Moving home is exciting and stressful at the best of times, moving country and home is often an even more unnerving experience, regardless of how sure you are that making a move is the right thing to do!
All of the members of the Pure Portugal team have moved country (some more than once!) so we thought we would put together a guide with some of our top tips to help you feel at home as soon as possible.
Before your move:
– Start collecting boxes early! We have found that no matter how organized and prepared you are before a move you will never have enough boxes! It is always a good idea to use this move as a chance to have a good declutter too – see our downsizing guide here for more on this. If the thought of packing and moving everything yourself is daunting you could use one of the great removal companies on our directory.
– Keep a box or file to one side in which you can keep any important documents, valuables or essential items (don’t forget the phone charger!) so when you are mid move you have any of these important things to hand, not at the bottom of a large box of toys or books (I write from experience!).
– Start learning Portuguese! It is worth it even before you arrive as you will become more familiar with certain words and sounds (see more on this further down the page).
– Cancel subscriptions, newspapers and redirect any other mail to your new address.
– Get your Visa or Residency organized. Before you leave your home country ensure you have started the procedure for your Visa (if you need one) or have organized things and to hand for applying for residency. Whether you need a Visa or can apply for residency will depend on your home country or nationality, regarding Visas, there are several options for you and the best one will depend on your personal circumstances. Have a look at our Living In Portugal guide for more updates on this.
Pet documents and transport. If you are moving with pets make sure you have checked the rules for any chips or vaccinations they need in advance of leaving, there are strict time limits on some animals the vet checks and when you enter Portugal or one of the joining countries. If you are coming from the UK remember Brexit has changed the rules for animal access as well as human access, so be sure to keep up to date with your current vet on the requirements and any documents needed.
Once you have moved:
– Make sure to tick off the list any other requirements for your Visa if you are applying for one.
– Open a bank account. If you did not open a bank account during a previous visit then now is the time, you will need a fiscal number before you can do this. You can do both of these yourself or you can ask the wonderful team at Bordr to help with both! Find out more about Bordr here.
– Be prepared for bureaucracy. Unfortunately moving country does not absolve you from the boring but necessary things like taxes and bills, and things in Portugal definitely work differently to the way some people are already accustomed, things are slower, offices close for lunch still, and it might take a little more figuring out at first just until you get used to things. If you are starting a business or working in Portugal you will want to ensure you are set up so that you can pay your taxed etc as easily as possible. The accountants on our directory can help with this, see here for more. You can also check out our article about Portuguese bureaucracy here too.
Learn the language. Some people are very worried about how difficult it might be to learn Portuguese but we can assure you all efforts are worth while and will be appreciated greatly by people you meet. You do not need to feel embarrassed or shy, making an effort is really what counts here and throwing yourself in and having a go is a great way to get learning. Some local councils (Council) will have free or discounted lessons for foreigners so it is worth asking locally if there is anything happening a it is a great way to meet new neighbours too, or you can arrange for lessons through one of the great people on our directory here.
– Integrate into the Portuguese way of life, although the move can be complex, sometimes people find the reality of adjusting to a new culture is the hardest part. Portugal is one of the most friendly and vibrant countries, and you will be welcomed locally into traditions and celebrations if you want to take part. You will definitely find the adjustment to your new country easier if you are willing to learn the cultural norms and etiquette with the added advantage of getting out and meeting the new people who live locally to you. Find out more about important National dates and celebrations here.
– Spend some time getting to know the local area, find the shops you’ll frequent, note their opening hours (especially when they are closed for lunch!… Long lunches are part of the culture in Portugal, so order a glass of wine and enjoy your free time along with everyone else!)
– Find out where your local market is and when it is on. Just about every town in Portugal has a market day (sometimes two) each week. Find out when yours is and head there for the freshest local ingredients you can ever hope to find. Some markets also sell clothes, household items and antiques.
Most of all – HAVE FUN! You have made a huge move, it is exhausting and overwhelming but you made this move for a reason, and we must say you have picked one of the best countries on Earth in moving to Portugal. Do not forget to stop and take it all in, relax, get to know the neighbours, explore the countryside and take a moment to remember why you made the move. You are bound to get stuck or confused at some points but this is part of the adventure and usually results in a great and funny story a few months down the line! And finally remember if you need advice or help you can always turn to our lovely Facebook community here – Pure Portugal – Living the Good Life.
