Planning your move · Portugal · 2026Moving to Portugal:
Moving to Portugal:
things to learn before you commit.
The costs, the visas, the property question, the admin you didn’t know about. We help you understand what you’re getting into—before you book the flights.
- Rent first or buy? The honest answer
- NIF, bank account, health insurance
- How to find vetted specialists
Start here
Strategy · First decision
Should I rent first or buy straight away? Why most experienced Portugal buyers recommend renting for a year—and the financial case for waiting before you commit. Read the guide → Market · Analysis
Is there a housing bubble in Portugal? What averages miss, why the market is consistently misread, and an honest assessment of where value exists versus where prices are stretched in 2026. Read the analysis → Finance · FX
Moving money to Portugal—don’t use your bank How specialist FX providers save you €5,000—15,000 on large transfers versus a standard bank wire. Read the guide → Moving · Where to live
Lisbon vs Porto vs Algarve—where to live Lifestyle, cost, transport, and what online guides consistently get wrong about each city and region. In progressVisas & setup
Setup · First steps
NIF and Portuguese bank account—do this first You can’t sign a contract, pay tax, or apply for a mortgage without a NIF. How to get one remotely before you travel. Read the guide → Setup · Visa · Healthcare
Visa and SNS—getting registered for healthcare How to register with the SNS once you have residency, and what your visa status means for healthcare access. Read the guide → Language · Portugal
Learning Portuguese before you move Why European Portuguese is harder than apps suggest, which tools actually teach it, and how to build a foundation before you arrive. Read the guide → Residency · Visa
D7 Visa—the complete guide Income thresholds, required documents, the AIMA process, and how long it actually takes. The most common visa for non-EU movers. In progress Stay updated
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Tax & property
Buying · Costs
What does buying property in Portugal actually cost? IMT, stamp duty, legal fees, notary—and the 7—10% transaction cost most buyers discover too late. Read the guide → Tax · Residents
Taxes in Portugal—what movers need to know IFICI (NHR 2.0), income tax for new residents, and what changes on the day you become tax-resident in Portugal. In progress Family · Schools
What to know about schools in Portugal Public, private, and international schools—costs, registration, language of instruction, and what families need to plan ahead for. In progressThe professionals you'll work with
How the professional system in Portugal works—and what every buyer needs to understand before they start.
Business · Culture New
Doing business in Portugal—what foreigners need to know Why the professional interaction model differs from North America: communication pace, scope, bureaucracy, and how to work with the system effectively. 8 min read → Legal New
What to expect from lawyers in Portugal Why the notary is not your advocate, what an independent lawyer actually does in a property purchase, and how to find one who is genuinely on your side. 9 min read → Property New
What to expect from real estate agents in Portugal The commission structure, dual agency, no MLS, and why the agent showing you a property is working for the seller—not you. 10 min read → Getting around
Transport New
Public transport in Lisbon and Porto The Navegante and Andante cards explained—per-ride costs, monthly pass options (€30—€40), and how the metro, bus, tram, ferry, and suburban train networks connect both cities. 10 min read → Transport New
Having a car in Portugal Real ownership costs, how ISV tax works for imported vehicles, the new resident exemption worth up to €20,000, city parking costs, and how to exchange your driver's license. 12 min read → Not sure where to start?
Tell us your situation—where you are in the planning process, your nationality, and what is blocking you—and we will point you to the right guides and introduce you to the right specialist. Free, no obligation.
Tell us your situation →Looking for guides on living in Portugal, or investing?
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