There’s something about the idea of a new life in the sun that is impossible to resist, and if you’ve been dreaming of relocating to warmer climes then you’re one of the millions who opt to do so each year. Portugal is becoming an increasingly popular destination for affluent jetsetters looking to start afresh somewhere new, and is a diverse and still relatively untapped treasure amongst expats, offering diverse landscapes, a rich history and culture and an excellent quality of life.
A nation that offers plenty of choice when it comes to luxury properties – and at great prices, too – it’s easy to see why making the move has become so tempting, but the process requires some careful planning in order to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you’re considering moving to Portugal this year, here’s all you need to know to get the ball rolling.
Why many people are moving to Portugal
From the warm, sunny weather and breath-taking coastline of the Algarve to the quaint and culturally rich cities of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal is a diverse destination with a huge amount to offer expats considering making the move. With a low crime rate and relatively low cost of living, plus well developed healthcare and education systems, it’s a nation that ticks all the right boxes for those looking for an improved quality of life. Of course, to fully immerse yourself in all that it has to offer and embrace the Portuguese lifestyle, you’ll need to learn the lingo, but with the right attitude, it can all be part of the fun.
Making arrangements for things like visa requirements and educational possibilities in advance is certain to make the move easier, so let’s take a look at what you need to consider before selling up and booking those flights.
Checklist for moving to Portugal
Do your research
It’s always wise to know what you’re getting into before making the big decision to relocate, and learning a little about the Portuguese culture, as well as a few useful words to help you get by in the beginning, is wise. Taking some time out for a holiday in Portugal is a great way to do just that, whether you choose an action-packed city break to soak up Portuguese history and culture, or a relaxing beach getaway to soak up some rays, explore some nearby vineyards and get a feel for the areas you like the sound of.
Most people instantly associate Portugal with football and particularly, iconic player Cristiano Ronaldo, but it is known for many more things besides. Traditional regional dishes like piri-piri chicken and the nation’s decadent egg custard tarts, pasteis de nata, have become popular across the globe in recent years, and there are plenty more culinary delights you’ll be able to get your teeth into once you arrive.
Then, there are the magnificent beaches of the Algarve, which are some of the best in the world and make for popular spots for pro surfers to come and practice thanks to some great waves. Nazare is one of the most iconic surf hangouts in the country, and plays host to some big competitions throughout the year.
These facts, though, are only scratching the surface, and to really get an understanding of what life will be like on Portuguese soil, you’ll want to dig a little deeper. From the overall cost of living and the price of food at the supermarket, to schools and education in your area of choice, take some time to do some thorough research to make sure relocating to Portugal is the right choice for you.
Deciding where to live
If you’re thinking of moving to Portugal, then you’ll want to have an idea of where to call home before you go – otherwise, the search for the right place could take many months of upheaval once you arrive. The good news is that because of its diversity, the country offers some excellent options to suit all tastes, personalities and lifestyles, from bustling cities like capital Lisbon to laid-back havens by the sea.
With its quaint cobbled streets and stunning ancient architecture, Lisbon is one of the first places many consider, and is home to a large expat community already. Offering a great shopping scene, thriving nightlife and iconic sights like the 11th century Castelo de São Jorge and the 16th-century Torre de Belém, it’s the perfect choice for culture vultures who like to be right in the thick of the action.
If you like the idea of city life but with less of the hustle and bustle, then Porto, on the scenic Douro River estuary, is the perfect pick, and as it’s home to its own airport, is just as accessible. Its historic centre was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1996, and you’ll find an array of port wine cellars lining its banks. Because of its small size, it’s easily walkable, without the big city chaos of Lisbon, but is still a popular choice amongst tourists.
Other great options include Chaves, which can be found just a stone’s throw from the Spanish border and is famed for its spas and thermal baths, or one of the many towns along the Algarve – from the lively destination of Lagos, to the sophisticated and upmarket town of Praia da Luz.
Although Portugal is a small country, there is a huge variety of places to reconsider residing in, so whatever you’re looking for from a life in the sunshine, you’ll likely find it here. And, from contemporary apartments with stunning ocean views to family homes in the highlands, properties are beautiful and great value for money.
Getting your paperwork in order
One of the most important considerations once you know where you’d like to relocate to is whether or not you have the relevant permissions to do so. While prior to Brexit, Brits could take advantage of the free movement of people within the EU and settle anywhere they liked, the rules have since changed, and now, it’s only possible to stay for a maximum of 90 days out of every 180 day period. However, those with money to invest may be entitled to a Golden Visa if they meet the relevant criteria, and be awarded permanent residency.
There are several different ways to qualify, including investing a minimum of €500,000 in real estate – although as of January 2022, it’s no longer possible to do so in the metropolitan areas of Portugal, which includes Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve in order to do so – or transferring at least €1 million into a Portuguese bank account.
If you’re an EU national, then you can bypass the need for a Golden visa and continue to enjoy free movement of people across all EU/EEA member states. If you’re from anywhere else in the world, you’ll need to thoroughly check the relevant visa requirements to ensure you have everything in order before you travel.
Make the move
Organising the shipment of your possessions is one of the trickiest parts of any foreign move. The nature of this process will mostly depend on where you’re coming from and what possessions you want to move to Portugal – for example, if you’re coming from the EU mainland then you’ll likely be able to transport your belongings by road, while if you’re planning on flying or taking a ferry, you’ll need to arrange shipping.
Even the most seasoned foreigner may find organising their belongings in Portugal to be a difficult undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be stressful if you get started early and give yourself plenty of time.
Choosing to use the services of a global relocation agency if you’re seeking to move your priceless possessions across international boundaries or oceans to Portugal is likely one of the best ways to go, and will allow you to hand the process over to an expert team to handle the finer details for you.
