Guide To Moving To Portugal
Have you ever wanted to live abroad? It’s easy to dream about living somewhere warm when it’s so dark and cold in the UK, but there is much more to consider.
Portuguese Housing
Finding your dream Portugal property shouldn’t be an issue, and there are professional companies in the country waiting to help you become a homeowner overseas. The cost of living is reasonable in Portugal, allowing you to secure rented accommodation or buy property easily, bear in mind though that like the UK some areas of the country will be pricier than others; Lisbon, Estoril and Cascais are good examples of this. The Algarve is a popular choice for many moving abroad, as it offers that sense of being on holiday every day with glorious weather and stunning beaches.
Be aware that you will need to apply for a registration certificate if you stay in the country for more than three months and, after holding this for five years, request a permanent residence certificate for the remainder of your stay.
Portuguese Money
The Euro is Portugal’s currency, and it’s important you seek the right methods for transferring your funds into a bank account in the country. Consider using a currency specialist instead of your bank, which might not offer you the best rate when converting your money.
Portuguese
It’s important when moving to another country that you can understand and speak the language, at least in its most basic form. If you do not, you’ll feel like a tourist in your town and unable to take part in local events properly, deal with any issues effectively or secure and hold down a decent job.
Portuguese Schooling
The Portuguese education system is much like our own. School is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 26, and public schools are free to attend. You can also source pre-schools and child minders for younger children between the ages of three and five. Look into your options as soon as you arrive because if you have children, they must be enrolled quickly.
Work
Finding work in Portugal is much like any country, but first you must ensure you can speak the language fluently. The Algarve isn’t going to provide high-paying jobs, as it bases itself on its tourist industry, which includes restaurant work and positions in popular attractions. Lisbon and Porto are the two biggest cities in the country and where people usually flock for higher-paying roles. The average salary in the country is around the €35,686 mark, compared to £26,500 in the UK. However, the cost of living is lower to balance this out.
Healthcare
While it’s a reassuring fact that most doctors in Portugal can speak English, so you can effectively communicate your problems, the public healthcare system is a frustration for both local residents and those moving to the country. Access to free healthcare is available to all legal residents but the industry is experiencing an overload of patients and understaffing, this is why most who can afford it when moving the country look into a private healthcare plan.
Hopefully this quick guide has been helpful! If you’re planning a move to Portugal simply ensure you do plenty of research and have everything in order before you even book that one way flight.