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Moving to Porto

Posted by on

There is so much to get done and that's why I'm reaching out to all of you.

I'm coming to Porto in late January. I want to make this trip so I can get an idea of what and who I need to talk to.

When I finally move, I'm taking my dog (35 pounds). I'd love to get the name of a company that can ship her in cargo. I also need to get pricing.

I'm going to purge much of my stuff. Only be left with the bare minimum . I'm hoping I can put everything into a few boxes and check them in at the airport. Anyone has info about the size and weight that can be checked.

As far as where I want to go. I like the area near Porto. But, I figure if I move 5 miles away that will help bring the cost of an apartment down. I'm looking to spend a max of about $1000 for a long term rental

I'd also like to get in touch with a realtor that you have worked with.

What do you all do to get around? I'm thinking of getting a scooter or electric bike. Maybe even a car.

I'm not sure but I'm sure I need to get my bank involved. Just not sure how.

I know I'll need a visa (I do plan on working, just not sure what it will be)
I just need to try to offset the cost of the apartment, maybe make $500 a month extra. I'm a retired teacher if that helps.

I really want to bring my mattress (sleep number) but I’m getting prices over $1000

Thanks in advance
Steve

Posted by
15806 posts

Steve, while you're waiting for replies from firsthand experience, these might be a good places to start collecting info:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/portugal/how-to-get-temporary-residency-in-portugal

https://www.facebook.com/groups/americansandfriendsPT/

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/portugal/golden-visa-to-immigrate-to-portugal

https://expatra.com/guides/portugal/living-in-portugal-the-expats-guide/

Hopefully some of the RS community's residents of Portugal can offer good help but I've a hunch that shipping your dog will be a smaller challenge compared to some of the others you'll likely need to navigate (language, red tape; taxes, healthcare as a non-citizen, etc.) If you are planning on relocating alone, there's also the issue of family being far away should you experience a health crisis requiring support. Some Americans (I'm guessing you are a U.S. citizen?) have obviously made the move successfully, however, so hope you find the help you need! :O)

Posted by
8369 posts

There are special forums, books, online classes and even You Tube videos about what is involved in relocating to Portugal or another country.

You mention that your January trip is to do more research. That sounds like a good idea! I would contact some property companies in advance and ask for referrals to relocation specialists. I would contact the Portuguese embassy here in the states with visa questions.

How’s long will your January trip be? Will you have a chance to “live like a local” in your target area for a time, at least a few weeks, to get a feel for what living there might be like?

I think there are special income/asset rules associated with long term visas. I would not count on being able to work. You will definitely need to do more research.

Posted by
1943 posts

I'd ask at a different forum. The reddit expat board would help you more.

R/expats

Posted by
32740 posts

are you aware that you still will have to file taxes in the US, as well as in Portugal?

Posted by
1666 posts

This is definitely not the forum to get these type answers.

Your best resource for pretty much all your questions is the Facebook group Americans and Friends in Portugal. It’s based here is Cascais but has members throughout Portugal. The main reason for the site is to help people move to Portugal. There is an extensive files section with step by step instructions for obtaining your Schengen Visa, moving and getting your residency once here. After five years, 12,000 people have obtained residency with the help of this group.

Even if you are not a fan of Facebook, make an exception for this group. They is also a couple of women in the Lisbon area who offer paid webinars to help with the process. You would likely see their info posted on the AFIP pages.

Posted by
10218 posts

Post from 4/27/23 @8:27 p.m. reported for review.

Posted by
32740 posts

Dennis, there was a spammer who posted a link which takes people who knows where, it was sent to the webmaster for review and its absence now means it was removed. Evidence of the reporting remains.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.