What do I need to know before moving to Portugal?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Portugal, they said...
"Do your research! What are your priorities? Food, wine and weather were ours! Keep in mind that whatever your guess/estimate is it will cost 2-3 times as much as you think and will take as much more time than you think. Find a good realtor and attorney in your new country. Go there and look around and see what feels right. Trust your gut but know your parameters," said a member in Porto, Portugal.

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"Expatriates should be aware that the official language of Portugal is Portuguese, so it is important to become conversant in the language in order to be able to communicate effectively. Additionally, a good understanding of Portuguese culture and customs will aid in transitioning to life in Portugal. Expats should also be aware of its diverse climate, with temperatures ranging from hot and dry in the south to cooler temperatures in the north. Being aware of the cost of living in Portugal before moving is important, as it may be more expensive than what expats are used to. Lastly, as with many countries, expats should be aware of potential visa and permit requirements for staying in Portugal for extended periods of time," remarked another expat who made the move to Portugal.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Portugal?
- How do I find a place to live in Portugal?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Portugal?
- What is the average cost of housing in Portugal?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Portugal?
- What should I pack when moving to Portugal?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Portugal?
- Why do people move to Portugal?
- What are healthcare services like in Portugal?
- What are medical services in Portugal like?
- What are typical rents in Portugal?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Portugal?
If you live in Portugal, newcomers to Portugal would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.