Mariza.says
French looking for information about Portugal
Forum posts
53
About me
French
Registration: 20 November 2024
Most common scams in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Portugal as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
I was expecting more folks would post here about their experiences of scams but I understand that most victims will not feel brave enough to put their heads above the parapet. So I'm posting some I've heard about in the hope that newcommers are more ... Read More
Most common scams in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Portugal as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
@bilkis53 I'm afraid it's against the rules to post names and contacts here. But...1) If you want to "avoid" her (or anyone like her) just don't hire any solicitor that guarantees a Visa in exchange for a very large fee = their work + bribe to ... Read More
Most common scams in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Portugal as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it鈥檚 immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
Expats and all foreigners are seen as people who have money and are gullible, and this alone makes them a target for scammers.Most scammers are just opportunists, but some are "professional scammers", this means they've optimized their tactics and ... Read More
Moving to Portugal by stnfarrowj
Hi all, Could anyone recommend a company that managers the end to end move to Portugal including D7 visa, mortgage, lawyer, tax advice etc. ?Alternatively, any advice on how best to coordinate all the activity that required?
D7 visa, mortgage, lawyer, tax advice etc. ?Any advice on how best to coordinate all the activity that's required? - @stnfarrowjFor the D7 visa you need to prepare the following docs:get a NIF number and with it open a bank account in Portugal (best ... Read More
Moving to Portugal by stnfarrowj
Hi all, Could anyone recommend a company that managers the end to end move to Portugal including D7 visa, mortgage, lawyer, tax advice etc. ?Alternatively, any advice on how best to coordinate all the activity that required?
Alternatively, any advice on how best to coordinate all the activity that's required? - @stnfarrowjMy most important advice is to be aware that there are many scams & tricks going on in Portugal, whereby new arrivals get scammed and lose money. ... Read More
Moving to Portugal by stnfarrowj
Hi all, Could anyone recommend a company that managers the end to end move to Portugal including D7 visa, mortgage, lawyer, tax advice etc. ?Alternatively, any advice on how best to coordinate all the activity that required?
We are not allowed to post names & contacts of businesses here. I've sent you a Private Message, check your box. Read More
Constructor recommandation Algarve by LolaSl
Hello !We have an house project approuved near Loule and we're looking for constructor recommandation.If you know someone serious, reasonable price..Also, if you have any advise, we'd love to hear it !Last question, do you have an idea of the ...
There's a very SERIOUS shortage of professional builders in Portugal, good builders are fully booked many months in advance, even years... the ones available at short notice are the cowboy builders trying to make a quick buck. Best avoided.To find ... Read More
Good areas in Portugal for expats from USA? by escapers8
We are beginning to research moving to Portugal from the Seattle area. We are looking for a town or city large enough to have good health care, near the coast, moderate cost of living, good culture and art scene, and a reasonable number of other ...
@mozwoeld聽 I'm afraid I don't know the accountant, or even which country he's working from. I thought it might be useful just to give you an idea about US expat taxes wherever they are in the world.You probably already know that all US citizens ... Read More
Good areas in Portugal for expats from USA? by escapers8
We are beginning to research moving to Portugal from the Seattle area. We are looking for a town or city large enough to have good health care, near the coast, moderate cost of living, good culture and art scene, and a reasonable number of other ...
@mozwoeld If you have a German passport (EU passport) you won't need to get a residency visa. Just pack your bags, get a flight and move to any country in the EU block. This is called Freedom of Movement enjoyed by all EU citizens.Once in Portugal ... Read More
Latest updates in labor regulations in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Labor laws and regulations are constantly evolving. Staying informed of these updates as an expat in Portugal helps you in navigating your professional experience and expat career. We would like to invite you to share the ...
I follow portuguese news daily and I'm not aware of any change to labour laws lately.The last one was more than 1 year ago and related to the Right to Switch-off which brought more clarity to labour聽 laws already in force.Basically is says: ... Read More
Good areas in Portugal for expats from USA? by escapers8
We are beginning to research moving to Portugal from the Seattle area. We are looking for a town or city large enough to have good health care, near the coast, moderate cost of living, good culture and art scene, and a reasonable number of other ...
Hi there!The most expensive areas In Portugal are Lisbon, Cascais, Algarve, Porto and most towns close to the coast. If you don't mind being 1 hour away by car or train from any of the above, you'll find better value in terms of housing prices (sale ... Read More
Infos immobili猫res location de son bien by piapia
J鈥檃i un appartement 脿 Lisbonne et je pars parfois un mois deux mois trois mois sans l鈥檕ccuper puis je trouver une soci茅t茅 de location pour des dur茅es plus longues que Airbnb ? Un mois 2 mois 3 mois 鈥� ? ...
@piapia Bonjour!Je peux vous recommander une agence de relocation portugaise qui s'occupe aussi de locations de quelques mois pour des clients 茅trangers qui veux explorer le pays avant d'acheter un bien.Je vous envoie le contact en message ... Read More
How to add my rental contract to Financas by Toshiro123
Although I have a signed paper contract I cannot find it on finances nor my first months rent... The landlady insists both are up there. I have asked her to email me the receipt as I need it to register with major and change my address with ...
@Toshiro123 I'm not a rental expert but this may be of help:1) It's the responsability of the landlady to register the rental contract with the Tax Office / Finan莽as. She can do it online through her own online NIF account and after ... Read More
Enough passive income to support D7? by norm2pt
Hi everyone, I am from the States my SS income is 1095 a month + another 300 dollars. My total monthly income is 1395 I am wondering about the approval rate.
@norm2ptSince you are planning to buy your own home in Portugal, you won't have to budget for rent, and that means that your current income will be enough to make a confortable living there. That's what I meant in my previous comments.You'll be ... Read More
Financial advisor in Lisbon by clairetfonce
Hi!I'm looking for a financial advisor in Lisbon, possibly not too expensive.Any recomendacione?I do speak Portuguese.Thanks.
"Looking for an accountant for a certain tax issue" can be translated as:Procuro um contabilista para fuga aos impostos. Read More
Enough passive income to support D7? by norm2pt
Hi everyone, I am from the States my SS income is 1095 a month + another 300 dollars. My total monthly income is 1395 I am wondering about the approval rate.
Yes, confort is relative and personal.I live confortably between London & Lisbon with frequent extended stopovers in Paris, on less than 100 Euros a week = 5200 Euros a year.How? you may ask.I own one of the properties - a studio, and co-own ... Read More
Financial advisor in Lisbon by clairetfonce
Hi!I'm looking for a financial advisor in Lisbon, possibly not too expensive.Any recomendacione?I do speak Portuguese.Thanks.
You don't specify what type of financial advice you are looking for: Investing in Portugal? Investment visas? Tax?If you need financial advice about how best to invest your money in Portugal, or which investment funds are accepted for investment ... Read More
Enough passive income to support D7? by norm2pt
Hi everyone, I am from the States my SS income is 1095 a month + another 300 dollars. My total monthly income is 1395 I am wondering about the approval rate.
As mentioned above, for D7 visa application, you'll need to show proof of passive income of at least 12180 Euros per year for 1 person and add 50% of that amount for a spouse on same visa.Furthermore you'll also need to show savings or bank balance ... Read More
Job Opportunities for English-Speaking Students in Portugal? by Study Guy
Hi everyone,I am planning to move to Portugal for my Master's studies and was wondering about the types of jobs available for English-speaking students. Since I am not fluent in Portuguese yet, I would love to know what kind of part-time or ...
What University are you planning to attend?The University will be able to help you with visa information, accommodation, moving & settling into student life.There are no good jobs in Portugal, most jobs pay very low salaries, and portuguese ... Read More
Job Opportunities for English-Speaking Students in Portugal? by Study Guy
Hi everyone,I am planning to move to Portugal for my Master's studies and was wondering about the types of jobs available for English-speaking students. Since I am not fluent in Portuguese yet, I would love to know what kind of part-time or ...
Portuguese students often work in supermarkets, shops, cafes and restaurants because these sectors can offer part-time shift work that best suits their studies. Most students work some evenings and all day at weekends totalling up to 20 hours per ... Read More
Types of visa & min investment
For property taxes, please see my post here. Read More
Types of visa & min investment by wiqbal1964
Hello,can someone please shed light on how much minimum investment is required to acquire permanent residence in portugal. I鈥檓 more interested in real estate which will be either use as personal residence or rental. Also like to know about ...
An investment visa or Golden Visa requires a minimum of 500 000 Euros invested in a qualifying portuguese investment fund for a period of 5 years at least.Property investments or funds related to property are excluded.If you wish to make a donation ... Read More
Golden Visa Consultants by GuestPoster9499
We are a married couple. One retired; one soon to be retired. We have been traveling to Portugal regularly since our first trip in 1999. While we live in a great small city, it has blistering hot summers and really cold winters, and neither are as ...
Since my last post I've found this recent info for Golden Visas that may be useful:Portugal鈥檚 AIMA Introduces New Measures to Address Golden Visa Delays: https://schengen.news/portugals-aima-in 鈥� sa-delays/The new changes include:All ... Read More
Hello, this is Denise by chefdeedee123
I am a mature lady who is interested in corresponding with some new friends in the Algarve region of Portugal.聽 I m聽 retired cooking teacher.I own my own home in Santa Cruz, California which is one block from the ocean and is very ...
The Algarve is as cold as California, sometimes in winter it's even colder.You want a warm place all year round? Go to Cabo Verde.You won't be disappointed. Read More
Portugal Visas for Americans by dlinehan
My wife and I are working thru the Visa process and am wondering if I should be concerned getting approval because I am currently a US citizen, given the posturing of the current US executive branch. Any thoughts?
[Post under review] Read More
Portugal Visas for Americans by dlinehan
My wife and I are working thru the Visa process and am wondering if I should be concerned getting approval because I am currently a US citizen, given the posturing of the current US executive branch. Any thoughts?
@dlinehan Rest assured Portugal would never seek to punish the citizens of any country becuase of the faults & errors of their governments. Visa decisions are based on other criteria, like the need for skilled workers, connections to Portugal ... Read More
Portugal Job Seeker visa application processing time by bilalumar896
Hi guys, I submitted my Portugal job seeker visa application in Shanghai VFS on 12-12-2024. But till today no update from Portugal consulate in Shanghai. 1:is there anyone who could share their job seeker visa application waiting experience? 2:could ...
@JohnnyPT With due respect, I think the portuguese embassies are for diplomatic matters only and do not deal with visas. It's the job of consulates but only from the administrative point of view. All visa decisions are made centrally in Lisbon by ... Read More
Buying a holiday apartment in Carvoeiro area by VR25PDMHH
Dear members, We are in the process of looking to buy a holiday home in the Carvoeiro region and would like some personal recommendations for the following: A professional, capable and reasonably priced solicitors able to act on our behalf in the ...
1) To rent out a property anywhere in Portugal as a holiday let you need to apply for an AL license and pay a fee. If the property is part of a residential condominium you'll also need written permission of all the other residents before you apply ... Read More
Reliable Real Estate Agent for buying a house by mariavanzanten11
Dear All!My husband and I would love to buy a house in Portugal, most probably in Algarve and are looking for a buying agent to help us with it, as we are currently not residing in Portugal. Could you please recommend some positive experience with ...
Unlike in the US, there are not very many buying agents in Portugal. Most agents work for the sellers who pay their fees & commission, and won't be in a position to best look after the interests of buyers.With this is mind, some agents are ... Read More
Golden Visa Consultants by GuestPoster9499
We are a married couple. One retired; one soon to be retired. We have been traveling to Portugal regularly since our first trip in 1999. While we live in a great small city, it has blistering hot summers and really cold winters, and neither are as ...
I'm pretty sure that you could apply for your Golden Visa without involving any "agents" or "law firms", just follow the info above, if you so wish. Unfortunately lawyers & solicitors are not always what you'd expect them to be = honest. Some ... Read More
Golden Visa Consultants by GuestPoster9499
We are a married couple. One retired; one soon to be retired. We have been traveling to Portugal regularly since our first trip in 1999. While we live in a great small city, it has blistering hot summers and really cold winters, and neither are as ...
You can follow news on Portugal Golden Visas here: https://schengen.news/Long delays are common: https://schengen.news/long-visa-processing-times-have-left-hundreds-of-portugal-golden-visa-applicants-in-limbo/ Read More
Golden Visa Consultants by GuestPoster9499
We are a married couple. One retired; one soon to be retired. We have been traveling to Portugal regularly since our first trip in 1999. While we live in a great small city, it has blistering hot summers and really cold winters, and neither are as ...
I'm neither a financial adviser nor a Golden Visa expert but this may solve your problem:You can contact Caixa Geral de Depositos, which is the biggest and oldest portuguese bank, more than a century old, and state owned but run like any other ... Read More
D7 Visa Approval by reynbod2003
I applied for a D7 Visa to Portugal on August 27, 2024 at the VSF office in Washington DC. The appointment went well and I was told I would hear in 60 days. But on October 28, I was asked to submit an apostilled FBI report, even though I had given ...
@JohnnyPT Correct, but that does not stop lawyers from accepting clients and receiving their money.I've hear of one so called "immigration lawyer" who asked 2,000 Euros for each adult, plus 1,000 Euros for each child, for submiting the applications ... Read More
Moving from lisbon to chaves by penny1962
Hi, I am in early stage of moving. Could someone give me name of a good moving company? My big items are a mattress, fridge, metal cabinet and t.v. Penny Morelock
As you only have a few smalish items it may save you some money to find a man with a van in Chaves, just by asking around in local cafes & restaurants to where you are moving. Moving companys tend to have large trucks and will charge you more ... Read More
Municipal water by bukunature
Our property has a well but the well water is very high in lime - we use it for the garden and house but not for drinking. I tested and even at 122 m deep it has signs of contamination pesticides and bacteria ...I would like the municipality to ...
The first thing to do is to contact the Servi莽os Municipalizados of your Camara Municipal and ask how much it will cost to connect to the water grid. I don't know where you are in the country, but usually there's only one water service ... Read More
Moving to Portugal with a UK-based Company by rickbull673
Hello!I am looking to move from the UK to Portugal in summer 2025 to live with my girlfriend in Lisbon. I would like to be able to keep my current UK-based job but work remotely in Portugal. I believe I would be able to apply for the Digital Nomad ...
@rickbull673 I don't know if the D8 visa will help you, but it is a temporary visa intended for digital nomads working remotely for a limited period of time only, so under these temporary circunstances your company is not required to do anything ... Read More
Terminating rental agreement (as tenant) due to faults by Paul Etw
Hi,I entered a one year rental on an apartment that was listed as brand new, modern, fully functional and ready to move in. The night I moved in I discovered the cooker, oven and washing machine were unusable due to the power cutting out ...
You should also check with the local Finan莽as that the rental contract has been registered with them as required by law, and if the Finan莽as says the rental contract is not registered, you have another strong reason to cancel it and ... Read More
Terminating rental agreement (as tenant) due to faults by Paul Etw
Hi,I entered a one year rental on an apartment that was listed as brand new, modern, fully functional and ready to move in. The night I moved in I discovered the cooker, oven and washing machine were unusable due to the power cutting out ...
Yes, in that situation you should be able to terminate the rental contract. I'm not an expert but A** from *** knows everything about rentals. Give her a ring. Read More
Moving to Portugal with a UK-based Company by rickbull673
Hello!I am looking to move from the UK to Portugal in summer 2025 to live with my girlfriend in Lisbon. I would like to be able to keep my current UK-based job but work remotely in Portugal. I believe I would be able to apply for the Digital Nomad ...
This link shows all the docs needed to apply for a Digital Nomad visa, including docs for either subordinate work as an employee or independent professional activity as self-employed: https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/por 鈥� ads_er.pdf Read More
Portugal's Golden Visa by saraa1997
hey guys,I鈥檓 considering applying for Portugal鈥檚 Golden Visa and would love to hear from people who have already gone through the process. From what I understand, Portugal offers a relatively straightforward path to residency through ...
You may be interested in these articles by Schengen News Portugal Golden Visa:https://schengen.news/tag/portugal-golden-visa/ Read More
Moving to Portugal with a UK-based Company by rickbull673
Hello!I am looking to move from the UK to Portugal in summer 2025 to live with my girlfriend in Lisbon. I would like to be able to keep my current UK-based job but work remotely in Portugal. I believe I would be able to apply for the Digital Nomad ...
This same problem has arisen with someone I know, a french citizen who currently works in France for a french company, he works remotely from his home in France while being an employee.He wanted to move to Germany and continue working remotely for ... Read More
Legal requirements to sell my craft by littlepimprenelle
Hello, I'm planning to come on few months and I'm make cordage from recycling fabrics or clothes, jewelery cordage and I teach people to do that activity. How can I sell on market or street, is there any legal requirements, I'm from EU ? Thanks you
To be a market or street seller in Portugal, first you need to have your own tax number (NIF number) and register as self-employed with the Finan莽as (portuguese Tax Office).With the NIF number and self-employed registration you contact the ... Read More
Retiring to Portugal Lisbon area, VISAs, Lawyers in Portugal by stevesbsandiego
Hello, I am an American Citizen living in the US. I would like to retire to Portugal in about 2029, but wanted to start the process as I hear it takes 2-3 years for the process. Does anyone have good immigration lawyers that speak English in ...
Hi Steve,You are doing the right thing by starting plannig well in advance, the success of your move will depend on good planning. First things first...1) Have a look at the requirements for a residency visa D7 (retirement visa) which requires ... Read More
Social Security by edwyer729
Can I still collect my Social Security benefits if I reside in Portugal? If so, what are the tax ramifications?
When you become a resident of Portugal (through your residency visa) you also become a taxpayer of Portugal.You are required by portuguese law to declare all your annual income, earned anywhere in the world, to the portuguese tax authorities ... Read More
I am in a transition phase moving to Lisbon by karenmouarkech
Hi,My name is Karen. I am lebanese and lived the last 17 years in Germany.I have been twice in Lisbon and twice in love in this city.I am in a transition phase moving to Lisbon, looking for an apartment and for a job.I miss the beach and the ...
A bit more advice: If you find a suitable job in an unsuitable location, please consider it. It's easier and cheaper to rent a room or flat in a rural area and once you get your first job, it'll be easier to move to your next.All jobs in water & ... Read More
Advice to anyone thinking about moving to Portugal by Perpetual_traveler
I personally love living in Portugal. For me it is an amazing country. But, if you are considering coming, there is an extremely interesting article on CNN today, about a couple who moved to France. It is called 'Too much grief and no joy鈥�.I ...
@donn25 As far as I know (and I'm not an expert) all US citizens have to continue paying tax in US even when they live abroad. It is not just something between Portugal and US, it happens to US citizens who move out of US to anywhere in the world. ... Read More
I am in a transition phase moving to Lisbon by karenmouarkech
Hi,My name is Karen. I am lebanese and lived the last 17 years in Germany.I have been twice in Lisbon and twice in love in this city.I am in a transition phase moving to Lisbon, looking for an apartment and for a job.I miss the beach and the ...
@karenmouarkech Congratulations on your language skills & qualifications!You'll have no problem finding a job in your field and portuguese is similar to spanish, no worries. Salaries in Portugal are rather low to start with, but your ... Read More
I am in a transition phase moving to Lisbon by karenmouarkech
Hi,My name is Karen. I am lebanese and lived the last 17 years in Germany.I have been twice in Lisbon and twice in love in this city.I am in a transition phase moving to Lisbon, looking for an apartment and for a job.I miss the beach and the ...
You'll be most welcome in Lisbon, the Mediterranean vibe & caf茅-culture is everywhere, not just Lisbon.You may want to try the city of Setubal as well, just 1 hour by train from center of Lisbon, on the coast with 3 amazing nature ... Read More
Advice to anyone thinking about moving to Portugal by Perpetual_traveler
I personally love living in Portugal. For me it is an amazing country. But, if you are considering coming, there is an extremely interesting article on CNN today, about a couple who moved to France. It is called 'Too much grief and no joy鈥�.I ...
@@Mariza.says I don't understand where you got these statistics.... probably from the agency that gave the victory to Kamala Harris.... There are many expats who stay in the country and don't leave after 2 years. Many stay after 10 years of NHR, ... Read More
Advice to anyone thinking about moving to Portugal by Perpetual_traveler
I personally love living in Portugal. For me it is an amazing country. But, if you are considering coming, there is an extremely interesting article on CNN today, about a couple who moved to France. It is called 'Too much grief and no joy鈥�.I ...
@Perpetual_traveler Thanks for drawing attention to this. Expectations and reality won't match specially when people fail to prepare & research properly before the big move.In Portugal, 60% of expats give up and leave before 2 years in the ... Read More
D7 visa expeditor by Donwhitney
I'm currently speaking with a company, 'movingto.io' that expedite the Visa process, including NIF, and bank account. It is a little pricey but not exorbitant but I'm not comfortable just signing on with only the company posted testimonials. Has ...
If you use an online company / agent to get your NIF number and bank account open in Portugal, you'll need to give them copies of all your ID documents, and sign a document giving them legal power to be your representative in Portugal.NOT聽 ... Read More
Is language A2 certificate required for Perm Residency ? by neale_p
Hi All,I arrived on a D7 visa 2022 and am nearly mid way through my temporary residency. At the five year point I will apply for permanent residency, however I have been informed by a few people I have spoken to that to move from temp to perm ...
The official language course from the portuguese government offers all the language levels required for the language tests.Link: ... Read More