Perhaps you have been on holiday to Portugal before and you think it is a fantastic holiday destination. It may have been during these holidays that you have been dreaming about living in Portugal. Who wouldn't want that? The wonderful climate in Portugal or the friendly people are very inviting. And let's not forget the beautiful nature!
Are you one of these people? Have you dreamed about it often enough and do you now also want to move to Portugal? When you are going to live in another country and it becomes your new home country, things will be different than, for example, during previous holidays. You really want to live there. And even though Portugal is a country within the European Union (EU) and it is quite easy for us Dutch people to emigrate there, it does not mean that you do not have to arrange anything anymore. When you move abroad, you simply have to arrange your affairs properly. Whether it concerns a country within the EU or outside the EU.. There is a lot to consider. For example, have you already thought about an affordable removal company?
In this article we have tried to give you a bit of an idea of how moving to Portugal works. So before you move, read this article and who knows, we might be able to help you a bit.
What's your story?
Often, emigrating people have had the feeling for years that they do not belong in the Netherlands. Do you also see the future differently for yourself? Do you also want to settle somewhere else? Then of course you have to think about this carefully so that you do not change your mind later.
If you are reading about Portugal now, 'a warm country' will probably appeal to you. A warm country does not necessarily have to be Portugal, but it could also be Spain or the South of France. But it probably had to be like this for you to move to Portugal. Is Portugal the country that attracts you the most? Is this the country where you feel at home and want to try to build a life. If it doesn't work out, you can always move back, right? And do you feel at home, as you always thought? Are you in the right place? Then that is a feeling of home in its purest form.
Living in Portugal
When you finally live in Portugal you can enjoy the Portuguese culture and the friendly people. The Portuguese are known to be very hospitable, friendly and welcoming. So it is actually a beautiful country to live in all aspects.
Your place of residence in Portugal
Where exactly you are going to live in Portugal will of course also have an effect on your immigration process. One thing that is certain is that tourists are not unknown to the Portuguese. They see many foreigners come and go. Think of the Europeans who visit Lisbon or the city of Porto for a nice city trip. Or the pensioners and families who travel to the Algarve in the south of Portugal every summer. Enjoy a holiday on the Atlantic Ocean. Who wouldn't want to live in such a wonderful climate?
Golden tip: Portuguese
Immigrants or holidaymakers in Portugal sometimes talk about life in the country. One thing that always stands out here is the language. Of course, you will always have to deal with a language barrier abroad, but one language is of course more difficult than the other. Portuguese is such a difficult language. The pronunciation is often difficult to decipher for beginning speakers. Do you already have a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language? Then you will probably be able to get by. Portuguese people will always try to help you by speaking more slowly. Do you perhaps only have a basic knowledge of the Spanish language? Then this will also work to your advantage. Of course, they are not the same languages, but they certainly have similarities.
You can also think that you will be able to manage with the English language, but unfortunately we have to disappoint you on this point. The level of the English language in Portugal is not very good. Especially outside the big cities people will often not speak English. So keep this in mind and try to prepare yourself for this by perhaps taking a language course first.
The holidays in Portugal
In Portugal there are a lot more official holidays than in the Netherlands. Many people see this as a plus when they move to Portugal. There are also other people who really don't like this. Why on earth, you might think. This is because the entire country is paralyzed during these holidays. This means that everything is closed and you can't arrange anything on these days.
However, it is good to know that these holidays are very important to the Portuguese. The people in Portugal are a warm people who are very attached to their community. Friends and family play an important role in their lives. During these holidays, the Portuguese spend a lot of time together and this is also the reason why they attach so much value to these days off.
International moving
If you really want to move to Portugal, it means that you have an international move ahead of you. Of course, you want to be able to move your belongings with you when you emigrate. For such a move, it is best to hire a moving company that has the necessary experience with international moves. You also do not have to worry about applying for a permit, for example, because that is all arranged by the moving company itself. Such a moving company also employs professional movers who, due to their experience, ensure that you do not have to worry. You can then emigrate with peace of mind and your belongings will arrive safe and sound.
How much does a move to Portugal cost?
People often want to know the general costs of a move. This is of course more than logical. But unfortunately, it is not possible to simply estimate the average costs of a move. This is due to the fact that the costs of an international move largely depend on the personal wishes of the customer. A moving company must first look at the necessary matters. Think of the size of your belongings, how many moving vans are needed, what type of home you live in and how many movers are needed. After this, your wishes are also looked at. Do you want to rent extra services? Think of a packing/unpacking service or do you perhaps need a moving lift? These are all examples of situations and things that must be communicated well before the moving company and you enter into an agreement.
Sometimes people who emigrate also choose not to move their belongings. In that case, they often choose to store the belongings in a rented storage facility.
Can you never figure out how much your move will cost?
Of course, you can simply have the exact costs for your move sent to you. For this, it is best to request quotes from moving companies. It is wise to do this not only with one moving company, but with multiple moving companies. This way, you have quotes from different moving companies from which you can make your choice. Here you can see which one is the cheapest or which one appeals to you the most.
Free moving quotes at Moova
At Moova we understand that you don't have time to call or email all those moving companies to ask for their quotes. Often there is a catch and when you request quotes you are often immediately tied to an agreement.
We have solved this problem. At Moova you can easily request free moving quotes with one click. After the form with required fields has been filled in and sent, you will receive moving quotes and you can take your time to look at which moving company you want to hire. This service is completely without obligation and you will not be tied to anything without your permission.
Practical tips
There are a few more practical tips that we would like to give you for your emigration to Portugal. These are just our tips and we advise you to always do your own research with the authorities themselves. The authorities themselves can help you best.
Your health insurance
When you move abroad, you are required to cancel your health insurance with your Dutch health insurer. When you move abroad, you no longer live in the Netherlands, so you are no longer entitled to this. In Portugal, you no longer have to worry about your health insurance. This is very well arranged. In Portugal, they have public health care. This means that everyone in Portugal is entitled to insurance.
When you have found a job in Portugal, your employer will register you and you will pay the monthly premium together. Once you are insured, the care you receive will be free or largely free. Do you have your own company? Then you must register yourself and then you also pay the premium for your health insurance yourself. Fortunately, this is a considerably lower amount than what we are used to in the Netherlands.
Taxes
Portugal not only has a wonderful climate in terms of weather, but also a very attractive climate in terms of taxation. Many immigrants in Portugal have chosen Portugal as a destination because of this great advantage. People who want to move to Portugal do themselves a great advantage when they actually take the step to emigrate.
Furthermore, it is important to arrange your affairs regarding your tax in the Netherlands properly so that you will not encounter unnecessary problems later in Portugal. You can do this on the website of the tax authorities Can't find any information regarding a move abroad? Then you can always contact us by phone so that an employee can help you.
Benefit
Do you receive benefits in the Netherlands? Then we advise you to contact the UWV or the relevant municipality. It is namely the case that with certain benefits you are not allowed to live abroad. This means that your benefit will expire when you emigrate. Therefore, ask this carefully so that you do not suddenly end up without an income in Portugal.
Pension
It is best to contact the Social Insurance Bank or your own pension fund with questions about your pension. Sometimes you have to meet certain conditions to receive your Dutch AOW abroad. Sometimes it is not a problem. We do not know what your personal situation is and that is why it is best to ask yourself.
Export car
Many people choose to take their car with them when they emigrate. It is just nice to have your old and trusted car at your destination. Buying a car abroad is also often difficult, because the standards in, for example, Southern Europe are often somewhat lower and you do not want to be left holding the baby after the purchase.
Of course, you need to have your papers and documents in order for this. You can do this at the RDW arrange. Once in Portugal, you are also required to take the necessary steps so that you can legally drive on the road.
Your driver's license
Your Dutch driving license is fortunately valid in other countries within the European Union. You can also use your driving license when emigrating until it needs to be renewed. Of course, you can always exchange it earlier, but most people prefer to wait until the moment that this is necessary.
In Portugal, however, you are required to register your Dutch driver's license. This must be done within 60 days. If you do not do this, you are breaking the law and can expect a fine.
Finally..
In this article we have tried to give you as clear and concise information as possible about emigrating to Portugal. Moving to Portugal is of course not easy and with such a new adventure and new home it is nice to get the necessary help.
Do you have any other questions?
Do you have any other questions regarding your emigration to Portugal? Do you perhaps have friends who are emigrating to Spain, for example? Do they want more information about this? Then you can always visit our website. Here we have many articles with information and even more practical tips regarding emigration online.
Feel free to consult these articles so that you can start your emigration to Portugal well informed.
