Awww thank you for your comment Claudia!!! YES, community really "makes it or breaks it". That's amazing that you've lived on four continents!!!! How cool!!!!
I am planning on moving in the next 3-5 months, as soon as I can get my house on the market and it sells.
I plan on renting but until the house sells can't commit to a property so exact location is open but hoping for something near Porto, just needs to be close to a Metropolitan area with good transportation.
I have an irish passport so that helps but not clear if I would still need a retirement visa as well and if so whether I need to apply for one in advance. Can you clarify that for me?
Hi Janine, that sounds like a great plan! 3-5 months is soon, YES!!!
If you're looking for someplace close to Porto but also need transportation you can check out Gondomar (specifically Rio Tinto which is the closest to Porto on the east), Vila Nova de Gaia (south), Maia (north), Matosinhos - north west (expensive now) and Vila do Conde (the furthest north/west but the metro runs there from Porto).
As for the visa, it's much easier if you have an EU Passport: This is what you will need: I.D. (for example, passport or I.D. card)
Proof of address (e.g., mortgage statement, NIF document, utility bill, or rental contract)
Three months of bank statements
NIF (Numero de Idenficacao Fiscal)
Statement confirming you have necessary fiscal means to support yourself (pensions or savings), proof of employment, or proof of being a student.
Registration fee of about €15
Criminal records check done via the justice department (costs about €10)
Private health insurance
Proof you do not owe money to the Portuguese Social Security department.
Document from your local Junta de Freguesia, signed by the witnesses confirming where you live (Atestado De Residencia)
Thank you! I have two elderly cats and am biding my time before making the jump to Europe until they go…as I do not want to put them through that stress. I am so happy to have this resource and can at least get busy planning and dreaming!
Great point about the ex-pat group moaners! They can be so negative it's shocking!
Aww yeah, it IS shocking. It’s a time waste and a time suck (for all) but we can scroll on by!! ☺️
Thank you for this post - I've lived on four continents and cannot agree more on how important community is!
Awww thank you for your comment Claudia!!! YES, community really "makes it or breaks it". That's amazing that you've lived on four continents!!!! How cool!!!!
I am planning on moving in the next 3-5 months, as soon as I can get my house on the market and it sells.
I plan on renting but until the house sells can't commit to a property so exact location is open but hoping for something near Porto, just needs to be close to a Metropolitan area with good transportation.
I have an irish passport so that helps but not clear if I would still need a retirement visa as well and if so whether I need to apply for one in advance. Can you clarify that for me?
Hi Janine, that sounds like a great plan! 3-5 months is soon, YES!!!
If you're looking for someplace close to Porto but also need transportation you can check out Gondomar (specifically Rio Tinto which is the closest to Porto on the east), Vila Nova de Gaia (south), Maia (north), Matosinhos - north west (expensive now) and Vila do Conde (the furthest north/west but the metro runs there from Porto).
As for the visa, it's much easier if you have an EU Passport: This is what you will need: I.D. (for example, passport or I.D. card)
Proof of address (e.g., mortgage statement, NIF document, utility bill, or rental contract)
Three months of bank statements
NIF (Numero de Idenficacao Fiscal)
Statement confirming you have necessary fiscal means to support yourself (pensions or savings), proof of employment, or proof of being a student.
Registration fee of about €15
Criminal records check done via the justice department (costs about €10)
Private health insurance
Proof you do not owe money to the Portuguese Social Security department.
Document from your local Junta de Freguesia, signed by the witnesses confirming where you live (Atestado De Residencia)
https://imaportugal.com/how-to-get-residency-in-portugal-for-eu-citizens/
Thank you! I have two elderly cats and am biding my time before making the jump to Europe until they go…as I do not want to put them through that stress. I am so happy to have this resource and can at least get busy planning and dreaming!
Hi Beth and welcome! YES YES YES!
Planning and daydreaming are AMAZING and honestly, 100% needed for your move. I love that you're waiting for your kitties...
One of my closest friends did the same thing and now she lives in Asia! Another friend waited for her doggies and now lives in New Zealand!
I didn't wait for my aging dog... I couldn't do it because I was unable to stay in the US (mentally or financially) so I brought him with me.
There's no one-size-fits-all and I love that you're doing what's right for you!!!!