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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.

Portugal Retirement: An Affordable European Life

Known for its sunny beaches, food and wine, and relatively affordable cost of living, Portugal is a popular European destination. Recently named the top place to retire by International Living. It’s easy to see why people are relocating to retire in Portugal. The country has a warm, Mediterranean climate and sees an average of 300 days…

Things To Consider Before Making The Move To Portugal

Portugal is becoming a popular destination for retirees and digital nomads. ExpatNetwork spoke with Kathleen Lo, co-founder of Bordr, who support people moving to Portugal, about her experience moving to Portugal from the US as a location-independent entrepreneur. Why did you decide to move to Portugal? My husband and I had…

Portugal’s Seven Provinces – Which One Will Suit You?

Portugal is divided into seven provinces or regions with the enchanting city of Porto and a craggy landscape of montanhas e serras in the frequently chilly north, and the balmy coastline of the Algarve in the south. Whilst the Algarve is possibly the best known region in Portugal, there is much else to explore and…

Moving Abroad For Work? Five Tips To Help You Settle In Quickly

Moving abroad for work can be an exciting but also challenging experience, and settling into a new country and adapting to a different culture can take time. However, there are several things you can do to help make the transition smoother. Here, the overseas property experts at Property Guides have revealed their top tips for…

The 10 Best Places To Visit In Portugal

Portugal is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most visited countries, thanks mainly to its affordability, ideal holiday weather, and unique attractions. Located on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal’s geography differs from green farmlands and ancient towns to gorgeous vineyards and mountains in the north to the Algarve’s sensational beaches in the south. Portugal’s…

5 Tips For Managing Two Homes In Two Countries

For many homeowners, the idea of having one home in the UK and another abroad is something of a panacea. However, ambitious property investors and those looking to expand their portfolios can often find success by finding homes abroad as well as maintaining a domestic presence. With one foot firmly ingrained in the UK and…

Customs Requirements In Portugal

Portuguese customs require that the owner of goods be present in Portugal before your the shipment arrives for inspection, and that the shipment arrive no later than 90 days from the date of the owner’s arrival. All household effects and furniture belonging to those relocating to Portugal are admitted duty-free, if proof can be presented…

65% Would Reconsider Moving To Portugal If Non Habitual Residence Scheme Removed

A recent survey conducted by Portugalist.com among more than 300 prospective expats reveals that Portugal’s announcement that it will end its Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime could have a significant impact on their decision to move to Portugal. A significant 33% stated that without the NHR benefits, they probably wouldn’t move to Portugal. Another 32%…

Is The Cost Of Living Still Low In Portugal?

Portugal has traditionally been seen as enjoying a low cost of living – a compelling reason for retiring there. But low prices do not apply across the board, and the reality is that – apart from in certain key sectors – Portugal is not a particularly cheap country to live in any more. In common…

Long Term UK Expats May Face Huge UK Tax Charges

UK expats who have lived abroad for many years often remain UK-domiciled and therefore liable to UK Inheritance Tax (IHT). The rate of this tax might be considered penal. It is currently 40% on the total value of the estate of a deceased after the exemptions. It is an additional tax payable on capital accumulated…

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.