A Checklist for Moving to Portugal

According to Portugal’s ‘Foreigners and Borders Service’ 42,071 Britons became Portuguese residents in 2021, an increase of 34.6% on the previous year. With a total of 714,123 Britons now resident in Portugal, they are the second largest nationality group after the Brazilians. It’s not hard to see the attraction: under three hours from the U.K., Portugal offers a safe and affordable life in the sun. So, if you’re looking for a change of lifestyle and easy access to some of the best beaches in the world, here are some points that you should consider. Thus, if you plan to shift here permanently, you may buy or rent a vintage home, which you could remodel through Howell Contracting according to your taste and comfort for the best living in Portugal.

Costs involved

Moving is always full of unexpected costs and moving abroad, even more so. You need to budget your costs very carefully and then add twenty per cent. Allow for a six-month period of transition. If your income streams start to flow sooner, then so much the better, but what you don’t want is to find yourself strapped for cash in a foreign country, where you are unlikely to have access to credit.

Finding a home

This is obviously a key decision and one which will have a considerable impact on your future happiness. Renting property in different areas, before you buy, is always a good idea, if you can afford it. Many people choose to begin their search in the Algarve and with its international airport and its central location, the city of Faro is a great place to start looking for homes.

Relocating

Initially it is easiest to travel light. Leave the bulk of your belongings in storage in the U.K. Try to thin out your possessions so that you only retain objects that are important to you. It may well be cheaper to sell off white goods and furniture and to buy new ones more appropriate to your new home, than to pay for their storage and transport. When you are settled in your new home then you can employ a removals firm to transport your possessions. You may be tempted to hire a vehicle and move yourself but you’re likely to end up regretting your decision. This is one of those things best left to the experts.

Sort your visa

In order to stay in Portugal, you will require a ‘Residency Visa’, which can be obtained from the ‘Portuguese Immigration Service’.  You will need health insurance, proof of accommodation and evidence that you are able to support yourself financially. The visa will need to be applied for at least 60 days in advance. There are also work visas, study visas, professional training visas, family reunion visas, retirement visas and for those investing a minimum of 500,000 euros in property, a ‘golden visa’.

Cost of living

The cost of living is rising across Europe, but Portugal is still at least a third cheaper than the U.K. and 300 days of sunshine means that winter heating bills are minimal. Even so, you need to be confident that you will be able to meet day to day living expenses. Do not expect to be able to ‘pick up work’ on arrival. You either need to have a job to go to or be able to support yourself as a digital freelancer.