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A Guide on Moving to Portugal: the Key Stuff You Need to Know

Moving to Portugal

It must be very exciting to plan a relocation. But at the same time, this process is likely to be linked to plenty of hardships and little inconveniences. Read this article, and you will come across a smooth and pleasant moving to Portugal.

Why Is Portugal a Nice Place to Get to?

This is the first aspect that has to be considered. You should be 100% sure that Portugal is your dream spot, and you definitely want to live there. Let’s cover the main reasons that make people change their residence from a certain country to Portugal:

  1. The climate in Portugal is just wonderful. It is very nice both just for everyday life and being involved in a ton of activities outside.
  2. Portugal offers great surroundings for those who decide to open their company here. There is a chance to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa Portugal in order to establish a business in the country.
  3. It is real to become a part of a rather reliable and strong social security system that is introduced to those living in the country. The first step in this way is getting a NISS number.
  4. The prices for accommodation (when speaking of both buying a property and renting) are rather affordable here.
  5. There is an opportunity to apply for NHR status and pay lower taxes.
  6. There is a strong international community in Portugal. As for the expats, there are around 7% of them living in Portugal right now.

This is just a small part of a great list of the causes that become the decisive ones when thinking of moving to Portugal. It is important to make sure that there is at least one reason that can be motivating you the most. But anyway, it is very important to get ready for a relocation in a thorough way in order not to miss anything.

Step 1: Start by Considering Your Financial Situation

It doesn’t really matter what your daily activities are when speaking of professional skills. It is more important what figures characterize your income. Even if you intend to get to Portugal as a tourist first, you will have to prove that your earnings are sufficient enough to provide for yourself and (possibly) your family.

And, when you are planning a relocation to Portugal, things are going to be even more serious here. It is vital to meet the requirement of the minimum income that is set in Portugal. So, you need to take a look at this point in advance and see whether you are okay here. Again, if you intend to bring a family with you, the figures will rise.

As for the ways to present your income, bank statements, payslips, and other kinds of stuff are going to be just fine. But it depends on what conditions you will present them, and so on.

Step 2: Choose a Visa to Apply for

There are quite a few visas to apply for today. One of those is a Digital Nomad Visa Portugal (it is suitable for freelancers, remote workers, and those who plan to open a company in Portugal) and a D7 Visa (it is also called a Passive Income visa).

It is essential to take a look at who can apply for a certain visa (the key requirements), what docs have to be presented, and analyze whether it is sensible to deal with a visa. If you think that it may be hard for you to cope with this on your own, it is not a great problem to come across. You can always stick to the help of intermediaries who will guide you on the main steps to take. For example, for many visas, you have to order a NIF number. The best way to do this is to ask for the assistance of a good service provider who works online.

Digital Nomad Visa Portugal

This visa works just perfectly for those who can call themselves freelancers and digital nomads. The list of documents to present when applying for it can seem a bit lengthy but you will certainly manage to deal with it (especially if you stick to the help of nice experts). For instance, the applicants have to suggest a clean criminal record, full health insurance, a cover letter, and other stuff. A cover letter contains a strong justification of why you want to live in the country.

D7 Visa Portugal

A D7 visa is a nice offer for freelancers. It is essential to apply for it from the country of your residence and wait for the results. If you get the approval, you are going to visit Portugal for a SEF appointment. As a result, you will receive a residence permit.

Full health insurance, proof of accommodation, a clean criminal record, and a Portuguese NIF are just a few docs that have to be suggested within the process of applying for a D7 Visa Portugal.

D2 Visa Portugal

This visa is about to suit those who want to establish a company in Portugal. The key requirement to meet here is to show that you are able to provide for yourself while staying in Portugal. Certainly, you must be ready to collect quite a few documents to be able to apply for the visa.

The whole process of applying for a D2 Visa Portugal is going to take three months or longer. The residence permit that will be received by the applicants will work for two years.

Step 3: Examine the Place You Want to Live in and Do Some Research in Connection with It

It depends on what your key preferences are. Some people would like to live exceptionally in Lisbon while others are interested in the suburbs only as long as they like a more peaceful way of life. So, it’s time to clarify this aspect and get thorough info about the place you are going to move to.

Watch photos, investigate the pricing, and cherish your dream by means of the ways you like!

As for Lisbon, one of the reasons attracting foreigners so much is the great infrastructure. There are quite a few hospitals and schools. People can find a lot of spots for entertainment too which makes life here really diverse and fun.

One more city to consider is Porto. This is a place that is full of digital nomads and retires from abroad. Sure, the cost of living here is lower and this is what attracts the attention of so many foreigners today.

Apart from this, there is a sense in thinking about living in Funchal. It is located in Madeira. As a result, those who settle here can enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlantic ocean. 

Step 4: Consider the Option for Moving Your Stuff

The variant you are about to stick to has to be convenient when speaking of the deadline offered by the company and the cost you will come across. That is why there is a sense in taking a look at several variants and picking the best one for you and your family.

The aspect of moving the stuff gets even more important in case you intend to relocate the stuff that is somehow connected with your business or work. Otherwise, you may lose some money.

Well, here are some greatest relocation platforms to deal with (they work with clients from other countries): Parcel ABC, the Relocator, Crown Relocations, etc.

Step 5: Learn the Basics of Portuguese (Is This Necessary at All?)

You might think that speaking English is more than enough. However, it doesn’t really work this way. It is always great to be able to speak the language of the locals. It turns out to be useful at work and while shopping.

As for the method of learning Portuguese, it is completely up to you to decide. There is a ton of stuff on the Net to deal with. Apart from this, it is a good idea to attend classes at the language school.

How to Simplify the Process of Relocation to Portugal: a Resume

There are a few valuable tips that are going to help you make moving to Portugal far easier. All of them are indicated in the list below.

  1. Do not neglect to refer to the experts. It is a great chance that will allow you to have far more free time. Well, professional assistance is going to be required when you plan to apply for NIF, NISS, and open a bank account. By the way, it is that expensive if you manage to find the right and reliable intermediary to work with.
  2. Hire professional movers who will help you to deal with all your belongings.
  3. Try not to take too much with you (sort the stuff out on time) as long as it will greatly increase the cost of relocation (especially if you travel from far away).
  4. Plan every step that is linked to moving in advance. For example, if you want to get to Portugal next year, you may get engaged in learning Portuguese now. The same can be said about the preparation to open your company in this country.
  5. Do not get to Portugal if you see that your financial situation is not stable enough. It is an excellent idea to improve it before relocating (this way, you will be able to avoid quite a few problems).

Good luck to you!