Portugal is located in southwestern Europe and has become a popular place to move to. Whether you’re seeking to retire in a peaceful coastal town, explore a bustling city as a digital nomad, or immerse yourself in the country’s charming way of life, moving to Portugal can be a life-changing decision.
Although some aspects of moving to Portugal change continuously, there are some tips that can help you make the move to Portugal easier.
Check out our moving abroad checklist to help with preparing for your move abroad.
Many factors, of course, depend on your own personal circumstances. If you’re an EU citizen, different rules apply to those who need a visa. Let’s have a look at a few things to consider before moving to Portugal!
The Portuguese Way of Life
One of the first aspects you’ll notice when moving to Portugal is the relaxed and laid-back lifestyle. The Portuguese value work-life balance and prioritise spending quality time with family and friends.
The pace of life may be slower compared to other countries, with long lunches and extended breaks during the day. Embracing this unhurried way of life can bring a sense of tranquillity and contentment to your daily routine.
Festivals and Traditions in Portugal
Portugal has a rich history and many traditions, with a calendar full of vibrant yearly festivals and celebrations. From the lively Carnival in February and the Flower Parade in Madeira to the enchanting Saint Anthony’s Day in Lisbon and Saint John’s Day in Porto in June.
These events provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, taste traditional delicacies, and witness beautiful displays of music, dance, and folklore.
Portuguese Cuisine and Wine
Portugal is heaven for foodies! Portuguese cuisine is diverse offering a range of culinary delights, from freshly caught seafood and meat dishes to sweet pastries and flavourful cheeses.
Enjoy indulging in iconic dishes like Bacalhau à Brás (codfish with scrambled eggs and potatoes) or Pastel de Nata (traditional custard tarts).
Additionally, Portugal is renowned for its wine production, with regions such as the Douro Valley and Alentejo offering outstanding wines that cater to every palate.
Moving to Portugal: Visa and Residency options
Before moving to Portugal, it’s crucial to understand the visa requirements and residency options available to you. Citizens of the European Union (EU) generally have the right to live and work in Portugal without a visa.
In contrast, non-EU citizens may need to apply for a residence permit. Thankfully some agencies can help you with your specific requirements. It’s best for you to consult the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country to get accurate and up-to-date information about your particular circumstances.
If you travel from outside the EU, you might require a Schengen Visa. This allows you to stay in Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa does not allow for long-term residence or work in Portugal.
If you plan to stay in Portugal for over 90 days but less than one year, you may need to apply for a short-term visa. This visa is suitable for study, business, or temporary work assignments. If you intend to move to Portugal for more than one year or plan to work or retire in Portugal, you must apply for a residence permit.
The requirements and application process for a residence permit depend on various factors, including nationality, the purpose of your stay, and whether you have family ties to Portuguese citizens or residents.
Non-EU/EEA citizens must apply for a residence permit before relocating to Portugal. Please consult official sources such as the Portuguese Embassy, Consulate or AMAI for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Getting a NIF number
One important administrative aspect to consider when moving to Portugal is obtaining a NIF, which stands for Número de Identificação Fiscal. The NIF is a unique tax identification number that is required for various legal and financial transactions in Portugal.
Anyone who engages in economic or financial activities in Portugal will need a NIF, whether a resident or non-resident. Without a NIF number, you can’t rent a house, open a bank account, file tax returns, obtain health services, etcetera.
To obtain a NIF, you will need to visit your local Tax Office (Finanças) or the Loja do Cidadão (Citizen’s Shop). You’ll need to complete an application form, which will require personal information such as your name, address, nationality, and date of birth. You’ll need to show your passport or national ID card, provide proof of address, and declare the reason for obtaining the NIF.
If you don’t speak Portuguese, having a Portuguese speaker accompany you during the NIF application process may be helpful to ensure clear communication and understanding. Some agencies can help you obtain a NIF number.
Opening a Bank Account
Opening a bank account is essential for managing your finances and carrying out everyday transactions when living in Portugal.
Research different banks to find one that suits your needs. Consider factors such as the bank’s reputation, fees, accessibility of branches and ATMs, online banking services, and customer support.
Popular banks in Portugal include Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, and Santander. A popular online bank is Activo.
To open a bank account in Portugal, you will typically need a valid passport or national ID card, proof of address, a Portuguese NIF number, a residency permit or long-term visa (for Non-EU citizens), and proof of income.
Finding Accommodation in Portugal
Portugal offers many different housing options to suit various preferences and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a charming apartment in Lisbon, a villa in the Algarve, or a cosy cottage in the countryside, there’s something for everyone. Online platforms like Idealista and OLX are most helpful in finding rental and property listings. Local real estate agents can provide valuable insights and assistance throughout the process.
The country’s rent and house prices have drastically increased in recent years. Rent has increased over 50% since 2017, and it’s still rising! Please be mindful of local rent and property prices, and don’t overpay!
The Portuguese minimum wage might be much lower than what you’re used to in your home country, and therefore rent might be less than where you currently live. But that doesn’t make buying a house or renting a property “cheap”.
So, please do your research, work with local real estate agents if needed, and consider your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
Always visit a property in person and carefully review the rental contract before signing. Ensure that the terms, conditions, and rental obligations are clearly stated, including the duration of the lease, rent amount, security deposit, and any additional fees. If needed, seek legal advice to understand the terms and obligations fully.
If you have yet to secure long-term accommodation before arriving in Portugal, consider booking temporary housing, such as serviced apartments or vacation rentals, for the initial period. This provides flexibility and allows you to explore different areas and neighbourhoods in Portugal before committing to a long-term rental or property purchase.
Healthcare and Insurance in Portugal
Access to healthcare is an essential consideration when moving to a new country. Portugal has a public healthcare system, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), which provides universal coverage to residents.
Once registered with the SNS, you will be issued a healthcare number called Número Nacional de Utente. As a resident, you are then entitled to register with a local health centre (Centro de Saúde) in your area of residence.
Additionally, private health insurance can offer added peace of mind, providing access to a broader network of medical professionals and facilities.
Again, healthcare might be expensive or cheap for you, depending on where you’re moving from. Major cities have well-equipped hospitals, while smaller towns may have local health centres that offer primary care services.
Private hospitals and clinics are also available and often provide faster access to specialist care and a more comprehensive range of services.
I would suggest researching different insurance providers, comparing plans, and considering your specific needs and budget before choosing private health insurance.
Education and Schools in Portugal
If you’re moving to Portugal with children, ensuring access to quality education is crucial. Portugal has a well-regarded education system, both in the public and private sectors.
Public schools provide education free of charge, while private schools offer alternative options with varied curriculum and language options. Researching schools in your desired area and understanding admission processes and requirements will help you make informed decisions regarding your child’s education.
To enrol your child in a public school, you will need to provide proof of residence and your child’s identification documents. Public schools generally follow the Portuguese language as the medium of instruction, although international schools may offer bilingual or English-language programs.
Private schools charge tuition fees, and their admissions processes and requirements may vary.
Education in Portugal is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 18. Compulsory education consists of three levels. These are Pre-school Education (Educação Pré-escolar) for children between the ages of 3 and 5. This is followed by Basic Education (Educação Básica) for ages 6 to 10 1st cycle (1º ciclo), for ages 10 to 12 (2º ciclo), and for ages 12 to 15 (3º ciclo).
This will cover a broad curriculum covering subjects such as Portuguese language, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and foreign languages.
Secondary education is typically for ages 15 to 18 and prepares students for higher education or vocational training.
Living in Portugal: Taxes
Not many people like taxes (does anyone?), but it’s essential when moving to Portugal to have some understanding of Portuguese taxes. Personal Income Tax, known as IRS (Imposto sobre o Rendimento das Pessoas Singulares), is levied on your income.
As a resident of Portugal, you are subject to tax on your worldwide income, including employment income, self-employment income, rental income, and capital gains. The tax rates vary depending on the income bracket, ranging from 14.5% to 48%.
If you own a business or are self-employed in Portugal, you will be subject to Corporate Income Tax, or IRC (Imposto sobre o Rendimento das Pessoas Coletivas).
There are also Property Taxes, Stamp Duty and Social Security contributions. Again, a specialised tax advisor can help you with your personal situation.
The NHR program
The Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program is a tax regime that offers attractive benefits to qualifying individuals. If you are moving to Portugal and have not been a tax resident in Portugal in the previous five years, you might qualify.
The NHR system is particularly beneficial for anyone with a foreign-sourced income, such as pensions, self-employment, rental, and capital gains.
Portugal has an extensive network of double taxation treaties with various countries. The NHR program works with these treaties to ensure that individuals do not face double taxation on their income. It will be worth checking if you qualify for NHR before moving to Portugal.
Learning Portuguese
While many Portuguese people speak English, especially in urban areas and popular tourist destinations, learning Portuguese can significantly enhance your experience and integration into the community.
Embrace the opportunity to learn basic phrases and expressions, and consider enrolling in language classes or using language learning apps to develop your language skills further.
The best way to learn Portuguese is to immerse yourself in the Portuguese language and culture by watching Portuguese films and TV shows and listening to Portuguese music.
Apps like Babbel and Duolingo will help, but a language class or tutor is the best way to speak fluently.
Building Social Connections
Moving to any new country involves starting afresh and building social connections and moving to Portugal is no exception. However, Portugal’s warm and welcoming culture makes connecting with locals and transitioning to life as an expat easier.
Joining clubs, participating in community events, or engaging in activities of interest can help you meet like-minded individuals and establish a supportive social network.
Use a site like MeetUp to get to know new people, or join a local sports team and enjoy your newly made connections.
Exploring Portugal’s Beauty
Lastly, go and explore! Portugal might be a relatively small country, but there is much to do and see!
One of the greatest advantages on moving to Portugal is the abundance of natural beauty and stunning cities! From the rugged coastline with pristine beaches in the Algarve to the lush green mountains in Madeira, there’s a wealth of landscapes to explore.
Take advantage of the country’s extensive network of hiking trails, visit national parks such as Peneda-Gerês, and discover hidden gems that showcase Portugal’s breathtaking scenery. And, of course, cities like Lisbon and Porto have a lot to offer.
Wherever you decide to settle down, moving to Portugal is a great option for many.
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About the Author: Marga is a travel writer and photographer who used to be a flight attendant and travelled extensively for many years. After settling in Portugal, she started the Discover Portugal blog with insightful and engaging travel stories. Follow Marga on Instagram.
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