Finally you’ve decided to pack your bags and move to Portugal. To the city that’s famous for its sun-drenched land and a postcard-perfect beauty. To the land which has got some of the most beautiful beaches, rich history, and its own delicious food, especially those custard tarts (pastel de nata). Escaping to this beauty is nothing less than a bliss.
Transitioning can be overwhelming; we get it! However, just like any other international relocation, this also requires careful planning and preparation for a smooth transformation. So, before you pack your bags, there are some important steps you must consider taking. And do not worry; we’ve got you covered. This article will help you with some of the important measures to be taken before you relocate to Portugal. So let’s get started–
Find the Right Place
Before we move, it’s important to know a bit about the place you’re going to settle in. And Portugal has a diverse range of landscapes and lifestyles to offer. From bustling Lisbon, known for its rich history and vibrant nightlife, to the Algarve with its stunning beaches and golf courses, Portugal can be an ideal place for everyone. Now, it’s for you to think about what kind of place you want to move to. Are you craving city life or silent peace? Do you want to live beside the oceans or explore the cultural diversities? What is your budget? Once you have an answer to some of these important questions, look for a place that fits your preference.
Get a Visa or Residency
Just like its culture, Portugal offers a variety of visa options, too, depending on your needs and nationality. You may also need to obtain a residency if you are planning to start a new life there. Explore various visa options such as–
Work Visa (if you have a job offer lined up), D7 visa or a passive income visa (for people who have a steady income, like retirees or remote workers, Golden Visa (for investors with a good source of income, offers residency and eventual citizenship. This requires you to invest in a Portuguese real-estate or create job opportunities), and a Digital Nomad Visa (it provides a year to live and work for people working remotely.) Start the application process way before you shift to avoid any sort of complication.
Plan your Finances
Moving to a new place obviously involves financial planning that is not limited to just transportation or housing costs. There’s a lot more than that. You have to have an idea of the Portuguese tax system, currency exchange rates, banking procedures, and more. You’ll also have to look after healthcare costs, insurance policies there, utilities, and groceries. The list will not end very soon, so you must take all these expenses into consideration as well while creating a budget.
Consider Relocation Services
You would not like to keep searching for a place to live after getting there, right? So you must secure accommodation even before you reach it. Explore some reputed and specialized Portugal relocation services to help you with whatever you choose, be it renting or buying. These professionals can help you with various things like viewing the property, negotiating, utility setup, and legal paperwork. Practically almost everything!
Settle in
Once you reach Portugal, there are still some important things you must take care of–
- Register with Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras so as to obtain your residence permit. This is the Foreigners and Borders Services.
- Get your Portuguese tax identification number (Número de Identificação Fiscal) which is required for various purposes like opening a bank account, signing rental or property agreement, and much more.
- Open your local bank account for everyday transactions.
- Even though public healthcare is available there, it’s helpful to get private health insurance as it offers shorter waiting times and flexibility.
- Learn the language if you are planning to stay there. This will help you to easily communicate with people around you and create a good social network.
Conclusion
Shifting to a place can be a real life-changer. You might feel really overwhelmed, and the pain of leaving your old place can bug you. However, the joy of this new life will definitely be worth it. While this might not be everything, with these few steps, you can ensure a less daunting transition and help start a new, beautiful life filled with nature and culture. So, get ready.
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