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When in doubt about any required document, research online, and contact the embassy or consular offices by phone or email well in advance. As long as you’re over 18 and have a valid driving license, you’re able to drive in Portugal for up to six months after you arrive providing you have sufficient car insurance. If your license is issued by an EU/EEA country, you’ll also be able to use your existing license until it expires. However, you may prefer to swap it for a local license, and our guide to getting a Portuguese driver’s license provides more information on this. A good place to start the process is by getting to grips with the rules and requirements for importing a pet into Portugal. For example, many relocation companies can help arrange your pet’s journey as part of their services.
Job market overview
Full expat services Portugal reimbursement of costs is only available from doctors and clinics in the respective insurance network. The labor market in Portugal for expats is mainly dependent on language skills. For foreigners without any knowledge of Portuguese, it’s possible to work from home for an international company or for foreign companies that have branches in Portugal. In general, all banks offer applications to facilitate online transactions. ActivoBank does not charge any account management fees but not everyone is comfortable with online banking.
Greater Lisbon
Goldcrest are property experts and can assist you in making the best investment decision for Lisbon real estate. As a property buyers agent based in Lisbon, we work solely on behalf of our clients. We have deep expertise in the Portuguese real estate market and will always act diligently on your behalf to negotiate the best possible deal for you.
Our team will manage the entire process of shipping your household goods, from surveying your belongings to providing quotes, packing, transportation, and insurance. We'll ensure your items are well-protected and make certain the required inventory for customs clearance is accurate. As with many other European capitals, Lisbon is a very walkable city that’s easy to navigate on foot. But as Portugal’s largest city, you’ll also need to figure out other transportation methods to get around town.
EU citizens can move to and live and work in Portugal without needing any type of residency visa. People from EU/EEA countries can use their existing driver’s license in Portugal, no problem. Non-EU/EEA citizens may need to exchange their foreign driver’s license for a Portuguese one or pass a driving test, depending on their country of origin. You can find out more on Best Places to Retire in Portugal and Cheapest Places to Buy in Portugal articles. The services depend on the respective price, so it is also worth considering smaller providers such as UZO or NOWO.
A good understanding of basic Portuguese may help you find work, particularly if you’re searching for jobs outside major Portuguese cities. However, most large cities and towns in Portugal have robust public transportation systems. Depending on where you’re moving to, you may not need to drive often while living in Portugal. The Comboios de Portugal rail system also makes it possible to quickly travel between cities. Although life expectancy rates in the country are slightly lower than in some other Western European countries, Portugal’s healthcare system ranked 20th on CEOWORLD magazine’s 2023 Health Care Index. If you meet these requirements, you can apply for a golden visa through a Portuguese embassy or consulate office.
- You will need a Certificado de Bagagem (luggage certificate) from the Portuguese consulate or diplomatic mission, and a complete inventory of your possessions.
- Many areas popular with expats, such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, host regular meetups and events where you can meet other UK nationals who were living in Portugal before or after January 2021.
- It allows non-EU citizens to get a long-term residency permit and eventually citizenship.
- You can sign up for state healthcare through registering with the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS).
- Following five years of temporary residency, you become eligible to transition to a permanent residence permit.
- Getting private health insurance gives you immediate access to a general practitioner and specialist treatments.
Children under the age of 18 and pensioners aged 65 and over who are Portuguese residents are exempt from fees. Some residents may opt for private health insurance, however, this is not a requirement. This can be acquired by securing a job in the country, enrolling in long-term studies, marrying a Portuguese citizen, or investing in Portugal's economy.
Most cities have numerous forms of transport… including trains, metros, buses, trams, and more. In the 2021 ‘Best Countries Report,’ Portugal ranked 25th in the world for education. Because of these problems, many Portuguese newcomers decide to move into serviced apartments. These places are all fully-furnished, and they’re all ready to move into right away.
The public option—known as the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde)—isn't typically available to employees on work visas. The application process for the D7 Visa starts in the Portuguese Consulate in the UK. If you’re eligible to apply and you prepare all necessary documents, you’ll get a temporary four month visa. Then you’ll have to travel to Portugal for an appointment with the Immigration and Border Services (SEF).
Considering the average salary in the US is at least €50,000 and in the UK, it’s around €40,000, Portugal falls behind. The curriculum includes an American collegial preparatory leading to the American High School Diploma with the option of pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) in the last two years of high school. Students who opt for the IB Diploma will also graduate with an American High School Diploma. Long with an international curriculum, the school has a Portuguese section where children between the ages of 6 and 15 can access the Portuguese national curriculum. You’ll also need to pay an Imposto de Selo, a stamp tax on contracts, loans, documents, and more.