Thinking about starting a new life in Portugal? Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or simply a change of scenery, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making the move in 2025. From visas to housing, healthcare, and daily life—you’ll find it all here.
📝 Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type
Before moving, you need to secure the right visa. Portugal offers several options depending on your situation.
- D7 Visa: Ideal for retirees and remote workers with passive income.
- D8 Visa: For digital nomads and remote employees.
- Golden Visa: For those making significant investments in Portugal.
- Work Visa: Sponsored by a Portuguese employer.
📄 Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Gathering your documents early will save you time and headaches. Required documents may vary slightly by visa type.
- Valid passport
- Proof of income or employment
- Health insurance coverage
- Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- Criminal background check
- Accommodation proof (rental contract or invitation letter)
🏡 Step 3: Secure Housing
Start by exploring different cities. Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Coimbra are popular among expats. Once you’ve chosen a location:
- Use platforms like Idealista or OLX to search for rentals
- Consider short-term housing for your first month
- Sign a formal rental agreement to apply for residency
💳 Step 4: Get a Portuguese NIF
The Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) is essential for renting a home, opening a bank account, or signing contracts.
- Can be obtained at a local tax office (Finanças)
- Bring your passport and a Portuguese resident or lawyer as a fiscal representative (if you’re not yet a resident)
🏦 Step 5: Open a Bank Account
Once you have a NIF, open a local bank account in Portugal to manage your finances and meet visa requirements.
- Major banks: Millennium BCP, Santander, Novo Banco
- Online options: ActivoBank, N26, Wise
- Bring your passport, proof of address, and NIF
🏥 Step 6: Secure Health Insurance
Portugal has an excellent public healthcare system, but private insurance is often required for visa applications and faster access.
- Public system (SNS): Accessible after obtaining residence
- Private insurance: Around €30–€80/month depending on age and coverage
📚 Step 7: Learn Some Portuguese
While many people speak English in larger cities, speaking Portuguese helps with integration and daily life.
- Use apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise
- Consider local language schools or community classes
- Basic phrases will help at government offices, grocery stores, and with neighbors
🚗 Step 8: Understand Transportation
Portugal has excellent transportation infrastructure. Whether you drive or rely on public transport, you’ll be well-connected.
- Metro and buses: Monthly passes range from €30–€50
- Driving: Exchange your foreign driver’s license within 90 days (for many non-EU countries)
- Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are widely used
📦 Step 9: Plan Your Move
Now it’s time to actually make the move. Here’s how to make it smoother:
- Hire an international moving company (check reviews and insurance)
- Ship only essentials—buy furniture and household items locally
- Notify banks, post offices, and government agencies of your move
📍 Step 10: Register Your Residence
After arriving in Portugal, complete your residency process:
- Register your address at the local Junta de Freguesia
- Attend your SEF (Immigration Office) appointment
- Receive your residence permit card
🌟 Bonus Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Join local expat communities on Facebook or Meetup
- Explore different regions in Portugal before settling long-term
- Keep digital and paper copies of all documents
- Hire a relocation consultant if overwhelmed
💡 Final Thoughts
Moving to Portugal is a big step—but a rewarding one. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth relocation and a wonderful new lifestyle filled with sunshine, friendly people, and delicious food. Follow these steps and you’ll be sipping coffee in a sunny praça before you know it.
📽️ Want to See the Process Visually?
Watch this video that outlines the full relocation journey to Portugal in 2025: