Portugal's attractive combination of pleasant weather, affordable living and beautiful beaches has made it a top destination for those looking for a new home abroad.
Portugal's growing popularity isn't just due to its natural charms – beautiful beaches, islands rivaling Hawaii or Iceland, and quaint mountain villages.
Instead, the easy-to-access residency visa process was a key attraction. There has been a notable increase in the number of people looking to Europe for relocation, especially from the United States, in recent years, and Portugal stands out as a particularly accessible option.
In addition, there is safety and cost of living. Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world and has a significantly lower cost of living than countries in North America, Australia, and most Western Europe.
Eligibility to move to Portugal
So can you move to Portugal? For EU, EEA or Swiss passport holders the process is very simple. It is important to demonstrate financial independence through pensions, employment and savings. These citizens can bypass the residence visa application and move directly to Portugal, registering at the local city hall after 90 days (or city councilL).
If you are from other countries such as the United States, India, and Australia, you will need a residence visa. Fortunately, Portugal's various residency visas are known to be highly obtainable.
What about language? Although not required immediately, learning Portuguese is required for citizenship, and you can apply after five years of residence. Although the language can be difficult, especially because of the way European Portuguese is pronounced, there are many resources to help you learn.
James Cave of Portugueseist.com, author of the book Moving to Portugal just got easierList some courses and resources The focus is on European Portuguese.. He also has a page Course only. He emphasizes that although most courses teaching Portuguese focus on Brazilian Portuguese, if you want to understand how Portuguese people speak, it's important to focus on materials that teach Portuguese like Portuguese.
However, as mentioned, you do not need to speak Portuguese when applying for a green card. This is only possible when applying for citizenship. However, James recommends starting his learning process early. He also points out that before five years is up, you can take the A2 test, which is the test required for citizenship.
Doing so will speed up the process of obtaining the all-important Portuguese passport, allowing you to apply for citizenship as soon as you are eligible.
Popular Visa Choices
Three visas stand out: D7 (Passive Income Visa), Golden Visa, and D8 (Digital Nomad Visa).
- D7 visa: Designed for people with passive income such as pensions and rental income. Applicants must demonstrate an income equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage, which is currently €760 per month and is scheduled to rise to €820 in 2024. Family members may be subject to additional financial requirements. For a spouse or partner, this means an additional 50%, and an additional 30% must be shown for each child.
- golden visa: This is a customized service for individuals with investment capabilities. The key method now is to invest at least €500,000 in a venture capital fund. This is a change from the previous property purchase option. The advantage of this visa is that the minimum requirement to stay in Portugal is only 7 days on average per year, making it ideal for those looking for a back-up residency option. It's also suitable for those who don't qualify for D7 or D8 but will see significant savings.
- D8 visa: Aimed at remote workers and freelancers (after all, Portugal is a paradise for digital nomads!) and requires an income of four times the Portuguese minimum wage. The amount is adjusted according to changes in the minimum wage. The standard amount in 2023 is €3,040.
Considering a move to Portugal
Deciding to move involves more than qualifications. Life in Portugal has its ups and downs. Bureaucracy and customer service can be difficult, and housing problems such as poor insulation and noise are common. This is a bigger problem in apartments, and if you live in the countryside you are less likely to have noise issues with your neighbors.
If you own your property instead of renting, you have more freedom to install better heating systems and improve insulation.
Fortunately, most of the bureaucratic problems you face arise when you begin your move. Once you're in place and have everything – NIF, social media numbers, etc. – there will be fewer hurdles to jump through.
The job market can also be an obstacle, especially for non-Portuguese speakers. Portugal's minimum wage is the lowest in Western Europe, which naturally makes other countries such as Germany, France and Ireland more attractive to workers.
In some industries, such as technology, it is difficult to find jobs for non-Portuguese speakers, even though they tend to communicate primarily in English. Salaries can be higher in these industries as well.
linkedin and glass door These are two great places to start looking for international jobs. Another route is call centers. There are a lot of call centers in Portugal and there are always jobs for people who are fluent in another language. It may not be the most glamorous or highest paying job, but it can get your foot in the door.
Of course, this is a drawback. For the majority of people who move to Portugal, the advantages such as safety, ease of obtaining an “EU passport”, weather and a more comfortable pace of life make up for these difficulties.
understanding taxes
Portugal has a progressive tax system with rates ranging from 14.5% to 48%, but taxation can be complex and depends on individual circumstances. Tax treaties are important here and it is important to talk to someone who understands the tax settings of Portugal and the country your money is coming from.
The NHR system attracts many foreigners to Portugal. Ends at the end of 2023But a “new NHR” will begin. Although not as attractive at first as the old regime, there are opportunities for those working in technology, startups or science-related jobs.
Again, it is a good idea to consult an accountant. While the NHR system is the most talked about tax system, Portugal also has other tax systems, such as the 'simplified system', which pays less tax.
This particular scheme is suitable for people with an annual income of less than €200,000 and allows them to pay tax on 75% of their total income and deem the remaining 25% as expenses.
shipping items
EU moving companies make your move easier because there are no customs barriers. In other cases, delivery of personal items is possible by obtaining a ‘baggage certificate’. within 1 year of granting visas.
However, the costs and logistics of shipping large containers can be challenging. It is a good idea to contact a few different moving companies and get quotes on how much your move will cost.
If you're willing to downsize, this is a more hassle-free option. It also makes sense if you're moving from North America, especially considering that real estate in Europe is much smaller.
Your American-made sofa may not fit your Portuguese apartment. And that's before you even think about taking the stairs.
Electronics, especially home appliances, from outside Europe may not work properly in Portugal.
When traveling to Portugal, taking an extra suitcase is often the simplest option. You'll need to pack wisely and run it multiple times, but that will limit your paperwork and costs.
However, it all depends on where you are moving from. For example, if you're moving from the UK, the cost of moving your furniture and belongings to Portugal will be much cheaper than to places like Australia, the US or South Africa.
Find a home
Securing accommodation can be difficult, especially in popular areas like Lisbon. Websites such as idealist.pt and olx.ptFacebook groups and real estate agents can be valuable resources.
Finding accommodation can be difficult. It is especially popular in Lisbon, but also in Porto and the Algarve. It is generally easier to find accommodation in the winter, especially in the Algarve region.
For non-EU movers, a long-term rental agreement is usually required for the visa process. Unfortunately, this is generally not something Airbnb can offer. It must be a specific contract registered with the local tax authority (Finanças).
For EU directors, the rules are generally not as strict. However, this may vary depending on specific circumstances. City Hall What you are dealing with.
make friends
One of the hardest things about moving is making friends. Portugal has many meetup groups, so making friends with other expats is relatively easy.
just search Meetup.com Depending on your location, you can see everything from sports groups to book clubs to more general meet-up groups.
Making Portuguese friends can be more difficult. The best thing you can do is find an activity that interests you, whether it's a sport or a hobby, and find an organization with a lot of Portuguese members, rather than one that targets mainly expats. rain
But we were prepared to speak some Portuguese.
In conclusion, embracing the Portuguese way of life as an expat involves navigating visas, dealing with bureaucracy, and adapting to new cultural norms. But the rewards are plentiful, from the beautiful scenery and warmth of the locals to the leisurely pace of life and cost-effective living.
Whether you're drawn to sunny beaches or a rich cultural tapestry, Portugal offers a haven for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. With preparation and an open mind, a trip to Portugal can be the start of an exciting new chapter. Boa sorte (Good luck) Go to Portugal!
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