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Moving To Portugal – What You Need To Know

Portugal Discovery Tours 2022

Enjoy a tailored tour with someone who knows the area inside out to help you decide the right location for you, who can assist you in planning your move and answer your questions.

Moving Mid-Month? A Simple Guide To Understanding Your First Rent Payment Abroad

Moving abroad is rarely a neat process. You don’t just land, clear customs, and walk into your new home on the first of the month. The truth of the matter is that flight schedules and visa processing can leave expats standing in a deserted apartment holding a piece of luggage on an irregular date, trying…

What To Do If You Have An Accident While Working Abroad

If you’re a UK-based professional, the prospect of working abroad can be exciting and immensely rewarding career-wise. But what happens if you have an accident while working overseas? Having to navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems, different workplace practices and varying legal protections can be complicated and disorienting during an already difficult period. But knowing the right…

Portuguese Citizenship Law Change: What’s Next & What They May Mean

After several months of debate, the Portuguese Parliament has approved the new Citizenship Law on October 28, 2025. The reform extends the required period of residence to qualify for citizenship from five years to ten years (or seven for citizens of CPLP countries and EU nationals), among other new requirements. Republished with the approval of GetGoldenVisa While this is…

How To Prevent Identity Theft When Relocating Internationally

You are likely to experience identity theft when moving to another country. This is because you connect to many points during relocation, like the airport, hotels, and travel agents. You might want to send copies of your work, travel, and financial documents. You may want to connect to public Wi-Fi to transfer money, pay for…

Is Your European Health Insurance Card Expiring? What To Do Now

Brits are being urged to check the expiry date on their European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) before their summer travels. Travel insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have issued a warning as travellers could be caught out if their card has expired. The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) replaced the EHIC in 2020, providing access to emergency and medically…

Comparing Quotes From Moving Companies

Make sure you get quotes from three potential removal companies. Then you will need to evaluate them and make a choice. Price will clearly be a factor, but you should decide what is important to you and ensure that you take these into account and avoid choosing the cheapest and then incur more cost down…

From Digital Nomad to Permanent Expat: 2025’s Best Remote‑Work Destinations, Tax Perks and When to Consider Portugal’s Golden Visa

The last few years have transformed how people live and work. More countries are embracing remote workers with digital‑nomad visas, while others provide investment visas that open a path to citizenship. For those dreaming of a life abroad, 2025 offers an unprecedented range of options: over 70 countries now offer digital‑nomad visas, and several programs…

How UK Pensions Are Taxed In Portugal

If you’re retiring to Portugal, how will your UK pensions be taxed there? Other than government service pensions, your pension income will be liable for Portuguese tax, with the treatment varying according to the type of pension. Understanding the rules helps you plan ahead, avoid unwelcome surprises, and take the opportunity to establish the most…

Navigating UK Passport Renewal From Abroad: A Step-By-Step Guide For Expats

Renewing your UK passport while living overseas can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re in the USA/ Mexico/ South America/ Caribbean, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, Asia, understanding the process is key to avoiding delays and stress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know…

Why More Expats Are Choosing The Algarve In 2025

Portugal continues to rise through the ranks as one of the most popular destinations for expats. Affordable living, mild winters, and a strong healthcare system make it attractive, but it’s the Algarve that consistently captures hearts. If you’re considering a move to the Algarve, here’s what you should know, including where to live, rent, or…

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.