Moving to Portugal sounds like a dream, and it kind of is. With its sun-soaked coastlines, affordable living, and relaxed pace of life, it’s no surprise that retirees and investors are packing up and heading there.
But before you start packing your own suitcase, there’s one little thing to sort out: logistics. Without proper planning and a vision, you’ll be left wondering how to register with the local authorities, knee-deep in paperwork you hardly understand.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to move to Portugal the right way.
Figure Out Why You’re Moving
First things first, what’s your plan? Are you retiring permanently, or just trying out the expat life for a few years? Maybe you’re a former freelancer or current investor who wants a change of scenery.
Your answer determines what type of visa or residence permit you’ll need. Portugal’s immigration system is flexible, but you’ll still need to match your situation with the right visa category.
If you’re retired, Portugal is one of Europe’s most retiree-friendly countries, with great healthcare, tax benefits, and plenty of English speakers. The Portugal D7 Visa (visto d7 portugal) is specifically designed for people with a stable passive or remote income who want to live there long-term.
If you’re a remote worker, Portugal has a separate dedicated visa for digital nomads as well.
Sort Out the Paperwork
Portugal isn’t immune to bureaucracy, so it’s best to deal with the paperwork early. What you’ll generally need is:
- A valid passport
- Proof of regular income
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- A Portuguese bank account
- NIF (Tax Identification Number)
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Health insurance coverage
Organize all of these documents in a digital folder and make a physical copy of each to avoid any issues or surprises later.
Apply for Your Visa
Once your paperwork is ready, you’ll need to apply at your nearest Portuguese embassy. For the D7 Visa, processing can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on your country and how complete your documents are.
After approval, you’ll receive a temporary visa that allows you to enter Portugal. Once you arrive, you’ll apply for residence permit, which is only valid for one year but renewable.
It’s best to book your appointment with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum) as soon as you can.
Set Up Your Essentials
Once you’re in Portugal, you’ll need to tackle a few life admin tasks. Start by registering your address at the local town hall after you’ve applied for your residence card at AIMA.
The next step should be to sign up for healthcare. Portugal’s public system (SNS) is solid, but private insurance can help speed things up. Don’t forget to get a local SIM card. MEO, Vodafone, and NOS are popular options with good coverage.
After that, you’re basically settled. Culturally, give it a few months to adjust and start learning the basics of the language.
