Portugal- Almost Everything You Need to Know Before Deciding to Live in the Shade of Palm Trees
Short but complete guide
Portugal is a beautiful country with plenty of things to do and see. If you’re considering moving, here’s everything you need to know first.
This article will provide all the information you need before moving to Portugal. It will set up realistic expectations and save lots of stress. So without further ado, let’s get started!
This is your best friend, along with his super brother Google translate.
If you need help finding out how much a phone card costs, how much you can make in your profession, or where to buy paracetamol, rethink if emigration is a good idea.
It isn’t a joke; you have to be resourceful and independent. If you can’t look for the basic information that will help you survive, chances are you just won’t.
Money
1. Put money down to have six months without work (around 6000 €). It will save you the stress in case of trouble finding a job or unexpected expenses.
It is possible to relocate without that money. You can just come with a hundred in your pocket and manage to survive if you are very lucky. But do not put in on luck as usually everything can go wrong.
2. How much do you spend on food? It depends. For me, it’s around €300/month. But it can substantially increase if you like dining out.
3. You must add the cost of accommodation, internet, mobile, etc. It may vary from about € 400–800 per month on average. That will entirely depend on your budget and what you are looking for. Monthly bills are usually around € 30–50 per month but increase during the winter.
Accommodation
- Start looking for a job and apartment before you move in
The top websites for finding accommodation:
- BQuarto
- Facebook groups (Any casas/quartos para arrendar/alugar — can’t you speak the language? Google translate and go )
- CustoJusto
- OLX Portugal
- Idealista
Read the story with details on how to find accommodation in Portugal.
2. Post your ad (preferably with a photo that you are looking for a place to rent) on Facebook groups.
3. Often, a massive deposit is required in advance. Keep this in mind.
4. It’s often hard to rent on-site because tenants want to meet with you first. In such a situation, you can make a few appointments and fly in, for example, for 4–5 days, to sort it out, or rent Airbnb at a loss and quickly look for a cabin when you already have your suitcases in PT.
5. You can look for a corporation job offering relocation assistance. Usually, call centers give this option.
6. Keep in mind that during the tourist season, and as students start school, the housing market shrinks, and prices rise.
Work
1. It all depends on your profession. Referring to the job websites pages, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Olx.pt, Indeed, Jooble, etc. Arrange a few online interviews and check out your possibilities.
2. Some jobs require translating qualifications to practice the profession in Portugal. Check it out before you leave.
3. Find a remote job before you come to Portugal. The list of the best 25 websites for remote positions is here.
Self-employment
It is much better when you are a freelancer or business owner. Hire a local accountant to avoid disappointment in registering. To register as a self-employed person will cost you about € 150 + VAT ( 23 %) / 3 months. You need to pay also a registration cost of € 150.
Language
1. Some people don’t speak Portuguese and live in Portugal. However, the cultural issue would know the basics and the willingness to learn the local language.
2. English is not where you can get along. Especially where you need to get a deal, like at the office, health services, police station, etc.
3. Knowing a language, even at the A2/B1 level, opens many more career doors.
4. Portuguese is not Spanish. You won’t learn it in 2 months.
Paperwork
Portugal is famous for its bureaucracy for a reason. So prepare yourself mentally.
1. Bring your current passport and use it until you get Portuguese documents.
2. Get ready for a battalion and hundreds of laps around the same offices. It’s just like that out here. If you want to live here, you must adapt.
3. It takes a lot of time to do all the formalities.
4. Re-registering your car may not be profitable. There is a government website where you can calculate the approximate cost.
5. The critical words to get started are:
- NIF (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal — personal tax number)
- NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social — Portuguese social security number)
- Certificate of Residency ( Atestado de residência)
- Certificado do registo ( Certificate of registration)
- Número de utente or SNS number ( allows you to access the Portuguese public healthcare system)
Animals
It’s harder to find an apartment with animals than without.
It comes from the simple fact that some landlords do not want animals. In Portugal, many people have pets, so it’s not only a miracle, but no one can guarantee that you will find such a place quickly.
Regions
Which city to choose? It’s like picking pants. No one will do it for you, and how many people, so many opinions? Use google, read, come, see… Take a minimum interest in the country you plan to live in.
Will you make it?
And who is supposed to see it if not you?
If you prepare well, you can make it. It’s a matter of how many risks you’re willing to take, your determination, and your flexibility.
And my advice — ignorance and underestimating the opponent, which is the start of life in this country, can end up crying and fishing for shrimp in the ocean to have something to put in the pot.
Good luck :)
Do you have any experience moving to Portugal, or are you planning to come here?
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