Are you thinking of moving to Portugal?

I know, it's a big decision, but it's worth it!

Olá! Bem vindos! (Welcome!)

If you are thinking of moving to Portugal, there are a few things you might consider.

Indeed, the decision to live in Portugal, or to any other country is not an easy decision.

I have done it a few times in my life, but you know what? I love it!

When facing the possibility of living in a foreign country, your personality plays a big role.

If, on the one hand you consider yourself to be a more conservative person, you may think that moving to Portugal is quite risky, you may start creating obstacles in your mind as a sign of resistance, but I can assure you it's worth a try!

On the other hand, if you are an adventurous person, you may have done it before, and you know what it is like. In this case... what are you waiting for?

Regardless what your case is, there are a few things that you might know, before you buy your ticket to Portugal.

Once you went through all the considerations about friends, family, income, etc., there are a few things you might consider and investigate about how, where and when you are going to move to Portugal. Below, I'll give you a few tips, in to make your moving to Portugal smoother.

And I'm talking about jobs, housing, pensions, tax, childcare, healthcare, transportation, services, and so on and so forth.

If you are moving to Portugal, you also need to consider learning Portuguese. It is essential that you learn some Portuguese beforehand.

If you are a busy person and you want to learn some Portuguese right now, as you work at your computer, please get a copy of Rafa's Programme here or contact me for some lessons here and start learning as soon as possible. Learn a few words and phrases every day. You will see that, after a few days and without realising, you'll get enough vocabulary and expressions to make a living in Portugal.

Paperwork to move to Portugal.

If you are an European citizen, or holding a European passport moving to Portugal will be very easy, as you don't have to worry about visas or permits to live in Portugal. However, if you are not an European citizen, you need to get a visa or a work permit before you decide to live there. Please check the Portuguese embassy in your country here and contact them to find out what you need.

Finding Accommodation: A house to live in.

When considering moving to Portugal, finding a house in Portugal can be painful, specially if you don't have anyone to speak to, and get advice from. If you are considering buying a house, a piece of land, or just renting a flat to live or a store to set up your business in Portugal, please contact me directly through this contact form here below now and I will do my best to help you out. I might be able to help you get your hands on a good deal. ;-)

If you are looking for help through Real-Estate agencies you may want to contact Miguel at Portugal Property Experts here and ask him what advise he can give you too. They have a vast number of properties available for you to choose from. They both speak Portuguese and English and other languages as well. Check it out. They are very approachable people and they will be happy to help you out.

Taxes.

Due to the fragile Portuguese economical situation, many regulations are changing as we speak, specially when it comes to taxes. I would recommend you to contact the Portuguese Ministry of Finance here and find out what is the best for your situation. Also, setting up businesses in Portugal requires a few procedures. It is essential that you get the best advice. These people know it best.

Healthcare.

Once you are in Portugal (either as a tourist or living tin the country), if you have an accident or need heath treatment, everything will be almost for free. All you have to pay is what is called "Taxa Moderadora" which is a symbolic price the state charges for consultations and medical treatments.

Click here for further information about medical care in Portugal. For further info, please visit the Portuguese Ministry of Heath website by clicking here.

Transports.

When it comes to transports, I recommend you to get a car. Public Transport in Portugal is reliable and punctual pretty much all the time, but there are places where you might want to go where it might be quite challenging to get a public transport.

Driving in Portugal is not dangerous any more. Over the last 10 years, the Portuguese Police has implemented drastic procedures and fines to those who don't respect the speed limit or the road code. So, provided that you respect them too, you will be just fine driving in Portugal when you decide moving to Portugal.

If you like taking taxis, please check with the driver how much your journey will be, before getting into the taxi. As a foreigner, taxi drivers may attempt to rip you off a bit, so just ask them Quanto é daqui* à Rua Vasco da Gama**? [how much is it from here* to Vasco da Gama Street**?], for instance.

I also recommend you to ask the driver to switch on the meter - Não se importa de ligar o taxímetro, se faz favor? [Would you mind switching the metre on, please?]

Services.

Getting things done in Portugal is easy, specially when it comes to public services. The process might be a bit more bureaucratic compared to other countries like the U.K., U.S.A, Germany, France or even Australia, but it's easy after all. If you require private services, be prepared to wait for a long time. Always ask for a quotation before you ask them to provide you with the service. Chances are that you'll never hear again from them, but if you do, you know that that person or that company is willing to give you a professional service and chances are that they will give you a reasonable price as well.

In addition, never pay anyone in advance no matter what they say to you. You should let them do part of the job first and preferably pay them in instalments in case you hire a contractor to build a house or similar jobs that require a considerable amount of money.

Well, and that's it for today. I'll keep on adding more tips here for you as I remember them. If you are willing to live in Portugal, moving to Portugal won't be that difficult. And after all, you'll benefit from great weather, great food and great people.

In case you want to ask me any questions, please do so, and I'll help you out as much as I can, as you know.

Give it a try and "Boa viagem!" [Have a nice journey!].

Rafael Tavares

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