TGCampo
German expat in Portugal
Forum posts
361
Contacts
1
About me
German
Speaks German English French Portuguese Hungarian
Registration: 30 August 2023
Beauty therapist seeking work by anywebsitemails
Hi, I live in Caldas De Rainha. I am a qualified beauty therapist with 3 years' experience and am looking for an opportunity to use my skills. I am not yet proficient in Portuguese but am learning as I go and am enjoying the experience of learning a ...
Or if you don't want to be employed than you can always open your own little business and find clients who deem your SA background an advantage. Read More
Pre fab house building by Nic2980
Hi, we’re looking to purchase some land in Portugal with planning. Because we’re in Uk we were toying with the idea of building a pre fabricated house as opposed to a traditional house. It just seemed a more straightforward way of doing ...
Thanks for this information. In my mind I was thinking of one of those wooden 2 or 3 bedroom houses (looking like large log cabins) seen on a campground not far from us. I would have hoped that these are fully prefabricated and could be installed on ... Read More
Pre fab house building by Nic2980
Hi, we’re looking to purchase some land in Portugal with planning. Because we’re in Uk we were toying with the idea of building a pre fabricated house as opposed to a traditional house. It just seemed a more straightforward way of doing ...
Hi @Nic2980, Welcome. As @SimCityAT said, the bureaucracy is exactly the same. But the construction phase is a massive plus when managing a project from abroad. The legal framework in Portugal is very clear on this matter. All official legislation ... Read More
Is the Algarve (Lagos) right for retirees? by Kavallarisj
Hi. I am a retiree from US and thinking of moving to Portugal. I’ve been reading up on the best region for ex pats and seem to keep stumbling across the Algarve region. I want to come visit and see first of course. I am looking for beaches, ...
@Kavallarisj - It has the largest, most established English-speaking expat community in the country, which makes settling in very easy. - @Borys oPorto I am surprised. I expected Lisbon to have the largest, most established English-speaking expat ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
Well, on the 16th in the evening I arrived from outside the EU in Lisbon. I must say that for EU passport holders the process was very swift (using the electronic gates). It was just a matter of reading the passport (step 1) and having a picture ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
I also read this "Lisbon Airport named among world’s worst as Faro tops Portugal for punctualityLisbon placed 274th out of 279 airports worldwide". Funny, but I know most of the few worse ones (Islamabad, Lahore, Tunis). I would have never ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
I just read this: "Portugal Day Special: 10 reasons Portugal is worth every minute in the airport queue". I know, it's only an opinion in the Portugal Resident, but is this really the case. I personally know people who will not come back after 4 ... Read More
Learner drivers to learn with ‘mum and dad' by TGCampo
Today I read "President rubber-stamps diplomas allowing learner drivers to learn with ‘mum and dad'" and I wondered whether one should laugh or cry. https://www.portugalresident.com/presid … m-and-dad/Portugal has amongst ...
@JohnnyPTThat's great and much better than in many other EU countries. I had read about people having difficulty finding English language driving schools and exams, but if that's no problem anymore, great! Read More
Learner drivers to learn with ‘mum and dad' by TGCampo
Today I read "President rubber-stamps diplomas allowing learner drivers to learn with ‘mum and dad'" and I wondered whether one should laugh or cry. https://www.portugalresident.com/presid … m-and-dad/Portugal has amongst ...
@JohnnyPTAs usual, these are all good points. I wonder why only the written exam can be taken in other languages. I could pass the written exam in Portuguese, but a driving teacher or examiner with some accent would spell trouble.Overall it is ... Read More
learner drivers to learn with ‘mum and dad'
Today I read "President rubber-stamps diplomas allowing learner drivers to learn with ‘mum and dad'" and I wondered whether one should laugh or cry. https://www.portugalresident.com/presid … m-and-dad/Portugal has amongst ... Read More
Avoiding written communication by TGCampo
Over the past few years I noticed (not only, but mainly, in Portugal) that companies and people in general don't reply to emails in writing, but by phone (if at all). In Portugal one often gets no reply at all. Is this just something that I notice ...
In clinical testing, from my own experience, the laboratory responsible sends a SMS saying that the tests are complete on a specific date and time; usually the analyses are done in the morning and they are ready by 3 pm. The customer chooses whether ... Read More
Avoiding written communication
Over the past few years I noticed (not only, but mainly, in Portugal) that companies and people in general don't reply to emails in writing, but by phone (if at all). In Portugal one often gets no reply at all. Is this just something that I notice ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
@JohnnyPT As I will return on the 16th (all returns are to Terminal 1) I should notice (or not) a difference. We all know that the airport capacity is limited, but the Portuguese government is working very hard on further increasing the number of ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
Over the past 5 months the situation at the Lisbon Airport seems to not have changed for the better. Unfortunately, I have a non-EU flight in the near future and am already worried after I continue reading about the immigration issues. I hear from ... Read More
New tax regime (IFICI / NHR 2.0) by NomadMath
Hi everyone,I'm Math, and I've just joined the forum. I'm currently planning a move to Portugal and the main reason I signed up is to get some clarity from real people regarding the new tax regime (IFICI / NHR 2.0).There is so much noise online ...
... things around here on this side of the ocean are not looking good at all and I'm starting to fear the worst ... @NomadMath I am one of those who enjoyed the old NHT regime for 10 years and was reading this thread. The above line caught my ... Read More
State of Infrastructure in Portugal by TGCampo
Today I read an article in Portugal Resident https://www.portugalresident.com/furious-lisbon-rail-commuters-present-complaint-against-state-to-brussels/ and was immediately reminded of the trains between Lisbon and Cascais as well as the trains I ...
@manuel6246I see that lack of funding as well, which is why I wonder why high speed trains are even on the agenda. For these Capex and Opex are very high and there is hardly any connection in Europe which is making money. I would prefer seeing money ... Read More
Quality of customer service in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Customer service can say a lot about everyday life in Portugal, and for many expats, it’s something that could take time to get used to. In order to help expats and soon-to-be expats to adjust to local expectations, we ...
All the below is my opinion (!) based on 10 years in Portugal and the limited services I required over that time.How would you describe customer service in Portugal? Portugal doesn't have a service culture comparable to the USA. There also doesn't ... Read More
State of Infrastructure in Portugal by TGCampo
Today I read an article in Portugal Resident https://www.portugalresident.com/furious-lisbon-rail-commuters-present-complaint-against-state-to-brussels/ and was immediately reminded of the trains between Lisbon and Cascais as well as the trains I ...
We know Portugal for only 15 years (I assume JohnnyPT knows it for much longer). and we see improvements in some areas (mainly Lisbon and Portugal), but mostly in touristy areas. Improving trains, roads (not the motorways, which are great), ... Read More
State of Infrastructure in Portugal by TGCampo
Today I read an article in Portugal Resident https://www.portugalresident.com/furious-lisbon-rail-commuters-present-complaint-against-state-to-brussels/ and was immediately reminded of the trains between Lisbon and Cascais as well as the trains I ...
Thanks JohnnyPT. Let's hope all of the above projects will be completed as planned and within the financial means of the country. I would have preferred better maintenance (the trains look horrible with all those taggings) and a continuous upgrade ... Read More
State of Infrastructure in Portugal
Today I read an article in Portugal Resident https://www.portugalresident.com/furious-lisbon-rail-commuters-present-complaint-against-state-to-brussels/ and was immediately reminded of the trains between Lisbon and Cascais as well as the trains I ... Read More
Information on the Quality of Medical Services by TGCampo
Is there in Portugal an Organization, which gathers (and makes available to the public) information on the quality of medical services provided by clinics. I am mainly thinking of procedures like hip or knee replacements, but generally all surgical ...
Thank you, JohnnyPT. That was very helpful! Fortunately, I don't have a problem (yet), but it is always better to be prepared. Read More
Information on the Quality of Medical Services
Is there in Portugal an Organization, which gathers (and makes available to the public) information on the quality of medical services provided by clinics. I am mainly thinking of procedures like hip or knee replacements, but generally all surgical ... Read More
What do you think about work relocation packages to Portugal by matjung
When I look out the window in Ireland and everything feels grey and bleak, I sometimes drift into searching for jobs in Mediterranean countries.I’ve noticed that some Portuguese job agencies are targeting “junior expats” and ...
The above doesn't really matter for the topic. Rent is very high in many places around the globe. Relocation packages should (and often do) consider this. Is it financially with taking up one of these packages? I guess it depends on the purpose. I ... Read More
What do you think about work relocation packages to Portugal by matjung
When I look out the window in Ireland and everything feels grey and bleak, I sometimes drift into searching for jobs in Mediterranean countries.I’ve noticed that some Portuguese job agencies are targeting “junior expats” and ...
While I have never tried one of these packages, I assume they are like all of these packages offered worldwide. They are based upon a hype around a destination and the desire of mostly young people to get there. The other side has the desire to ... Read More
State of changes for UK - EU travel by Strontium
This link to BBC article is about the ongoing changes to UK - EU travel. Seems a bit of a mess but that is just my opinion.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39rkpe8mj2o
I think that a majority voted for Brexit and that should be accepted. Deception is what everybody should expect. For better or worse. The EU is very likely in as much as mess as the UK is. - @TGCampo The majority didn't vote for Brexit, far from it. ... Read More
State of changes for UK - EU travel by Strontium
This link to BBC article is about the ongoing changes to UK - EU travel. Seems a bit of a mess but that is just my opinion.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39rkpe8mj2o
I think that a majority voted for Brexit and that should be accepted. Deception is what everybody should expect. For better or worse. The EU is very likely in as much as mess as the UK is. - @TGCampo The majority didn't vote for Brexit, far from ... Read More
State of changes for UK - EU travel by Strontium
This link to BBC article is about the ongoing changes to UK - EU travel. Seems a bit of a mess but that is just my opinion.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39rkpe8mj2o
I think that a majority voted for Brexit and that should be accepted. Deception is what everybody should expect. For better or worse. The EU is very likely in as much as mess as the UK is. Read More
Scrapping UK car. by Strontium
Hi,We're thinking of driving over in an oldish car which will be filled with used tools, kitchen stuff etc. but obviously it can only be in the EU for 6 months. Rather than drive it back we'd use it as a "builders van" then scrap it. We have seen a ...
@JohnnyPT Thanks for the explanation. Read More
Scrapping UK car. by Strontium
Hi,We're thinking of driving over in an oldish car which will be filled with used tools, kitchen stuff etc. but obviously it can only be in the EU for 6 months. Rather than drive it back we'd use it as a "builders van" then scrap it. We have seen a ...
Hi, We're thinking of driving over in an oldish car which will be filled with used tools, kitchen stuff etc. but obviously it can only be in the EU for 6 months. - @Strontium I personally know several cars from foreign countries which are being used ... Read More
Scrapping UK car. by Strontium
Hi,We're thinking of driving over in an oldish car which will be filled with used tools, kitchen stuff etc. but obviously it can only be in the EU for 6 months. Rather than drive it back we'd use it as a "builders van" then scrap it. We have seen a ...
Hi, We're thinking of driving over in an oldish car which will be filled with used tools, kitchen stuff etc. but obviously it can only be in the EU for 6 months. - @StrontiumI personally know several cars from foreign countries which are being used ... Read More
Impact of the recent storms on expats by TGCampo
In the Portuguese News I have read a lot about the massive negative impact the recent storms (especially Kristin) had on part of Portugal. Fortunately, our area a little bit north of Lisbon as not hit too hard (I think). However, I read about ...
It doesn't work that way; the state doesn't put people in hotels, they simply can't afford to house them. That's why they put people into leisure centres. - @SimCityATSad. So only the Brits do this with migrants? "Can't afford" must be a joke ... Read More
Impact of the recent storms on expats by TGCampo
In the Portuguese News I have read a lot about the massive negative impact the recent storms (especially Kristin) had on part of Portugal. Fortunately, our area a little bit north of Lisbon as not hit too hard (I think). However, I read about ...
Many of these people cannot afford to pay for hotels, which are often far from their homes. Most of them are elderly, and most of them have pets and small farms with chickens, rabbits, sheep, etc. Do you still think that people with this profile ... Read More
Impact of the recent storms on expats by TGCampo
In the Portuguese News I have read a lot about the massive negative impact the recent storms (especially Kristin) had on part of Portugal. Fortunately, our area a little bit north of Lisbon as not hit too hard (I think). However, I read about ...
....and what if the hotel has no power? People are only relocated if their house is flooded or in danger of falling down. If you want to go to a hotel in another area, you can at your own cost. - @SimCityAT I would select a hotel with power! Plus it ... Read More
Impact of the recent storms on expats by TGCampo
In the Portuguese News I have read a lot about the massive negative impact the recent storms (especially Kristin) had on part of Portugal. Fortunately, our area a little bit north of Lisbon as not hit too hard (I think). However, I read about ...
@TGCampo, This is very valid in theory, but in practice it is not so much so.Due to the floods, thousands of people are being housed in sports centres and schools. Retirement homes have also been relocated to other sites. But in areas affected by ... Read More
Impact of the recent storms on expats by TGCampo
In the Portuguese News I have read a lot about the massive negative impact the recent storms (especially Kristin) had on part of Portugal. Fortunately, our area a little bit north of Lisbon as not hit too hard (I think). However, I read about ...
I read there have been protests in Pombal because in the area lots of people are without power for many days. I wonder why they have not been booked into available accommodation (hotels and the like). Especially smaller villages will be low on the ... Read More
Impact of the recent storms on expats by TGCampo
In the Portuguese News I have read a lot about the massive negative impact the recent storms (especially Kristin) had on part of Portugal. Fortunately, our area a little bit north of Lisbon as not hit too hard (I think). However, I read about ...
@JohnnyPTIt is a main thing that businesses and factories which cannot work just because of "no electricity", are provided with power generation and fuel logistics. Otherwise these businesses will be dead for good. I cross fingers that the gensets ... Read More
Impact of the recent storms on expats by TGCampo
In the Portuguese News I have read a lot about the massive negative impact the recent storms (especially Kristin) had on part of Portugal. Fortunately, our area a little bit north of Lisbon as not hit too hard (I think). However, I read about ...
Climate change is a real thing. - @SimCityAT Absolutely. It has always been. I guess it is something we have to live with. If something hasn't happened for a long time, it doesn't mean it will not happen again. Read More
Impact of the recent storms on expats by TGCampo
In the Portuguese News I have read a lot about the massive negative impact the recent storms (especially Kristin) had on part of Portugal. Fortunately, our area a little bit north of Lisbon as not hit too hard (I think). However, I read about ...
After a week, 150,000 people are still without electricity because all the high-voltage cables were destroyed. I am surprised to not see more big generator in the area where the power supply is disrupted. How can one let so many people be without ... Read More
Impact of the recent storms on expats by TGCampo
In the Portuguese News I have read a lot about the massive negative impact the recent storms (especially Kristin) had on part of Portugal. Fortunately, our area a little bit north of Lisbon as not hit too hard (I think). However, I read about ...
I guess (!) nobody doubts that climate is changing and has always done so. This winter in Austria and Germany is a bit like a winter when I was young. The current rain in Portugal (not storm Kristin!) cannot be something special, because even in our ... Read More
Impact of the recent storms on expats
In the Portuguese News I have read a lot about the massive negative impact the recent storms (especially Kristin) had on part of Portugal. Fortunately, our area a little bit north of Lisbon as not hit too hard (I think). However, I read about ... Read More
3-5 year D7 visa.... Any advice? by fotheringhamdiane
Hi,My husband and I were granted the first 2 years of our D7 visa in July 2023.We were living on our savings until August 2024 but in August my husband cashed in his small UK private pension. He gets 630 GBP per month = 726 euro a month or 8712 euro ...
@SimCityAT I believe that this issue also has to do with many employees only doing their job for the salary. As little thinking and working as possible. And when it involves foreigners it is very bad. This isn't limited to Austria and Portugal. Read More
Should you live as a tourist or as a local while abroad? by Veedushi
Hello everyone,I hope all is well with you.For an upcoming article in Expat Magazine aimed at helping future expatriates better integrate into their new countries, we'd like your input on the following topic:Experiencing expatriation as both a ...
Especially if one doesn't know for how long one will stay in a country it is always good to soonest also be a tourist. Who would want to have lived in a country for a year or more and leave without having seen the most interesting sights? Wherever ... Read More
Just an ovverstay question by Strontium
This hasn't happened to anyone I know, yet, but what are the penalties for a non EU person who overstays their 3 months in Portugal?
Considering that there is free movement within the Schengen area, that could be quite tricky. It is not difficult to carry out this control. Fines can be imposed when the person enter or leaves the country, Portugal or any other Schengen area ... Read More
Just an ovverstay question by Strontium
This hasn't happened to anyone I know, yet, but what are the penalties for a non EU person who overstays their 3 months in Portugal?
This hasn't happened to anyone I know, yet, but what are the penalties for a non EU person who overstays their 3 months in Portugal? - @StrontiumI assume that first an Portuguese official would have to prove that the person did overstay. ... Read More
Residence/Working Permit and Administrative Issues in Portugal by Danny So Wan Yuen
Hi Expats,My name is Danny, and I’m originally from Mauritius. I’ve been living in Portugal with my family since August 2022. We moved here after my wife received a job offer as a French teacher at an international school, together with ...
@Danny So Wan YuenHi Danny. It is very sad to read about your problems getting permanent residency for you children in Portugal. Normally it wouldn't be a problem to complete the process, but this is Portugal. I think that there will always be ... Read More
Cost of living in Portugal in 2026 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in Portugal, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Portugal or already living ...
I would recommend using Numbeo to get an idea of the cost of living in Portugal compared to other countries. Numbeo has a feature which allows adjusting the comparison to actual spending pattern. Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Don't 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 your ...
@decnsandi As you are are on a very low budget, I wouldn't recommend Portugal anymore. Real estate desirable for Expats/Immigrants (and often even Portuguese) is practically out of of a very low financial reach. We bought about 8 years ago and the ... Read More
How to learn European Portuguese by JohnnyPT
Why Portuguese ?Learning Portuguese does take a lot of work, I admit it is a challenge (especially grammar and pronunciation), but there are a lot of benefits to being able to speak Portuguese as well. It will empower you and can also be fun and ...
@JohnnyPT Hey Johnny, I'm afraid I must agree with hanibal18. I have a Brazilian friend who lives in Sao Paolo who would also agree. When I was in French Guiana there was a Brazilian woman there that I also talked to. Both have said that Brazilians ... Read More
Renewal of Portuguese Driver's License for Permant Residents (EU) by TGCampo
I am currently trying to renew my Portuguese Driver's License online. I can log into the system with my NIF and password, but I always get errors when either trying to access the information about my current license or when trying to renew the ...
@JohnnyPTMy current assumption is that the online process doesn't work for EU citizens with a residence card (instead of a citizen card with chip in it). When the opportunity comes I will ask them again, but I don't have much hope it would change ... Read More
Renewal of Portuguese Driver's License for Permant Residents (EU) by TGCampo
I am currently trying to renew my Portuguese Driver's License online. I can log into the system with my NIF and password, but I always get errors when either trying to access the information about my current license or when trying to renew the ...
Quick update: Yesterday the new DL arrived in our mailbox. This was a surprisingly fast and painless process. However, I am surprised that even after receiving the new DL, I cannot see my DL on the IMT website (I am logging in with NIF and Password). Read More
Taxes to appy by aimof
Like in toronto we have a platform called H &R BLOCK to file taxes is there such type in portugal
@aimofSomething similar to H&R Block might be Pluritime (www.pluritime.pt). Have a look on the Internet. Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
@JohnnyPT There is definitely a lot of truth in what you write. But to me (!) it also seems (!) to be something like "not caring or not being considerate for anybody except family. On Saturday afternoon I picked up friends from Lisbon airport coming ... Read More
Renewal of Portuguese Driver's License for Permant Residents (EU) by TGCampo
I am currently trying to renew my Portuguese Driver's License online. I can log into the system with my NIF and password, but I always get errors when either trying to access the information about my current license or when trying to renew the ...
A few hours later: Went to the Citizen's Office where they already expected us. All formalities were completed and I paid 30 EUR. Now I only have to wait until the new license arrives in the mail. Read More
Renewal of Portuguese Driver's License for Permant Residents (EU) by TGCampo
I am currently trying to renew my Portuguese Driver's License online. I can log into the system with my NIF and password, but I always get errors when either trying to access the information about my current license or when trying to renew the ...
I had a call from the lady at the Citizen's Office. She thinks that it should work now only. However, I tried and it still doesn't work. I can log into the IMT system, but it doesn't even show me the current DL. So, next visit to the Citizen's ... Read More
Renewal of Portuguese Driver's License for Permant Residents (EU) by TGCampo
I am currently trying to renew my Portuguese Driver's License online. I can log into the system with my NIF and password, but I always get errors when either trying to access the information about my current license or when trying to renew the ...
Today I went to the Citizen's Office and they started to resolve this issue. - @TGCampoDid the IMT explain the reason for this error DOC1 ? - @JohnnyPT Our Citizen's Office doesn't have a full IMT representative. However, the lady thinks that it has ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
@JohnnyPTI am sure that you are correct with your assessment. What I observe for a long time is a slow collapse of (some/many/all) public systems in Portugal. This includes the airports, (border) police, railways, courts, SNS, IMTT, housing, and so ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
And here the latest news from the Lisbon Airport.https://www.portugalresident.com/police-announce-protest-to-further-disrupt-activity-at-lisbon-airport/Considering that the general strike will be on Thursday 11/12 I would assume that this will be a ... Read More
Car Insurance by egchelsea
Ola everyone - we are looking to buy a car in Portugal next week - my main concern is car insurance...who does everyone use? I've been doing simulations online but the actual model of the car we want to buy isn't coming up as an option. My ...
I would recommend calling Abbeygate Portugal. They speak English and will provide you with a quote immediately. Read More
Renewal of Portuguese Driver's License for Permant Residents (EU) by TGCampo
I am currently trying to renew my Portuguese Driver's License online. I can log into the system with my NIF and password, but I always get errors when either trying to access the information about my current license or when trying to renew the ...
@TGCampo I guess the medical certificate should be uploaded by the issuing doctor to SNS portal upfront, before you proceed with online application. May be this is the reason for error. - @gosogut Thanks. This has been done. I also received a ... Read More
Renewal of Portuguese Driver's License for Permant Residents (EU) by TGCampo
I am currently trying to renew my Portuguese Driver's License online. I can log into the system with my NIF and password, but I always get errors when either trying to access the information about my current license or when trying to renew the ...
@JohnnyPT Good morning, JohnnyPT. I did as you said and still get the error:Não foi possível obter os dados de carta de condução. Caso a situação persista poderá contactar o suporte através do ... Read More
Renewal of Portuguese Driver's License for Permant Residents (EU) by TGCampo
I am currently trying to renew my Portuguese Driver's License online. I can log into the system with my NIF and password, but I always get errors when either trying to access the information about my current license or when trying to renew the ...
Hi JohnnyPTI get the messageDocumento de identificação desconhecido (INPUT-A01)Não foi possível efetuar a validação dos dados indicados (DOC-A01)When I press the "Pedido de Cartao ..." field. And I get the ... Read More
Renewal of Portuguese Driver's License for Permant Residents (EU)
I am currently trying to renew my Portuguese Driver's License online. I can log into the system with my NIF and password, but I always get errors when either trying to access the information about my current license or when trying to renew the ... Read More
Way to Portuguese Citizenship by TGCampo
Recently I read the following https://www.portugalresident.com/thousands-of-israelis-queue-in-hope-of-portuguese-citizenship/ article on Portugal Resident, which was a big surprise to me. Are these ‘Old times are back’ events available ...
@TGCampo It's appealing because it's an EU country, you have an EU passport, you can live and work in 27 countries. - @SimCityATFully agree. I was only surprised that the citizens of Israel (small country) make up 40% of all recipients of Portuguese ... Read More
Way to Portuguese Citizenship by TGCampo
Recently I read the following https://www.portugalresident.com/thousands-of-israelis-queue-in-hope-of-portuguese-citizenship/ article on Portugal Resident, which was a big surprise to me. Are these ‘Old times are back’ events available ...
In five years, 74,000 Israelis have obtained Portuguese passports. It is the nationality with the most acquisitions: 16,377 - which corresponds to 40 per cent of the total. Many of them may not live in Israel. They live, for example, in the United ... Read More
Way to Portuguese Citizenship by TGCampo
Recently I read the following https://www.portugalresident.com/thousands-of-israelis-queue-in-hope-of-portuguese-citizenship/ article on Portugal Resident, which was a big surprise to me. Are these ‘Old times are back’ events available ...
And at the end of the article they write that Israelis are the largest group of immigrants. - @TGCampoWhat they probably mean is that applications for Israeli citizenship account for 40% of the total.https://sicnoticias.pt/pais/2025-07-04- ... Read More
Way to Portuguese Citizenship by TGCampo
Recently I read the following https://www.portugalresident.com/thousands-of-israelis-queue-in-hope-of-portuguese-citizenship/ article on Portugal Resident, which was a big surprise to me. Are these ‘Old times are back’ events available ...
So I don't understand why there is a queue... - @JohnnyPT Me neither and I cannot believe that all of these are Sephardic Jews. That's why I was asking. And at the end of the article they write that Israelis are the largest group of immigrants. Read More
Vehicles with UA number plates in Portugal by TGCampo
I see quite a number of usually expensive vehicles with Ukrainian plates here in Portugal. Of some of these vehicles I know that they are in Portugal for quite a long time (> 1 year). I also know a few vehicles with foreign plates in Portugal ...
As almost 6 months have passed I would like to know whether there is any news with regarding to this topic. I still see lots of cars with Ukrainian plates driving around in Portugal and I am certain that many of them have been here for years. Does ... Read More
Way to Portuguese Citizenship
Recently I read the following https://www.portugalresident.com/thousands-of-israelis-queue-in-hope-of-portuguese-citizenship/ article on Portugal Resident, which was a big surprise to me. Are these ‘Old times are back’ events available ... Read More
Managing meals in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in Portugal? We ...
@CherylI would think that "how one manages meals" absolutely depends on personal preferences and not much else, considering that Portugal is a country in Europe. As this question is being asked by Expat.com all around the world it might be more ... Read More
Managing meals in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in Portugal? We ...
@ctomac If you hate Portugal so much, why do you live there? This is what I don't understand about people; I have seen it a lot in Austria. They just pick fault with everything, there are no 24-hour shops, they are closed on a Sunday, back in my ... Read More
Managing meals in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in Portugal? We ...
@ctomacI am also not a big fan of the Portuguese restaurant food. However, I am very happy with what is available in markets and supermarkets even in small towns like the one I live in. So we can make what we like and we only go out for for exotic ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
The US embassy in Portugal has issued a warning on its website to citizens and travellers to expect long waiting times at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado International Airport over the holiday period from Thanksgiving Day and the Christmas and New ... Read More
Managing meals in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in Portugal? We ...
For me one main difference is the timing of meals with most restaurants only opening at 19:30 for dinner. Lisbon and Porto (don't know about the Algarve) are a bit different in the more touristy areas. We are only eating out once in a while and then ... Read More
Importing a car to Portugal by Emre Mutlu
Hello, Im going to bring a car from italy, a 2005 model Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0 diesel. Some source says when imported you pay co2 tax with others, some other sources say if you bring a car made before 2007(before law changed) you dont pay co2 tax. ...
I assume that you are a resident of Italy who is now moving to Portugal. When moving from one EU country to another EU country and if the vehicle was in your possession for some time you shouldn't have to pay anything. Maybe DeepSeek (or so) can ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
as a result of ... - @TGCampo I would correct that: as a result of bad politicians and bad policies. Fortunately, all this is being put right. Can't you see that the number of complaints on this forum is being lowered? - @JohnnyPT I admire your ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
New drama is in the making. I just read this https://www.portugalresident.com/lisbon-airport-police-vow-more-protests-as-anger-grows-over-exhausting-working-conditions/ and it doesn't sound good at all.Sometimes I think that Portugal will collapse ... Read More
Lisbon airport passport control by fcdeltufo
Hello,Has anyone under the new rules enter with one person with a EU and one person with a US passport? I would like to know if we can both enter in the EU lines as we are married.Thanks,Frank
From what I read and hear it is a complete disaster what is happening at the Lisbon airport when traveling from/to outside the EU. And how can Portugal be the only country where this happens to this extent? These days I prefer meeting my non-EU ... Read More
Changing driving licence by quickmessage
I'm having a terrible time trying to change my driving licence. I just get sent round in circles. Please can someone HELP ?
While you are celebrating this wonderful performance, I think that the whole process is mad. Why would they take away your existing DL to issue you with a new DL. Imagine people moving from place to place every few years. Other countries are doing ... Read More
Some information by Strontium
May I post this here? There's an interesting article in ThePortugalNews 25 Oct 2025 Page 19"New foreigners' Law" has been promulgated. Which includes stuff on "work" visa and restrictions on family reunion etc.
Well, Costa is paired with von der Leyen, which is a similar case but from Germany. - @TGCampo That's interesting, because Costa is a socialist and Von der Leyen is from the People's Party. As a "good socialist", Costa is in line with other ... Read More
Some information by Strontium
May I post this here? There's an interesting article in ThePortugalNews 25 Oct 2025 Page 19"New foreigners' Law" has been promulgated. Which includes stuff on "work" visa and restrictions on family reunion etc.
It's true, there are new immigration and nationality laws. They are the outcome of the mess (!) that the government of former Prime Minister Antonio Costa left the country, with the extinction of the SEF and the open door policy. Finally, there are ... Read More
Health Insurance by fotodrive58
What is the cheapest, acceptable Health Insurance for an American not yet living in Portugal, but going through the Visa/resident process to hopefully be approved? I am a healthy 70 year old and everything is quite expensive that I have found so ...
We do have a high end Medis health insurance, which has always been good, but getting more and more expensive. However, gradually the medial system in Portugal is deteriorating. These days it is almost impossible to find a specialist e.g. a ... Read More
Where to live? by Kevih
Hi, we are a couple just turned 60. Planning to move to Portugal for our retirement, and thinking of the algarve mainly for the weather. We are non golfers, but like walking, cycling etc. We can't speak Portuguese and are unlikely candidates to ...
I hop that you will enjoy your exploration and find what you are looking for. Lisbon would have been more central and easier for travel by public transport, but you might rent a car anyway. Can we assume that your decision with regards to Portugal ... Read More
Health Insurance by fotodrive58
What is the cheapest, acceptable Health Insurance for an American not yet living in Portugal, but going through the Visa/resident process to hopefully be approved? I am a healthy 70 year old and everything is quite expensive that I have found so ...
As far as I know there are very limited health insurance options (e.g. MGEN) for the over 70 years old in Portugal (or anywhere?). There might be international health insurances like BUPA, which will provide services for you. I had them for years, ... Read More
Neave Brit by kevinwood
Long story, cut short, but had my own house about 30 years ago, just bult and sold a beach front in the Philippines lived in the middle east for over 10 years, and wanted to come back to the UK to buy my own house near the sea and retire. Almost ...
@kevinwood, What is your purpose in launching this discussion on the Portugal forum? Are you looking for a tax haven to retirees? In Portugal, the tax benefits for pensioners have already ended in 2021-2023, so I don't understand your question here. ... Read More
Título renewal by EstrellaGalicia
Hi to all, My residence permit expired in March, and, with that, I have to wait until AIMA decides to contact me for renewal. I have made three requests with "we'll contact you shortly" replies. My wife, whose permit had expired a month before mine, ...
@Or, at least, knowing what 'shortly' really means in AIMA's parlance. - @EstrellaGaliciaLiving in Portugal for a long time already, I would say "shortly" means "at future point in time". Nothing more and nothing less. Read More
Relocating to Portugal – need moving company recommendations by LuisCavalho
Hey everyone — I’ll be relocating to Portugal in a few weeks and I’m currently looking into moving companies that are reliable, careful with belongings, and fairly priced.I’ve seen ThreeMovers mentioned a few times, but ...
Maybe you could ask your embassy which relocation companies they are using for their diplomatic staff. Read More
Gay Friendly neighborhoods in Lisbon by Scott Anderson
Couple from Boston, MA just turned 60years, looking to retire in Portugal. Visiting in September 2026 for two weeks, they move officially in 2027 or2028.
I would have thought that all of Lisbon's inner neighborhoods are gay-friendly. But, I might be wrong and it is the whole city. I never heard any complaints from my gay friends. Read More
Relocate on budget by ludaj62
Hi everyone — I’m planning a big life change and would really appreciate real experiences and specific recommendations.A little about me: I’m a 62-year-old single woman. I am currently going through a divorce, and with my limited ...
@MateoT7That sound generous to me, but everything depends upon the lifestyle and where you want to live. A nice apartment in a trendy part of Lisbon or Cascais might not be achievable with that amount. However, with a little luck and flexibility ... Read More
Relocate on budget by ludaj62
Hi everyone — I’m planning a big life change and would really appreciate real experiences and specific recommendations.A little about me: I’m a 62-year-old single woman. I am currently going through a divorce, and with my limited ...
Portugal has become much more expensive over the past 10 years and in my personal opinion it is not possible for an immigrant to have a decent life in Portugal on the amount of money you mentioned.I believe (!) that the Portuguese government is not ... Read More
Tarifa tri-horaria - Electricity price. by Strontium
Hi, Is anyone running the Tarifa tri-horaria electricity pricing if so do you have some views on if it works out beneficial? Elsewhere I've used a variable rate which can change by the hour but with software its possible to set a price which if ...
I have a neighbour who used the bi-horaria option and went back to the standard plan. He thought is was too much hassle for too little gain. However, large consumers might see this differently. The main advantage is probably for edp, who are always ... Read More
Cargo delayed: Baggage Certiicate: NIF address updated @ AIMA appt by Jpdudley
Hello,We received our D8 visas last month, and are flying to Porto on September 1st to begin our new lives. We are shipping our household goods and vehicle in a contrainer.We were advised that there has been a change in that if our goods and ...
@JohnnyPTThat's very interesting. Can't one simply change the address at the Financas Office of the area one lives in? I mean bringing all or some of the documents you mention. Maybe a SMAS or EDP bill would also help. Maybe it is even easier if one ... Read More
Do EU citizens need to pass a Portuguese language test ? by GuestPoster94290
HelloBefore they can obtain their permanent residency in Portugal ? I was told that I needed to apply for permanent residency after 5 years in Portugal and I am not sure if I needed to pass a language test before applying with AIMA ?Thanks.Julia
While I agree somewhat with Santi2 and ctomac, I also have to say that it depends on the skill level. What does "speaking Portuguese" mean? This could be from being able to say "bom dia" to an official level C2. Thousands of immigrants live happily ... Read More
Rental Listing Question by picart035
Hello,Would someone please be so kind as to explain to me what these requirements are? Contracting conditions:- Presentation of personal documents- Performance test for the last 3 months- IRS and settlement note (in the absence of a job contract)- 2 ...
It's like @elizabethtPT said. Nowadays, 2 to 6 advance rents (rendas antecipadas) and 1 to 2 months' security deposit (meses de caução) are requested by the owner. These numbers vary from owner to owner. All these rents or security ... Read More
Why do Portuguese just trash their own cuntry ? by GuestPoster94290
By throwing everything on the ground. It's really sad to see that, especially in Lisbon. They just like to throw plastic bottles, beer bottles, and other things that pollute the environment. It's not that there are no trash cans either. They are all ...
@JohnnyPTWell, 10/12th of a dozen, which is much more than many people writing about Portugal on this forum. I agree that being from the EU makes me blind to a whole spectrum of problems.Public services have a lot of problems and I hope that those ... Read More
Why do Portuguese just trash their own cuntry ? by GuestPoster94290
By throwing everything on the ground. It's really sad to see that, especially in Lisbon. They just like to throw plastic bottles, beer bottles, and other things that pollute the environment. It's not that there are no trash cans either. They are all ...
There are more and more tourists and immigrants everywhere. Lack of education, lack of rules, lack of care for locals and people prevails. Low-cost travel makes it easier and easier for people to travel everywhere, people who should be staying where ... Read More
Why do Portuguese just trash their own cuntry ? by GuestPoster94290
By throwing everything on the ground. It's really sad to see that, especially in Lisbon. They just like to throw plastic bottles, beer bottles, and other things that pollute the environment. It's not that there are no trash cans either. They are all ...
@juliajonesjy Even Austria is a tidy country. 2 tons of rubbish were collected from the motorways last year. - @SimCityATThat's how many kilograms per motorway kilometer? Does that include the rest areas? The result will tell you that Austria is ... Read More
Why do Portuguese just trash their own cuntry ? by GuestPoster94290
By throwing everything on the ground. It's really sad to see that, especially in Lisbon. They just like to throw plastic bottles, beer bottles, and other things that pollute the environment. It's not that there are no trash cans either. They are all ...
@juliajonesjyIt would be great if you could be a little more specific. Lisbon is a big city and not all parts of the city are dirty and full of rubbish lying in the street. But I am aware of many areas where excessive tagging, rubbish in the ... Read More
Most common scams in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Portugal as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it’s immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
I hope you are right about AIMA, but don't share your optimism. - @sr_ianbellIf it was only AIMA one could possibly be optimistic. However, it is also the SNS and the IMTT (driver's licenses) and Court System and the airport (I hear the new one is ... Read More
Changing Euro to GBP by Strontium
After a sale as I need the money I have a load of Euros in a PT bank account BUT will have a couple of large bills to pay in UK. I've also got UK euro account, UK GBP account and previously used an FX account when first buying in PT. Obviously ...
Many Brits I know use Wise. I sometimes use it at well. Read More
Road safety in Portugal by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating roads and experiencing traffic in Portugal as an expat can be a learning experience. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats stay safe on the road in Portugal, whether ...
The European Road Safety Observatory publishes a National Road Safety Profile for all countries including Portugal. This is the hyperlink https://road-safety.transport.ec.europa … rtugal.pdf for Portugal.I assume that this information is ... Read More