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James Riley

My name is Jay, and I am an expat living in Portugal for the last four years. I’ve enjoyed living here so much, and I wanted to create a course to share just how easy it is for others to make this great country their home. This course walks students through the process of applying for an economic independence visa to live in Portugal. It also covers banking, taxes, and tax-preferred status for foreign residents. It outlines the process for purchasing a car and getting a driver license in Portugal. It goes over what options you will have for healthcare here in Portugal – including access to public health service. The final module goes over some different locations around Portugal that you may choose to visit as you search for your new home. I tried to include locations based on a variety of interests and financial needs. This course includes reflective activities, samples of documents, links to outside sources to assist you in the immigration process, as well as resources for contacts who can assist you with things you may need once you arrive in Portugal. Just a note, I am not an attorney or financial professional. This course is informational and reflects my experiences only. It’s always best to seek out a licensed professional before you make immigration or financial decisions.

Read more

My name is Jay, and I am an expat living in Portugal for the last four years. I’ve enjoyed living here so much, and I wanted to create a course to share just how easy it is for others to make this great country their home. This course walks students through the process of applying for an economic independence visa to live in Portugal. It also covers banking, taxes, and tax-preferred status for foreign residents. It outlines the process for purchasing a car and getting a driver license in Portugal. It goes over what options you will have for healthcare here in Portugal – including access to public health service. The final module goes over some different locations around Portugal that you may choose to visit as you search for your new home. I tried to include locations based on a variety of interests and financial needs. This course includes reflective activities, samples of documents, links to outside sources to assist you in the immigration process, as well as resources for contacts who can assist you with things you may need once you arrive in Portugal. Just a note, I am not an attorney or financial professional. This course is informational and reflects my experiences only. It’s always best to seek out a licensed professional before you make immigration or financial decisions.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand how to complete your application and submit your application package for portugal's d-7 visa
  • Become familiar with what is required to open a portuguese bank account and how to do so
  • Gain an introduction to taxes in portugal - including preferential tax treatment under the nhr program
  • Learn the process for purchasing a home and getting a mortgage in portugal
  • Familiarize yourself with the process of purchasing and insuring a car in portugal - as well as getting a driver license
  • Discover affordable locations within portugal outside of the big cities

Syllabus

Introduction
Students will be introduced to the Portuguese tax system. This section covers the process of obtaining nonhabitual residency (a tax-preferred status) that foreign residents may be eligible for.
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Students will have a better understanding of the visa process and requirements for the Portuguese D7. It outlines the process before arriving in Portugal and once you're in-country.
Application for Visa (Pre-Departure)
Applying for the D7 Visa (In-Country)
Students will be introduced to the Portuguese tax and banking system. This section will also go over requirements for obtaining your NIF (tax) number.
Obtaining Your NIF Number
Banking in Portugal

This is a quick review of some of the big points we've covered so far in our course!

Taxes in Portugal
Nonhabitual Residency
Applying for NHR

This is a quick check-up on taxes and NHR.

Students will explore the process of buying a home and getting a mortgage in Portugal.
Finding a Home in Portugal
Signing the Contract and Financing Your Purchase
Students will learn about how to exchange their driver license for a Portuguese license, as well as purchase a car in Portugal.
Getting a Portuguese Driver License
Purchasing a Car
Students will learn about the public and private healthcare systems in Portugal. They will also get to explore insurance options.
Public Healthcare in Portugal
Private Healthcare in Portugal
Students will be introduced to different locations for potential residence in Portugal.
Lisbon and Porto
The Algarve, The Interior, and The Silver Coast

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides insights into navigating the Portuguese bureaucracy, which can be invaluable for those unfamiliar with the local systems
Offers practical guidance on securing a D7 visa, which is a common pathway for individuals with passive income to reside in Portugal
Explores the process of obtaining Non-Habitual Resident status, which offers significant tax advantages to new residents in Portugal
Covers practical aspects of daily life, such as banking, healthcare, and transportation, which are essential for settling into a new country
Presents an overview of different regions within Portugal, which can help prospective residents identify areas that align with their preferences and budget
Course creator is not a legal or financial professional, so learners should seek licensed professionals before making immigration or financial decisions

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Immigrate to Portugal with these activities:
Review Portuguese Geography and Culture
Familiarize yourself with Portugal's geography and culture to better understand the regional differences discussed in the course and make informed decisions about where to live.
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch documentaries about Portugal's regions and culture.
  • Explore online maps and resources to understand the geography.
Read 'A Year in Portugal' by Sue Dyson
Gain insights into the experiences of other expats in Portugal to better prepare for your own move.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, taking notes on relevant experiences and advice.
Read 'A Small Place in Portugal' by Robert Reynolds
Gain insights into the experiences of other expats in Portugal to better prepare for your own move.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, taking notes on relevant experiences and advice.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Budget and Financial Plan
Develop a detailed budget and financial plan tailored to living in Portugal to ensure financial stability and make informed decisions about housing, transportation, and healthcare.
Show steps
  • Research the cost of living in different regions of Portugal.
  • Estimate your income and expenses.
  • Create a budget spreadsheet or use a budgeting app.
  • Develop a savings and investment plan.
Compile a List of Useful Portuguese Websites and Resources
Gather a comprehensive list of websites and online resources related to immigration, banking, taxes, healthcare, and other essential services in Portugal to streamline your research and application process.
Show steps
  • Search online for relevant Portuguese government websites.
  • Identify websites for banks, healthcare providers, and other services.
  • Organize the links and descriptions in a document or spreadsheet.
Write a Blog Post About Your Immigration Journey
Document your experiences and insights throughout the immigration process to share with others and solidify your understanding of the steps involved.
Show steps
  • Outline the key stages of your immigration journey.
  • Write about your experiences, challenges, and successes.
  • Share your blog post on social media or relevant online forums.
Join Online Expat Forums and Groups
Connect with other expats living in Portugal to ask questions, share experiences, and build a support network.
Show steps
  • Search for online forums and groups for expats in Portugal.
  • Introduce yourself and participate in discussions.
  • Ask questions and offer advice to other members.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Immigrate to Portugal will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Expatriate Consultant
An expatriate consultant advises individuals on transitioning to a new country. This course offers a strong foundation for anyone beginning a career as an expatriate consultant, with specific information about banking, taxes, and residency requirements in Portugal. The course's coverage of the D7 visa application process, along with healthcare and transportation logistics, mirrors the kinds of assistance clients often seek. An expatriate consultant would find value in the course's insights as it provides in-depth practical knowledge about the process of relocation.
Relocation Specialist
A relocation specialist assists individuals and families in moving to a new location. This course provides valuable information for a relocation specialist focused on Portugal. The course details the process of applying for a D7 visa, establishing banking in Portugal, and understanding the tax system, all of which are critical areas for relocation. A relocation specialist will find the information on healthcare and transportation resources especially useful when helping clients adjust to their new lives in Portugal. The course is directly applicable to their work.
Immigration Advisor
An immigration advisor, while distinct from an attorney, guides individuals through the immigration process. This course helps build essential knowledge for an immigration advisor who focuses on Portugal. It details the D7 visa application, banking, and tax implications for foreign residents, all frequent topics of advice provided by an immigration advisor. The course's coverage of practical aspects like obtaining a driver license and accessing healthcare would be especially helpful for guiding clients. Those in such a role would find this course very relevant.
International Living Coach
An international living coach guides individuals through the practical and emotional aspects of moving and living abroad. This course may be especially useful for an international living coach who wants to specialize in Portugal, and it covers the practicalities of moving to a new country. The course modules on visa applications, banking, and taxation, provide a strong base for coaching clients. Moreover, the additional information about healthcare and transportation would help an international living coach prepare their clients for the realities of living in Portugal. The course helps in setting up successful guidance.
Travel Consultant
A travel consultant assists clients with planning trips, and this course may be useful if they want to expand the scope of their services to include extended stays in Portugal. The course material on visas, banking, and taxes, while designed to facilitate permanent relocation, provides useful information for clients considering long-term stays. Additionally, the section on healthcare and transportation in Portugal would be beneficial for a travel consultant assisting clients with such extended trips. A travel consultant might find value in the course due to the practical information.
Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties, and this course may be useful for a real estate agent who plans to work with clients moving to Portugal. The course includes a module about buying property and securing a mortgage in Portugal, an essential topic for such an agent. The information about visas, banking, and taxes provides added value for a real estate agent who is assisting clients with their move to Portugal. The course would be helpful for a real estate agent seeking to broaden their knowledge base.
Financial Advisor
While a financial advisor typically requires licensing, this course may be useful to a financial advisor who wants to work with expatriates moving to Portugal. The course covers the Portuguese tax system, including the nonhabitual residency program, which financial advisors would find helpful when assisting clients. Banking information and details about financial transactions in Portugal are also beneficial to a financial advisor who wants to focus on the Portuguese market. A financial advisor would benefit from the course's information.
International Recruiter
An international recruiter helps companies source talent from around the world, and this course may be useful for an international recruiter who may be helping professionals relocate to Portugal. The course includes the process of obtaining a visa, opening a bank account, and understanding the Portuguese tax system, all of which are relevant to anyone moving to work in Portugal. An international recruiter will find the information helpful, especially the segments on healthcare and daily life in Portugal. The course can help an international recruiter broaden their awareness.
Foreign Service Officer
A foreign service officer works for the government representing their nation abroad. While this course focuses on personal immigration, knowing the practicalities of moving to Portugal would be helpful for a foreign service officer who will work in Portugal. The course covers visa processes, taxes, and the financial system, which provides a better understanding of the challenges that expatriates face. Learning about the healthcare and transportation systems will be valuable for a foreign service officer. The course may help an officer see things from an immigrant's perspective.
Cultural Liaison
A cultural liaison helps bridge the gap between cultures, and this course may be useful for a cultural liaison living in Portugal with immigrant communities. While this course is focused on immigration to Portugal, it provides insights into the daily life challenges faced by expats in Portugal. The course's coverage of the practicalities of setting up a life in Portugal, such as banking, taxes, and healthcare, would be of interest to a cultural liaison. The course can help a cultural liaison better advocate for immigrant community needs.
Language Tutor
A language tutor teaches a foreign language to students. This course may be useful for a language tutor who works with expats moving to Portugal, as they would also familiarize themselves with the topics covered in this course. The course is not specifically about teaching Portuguese, but knowing how clients are settling in can only help a language tutor. An understanding of the challenges faced can help a language tutor be a welcoming presence in the lives of their students. The course can add to a tutor's understanding of their pupils.
International Business Consultant
An international business consultant advises companies on expanding operations into foreign countries, and this course may be useful for an international business consultant working with Portugal. While this course focuses on individual immigration, it provides a look into the practical aspects of living and working in Portugal. The course's coverage of banking, taxes, and regulations provides helpful context for an international business consultant who needs to understand the infrastructure of Portugal. The course is a nice addition to practical knowledge.
Blog Writer
A blog writer creates content for online publication. This course may be useful for a blog writer who wants to write about moving to Portugal as it provides specific information. The course will give a blog writer a clear perspective on the visa process, banking, and taxes in Portugal, which are major topics of interest to potential expats. It also covers key areas like healthcare and transportation, that add to a blog writer's knowledge base. A blog writer will find practical information in the course to add value to their writing.
Social Media Influencer
A social media influencer creates content for online distribution. This course may be useful for a social media influencer creating content about living in and moving to Portugal. The course on the practical aspects of moving to Portugal, including information on visas, banking, and taxes, can be useful to create interesting and authentic content. The course also covers healthcare and transportation, which can add depth to an influencer's posts. A social media influencer may find the course valuable for content generation.
Tour Guide
A tour guide provides information and guidance to tourists. This course may be useful for a tour guide who wants to provide more extensive tours for those considering moving to Portugal. While the course is primarily about immigration, the locations described may be helpful to a tour guide who is trying to create longer and more immersive tours that could attract individuals interested in living in Portugal. A tour guide can add the course's information to enhance their service.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Immigrate to Portugal.
Offers a personal account of an expat's experience moving to and living in Portugal. It provides insights into the practical aspects of settling in, dealing with bureaucracy, and integrating into the local community. While not a legal or financial guide, it offers valuable anecdotal information that complements the course material. It is best used as additional reading to provide color and context to the course.
Provides a personal narrative of a year spent living in Portugal, offering insights into daily life, cultural nuances, and practical considerations for expats. It can help students gain a better understanding of what to expect and prepare for the challenges and rewards of living in Portugal. It is best used as additional reading to provide color and context to the course.

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