If the quote matches your budget, your broker will ask you to sign a terms and conditions sheet and pay a fee of 495. Portugal's mild climate - with more than 300 days of sunshine per year - ranks among the top reasons Americans decide to move to the country. With an overall population of 10.3 million people, that means just under 5% of Portugal's people are foreign-born. Different visa options are better suited to different people. If youre considering working in a bar or coffee shop, note that the Portuguese minimum wage is relatively low compared to other western European countries. Its beautiful coastline, healthy lifestyle and affordability make the country stand out among other popular southern European destinations. This route is also the most popular among American expats. Which European country is most friendly to foreigners? Regardless of your country of origin, youll likely have to invest in some private international health insurance. Once eligible to enter the SNS system, expats will need to register at their local Centro de Saude, or health center, to receive a Numero de Utente and be assigned a family doctor. If you are moving to Portugal from outside the European Union (EU), youll need a temporary residence visa to establish residence. If you live in Portugal, you will find that there are many excellent international schools in the country, most of which are located around the Lisbon and Cascais area and in the Algarve in the south of the country. Foreigners and Immigration Support in Portugal | We Guide You! Going it alone can be challenging, so find a buyers real estate agent in Portugal if possible. The Portuguese say oxal, meaning hopefully/if only, which is the very expression of Fado culture. Whatever your goals may be, its a good idea to factor them into your decision to retire in Portugal. If you are seeking to live in the countryside surrounded by peace and quiet, then you should go to Central Portugal. You can look for a rental property yourself or use a local agent. You can compare the cost of living between the US and Portugal here. You can also check out other visa programs in our Portugal Immigration Guide, including visa options for working in Portugal. However, even in such a case establishing permanent residency is relatively easy with options such as a D7 visa or a Golden Visa. Its a publicly funded system that operates through a network of public hospitals and community health centers. Many current accounts have an admin charge of about 5 per month. Regardless of which visa program you are applying for, you must submit a visa application form to the closest Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate in the US. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. You will need to secure a visa and obtain a residence permit for a long-term stay. Both the standard of teaching and the general level of English in Portugal are very high, with the country ranking in seventh position in the 2021 Education First English Proficiency Index. This will allow you to get medical care via Portugals public system. Planning a vacation/holiday this year to experience Portugal. Good luck with your relocation. Then youll be asked to deposit enough funds to cover the valuation fee. We can guide you through the whole process, from scouting properties you wont find on the market through to property acquisition. Moving to Portugal, you may be pleasantly surprised by the living costs, although you will find that prices are increasing in bigger cities such as Lisbon. When planning your retirement abroad, theres a lot to consider: healthcare costs, your pension options, property prices, taxes, estate planning and other money matters. This scheme is open to all permanent legal residents in Portugal, and those with temporary residency who are either working and actively making social security contributions, or from a country that shares a reciprocal healthcare agreement. Since its inception, more than 11,535 investors and 18,809 family members have benefitted from the Portugal Golden Visa. Moving to Portugal is relatively straightforward for US citizens. They are very easy to set up. You might want to open a bank account in Portugal before you move there. It offers exactly what all expats are looking for when deciding to move: a good climate, great quality of life combined with a lower cost of living, and, a cherry on top of the cake, tax advantages. Why should you open a bank account in Portugal as a foreigner? Whether you are looking to purchase a brand-new apartment in Lisbon, renovate an old barn in the countryside, or buy a villa by the beach, there are plenty of options available to accommodate your needs and at very stable prices with little market fluctuations. Pros and Cons of living in Portugal | GCS Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal Updated: March 22, 2023 Home Residency By Investment Portugal Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal Introduction Living in Portugal has many advantages, and it's considered one of the best countries for expats to live in. If youre an expat living in Portugal, after 183 days of your residency you can take advantage of the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax system in Portugal. Canada. Thinking about joining the thousands of Americans in Portugal? Portugal is the best destination for expats in Europe. The SNS provides medical care at a low cost or for free, depending on your circumstances and if you have a legal residence permit. Expats likely to stay forever: 45%. If you envision a lifestyle for your retirement, we advise you to figure out precisely what that is. Check out our Global Citizen Solution careers page. If you want a smaller town with a lower cost of living but still close to the capital city, consider moving to Setbal. After residing in Portugal with a valid residence permit for five years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Citizenship by Investment, ST KITTS AND NEVIS Citizenship by Investment, How to Get Citizenship by Investment in Portugal, Golden Visa Portugal Step-by-Step Guide 2023 The Ultimate Guide by Experts, Portugals NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) Tax Regime: The Complete Guide, Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES). The pets must also be microchipped or have a readable tattoo and be vaccinated against rabies. Researched and crafted by our worldwide community of expatriates. Regardless of nationality, children in Portugal must be in school between the ages of six and 18. This bit is really easy. How can Global Citizen Solutions help you? According to the World Population Review in 2022, Portugal ranked 3rd among the, Curacao Citizenship by Investment: A Detailed Guide, Curaao Visa Requirements for US Citizens 2023 Expert Guide, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Citizenship by Investment, ST KITTS AND NEVIS Citizenship by Investment, Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES), Understanding double taxation can be tricky. Portugal has a public healthcare system called the Servio Nacional de Sade (SNS). The minute you set foot in Portugal, you can see why its so popular among American expats. The SNS system does not cover dental, except for those considered high-risk. Guide to the Non-Habitual Resident Tax Regime - Portugal.com The rules will vary on whether you are coming from within or outside the EU. This is also the visa of choice for remote workers, freelancers, or entrepreneurs. First, speak to a broker or complete an online form. For these two years, visa holders cannot leave the country for a period of six consecutive months or eight months in total. Buying is an attractive alternative that can save you money in the long run, but finding and maintaining a property can seem too much work for some expats. New arrivals in Portugal must live as temporary residents for five years before qualifying for permanent residencyso some retirees may need health insurance to span the gap. Only dogs and cats can accompany you from America or outside the EU. Still, its always best to check with reputable professionals to ensure youre making the right choices for your situation to find the most appropriate visa option for you. Portugal Life&Travel. However, my team and I will gladly assist you with all matters regarding your relocation to Portugal, once you decide to take that step. At the same time, there are some disadvantages of living in Portugal too, as there are with any country. Take a look at our Portugal Golden Visa Guide by local experts. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This is what you can do to obtain a Portuguese bank account before you move to Portugal: Some Portuguese banks offer this option. The higher education system in Portugal applies the standards of the. a mobile phone number with activated SMS. If you are moving with children, schools are an essential subject. Happily, private health insurance is far more affordable in Portugal than in most other countries too! Transportation of Goods for Americans Moving to Portugal, Before moving to Portugal, you must go to your local Portuguese Consulate and request a. The cost of living in Lisbon for students or a single person is said to be around 533.91 without rent, while the same estimated monthly costs for a family of 4 are 1,872. Goldcrest, our real estate division, is a buyers agent who can provide tailored advice for your needs. If you want to speak Portuguese, you will likely find the language a little complicated. There are also a lot of expats living in Porto as it is another lifestyle magnet in Portugal. Check out some extra information on the cost of living in Portugal. The World's Friendliest Countries To Foreigners, According - HuffPost Be self-employed or employed by a company based outside Portugal, your NIF (a Portuguese fiscal number which you can obtain at the local. There are only 70 or so golf courses in the country, and the total number of golf club members is below 20,000. Retiring in Portugal: How to Get a Retirement D7 Visa - IMMIGRANT INVEST Read more about the universities in Portugal. Neighbours will often bring home-grown tomatoes, share their wine and talk to expats quite happily despite the language barrier that might exist. The more you head south, the warmer it gets. Coffee is an important part of life for the Portuguese. - CON: The slow pace might take some time getting used to Whenever something happens that requires help, you can talk to them on the phone or go into your local branch and talk to them in person. The weather, the lifestyle and the lower cost of living are the main reasons behind Portugals growing popularity. There are also some drawbacks, including wet and rainy winters, the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a slow pace of life, etc. This lovely coastal town has everything you could only dream of while conveniently close to Lisbon. We are seeing a wave of Americans moving to Portugal. The climate and the lifestyle are essential too. You can obtain this by giving a complete inventory of the possessions and household goods you plan to take to Portugal. With no coverage, a filling in Portugal costs only around 40, which should be cheap enough to keep you smiling! There are some good reasons beyond the weather and excellent golf amenities why Portugal is highly regarded as an ideal place to live. You might also find that short-term rentals in such regions are quite costly. Take a look at the Complete Guide to Portugals NHR tax regime. Renting will also allow you time to learn more about the local property market and its peculiarities. When looking to move to a new country, one of the crucial questions you have to ask yourself is Can I acquire property as a foreigner?. On the whole, housing is cheaper to buy in Portugal and investors can make more money from rentals than in many other European countries. Especially in tourist places and hospitals. , or the Residence Permit Program, is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme open to non-EU nationals. Upon renewal, the card is valid for three more years. Those who work in Portugal (freelance or regular employment) under the NHR tax regime only pay a 20% flat rate on personal income tax (IRS). In January 2020, Portugal's interior minister proudly announced that "in 2019, for the first time in our history, the barrier of half a million foreign citizens residing in Portugal has been overcome". Portugal is famous for its fantastic state-funded healthcare system, which is called the Servio Nacional de Saude, or SNS for short. Thank you so much for any assistance! Official figures say your income should at least be equal to the annual minimum wage in Portugal (which is currently 886.7) for the principal applicant and 50% of the minimum wage for a spouse. 2. If youre looking to escape the summer heat and crowds, head to the Northern part of Portugal, where the weather is cool and tranquility abounds. There is a thriving arts scene within cultural centers (. ) Regarding legalities, if youre a freelancer and can work from anywhere and support yourself, the best way to move to Portugal will be through Portugals D7 Visa & Residence Permit. As long as you do not have any special medication, you should be able to find what you need in Portugal or import it once you are already there. The South of Portugal is the ultimate place to be if you enjoy sun-drenched beaches, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed way of life. Portugal is always welcoming foreigners with open arms, and the Portuguese people are very friendly. How Do Portuguese Residency Law Changes in 2019 Affect Golden Visa Investors? In our article, Buying Property in Portugal, you can also learn about the home-buying process for expats looking to live in Portugal. Living in Portugal as an Expat: Pros and Cons | GCS Do keep in mind, however, that insurance will be subject to an initial health assessment, and costs can be higher for those with pre-existing conditions. In Portugal, the answer is a resonating yes. According to the new EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), which takes into account 100 countries and regions around the world, Portugal has the seventh-highest English proficiency among non-native speakers in the world. If you are wealthy you can buy citizenship here or if you are highly qualified in a scarce field you can get a work visa. Non-essential healthcare can be accessed via small administrative charges called taxas moderadoras, which are so affordable that youll only need to pull 4.50 from your wallet to visit your family doctor! The Portuguese are the biggest fish eaters per capita in Europe, and all kinds of fresh fish are available daily at the local markets. Purchasing real estate on the autonomous islands of Madeira or the Azores worth at least 500,000 or 350,000 if investing in a rehabilitation project. One expat from Germany commented that "people are friendly and . Here is a table to provide you with some information on the average cost of sea freight for a 20 ft container of furniture (according to World Freight Rates and SeaRates). Summer highs in warmer areas, such as the Guadiana river basin, reach over 45C. Its worth renting first to ensure your chosen area in Portugal meets your expectations. Even if you need help and you cannot speak Portuguese, you will always find someone who will try to communicate with you in English and direct you. There is also the MB way option where you can pay with your phone number, which is super convenient and was pioneering when it was first introduced. Well, with this comes one of the biggest challenges every foreigner relocating to the Mediterranean has to face at some point. The costs are between 400 and 550 a month, depending on location. Portugal has almost 500 miles (800 km) of coastline. If you like it seriously hot, head away from the Atlantic coastline towards the countrys beautiful interior, youll find the summers are baking hot! According to the InterNations survey, 94\% of Portugal locals have a friendly attitude towards expats with most people said to be friendly and helpful and looking out for one another. According to the Global Health Expenditure 2022, Portugal spends about 9.53% of its GDP on annum healthcare. Portuguese people are less rushed! Hi, just wanted to know if there is any advantages, paperwork facilities or agreements for mexicans? You will probably need to learn the Portuguese language, have some cash in your pocket if you head to some local restaurants or bars, and adapt to the unheated Portuguese house structure. Learn more about life standards and cost of living in one of the most environmentally friendly and safe EU countries. There is a thriving arts scene within cultural centers (Centros Culturais) for those interested in the arts and culture. You can live and work in Portugal freely if youre an EU citizen. Portuguese people like to talk. However, in the larger cities, be on your guard against petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, which can be a problem in any tourist destination. From the coast, Portugal is home to mountains and plains, national parks, lakes, olive groves and rivers a geographically diverse and fabulous nation. Our. Its cheaper than in North America or northern European countries. To give you an idea: the cost of living in the US is approximately 42% more expensive than the cost of living in Portugal. Hence, Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, especially for expats and digital nomads. Another consideration for us was how well we would be able to establish a new life when moving abroad. Can a foreigner live in Portugal? It is simply impossible to get bored while living in Portugal. The most popular immigration schemes available to non-EU citizens looking to move to Portugal are the Portugal Golden Visa and the D7 visa. Your broker should assist you with this and will submit it on your behalf. As compared to the other European countries, Portuguese salaries are considerably lower. The locals are very kind, friendly, and helpful. Global Income The Global Peace Index ranked Portugal as the. You will also have to pay small fees to replace debit cards or counter withdrawals. Importantly, the government made significant changes to the Portugal Golden Visa scheme in 2022, but demand is still high despite the tighter restrictions. Unless its an emergency, treatment at a hospital requires a referral from a family doctor. All rights reserved. It is part of the move by the Portuguese government to welcome foreign investors into the county. Joana, My wife and I own a property in The Algarve for around 15 years and we visit regularly. In the north, on the other hand, snow is expected in the winter, and temperatures can drop below 10.0 C. In 2022, the dollar surged to its highest level in two decades, while the euro fell to a new five-year low. Before moving in, you will usually be asked for the equivalent of two months rent as a security deposit. There are a number of different ways for Americans to get a Portuguese visa, through work, marriage, or the Golden Visa investment program. First, establish what exactly you want from your retirement. However, you will need a visa if youre a US citizen. Apart from that, the scheme offers a lower income tax rate of 20% if youre employed in Portugal in a high value activity, such as a software engineer, for example. According to the World Population Review in 2022, Portugal ranked 3rd among the safest countries in the world, and the 4th in the global ranking for the most peaceful countries in the whole world. Life in Portugal provides many benefits for expats: visa-free Schengen, warm climate and proximity to the ocean, quality medicine and education, transport accessibility and a favourable tax system. You can. Most of the Portuguese locals know how to express themselves in English, which will make it easier for you to communicate everywhere. If you are thinking of moving to Portugal, or you already have you might need to find work. Its also the ideal place to live if you enjoy very hot weather. You dont need to worry about any dangers while living in Portugal. Living in Portugal Portugal got a score of 94% while Canada at the bottom of the top ten got 81%. With 1800 km of coastline, Portugal offers incredible diversity to its inhabitants. Americans looking to move abroad can consider the countries in our article here: Best Countries to Move to From the USA: Everything You Need to Know. A US citizen can enter Portugal without a visa and stay there for 90 days. Shutterstock. There is also the private healthcare option, which has an excellent reputation and is becoming increasingly common. The higher education system in Portugal applies the standards of the European Bologna System, and its considered of the most affordable higher education systems in the European Union. Most of the Portuguese locals know how to express themselves in English, which will make it easier for you to communicate everywhere. Why Portugal is the friendliest country in the world - Trafalgar Tours I have dual citizenship (DK and USA) and my wife is a USA citizen. Quick Answer Living in Portugal: Pros and Cons Relocating to Portugal offers many advantages: a warm climate, the Atlantic Ocean, mountains nearby, a low crime rate and a relatively low cost of living. The price for shipping a meter cubed 250 kg (about 551.156 lbs) container of household items to Portugal: For home goods storage, you might need a place to keep your items on either a short-term or long-term basis. You can find out more in our article on the, You can also check out other visa programs in our, , including visa options for working in Portugal. Are there any immigration tours? Indonesia Growth Seen Moderating in 2023 as Pandemic Rebound Fades If you want to be sure of a warm welcome, head to New Zealand. Many of the countries in the EU are notorious for having visa and immigration programs that are quite restrictive and sometimes functionally impossible for most applicants. Portuguese people love football. Living in Portugal has many advantages, and its considered one of the best countries for expats to live in. We publish guides and information on moving, working and retiring abroad. Some of the most common visa options include: The Portugal Golden Visa Program, or the Residence Permit Program, is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme open to non-EU nationals. Remember the advantage of the slower pace of life that we mentioned earlier? The affordable cost of living in Portugal is a very attractive aspect of living in the country. In fact, it is, on average, 30 percent lower than any other country in the region.