Your Guide to Moving to Portugal

Thinking of moving to the rewarding country of Portugal? Follow our guide to moving to Portugal and make the process as smooth as possible. The earlier you start planning, the easier it will be, and the sooner you can call Portugal home!

Property

First in our guide to moving to Portugal, property is going to be one of the most important choices when it comes to moving to Portugal. Prices vary according to where you’re looking and the type of property. As an overseas buyer you can really benefit from the advantages that come with the services of an estate agent. Some buyers rely on their agent to (virtually) walk them through a property via video call, so that they can narrow down their wish list remotely. This saves time and makes the process much simpler. Once you find the right property, your estate agent can help to negotiate the price. Utilities can be set up within a week. Browse our website to see available properties for sale in Portugal.

Purchasing property in Portugal is a direct way to obtain residence. An investor’s visa (also known as Portugal Golden Visa) sets down the purchase of property, valued not less than €500,000, as one of the requirements. This gives access to permanent residence in 5 years, with a minimum of 2 weeks per year spent in the country. Learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa by property investment opportunities.

Bringing your possessions

Next in our guide to moving to Portugal - transport options to bring your possessions are pretty comprehensive: choose between air, road, and sea. Portugal’s customs rules require a person to arrive in the country before their possessions do, however the gap must not be more than 90 days. You will require a ‘Certificado de Bagagem’ from the Portuguese consulate, together with an inventory of all the items (in Portuguese). Bringing a pet? Make sure they have a rabies vaccination certificate, provided by your vet.

Visas

Citizens of the European Union can freely enter Portugal and must register after 3 months. Visit the Portuguese embassy at your current country of residence to start the visa application process. The embassy will provide a comprehensive list of necessary documents and advise as to which visa type you require, together with the costs involved.

Banking

Last in our moving to Portugal guide - You’ll need a few documents to open a bank account in Portugal, but the process is quite straightforward.

Portugal’s lazy beaches, helpful locals, and buzzing cities are so charming – it’s no wonder this country has pulled in many expats. Along with free high-quality healthcare and education, and advantageous tax rates, Portugal can be a great fit for all lifestyles.

Need help with finding a property in Portugal? Get in touch with our Portugal Properties advisors