The Ultimate Checklist for Moving to Portugal: Everything You Need to Know!
Thinking about moving to Portugal? Whether you're coming for a fresh start, remote work, or retirement, proper planning is the key to a smooth transition. To help you, we’ve put together the ultimate checklist so you don’t miss a thing!
✅ Step 1: Secure Your Visa
If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll likely need a visa before relocating. Portugal offers several options:
- D7 Visa – Ideal for retirees and passive income earners.
- D8 Digital Nomad Visa – Perfect for remote workers earning from abroad.
- D2 Visa – Designed for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
👉 Pro Tip: Start your application early, as processing times can take several months. Need help? We’re here to guide you!
✅ Step 2: Get Your NIF (Tax ID Number)
Your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is essential for almost everything in Portugal:
✔ Opening a bank account
✔ Signing a rental contract
✔ Setting up utilities (electricity, water, internet)
✔ Buying property
💡 Good News: We can help you get your NIF quickly and stress-free, even before you arrive in Portugal!
✅ Step 3: Open a Portuguese Bank Account
A local bank account is required for paying rent, receiving income, and managing daily expenses. Some of the best banks for expats include:
🏦 Millennium BCP
🏦 Novo Banco
🏦 ActivoBank
🔹 What you’ll need:
- Passport
- NIF
- Proof of address
✅ Step 4: Find a Place to Live
To get your visa approved, you need proof of accommodation (rental contract or property ownership).
📍 Best cities for expats:
🏖 Algarve – Ideal for retirees and beach lovers.
💡 Tip: Rental markets move fast! It’s best to secure a place as soon as possible.
✅ Step 5: Exchange Your Driver’s License (If Needed)
If you plan to drive in Portugal, you may need to exchange your foreign driver’s license. Some licenses can be swapped without a test, but others may require additional steps.
Important deadlines:
🚗 Within 90 days of receiving your residence card – You can continue driving while applying for a Portuguese license.
🚗 After 2 years – If you haven’t exchanged it, you might need to take a driving test.
🔹 Let us handle this process for you!
✅ Step 6: Health Insurance & Registration
Portugal has an excellent public healthcare system, but access depends on your residency status. Private health insurance is often required for visa applications and recommended for expats.
💡 Tip: If you’re a resident, you can register at a local health center (Centro de Saúde) for public healthcare access.
✅ Step 7: Learn the Basics of Portuguese Culture & Language
Even though many Portuguese people speak English, learning some basic Portuguese phrases can make life easier!
🇵🇹 Useful phrases to start with:
- "Bom dia" – Good morning
- "Obrigado/a" – Thank you (male/female)
- "Quanto custa?" – How much does it cost?
- "Fala inglês?" – Do you speak English?
🔹 Pro Tip: Try free apps like Duolingo or take an online course before you move!
Ready to Make Portugal Your New Home?
Moving to a new country is a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Gold Over Azure, we take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your new adventure.
