Dreaming of a new life in Portugal?
No doubt, as you consider the idea of launching a new life in this glorious corner of the Old World, you’ve got questions.
Here… let me try to help.
Perhaps you’re wondering, for example…
Q: Can I bring my pet with me?
A: Yes. Bringing your dog or cat to Portugal is straightforward. The pet will need a microchip and a health certificate, and dogs require a rabies vaccine. If you meet these requirements, no quarantine period will be imposed. Exotic pets might require a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) certificate.
Q: Should I ship my car?
A: If you’re moving from an EU country, maybe yes. If not, then it is probably better to buy a car in Portugal. A non-EU vehicle might not conform with EU emissions requirements. Plus, you could have trouble sourcing parts for repairing and maintaining a non-EU model vehicle.
Q: How do I get a driver’s license?
A: After you’ve established residency, you can continue to drive on your current driver’s license for up to 185 days. After that you’ll need a Portuguese driver’s license. In most cases, you’ll be able to exchange your current driver’s license for a local one. To do this, visit the nearest IMT-IP office.
Q: Can I own a gun?
A: For sporting purposes, yes; otherwise, it is possible but not easy or guaranteed that you’d be issued a license. It’s difficult to get permission to own a gun in this country other than for hunting and target practice.
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Q: How do I ship my household goods and personal belongings?
A: Use a full-service shipping company. I recommend you opt for door-to-door service.
You can import personal belongings duty-free within your first year of residency. Consult with a shipping company or Portuguese attorney for any specific restrictions.
Q: Is the LGBT population welcome?
A: Yes. Some resorts and beaches along this coast cater to the LGBT community.
Q: Living in Portugal, would I lose my original citizenship?
A: No, your residency status abroad has no effect on your citizenship.
Residency and citizenship are two different things. If you’re a U.S. citizen, the only way to lose your U.S. citizenship is to renounce it formally. This is a serious step that you can’t take accidentally.
Q: Can I still receive my U.S. Social Security payments?
A: Yes. If you’re eligible for U.S. Social Security, you can even have your monthly check direct-deposited into your Portugal bank account.
Q: Will Medicare cover me?
A: No. As an American abroad, you need to make another plan for covering your medical expenses overseas. I recommend, though, keeping your Medicare as a major medical backup. Should you ever need or want, then, you could return to the United States for medical care that would be covered by Medicare.
Q: Will my computer work in Portugal? My cell phone?
A: Your laptop computer’s power adapter should be dual voltage. If your cord isn’t from Europe, you’ll need a plug adapter to be able to plug into the wall.
Confirm with your cell phone company that roaming is enabled so you have service upon arrival in the country. Thinking longer term, you’ll want to get a local chip for your phone. This will save you roaming charges when making local calls.
Q: Will my credit and debit cards work?
A: Yes, they should. Before you use them, though, research what fees you’ll be charged. Some credit card companies impose such onerous fees when their cards are used in a foreign country that it can be worth switching to another group before moving. Charles Schwab charges no fee when using your Schwab card in an overseas ATM. In addition, Schwab reimburses you for foreign ATM fees you incur using its card.
Q: How will my friends and family be able to stay in touch with me?
A: E-mail, Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, etc. The Internet Age has made it possible to move overseas and stay in real-time touch with family and friends back home.
Q: What’s the first step for making a move to Portugal?
A: Join us in the Algarve for our 10th Annual Live And Invest In Portugal Conference taking place April 9-11, 2025.
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Portugal checks a lot of boxes, from great weather, beautiful beaches, and one of the lowest costs of living and of real estate in Europe to history, culture, healthy food, excellent dining options, English-speaking community, international-standard healthcare, and all conveniences and comforts of developed 21st-century living.
If you’re not cut out for life in the developing world, I’d put Portugal at the top of your list.
That said, the only way to know if life in Portugal is for you is to show up and take a look around.
You’ve got to get on a plane and spend time getting to know the place firsthand.
Your best opportunity for just that is to join us for our event in April where you’ll be in the company of many dozens of like-minded others also considering if Portugal could be the best place to launch their dream lives overseas.
We very much hope to meet you there.
Until next time,
Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
