Expat Community > Portugal

Biscuit032
Joined 2022
Posts: 1

moving to Portugal

2 years ago

Dear All,
i would like if possible to do as much as the moving to Portugal paperwork myself and not rely on third parties to do this for me. My wife and i plan to rent a property in the Algrave before making a purchase and for us to retire to live permanently in Portugal (in early 2023). We plan to sell our house in the UK before the trial move ( even if we decide not to live in Portugal we want to move elsewhere)
I am interested in peoples experience of:
1. obtaining a NIF , is it possible to do this during a 2 week visit (in a few months time) via a citizen shop or SEF ? I know Bordr.io can get one for you for 150 euro but i want to try and do this myself and my wife
2. Opening a portuguese bank acccount- i know with a NIF and proof of UK address it is possible to open a basic online acccount with a bank like Activobank (and update to a diffferent acccount when actually in Portugal if requred. I have opened acccounts with Monzo, Wise, Revolut, and Starling banks)
3. D7 visa - with a NIF and bank account , (plus other requirements , eg saving , criminial record check, statement if why i wish to move ) it shpuld be possible to apply forfirst stage of D7 visa via VFS Global offfice - does anyone have experience of negotating the D7 process themselves?
4. deciding which currency transfer specialist to use , how did you decide ?
5. I understand you can live in Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa , and even when a D7 is issued there is no immediate requirement to apply for and start NHR time although once D7 is issued we become legally respinsible for payng Portuguse tax and completing annual tax return (we want to complete sale of our UK property before D7 is issued to avoid being potentially taxed in Portugal)
6. any thoughts/recommmendations about a good tax advisor ?
7. Does anyone have any experience of setting up a tax efficient wrapper for a UK pension (most of my pension will be taxed directly in the UK , as i have worked for the UK government) but that in a SIPP/AVC can be transferred i understand (but the amount in the fund woud not mske sense for a QROP taxwrapper via a Maltese scheme payable in euro). I have heard there are Portuguese taxwrappers suitable for those those with pots not large enough for QROP schemes-doessanyone have experince of this ?
my wife speaks fluent Portuguese (Brazilian) and i undrsyand a fair bit so ths should help
i would greatly appreciate any thoughts.

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Portugal Guide

Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

Portugal Forum
Join our Portugal forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Portugal.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Best Places to Live in Portugal

If you're thinking about living in Portugal, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Portugal in 2023.

Healthcare in Portugal

Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Portugal.

Moving to Portugal Guide

Expats moving to Portugal are drawn by a variety of places to live, a rich history and so much more. Here are some tips on what it means to move there, and how to make it happen.

Real Estate in Portugal

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Portugal.

Pros & Cons of Living in Portugal

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Portugal.

Retiring in Portugal

Advice for people retiring in Portugal.

Portugal Visa & Residency Guide

Thanks to Susan Stults Korthase for this helpful overview of current requirements to begin the process of obtaining a Residency Visa when moving from the US to Portugal.

10 Tips for Living in Portugal

If you've recently arrived in Portugal, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Portugal.

Additional Information:

Visit our Portugal Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Portugal

moving to Portugal

Login