or local sites like the Facebook marketplace unless it's a larger international corporation that actively uses LinkedIn. Some of these tests and prescriptions are subsidised by the government and so only cost a small amount but you need authorisation from your family doctor to get the reduced price. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This makes winter a rather unenjoyable season. Portugal has a high-quality national healthcare system called the, Research places where youd like to live, including property and climate, If possible, visit places where you might live to get a feel for them, Find an apartment or house youd like to rent or buy, Confirm you will have enough income to support your new life in Portugal, Research residency visa types, and apply, If you wont be able to access state healthcare when you first move to Portugal, research private healthcare options and buy health insurance, Research and contact schools, if youre taking children, Start learning Portuguese, or find a teacher or classes where youll be living, Research banking options, and open an account, If youre shipping your furniture to Portugal, research relocation companies and seek a quote. It can literally take years to sell a house in some areas so before sinking your savings into a place, its worth seriously considering renting for 12-24 months while you discover how you really feel about living in Portugal. This is particularly a problem in rural areas. Ive noticed that service staff often refuse to make eye contact with you until they are actually ready to serve you, so you dont get any reassurance that they will be with you shortly, if ever. If you choose to drive in Portugal youll need to convert your US license to an international license within 6 months. In short, we love living in Lisbon. 15 Reasons To Make It Your Next Destination, see this article for Lisbon neighbourhoods to live in as an expat, Servios de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) website, Find out more about health insurance for expats in Portugal, Schist Villages In Central Portugal, Full Of Traditions And Charm. Many live with there parents until there 30s and they get married, and move into a house with their partners. Its important to research in detail and I recommend a guided scouting trip to ensure your needs are fully met. Are you ready for more than 300 days of sunshine? Residency Visas Citizenship Possibilities The Language Safety The Weather Cost of Living Food Culture Size Conclusion Residency Visas In short, Portugal is an easier country for those that don't hold an "EU passport" to move to. In addition to the aforementioned punctuality issues, things can take a lot longer to sort out that youd expect, especially in the realms of bureaucracy and building work. You may not need to go as far as filling it in the threat is often enough. Plus much more! Really, any country you move to, it's about your outlook and your willingness to make it work. In recent years, expatriates have flocked there for short and long-term stays. Cost of living in Portugal. If youre not thinking of participating in the Golden Visa scheme, its good to know that Portugal is in the EU and is part of the Schengen area. Shops like Glood and El Corte Ingles, and the international section of Jumbo (Auchan) supermarkets often hold treats. However, if you intend to stay longer, you should do your homework beforehand to find out whats required. Portugal visa types are set according to what youll be doing in the country. The account types available to you may vary a little depending on whether youre intending on being resident in Portugal or buying a place for part of the year only. State schools are available and of a high quality but the teaching language will be Portuguese which may not suit new arrivals. If the thought has crossed your mind and you're thinking of a move to Portugal, then you should be made aware of the challenges that you might find once here. Overall, the climate in Portugal is warm and pleasant. Please see my full disclosure policyfor further information. It's also very much a square that must fit in the square situation, so if you don't have EXACTLY what's required, you can forget advancing and you will have to return. Deborah Dahab has a great programme called Master Your Move, which helps you prepare on a practical and emotional level. Once youve decided where in Portugal youd like to live youll need to budget for the move itself. Even in the city center of Lisbon, the capital and most bustling city in Portugal, rent is about a third of what you might see in London, and . Various headlines recently might have you thinking that Portugal is a very desirable place for you to pack up your life and move to, and it may be so if you can navigate through the negatives of the country itself. There are meetups, workshops, clubs etc. Portugal is a family-friendly, relaxed-paced country ranked 6th most peaceful country to live on the 2022 Global Peace Index, but with high-tech infrastructure and connectivity. Here are a few of the pros and cons of moving to Portugal to help you make a final decision. Be inspired by Portuguese life and learn more about different parts of the country. With the right mindset and preparation, you can have an amazing life in Portugal. Aside from the limited infrastructure and cultural activities, there are other things to consider before moving to the countryside to grow vegetables and rear goats. You may not agree with all of their methods but they have been doing this for decades so dont dismiss their knowledge out of hand. Basically, we c. For this reason, conversation topics may feel a little limited after a while and you might want to make additional friends outside your immediate community. 11 Reasons We Chose Portugal When Moving Abroad Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris Jan.15.2022 Cascais, Portugal (Photo Credit: Alexey Oblov / Shutterstock.com) Destinations Europe Inspire News and Tips Portugal Retirement Retirement Locations Retiring Abroad We spent several years considering whether we wanted to move abroad. Average temperatures vary depending where you are, but nationwide averages are 17 degrees Celsius (62 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter and 27 Celsius in summer (80 Fahrenheit). Following on from the weather, although winter temperatures in most of Portugal are relatively mild and rarely drop below freezing, homes are typically not well insulated or properly heated so it can feel colder inside than outdoors. In today's video, we are discussing 10 reasons NOT to move to Portugal. Find out how to get your NIF online. But moving with a household of belongings will be a more complex and costly affair. What a marketer earns in the USA for example would almost certainly not translate to the Euro earnings in Portugal. She believes that remote work is a growing trend that is here to stay and that digital nomads will move to countries that have more to offer than the ones you were born into. Tourist boards and travel magazines tout the fact that some parts of Portugal get a lot of sunny days, up to 300 days per year in some places! It pays to consider and budget for this kind of travel when youre working out your living costs. This is why movingto.io was created, the business creates a layer on top of the existing bureaucratic system and makes things easier for ex-pats like us that move from abroad. When they file their US tax return from abroad, there are exemptions available that they can claim though, including the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion if your income is from employment (or self-employment), or the Foreign Tax Credit, which allows you to claim US tax credits to the same value as foreign income taxes youve paid. Some insurance companies have an upper age limit of 70, and some will not cover pre-existing conditions. if youre coming from the US. Portugal has good healthcare facilities, with comprehensive hospitals in cities and towns, and smaller clinics and medical care options in rural areas. Outside of the capital, other popular destinations for foreigners moving to Portugal are Porto, Coimbra, and Braga. As youd expect, theres a range of housing available whether you choose to buy or rent in Portugal. During this time, youll need to purchase private health insurance. Ever. Sign up for invites to ourFREE monthly webinars by ExpaCity experts. Many people are looking to retire to Portugal. My intention here is to help you understand some of the potential pitfalls that could make living in Portugal too challenging for you so that you can take them into consideration when doing your research and planning. You might worry that paying rent is eating into your savings but its a lot cheaper than having to take a loss on a property just to shift it if you need to move. Utilities, gas and tolls are higher. You can move to Portugal with a pet, but there is paperwork to get in place and youll need to make sure your cat or dog is fully vaccinated. Get a quote Collect from Portugal is very welcoming to those who come from foreign places and you'll be surprised to find a large community of expats in almost every area. Portuguese accounts often charge a small monthly fee, and you will need certain documentation to open an account, including a NIF (Nmero de Identificao Fiscal). The truth is, any European country comes with a list of pros and cons. Lisbon is Portugals vibrant, colorful capital. Public transport in these areas is limited during the working week and can be non-existent at weekends and public holidays. The good news is that almost everyone can speak English, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas. That minimum wage of 665 per month is an indicator of how low wages are in Portugal in general. What this means for homeowners is a ton of rock, zero insulation, and outdated roofing. We chose a pellet stove for the convenience of being able to pre-programme the system to start automatically rather than come home to a cold house and have to light a fire and wait for it to make a difference. One of the main reasons people decide to move to Portugal is the climate. Well also introduce Wise and the Wise Multi-currency Account as a smart way to cut the costs of currency conversion and international transfers when you move. If you need to feel in control and find it difficult to adjust to changes of plans, disappointments or unexpected challenges, moving to a new country might be too much for you to handle. Many foreigners, especially Brits, dream of doing up an old property and theres no shortage of charming buildings that are crying out for a restoration project in Portugal. You can move to Portugal from the USA. If youre on a tight budget, or crave country living more than the coast, you might consider living inland, in whats known as the interior. If youre moving to Portugal for the long haul, dont forget to factor in how suitable a location is likely to be when you get older. There are also a whole list of rules to be adhered to when you look at living a little outside of town, how often your trees need to be cut back, fire safety rules, and others. The thing is you can look at our list of reasons not to move to Portugal in two ways, either it's a list of reasons not to move to Portugal or it's a list of things to be conscious of if you still decide to make the move. 3. Connect with others, discuss ideas, troubles, tips, and more. When it comes to mortgages and loans, it's quite difficult for a foreigner who doesn't hold citizenship to get very good rates. Car insurance is mandatory if you drive, as is property insurance if you own your home and have a mortgage. Prescription medications can be quite pricey, too. Pros and cons of living in Portugal? Well move onto the pros and cons of moving to Portugal in a moment first lets take a look at some of the main places expats choose to live in Portugal. Quality of Life The first reason actually sums up all the other reasons that follow - Quality of life. Hi Bobby, If you are willing to make an effort to get out and do things that you enjoy and give you opportunities to meet other people, you will be fine. Tired of the cold and rain? is warm and pleasant. Many of your neighbours will have lived in that village or nearby their entire lives and their way of life is relatively simple and based around subsistence farming, family and community. The Algarve boasts more than 300-days of sublime sunshine per year, where you can regularly sit out in just a t-shirt, even in January. While theres a wide variety of international food available in Lisbon, Portugal has its own, If youre not an EU citizen, youll need to apply for a. if you want to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days in any 180 day period, or if you want to work in Portugal. We feel you, as our mood can be fully influenced by the weather. It can take months to get a quote sorted out and much longer for the work to be done. As an example, the British Pound-Euro exchange rate was once around 1:1.5, meaning that every pound was worth 1.50. Add the enviable weather and theres no surprise many expats decide to set up home there. Its true that there are many foreigners who have lived here for years and still only know the basic greetings; you CAN get by in certain areas without Portuguese but youll find it helps enormously when you can communicate in the national language. You'll wanna read this. You wont need a visa for Portugal if you intend to stay for 90 days or less. There are many reasons Americans are moving to Portugal. With the majority of food produced locally, the flavors are excellent, too. Residence visas are issued for a short period of 4 months to allow holders to enter the country and request a residence permit. The public school system is good , but if you are looking for an. This is a most thoughtful and thorough intro for anyone thinking seriously of moving to Portugal. Portugal has an average of more than 300 sunny days a year. My husband and I have moved around in our younger days and were saved by our work settings for finding homes and friends. Quick Answer Living in Portugal: Pros and Cons Relocating to Portugal offers many advantages: a warm climate, the Atlantic Ocean, mountains nearby, a low crime rate and a relatively low cost of living. 10 Things We Love About Living in Portugal Life is 'easy breezy' in Lisbon since we can take day trips to nearby towns like Cascais. Whether or not youll be approved does depend on the loan type and if youll be living in the property yourself. Real Estate agents should be properly licensed and registered check the details of any professional you decide to work with to make sure theyre properly qualified. Ive shipped belongings to different countries on three occasions and after moving to Portugal, I swore Id never do it again. We review companies that make NIFs just to make everyone's life easy and save you from lots of headaches, time, and money. Your four-legged friend should be vaccinated against rabies, which means it must be at least three months old. There are plenty of good reasons for choosing to live in Portugal, including its climate, friendly people, great food, delightful cities and beautiful countryside, not to mention the world-class wines and delicious food. Its a winning formula already being enjoyed by an active community of almost 700,000 foreign residents. Related: When Is The Best Time To Visit Portugal? Move to Portugal, they said, it will be fun, they said. I am in no way trying to talk you out of joining me or pour cold water over your hopes and dreams of a new life in Portugal. We've partnered with top lenders to give you access to over 2,000 mortgage deals in Portugal. The whole continent is brimming with history and culture, and for many people, Portugal is the ideal place in Europe to live. Wonderfully sound advice, especially the bit about renovation projects. Also, salaries in Portugal are quite low according to the rest of the global standards for certain industries. Coast or inland? 89.116.24.230 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Move to Portugal in 2023 Ana Fankhauser February 15, 2022 Any time that you research Portugal as a potential destination, you'll be inundated with slogans about 300 days of sunshine and relaxed coastal living. Short and long term options exist for people coming to work, study, start businesses, retire and more. Portuguese is not the easiest of languages to learn but it will make your life a thousand times easier if you make the effort to at least get to the stage where you can manage day to day functional language and simple conversations. Most people who are simply visiting Portugal for business or leisure will not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, providing you have 6 months on your passport. There are no barriers to buying a property in Portugal as a foreigner. And also know why people from these countries choose to retire in Portugal. [:db_insert_placeholder_1] => -1 You will also need to demonstrate your income. Also, speaking to those of Portuguese heritage, you'll find that there's often a mess with the inheritance of a property, and the family members are asking for more than what the property is worth. Most days in the country are warm without being too hot. Theres a widely accepted notion of 15 minutes tolerance in Portugal which means that meetings and events rarely start on time, except for the one time when you are the one whos 10 minutes late! Best health insurance for expats and locals in Portugal. Ericeira, Portugal. Before you get carried away with excitement and make a down payment on your future home, there are a few things you should bear in mind before making the move to the country Ive been proud to call home since 2007. I hope to be visiting Portugal again, but at the moment have no idea when this will be possible and Im not thinking of coming to live there, In the past though I worked abroad, not in Portugal but in Germany, and I can understand from my experience there that anyone wanting to move to Portugal should certainly take account of everything youre saying. ). Choose the option that best meets your current needs. It will change over time but its important to keep the contact going, especially while you are finding your feet in Portugal. Its an open-minded and welcoming city, with an international LGBTQ+ community, low crime rates (in fact, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world proof), and a thriving entrepreneurial start-up scene. Well cover this scheme in more detail later but in basic terms it allows you to purchase a property or properties in Portugal and in return get a visa which can be converted to citizenship within around 5 years. See the suggestions in my Resources For Living In Portugal page or search Facebook for more ideas. Youll find an ever-increasing range of international foods and perfectly good substitutes for many ingredients in Portugal, especially in the big cities. retirement pension, beware of the massive difference that exchange rates can have on your funds. Tolerant and progressive Your data is safe with us. To settle in Portugal youll probably need to open a local bank account to manage your money in euros and set up services like cell phone plans and internet. You will undoubtedly need heating of some kind and may need to top up whatever currently exists in your home with extra radiators, a portable gas heater or by installing air conditioning. I do have cousins there and have made good friends and neighbors and many people we trust with working on our home and has been mostly pleasant, like you said about patience and waiting for service, we have to get used to the fact things dont get done very quickly, whether its banking or having a painter show up late and when he doesnt show up at all and not even call to let us know, is very frustrating!