mrosephoto
American looking for information about Portugal
Forum posts
58
Contacts
9
About me
American
Speaks Minute spanish and am starting to learn Portuguese
Registration: 17 January 2018
Looking for reliable accountant by juleon
My husband and I are on the verge of setting up a holiday rental business in the Algarve and are struggling to find a good accountant that responds efficiently to our emails and phone calls. We are on a time limit and have many money matters to sort ...
Bruno Afonso in Coimbra. He has helped many of us. You can reach him through Facebook or American and Friends in Portugal group on facebook. Read More
Health Insurance/Residency
Residency is definitely possible if you are not working as long as you meet the financial requirements for passive income which is relatively low. I would contact Bruno Afonso for help with the residency requirements and Ged Heaney for insurance. ... Read More
Rental - Do I need NIF? by expat2020pt
Planning to move soon. Was wondering if NIF is required for property rental? What's you experience with rental market. Is it difficult to find a place (esp. Madeira)? Do foreigners have issues with renting?
Yes, I believe you need a NIF and a bank account to rent property here in Portugual. In order to get the NIF you will need a citizen who will sign for you. Read More
Anyone know a person to obtain a NIF number?
Bruno Alfonso in Coimbra has helped many of us get our NIF, bank accounts and more. He has been a huge help to many of us in all things Visa related and in the process become a good friend. You can find him on Americans and Friends in Portugal on ... Read More
Volunteer opportunities in Portugal by patricia2020
For a retired single like me it is important to be able to quickly become part of a community. I moved 3 years ago to a city where I did not know a soul and was able to quickly make friends through church and volunteer activities. My present ...
I also am interested in volunteer possibilities. Im in coimbra. Read More
Baggage certificate by Dan Plute
My baggage certificate plus inventory of household items were lost in the mail. The San Francisco Portugal Embassy office issued the approved/signed baggage certificate and placed a certified stamp on all pages of the inventory list. A friend of ...
As far as I know you have two options that come to mind. You can email the consulate and throw yourself on their mercy and ask that they send a copy of the certificado. In our case they rejected our first request and we had to scramble to get a new ... Read More
San Francisco Consulate Wants Financial Guarantor by GuestPoster677
Hello, I have read on another site the article Demystifying the Paper Trail by Susan Stults Korthase in which she says that the SF Consulate is now requiring a financial guarantor to be submitted with the visa application, even though you have the ...
I suspect this is old information. My advice to everyone is always, ignore what you read on the expat sites. The rules change frequently and one is true for one consulate is not true for another. What is true for one person's personal situation ... Read More
D7 Visa - Residence Questions by GuestPoster379
Hi all, I've received in the past few days a few messages regarding the problem of residence for a D7 Visa, so let me give a few information on this. In order to get a D7 Visa you should have a permanent residence and this means 1 of 3 ...
As in all things Portuguese, what you need for the D7 visa depends on which consulate you are using, who you are talking to and the time of day. (tongue in cheek on the last one). I always recommend to anyone who is planning to apply for their Visa, ... Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During ones big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
I don't know if this is any help but we had our original Certificado rejected because of a typo.(Yeah, I know.) We went through SF. Our container was due to arrive in a couple of weeks. I regathered all the documentation and sent it to the ... Read More
Certificate de bagagem
I would ask your shipping agent. They will know exactly what you will need. Most of us rented first and then arranged to have our belongings sent. Our certificado was rejected and returned because I had a typo in my street number and it didn’t ... Read More
Moving household goods to Portugal by psyteacher
I am interested in hearing from people who have moved to Portugal who had their household goods/furniture shipped. Is it cheaper to sell everything here in the U.S. and start over in Portugal or ship selective items to Portugal? Fern
You can apply for a certificate baggagem from your consulate to avoid duty and taxes. You are allowed two shipments in the first year of residency. You have to fill out a declaration stating you have lived in your country of residence for one year ... Read More
Health Insurance by Dan Plute
I will be moving to Portugal in March 2019 and will need medical insurance. I am 76 years old and cannot qualify for private medical insurance. I have a quote from two private medical insurance companies that quote a monthly cost of about Euro ...
Contact Ged Heaney. He is the best and will guide you through everything. Cigna is way mor3 than you need to spend. Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During ones big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
So I have been able to clarify what we need to ship. The residency document the consulate is refering to is either your lease in Portugal or purchase agreement. They also need proof of residency for one year in the country you are leaving from, in ... Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During ones big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
I can't answer the part about a euro check. We had to have 250 E to open an Activo account. We handed them cash. It's not like Asia. You don't need clean crisp bills. I also used Transferwise to transfer money from my States account to ... Read More
Future retirement by dougjarvis
My wife and I are considering retiring to Portugal in a few years. I am a teacher and my wife is a public health nurse currently living in Nova Scotia. We would hope to find someplace small and economical (perhaps two bedrooms if guests come). We ...
It's always best to visit for a while and get your own feel for the place. Also, it makes it so much easier to get together everything you need for your visa. We loved the Porto area but it's expensive. There are some coastal towns south of ... Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During ones big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
I strongly suggest getting in touch with a good expeditor to help with that. If you're interested I can PM you a contact for the one we used and loved. Millennium and Activo Banks both will open an account for your with a US address and a ... Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During ones big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
I would understand the residency document if you are living in a country other than your country of citizenship. Otherwise, you have your passport and your application for a visa to show that you are emigrating from your country of origin. Your ... Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During ones big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
I'm getting two slightly conflicting messages in regards to bringing your belongings through customs. You do have to procure the baggage certificate from the consulate. I have now learned that is issued after the visa is approved. But the ... Read More
do i need a lawyer here to help with all the paperwork ? by penny1962
hi, i'm penny. just getting started looking into moving from usa to lisbon. my question is do i need a lawyer here to help with all the paperwork or do i get a lawyer in lisbon?
As to hiring a lawyer, you don't need a lawyer but I would strongly suggest that hiring a lawyer or an expeditor is highly advisable. Even though we researched everything, much of what is posted can seem inaccurate because of the ever-changing ... Read More
do i need a lawyer here to help with all the paperwork ? by penny1962
hi, i'm penny. just getting started looking into moving from usa to lisbon. my question is do i need a lawyer here to help with all the paperwork or do i get a lawyer in lisbon?
We just returned from the San Francisco Consulate. At this time they are still requiring that you make an in-person appearance. They will briefly review your documents to make sure everything is there; review what happens next (documents get sent to ... Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During ones big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
I can't answer many of your questions yet as I am about to start the process myself. I do know that when you go for your visa consultation there is a certificate or form you can request at the time of your interview. This will allow you to have ... Read More
do i need a lawyer here to help with all the paperwork ? by penny1962
hi, i'm penny. just getting started looking into moving from usa to lisbon. my question is do i need a lawyer here to help with all the paperwork or do i get a lawyer in lisbon?
We had an attorney review the details of our rental contract. We hired an individual that specializes in expediting the visa application. We tried to do it ourselves. There was so much misinformation including on this forum. For the visa, it is ... Read More
Do foreigners need a local guarantor to rent ? by marcus-bremen
Is it true, that foreigners need a local guarantor to rent an apartment in Portugal?
You do not need a local guarantor to rent an apartment if you a foreigner. However, you will need one in order to get your NIF. You will need your NIF in order to rent an apartment. If you are outside the country you can hire someone whom you will ... Read More
Transfering large sums of money by Bob10
We are planning to use the equity in our home here in the U.S. to purchase a home in Portugal. What is the best way to transfer money without paying too much in fees and poor exchange rate calculations? Does anyone here have any experience with this ...
Transferwise... just make sure you have it all set up beforehand to avoid delays. Read More
Opening a bank account by MarkWR
Greetings. I am currently living in the United Kingdom but am wishing to live in Portugal either for part of the year (3-6 months per year) or to relocate completely. Is it possible to open a Portuguese bank account while still living in the UK? I ...
We just returned from our prepping for the Visa trip to Portugal. We were able to get a NIF without a Portuguese permanent address. It does require that you have a fiscal guarantor. We used our expeditor to go with us and sign. With that we were ... Read More
Do foreigners need a local guarantor to rent ? by marcus-bremen
Is it true, that foreigners need a local guarantor to rent an apartment in Portugal?
just a note, if you are needing the rental for a visa, you are going to have to have it all on the books. You must get the rental registered with the local taxing office and you must show proof of this registration at the time you go for your visa. ... Read More
Medical Insurance by Dan Plute
I am 76 and having difficulty seeking reasonable cost private medical insurance for myself. I have a EU passport from Ireland. I am also seeking a private policy for my wife who is 64. I was told the auto club of Portugal has reasonable medical ...
If you want to PM me we are also moving to Portugal in April (SF consulate). We are both 65 and are using a guy by the name of Ged Healy. If you PM me I can give you his contact info. Pretty good coverage, much less than Cigna... I don't know if ... Read More
Opening a bank account by MarkWR
Greetings. I am currently living in the United Kingdom but am wishing to live in Portugal either for part of the year (3-6 months per year) or to relocate completely. Is it possible to open a Portuguese bank account while still living in the UK? I ...
You do not need an address in Portugal for the NIF. You do need a physical permanent address and proof of that address. Read More
Do foreigners need a local guarantor to rent ? by marcus-bremen
Is it true, that foreigners need a local guarantor to rent an apartment in Portugal?
My understanding is that a) it’s up to the landlord and b) without a guarantor you may be asked to put up several months rent in addition to the normal two months plus security deposit. Read More
Opthamologist
Wow, thank you so much Sue... I again appreciate your help. I got in touch with your attorney as well and will be utilizing his services so thank you again for that as well. Read More
Opthamologist
Can anyone recommend a good ophthalmologist preferably in Coimbra, but I will travel to Lisbon or Porto as well. I have macular degeneration that requires a monthly injection. Thank you so much... Michael Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi Sue: Thanks so much for this information. I just heard back from Sergio promptly. I will be arriving in Coimbra next Tuesday in order to find an apartment and get all my ducks in a row for moving, hopefully in April if the Visa gods are in a ... Read More
Lawyer Serving Coimbra by mrosephoto
There doesn't seem to by any lawyers listed for the Coimbra area on this site. Does anyone know an attorney they could recommend that will help with Visa issues? We will be taking care of most of the visa requirements ourselves but mostly need ...
Thank you so much for the link. I have already explored that and sadly there are no Coimbra professionals listed on that site. But thank you so much for the effort. Much appreciated. Michael Read More
Lawyer Serving Coimbra
There doesn't seem to by any lawyers listed for the Coimbra area on this site. Does anyone know an attorney they could recommend that will help with Visa issues? We will be taking care of most of the visa requirements ourselves but mostly need ... Read More
Need support about life in Porto by Gabrie.laa
Hi Liz, I'm an expat living in Porto since January. I had too many doubts when I've moved here. But the things are getting better and I learned to love the city! Now I'm working as a real estate agent, so if you need some support to ...
Dear pleasuredome: Here are two articles that should be of help to you. The demystifying the paper trail has everything you need to apply for a residential visa which you must have before moving to Portugal. At the bottom, the article includes ... Read More
Visa requirements
Does anyone know what the required length of the rental contract is for the visa? I have contacted the consulate but they have not responded. All they say is that proof of sufficient residence is required but they don't say for how long. Read More
Medicare Insurance
We have explored that as well. If you are thinking that you definitely will never return to the US then you should probably cancel Medicare. However, while we are planning on living out our life in Europe, nothing is for certain. I feel as though I ... Read More
Visa Requirements for Retirement couple from the USA by DevilDoc5
All, I am new to this forum. Looking to move here in October 2019 with my lovely wife. I keep trying to find the Visa Requirements for Portugal and found this: Non-EU residents Those who intend to stay for more than 12 months in Portugal will ...
It looks like the requirements also require proof that you have a residence to live in, rental or owned. They also seem to require traveler's insurance with costs to be repatriated included. What have others used for private health insurance ... Read More
do i need a lawyer here to help with all the paperwork ? by penny1962
hi, i'm penny. just getting started looking into moving from usa to lisbon. my question is do i need a lawyer here to help with all the paperwork or do i get a lawyer in lisbon?
Once one is in Portugal, what services do you need a lawyer to assist with? We were planning on securing a lawyer in Porto once we get there but weren't sure what services a lawyer would be useful for. Also, any idea of the costs? And one last ... Read More
housing resources
I would be interested in the same question as applied to all of Portugal as well. It seems to be one of the biggest challenges of finding long-term rentals is finding a source to explore. Thank you for the question. Read More
Medical insurance for residency by jaklither
I’m M25 from the US, I do 3d media production and carpentry. I had a child with a UK national and both mother and child are also here with me. Unmarried but cohabitating for two years. We have researched pretty thoroughly how to gain ...
it's very simple. I believe you just go to the FBI site. You will need to locate where in your town you can get fingerprinted. Then you just fill out the form, which I believe you can do online and send the fingerprints to the FBI. The turn ... Read More
Moving to Lourinha by Kayalaoui
I would like to know if they are expats in Lourinha. I am coming on vacation in April 2019 then moving in 2020 I choose Lourinha. I speak french and English. Can you get in touch with me and let me know about the area. I would appreciate it. Thank ...
By the way there is a bus from Lourinha to Lisbon I found. Read More
Best cities to live in Portugal by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Portugal. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
Thank you so much. This is really helpful. Will PM you when our plans are more set. Would love to meet up. We are two artists and photographers looking for a place to land where we can continue to create our art. Will be in touch. Read More
Best cities to live in Portugal by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Portugal. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
We loved Lisbon but found the rents way too high for our budget. Are there areas that you found more affordable rents that still retain the charm of Lisbon? Read More
Best cities to live in Portugal by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Portugal. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
Also is I could ask one more question. How did you find your apartment? Read More
Best cities to live in Portugal by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Portugal. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
Thank you so much. This is in fact helpful. I may be visiting Braga in January or early February if all goes well and can see then what it is like. If you are around, would love to perhaps meet for coffee. Read More
Best cities to live in Portugal by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Portugal. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
Anyone have any thoughts or input on Tomar? We love Lisbon and Caiscas, but the apartments are way out of our budget. We don't care for condos or modern high rises. Any thoughts on affordable areas outside of Lisbon or nearby that have the old ... Read More
Best cities to live in Portugal by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Portugal. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
Thank you hereiam35 for your input on Braga. My partner and I are considering Braga. One concern we have is the weather. We live in the Northwest, near Seattle to be exact. The winters here are wet and grey and we are looking to get away from that. ... Read More
Moving household goods to Portugal by psyteacher
I am interested in hearing from people who have moved to Portugal who had their household goods/furniture shipped. Is it cheaper to sell everything here in the U.S. and start over in Portugal or ship selective items to Portugal? Fern
We're moving to Sicily but it's the same issue. We are both artists so we are putting much of our art materials in deep storage here in the states until such time as we may want them. Pretty much the only things we are bringing are art ... Read More
Relocating to Portugal by ashleymariedean12
Hello everyone! My name is Ashley Dean and I live in the USA. I have been dreaming of living/working abroad for many years and have decided now is the right time. I am a certified K-6 grade teacher and have been teaching for the past 10 years in ...
Hi Ashley and everyone... My name is Michael. My partner Francesca and I are also looking to move from the USA to Portugal as well. We currently live a small town lifestyle on an island outside of Seattle, although I grew up in New York so am ... Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourself here 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. I'm not sure if we will be able to get up your way. But judging by the images I saw online of Caldas da Rainha, we are definitely going to try. It does look heavenly. We will stay in touch and ... Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourself here 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi Folks: My partner and I are planning on moving to Portugal this year... hopefully between June and November 2018. We are both artists in our sixties. I am a photographer and Francesca is a photographer and encaustic artist. We will be visiting, ... Read More