NIF Nightmare In Portugal - Personal Story

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Retiring to Portugal, for better weather and being near the sea, getting away from the long cold winters. You need a lot of official Portuguese documentation, one is a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), to even apply for a D7 Visa at your local Portuguese consulate, learn from our experience.
A lot of people do retire to a new country for a better or cheaper lifestyle. Just be sure this is what you really want. Learn from our story about trying to live in Portugal and what can go wrong.
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WE ARE NOT FINANCIAL OR INSURANCE ADVISORS, WE ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO GIVE FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE ADVICE, THIS VIDEO IS FOR INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE SEEK OUT PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE ADVICE BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND PURCHASING INSURANCE.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

🌎 Use code ourretirement at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: incogni.com/ourretirement, this is a service of NordVPN

[@ronjoiner]

Does the discount apply to the annual rate or the monthly rate? Is the coverage/protection per couple or per person? And do you have to be a NordVPN subscriber to benefit from the discount?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

The discount is for the annual plan , it’s per person not couple and No you don’t Ron Cheers 🇨🇦🍻

[@ronjoiner]

Thanks for the quick reply. Forgot to say that it was a very informative video and a lesson for all of us "world" travelers.@@ThisIsOurRetirement

[@edsedlak6827]

A smart person learns from their mistakes, a wise one learns from the mistakes of others. Thank you for the heads up. Most useful information.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure!Cheers Ed 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹🍻

[@Jacquie_Kirk_111]

Thank you for sharing! My parents defected from a war torn country, I was brought up very poor but taught how having a Canadian citizenship is precious. I never want to be a citizen of any other country, I'm grateful to be a Canadian and have no desire to go anywhere else!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks Anne for sharing 🇨🇦☕️

[@francois3475]

I also grew up poor, have travelled for work a great deal, and came to see how limited the opportunities are in Canada compared to many other countries. I also believe that Canada is in serious decline, possibly in free fall. Too little productivity, not enough wealth creation, but excessive focus on wealth redistribution. Not a formula for building a strong national future. As a result, many people with options are leaving, particularly highly educated young people. Sad, but Canada is now a place to go from. Things change. I live abroad and my adult children are exiting.

[@williamben9194]

I used to be like that till Justin Trudeau's reign of despair and terror.

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

Agree love being a citizen in Canada however the current government truly scares me

[@Judd237]

You and your channel are nothing short of a Godsend to me. Thank you for the content you cover about the pitfalls and possibilities of living abroad. Your recent video about renting accommodations at a hotel instead of an apartment gave me "permission" to consider that option during the gap between selling my house and leaving for another country. I'm very grateful to you both for your calm demeanor and anti-anxiety approach to life.

[@annamayfair-diaznovelspoet8436]

Happy new year Norm and Tina and thank you for posting this because I began a process as well for Spain and I realized how expensive it would be to have Expat health insurance with a pre-existing condition which they wouldn’t even want to write the policy and when I started to add up the numbers, I realized That it’s best to stay here in North America and go like you all do and travel versus living abroad. Thank you so much. I feel so much better listening to you both this morning. Be safe and cheers. Love the T-shirts.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Happy New Year 🥳 Anna , we agree better to travel and keep your home base Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@PedroLamyLaranjeira]

Where you tryed tomget the "Expat Health Insyrance" ? When you ome with a visa to Spain or Portugal you have the right to the public health service but you must have a private insurance that usually is around 100 euro or less,

[@djas94]

Tina and Norm, what an ordeal and process you've gone through. Thank you for sharing all that you experience with your retirement life, the good, the bad, and downright ugly side of our digital lives. Love your content. Thanks so much D&A

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much

[@carlfenger]

I decided to move to Europe and retire there... 35 years ago when I was only 27! Now 63 and looking forward to a well funded retirement in the middle of Europe... Switzerland.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds great guess that’s what we did when we came to Canada Cheers 🇨🇭🙂 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@glennet9613]

Good choice. We retired to Switzerland six years ago and have not regretted it for one second.

[@bestlifeover60]

There is no place better then Canada.... @@ThisIsOurRetirement

[@nikij.6058]

How do you retire there with no work permit or EU citizenship? Thought you could only stay for 3months at a time…

[@glennet9613]

My wife and I were both born in Europe. However as I read the regulations if you don’t work and have enough money to support yourself, including health insurance, that isn’t a requirement.

[@lyndawilson1874]

Wow that’s so scary! Thanks for sharing!

[@davidthom9159]

Thanks for the info Norm and Tina. Its very sad that we have to worry about our security at this time in our lives. It sure pays to be vigilant all the time, especially with our financial information. Its sad but this is reality these days.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Agree David we do have to be careful these days Cheers 🍻🙂

[@zairoart]

I opened a bank account in Portugal as I was looking to buy a house... I went to the bank to close the account and was told I could not. The bank manager needed permission from 'God knows Who' to close my account. I took the money out but left about 250 euros in the account. The bank employee said they deduct the monthly fees while there's money on the account. Once the money runs out they close the account. It has been two years. They used up the money in fees and began to charge me 'late fees' or interest. I sent emails to no avail. A relative of mine, with my permission, brought the statement and my complaint to the bank... they refused to talk with her, and instructed her I should call the 24 hour automated service... they have not closed the account. I'm not in Portugal and don't know when I'll return in order to resolve this matter...

[@ramadamming8498]

Small fees are charged monthly. You take all the money out and it closes. What is the problem? Maybe worth understanding how it works?

[@darlenebuchanan6552]

We feel your frustration!!!! Our generation didn’t have to deal with all the online technical security scam stuff that’s everywhere now. We applaud your decision to think about moving to Portugal even if it didn’t come to fruition. Life is a great adventure!!!!

[@BobAlexander-t4g]

Just one minor correction... the Portuguese NIF is a tax number, NOT a social insurance number. A Portugal social insurance number is a separate number very similar to the U.S. Social Security number.

[@buffycat4641]

The grass always seems greener on the other side! You have a wonderful setup in a rent-controlled beautiful apartment with many people you've made friends with. People in the US would love to have the ability to have a rent-controlled apartment but in the US they are few and far between. Plus, Canada is such a wonderful country. Yes, it gets cold in the winter, so just vacation in a warm locale just as you've been doing. Sorry you had so much trouble, the scam artist are just out there waiting for us to make one slip-up.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you ☕️🇺🇸🇨🇦🇵🇹

[@francois3475]

Sometimes the grass is actually greener on the other side, sometimes much greener ! The important thing is to go have a good look, investigate, and then act accordingly if it is greener and better. Unsaid but extremely important is, it takes courage to move, aside from the colour of the grass!

[@caroleanne8529]

You have provided such valuable information! I'm in the USA. To listen to our media and many youTube videos, one would think this is an awful place. For some silly reason, many people believe that they can just move to a different country, failing to realize that the other country might not want them and that there is way more to the process than just packing your stuff. Thank you for telling others of your experience. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence; as Erma Bombeck said, "The grass is always greener over the septic tank."

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Very true 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@jarosawklejnocki6633]

Maybe you should have hired lawyers instead of an agency? It would be more expensive, but at least lawyers are bound by confidentiality standards. In the EU, we have statutory protection of personal data (GDPR), lawyers would probably operate within its framework.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Good point

[@mcoknits856]

As an experienced lawyer I definitely have a bias towards using lawyers who have professional designations and who are subject to professional conduct rules , over “agents” who have no comparable professional status or obligations. A lawyer would not have able able to retain or share your personal information without your express consent. If you felt that your rights were violated by a lawyer, there are remedies available such as reporting them to the law society. Sometimes the cheaper option is not the best option.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It wasn’t the cheaper option , it was the only option doing from Canada 🇨🇦 online and not being in person in Portugal 🇵🇹 Cheers 🍻🙂

[@MrGearoid65]

Wow, you guys! This is incredibly useful stuff. Thank you for this video. I'm considering moving to France or Spain so I will review all your excellent information before I move any further forward. You're providing a great social service. Keep up the good work. 😊

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! hope it helps you it certainly helped us change our minds have a great weekend Cheers 🇵🇹☕️🇨🇦

[@Kamlas569]

So much respect for the two of you and now even more for sharing this awful experience and tips on how to correct.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you 🌺🙂

[@nonnasstitchingloungewithr7281]

Good advice as usual. My husband looked into getting our Italian Citizenship but you literally have to give your family history tree to do so. I don't think it's worth it. A Canadian passport is just fine for our purposes. We agree that renting is the way to go, this way you aren't stuck in one place.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing!! we agree have a great weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@Maria-js9ou]

Sorry, I think Tina and Norm just wanted a D7 visa, to get residency, not to get another passport. And it seems fair to me that to obtain Italian nationality you have to provide your family tree to prove that you have Italian ancestors.

[@nonnasstitchingloungewithr7281]

@@Maria-js9ou yes i understood the difference. Thanks

[@glicmathan1771]

Wow this was one of your most sobering videos! I’m glad you got it all resolved. I was close to getting a NIF, procrastinated, then had second thoughts about Portugal. I’m so happy I hesitated now. 🙏

[@faygallagher8425]

Thanyou. We are leaving Friday. Hope you are enjoying back in Portugal ❤

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have a great time 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦

[@sulemanpiracha8123]

Hi Tina & Norm, thanks for sharing very useful information. We learned about NIF from a real estate agent on our first trip to Portugal in 2018. On our second trip in 2021, we hired an attorney for purchasing a condo and he arranged our NIF for us. The purchase of Condo did not materialize in Portugal so far, but we used our NIF number for visits to dentist on our longer trip last year. We ended up buying a property in Spain and needed Spanish tax id (NIE) for that as well. The process of buying the condo in Spain required lot of patience and time though.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing Suleman have a great weekend Cheers ☕️🇨🇦

[@davidc6928]

Thank you for this information. I hear of a lot of retirees that move to another country to save money. You only hear of the good from doing that and this is an example of eye opening experience. Thank you for sharing your personal experience.

[@lmr691]

You are always so careful thus surprised you went through this. Glad for issue resolved in your favor!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you! 🙂

[@MrGman2804]

I am sorry to hear you have been scammed. As far as I can make out, this company who arranged your NIF are not the Portuguese tax office. I applied for my NIF in person at the Finanças office in Albufeira, and it took about 20 minutes, and if I paid anything, it was so miniscule I don't even remember what it was, and I never had to pay anything afterwards. You should not need to pay anything to the Portuguese Tax department to maintain it. The NIF is for life, but if you are not a Portuguese tax resident, it means nothing, and has no obligations. I don't know enough about this operation you paid, but I would simply cease paying them. I am almost certain they are nothing to do with the Portuguese Tax office. They are just exploiting people who think the NIF is complicated when in fact it isn't. I really hope you get it fixed. You could try going to the Finanças office in Albufeira when you are next there. They speak English, and I found them very helpful. Go at the time they open and there will probably be no queue. Repartição de Finanças de Albufeira, 184, R. das Telecomunicações 2, Albufeira . There is a free public car park just across the road. I think they will help.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for all your helpful advice, the thing is things changed a lot since 2020 and getting appointments now takes months also we were not able to come in person like what you were able to do . You can’t stop paying them they just do it every year unless you are able to have them removed as your financial representatives which we have now done after a year . Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@MrGman2804]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement OK. Regarding going to Financas, you don't need an appointment. You can just go, any time, but first thing is usually quiet with no queue. I realise you are in Canada and so do not come as often.... especially during the pandemic years where it was impossible. However this outfit are a commercial operation and they have literally stolen money from you, because getting a NIF is a one-off few minutes job, and if they have taken money year after year. That is theft. Glad you have stopped it now, but I would also try a charge-back through the bank (if you have not already) because it doesn't sound as though you knew you were signing up for an indefinite charge. It's a con. It's terrible. I have seen so many of these sort of companies trying to 'skim' potential migrants both when I emigrated to Australia and in making my arrangements to live in Portugal which may start later this year. Anyway, enjoy your next trip to Portugal. It's all as delightful as ever.

[@pures1n]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement i think you guys have been scammed for sure.... @mrgman2804 is correct... it's not that they are charging you to maintain your nif, there is no such thing as maintaining as NIF... that must be the company itself charging you a bogus charge. I would mostly be worried they are using your private information and asking you weird things such as your passport as you mentioned in your video. I would definitely charge back the amount they've charged you if it hasn't been 6 months since the charge. That is the point of a credit card. When a company charges you something that you don't agree with you charge back. I am further along the immigration process into Portugal than you folks got and asked my lawyer about maintaining a NIF and he said he has never heard of such a thing.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

The payment was to maintain the services of a financial representative to deal with the tax authorities.

[@pures1n]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement I get what the payment is for, but the point is that you only wanted to initially open a NIF and not actually have them as your tax representative until a later date that you want to move there I would imagine. At least that is what I did.

[@denismoreau3646]

Great helpful information makes me think about certain things. Thanks 😊

[@nancyschwartz5665]

This is so incredibly helpful. I have never heard of anything like this before. I have no plans to move out of the country but this is worthwhile knowledge.

[@aurielsmith8753]

Thank you for this video....we learn everyday...good and bad

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You're welcome Auriel ☕️🙂

[@betsyr4724]

Grateful for your informative video you two are the best.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@tchilds1077]

Thanks for sharing the story

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for listening Cheers ☕️🙂

[@secretstoasafestressfreetr1286]

I like your channel so I am now a subscriber. Glad that both of you are on the same page when it comes to this retirement adventure. Even if I want to try, I don't know how to get my husband on board. We also have been traveling but not the way you do. Your style seems exciting. Maybe someday, my husband will have a change of heart and would agree to have our house rented so we can continuously travel. Good luck to you both and God bless.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you for subscribing we really appreciate your support. Maybe having a Frank discussion on what you both want out of retirement. We going forward are limiting our trip length to a maximum of 30 days. Good luck to you both.

[@secretstoasafestressfreetr1286]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement Thank you for the advice and feedback. Wish you both, lots of wonderful travel memories.

[@shelleylewis5294]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@55karenina]

Hi,how are you? Is so lovely to see you again. I had something long time ago some insurance against Identity thieft,I pay monthly fee,and in case some scam,the layers would be available for no additional cost.

[@starsmoon0216]

Very scary story!! Personally speaking, I love to travel but would NEVER give up my US citizenship. Wishing you all the best. Happy New Year🎉

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Happy new Year 🥳 we are staying in Canada 🇨🇦 and just visiting Portugal 🇵🇹 now ☕️🇨🇦🇵🇹

[@ReggieRodrigues]

Great video with wonderful advice and thank you for sharing your personal experience. I have been watching videos of North Americans who get residency in Portugal and even buy property in Portugal/Madeira. It is certainly a wonderful place to live but it is also a bold move and a huge commitment. Having residency/citizenship in multiple countries (and I do) can be a significant challenge if you don't have the right trusty representatives to protect your interests overseas and you lack the language skills. At least for now I am more comfortable with your model of visiting Portugal (or other affordable places) for the Winter and return home to the US. My wife and I should arrive in Albufeira this week and hope to see you around the Algarve recoding your great videos. 🙂

[@carolnavan4137]

Such a scary online world these days! We need to be so careful. Thanks for the lesson.

[@JenShea]

Hi Tina and Norm, I’m sorry you went through all that and I hope it didn’t put you off Portugal. People have all sorts of bad experiences here too 🇨🇦 Fortunately, I know a few different Canadians who’ve moved to Portugal and had great experiences, even with the dreaded SEF! You already know it’s what I want (still) and I’m kicking myself for not moving prior to 2023… as I’m only 60 and not ready to retire and now they want 4 times the D7 income for the new visa.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

The visa’s continue to change and become less attractive and also the tax situation, five years ago would have been the perfect time to come here.

[@lucypenney1170]

What were you both thinking? How daft is that, thank God you both come to your senses. Stay focused and healthy.

[@toddashton9696]

Thanks for sharing. that was eye opening.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was helpful!🙂

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

Thanks for that! It just goes to show how careful we have to be!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes it does , you just really need to be sure it’s what you want think it through a lot more Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@doodleacademy]

Thank you for sharing your story...appreciate your useful tips and advice ⭐

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hermacoutts8587]

Thanks for the information, Tina and Norm. I hope you are keeping well. ❤️🇨🇦

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure!yes we are thank you Herma 🇨🇦☕️🙂

[@AhJodie]

Wow, great information! Thank you and I am glad you shared it all! Funny, I keep thinking about moving to Portugal.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are so welcome! enjoy your weekend Jodie 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦🇵🇹

[@ncloutier2008]

Sorry to hear all the frustrations you both had to go through to get peace of mind, making the right choice is so very important. Thanks for sharing and happy travelling.

[@RetiredLovingIt]

Thanks for sharing! Can save others from the same experience!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Absolutely! thanks for watching guys 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦

[@kp8740]

Good to know, glad to learn about incogni. It is so disheartening to know how few people and businesses we can trust. Scary.

[@joannewynn4431]

So sorry that this has happened to you!

[@tombernard4612]

Great video and thank you so much for sharing this invaluable info! In the last couple years I've been looking at Portugal. However as with everywhere else it seems things are changing. I know for example Portugal has recently removed their "Golden Visa". Now after living in Colombia the last 2 years I've just recently returned to my rainy Vancouver island where I will stew for the rest of the winter and ponder the next destination. Cheers ;))

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Best of luck! have a great weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@shelleyt3048]

Thank you for sharing this story and the cautions everyone should take when considering this.

[@cliffsmith7756]

Very helpful and useful information guys. I’m sure many of us have no idea the consequences of deciding to relocate to another country and what personal information you must renounce in order to be compliant. Love your Portugal videos as a yearly visitor myself.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! have a great weekend Cliff Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@peggyj7243]

Thanks for sharing the info to hopefully help others to avoid the trouble...what a head ache. Happy New Year and safe travels for 2024.

[@frenchyqbec]

Thanks a million ! We were looking in to this actualy ! Great advice !! Encore merci !!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Your very welcome Cheers 🇵🇹🍻☕️🇨🇦

[@evadeanu1]

Oh dear! I’m sorry you guys went through this. I’m glad it’s over. Stay well you two.

[@Patrizia-IT]

I really appreciate hearing about this experience. Can you please share more about why you chose not to move to Portugal? There are so many Canadians leaving for Europe or South America, I’m curious about your experience with potentially becoming an expat. Thank you 😊

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

There are many reasons why we have chosen not to go , for us we will have a home base in Canada 🇨🇦 and just visit you really need to think very hard to do this in retirement Patrizia Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🙂

[@crios5]

Thank you for the good advice! I hope everything works for you. Good luck.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks we are happy with our decision to just visit 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@HereInCalifornia56]

I love you both! Happy Saturday!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you Melissa 💕

[@derekcox6531]

Tricky situation this is. I’m grateful to you for making us aware. Ty!

[@toddashton9696]

Based on the info you provided, I am extremely surprised you did not have your identity stolen and credit ruined.

[@MichaelJamesGallagherAuthor]

Very helpful and honest report. Thank you for sharing.

[@keepcreationprocess]

We did not know Norm is the wild child.... He does not look like it......I learn so much ....I hope i remember the lessons since i am not good at implementing them ( really forgetful)

[@mtngrl5859]

Thanks for such a great video! Portugal is creating some push back from all of the digital nomads & people retiring there. I've watched some videos on new taxes to be levied for retired people there that is going to make it a far less desirable place to move to.

[@jeffwalker4463]

The Minster of Health in Portugal has expressed concerns regarding the increase in admissions to intensive care and called on the Portuguese and visitors to get vaccinated against the flu and Covid-19 and to stay away from crowds, wear masks and wash hands frequently. It is a grave situation for all concerned during this winter season in Portugal. Stay safe Tina and Norm.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks Jeff, the flu does seem rampant here in Tavira, thanks for sharing this.

[@risenshine2783]

I joined Incogni in the UK about a year ago.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wonderful we are glad we are using it now too 🇬🇧☕️🇨🇦

[@GLOBALSTRIDE]

BTW this is Tony from US. I am a little late here... I had a bad flu. I got extremely sick. I was also considering applying for the D7 but decided to give up in the idea because things were getting extremely expensive and would get worse because of the influx of immigrants from Brazil and other parts of the world. I did get the NIF for 60 Euros for each of us and opened an account with the Millennium Bank which is still open. I need to cancel such an account and then have close my NIF with Finance. Closing the bank account is no problem but I foresee problems with the closing of NIF. I know you provided a lot of information regarding Finance but please let me know if you learn anything new. Thank you. Please be well this flu that is going around is very nasty. Cheers.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sorry to hear you weren’t well Tony , we also caught the flu in Tavira and were down for 3-4 days , it’s all over the Algarve according to the health minister. We wish you well removing your financial representative Cheers 🇺🇸☕️🇵🇹🇨🇦

[@TrekkingwithMikeandDeb]

Thanks for the information.

[@annanufrio4468]

Thanks for this awesome advice

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! Have a great weekend Anna 🇵🇹☕️🇨🇦

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

👌66K subscribers, now that is worth celebrating. 🍾🥂! Great start to 2024. We have fallen down a long dark tunnel as a species since phone books on every corner with a telephone cell and names on letterboxes and gates. I am actually quite shocked at the amount of information you were required to provide. I'm by nature a trusting person - face to face. Online less so. I'm glad you've highlighted these pitfalls. We have a saying in Dutch ( and I am sure every language will have one) A warned person counts for two! Have a great week ahead. 🇳🇱🙋‍♀🇳🇿☕🥞

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much Anita we are thrilled and yes a wonderful start to the new year , we hope you are staying well and have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🇳🇱☕️🥳🙂🇨🇦

[@irenebaker8263]

Listening to this makes me more than ever want to stay close to home. Live simply. And enjoy our retirement in our own country IF we choose to travel. My goal is to use the internet less and less. I absolutely refuse to "create an account here" or "sign up here" loyalty cards included. Maybe some may think that we have a boring retirement but its all what we make it. Anyway thsnks for sharing your experience. What changed your mind about moving?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Lots of reasons Irene but like you having our home base in Canada 🇨🇦 gives us a great safe feeling and we love travelling in Canada too Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@terryevp4084]

Happy New Year Norm & Tina. Great content as always...!!! Many Thanks

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Happy new year!

[@nancyglassman9979]

Omgeeee 😱😜😬 so sorry you had to go through that big mess. Thanks so much for sharing this information.❤️

[@ilive4livemusic]

I had heard that the bureaucratic requirements around getting residency in Portugal were pretty significant but this adds yet another layer of which I was unaware.

[@lobstahchowdah8920]

So sorry you have had all this stress. This video left me a little confused. Were you actually considering leaving Canada altogether and becoming a full time resident of Portugal? Does a D7 visa give you access to health care, etc in Portugal? If so, it’s no wonder they would want you to pay taxes. Personally, I think at our age, it’s wise to keep Canada as a base and spend a few months of the winter in a warmer climate. I would hate to have to navigate an unfamiliar health care system if and when things go sideways - and they will eventually.

[@helenkruger1947]

Thank you very much for information.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are welcome Helen have a great weekend Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@sherriclearlake1611]

This was great, thank you!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You're so welcome! Cheers Sherri 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@benyablonski6278]

GREAT, warning. I was not aware of the NFS thing in Portugal. Thank you too for shining a spotlight on the digital mining.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! have a great weekend Ben Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@Cybertruck1000]

I'm in the UK , Incogni has a 50% discount on their site anyway. So I can confirm you will save £15 ish overall by signing up from here. I find it a bit ironic though that Incogni also has the dreaded cookies acceptance form. I'd gladly sign up to any service that would do away with those bloody misleading tricky cookie forms.

[@ikneadu]

Thanks a million for this info!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@colleensmith3374]

Your story will help many... thankyou & hope you come back to Colo sometime:) Love your adventures..

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Your welcome Colleen Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🇵🇹

[@vagnerribeiro3476]

Thank you and love you guys

[@bw6078]

Good advice. Pretty serious stuff when you start handing out your passport number and drivers license number online.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It’s a step you have to do if you want to get your number , we all give our passport numbers on line when you book a flight ✈️

[@vivilipbalm]

Minha nossa. Obrigada for all this info, very important 😊

[@hennagal7360]

Health and Happiness to you lovely two in 2024 and thanks for the education - crikey

[@tonysomewhere5920]

I am a little late here... I had a bad flu. I got extremely sick. I was also considering applying for the D7 but decided to give up in the idea because things were getting extremely expensive and would get worse because of the influx of immigrants from Brazil and other parts of the world. I did get the NIF for 60 Euros for each of us and opened an account with the Millennium Bank which is still open. I need to cancel such an account and then have close my NIF with Finance. Closing the bank account is no problem but I foresee problems with the closing of NIF. I know you provided a lot of information regarding Finance but please let me know if you learn anything new. Thank you. Please be well this flu that is going around is very nasty. Cheers.

[@kenmcclow8963]

I have evolved from wanting to own a house in France, or Italy to preferring to just stay the 90 days and move on. I could change my mind in the future, but for now I’ve found that it’s possible to buy a camping van by setting up a company and then I just have to drive out of the Schengen every 90 days, or park it and leave for my 90 days out. I believe you can get the Italian tax ID at a consulate before leaving home without any lawyers. I haven’t spent any time on the French version yet.

[@cherrybb3888]

Very informative video Tina and Norm. We have friends that were considering a move to Portugal from the U.S. but health issues have caused them to stay put for now. I will pass this video along to them should they want to reconsider. 🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@Jocantral]

Wow - thanks so much for this information. Quite frightening. I think we will stay here and just rent when we need to get away.🙂

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was helpful! we will also keep renting Jo Cheers 🇨🇦☕️🍷🇵🇹

[@occamsshavecream4541]

Gosh, sorry to hear about this. Thank you for the very useful information.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad it was helpful! 🙂

[@dianparrotta2118]

Love you guys!!!🎉🎉❤❤

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you 🇵🇹🍷☕️🇨🇦

[@mauroaurelio6534]

So sorry to hear of your experience. Personally I do not even trust VPNs!!! And I never ever "advertise" my life on social media..link a lot of people seem to like...

[@Katy32344]

I watch another channel that has Portugal as a topic. There is a bit of upheaval there at this time. I also have my doubts about incogni. How do we know they aren't going to use our info in some nefarious way?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes agree Kathy it seems a lot of changes going on at the moment , hence our decision to stay in Canada and just visit . We are very happy using Icogni not only are they owned by Nord VPN , they only use your name and email to search the Databrokers they don’t record your data . Cheers 🙂

[@ferdinis]

Hi Norm and Tin. I have been a follower of your channel for a while and enjoy all the subjects you bring in. Me and my wife are Portuguese born and canadian citizens and I would like to help you in case you need any translation from Portuguese to English. Just let me know if you need something and I can give you my help. Keep up your excellent work. Cheers!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That is awesome! thank you ☕️🙂

[@marianneeichler648]

Hi Tina, I am in central California and I really like.your videos. I saw a truck with "Hire a Husband" printed on the side. You could do this with Norm! I could sure use the internet your husband has for Portugal :)

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That is too funny Mariann ! have a great weekend Cheers 🇺🇸☕️🇨🇦

[@SalimKassam-g1y]

You may have covered in one of your videos. How do you get your cell phone access plan in Portugal ?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily eSIM data plans! Download Saily app and use code ourretirement at checkout saily.com/ourretirement

[@petearmstrong2778]

Since Portugal has changed some rulings / rumours of pending changes one can only assume many people will be left with partial completed applications thus leaving a lot of personal data in the Portugese systems when they decide not to follow through with the application. These days so many places - companies or Govt depts - are hacked and your data stolen then sold on that it becomes a continuous battle to keep control.

[@sudburydrone466]

Good info 👍👍✌️

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks ✌️

[@MrGman2804]

If anyone watching this still wants to apply for a NIF and D7, I would wait to apply for your NIF in person at the Finanças in whichever town you are in. Locate your closest Finanças using google. Bring proof of address from your “home country” e.g a bank statement (less than three months old) that lists your non-Portuguese address.If you are not registering for a NIF as a non-resident, but rather a Portuguese resident, just bring similar proof of your Portuguese address. Take your address proof and ID to Finanças. Take your passport together with your address proof. If you’re an EU citizen with a national ID card that should also be accepted. Note: The button you press to get your number in the line might not say NIF. If not it will most likely say Número de Contribuinte or something along those lines. Once it’s your turn, just head up to the counter, let them know that you want to register for a NIF and just give the friendly employee whatever information they ask for. You shouldn’t need to justify why you want the NIF, but if they do ask, opening a bank account would be a perfectly good reason. I did this in Feb 2020, and it took me 20 minutes to get my NIF at the Finanças in Albufeira. If it cost anything, it was minimal, but I do not recall paying anything. However, moving to Portugal now is less attractive because the NHR tax regime is closed, and full Portuguese tax is generally higher than most western countries.

[@shereenvenning4595]

Good response

[@Dingle1234]

Hi, how are you both today? Love the Jimi t-shirt, I recently learned we lived in the same neighbourhood, including his Grandma's and the shop where he got his first guitar. May walk around there next time I'm in BC.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That is awesome! have a great weekend Cheers 🇵🇹☕️🇨🇦

[@danielodonoghue3529]

Sage advice as ever!

[@grant7345]

as an alternative to holiday in Portugal have you ever had a holiday in France, I recently saw a vlog of France at Christmas time the markets were wonderful and the food so delicious think that I would like to live there, then you could visit countries like Italy, Germany, Greece and the other European countries

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Norms dad lived in the south of France in winter, we have had many holidays in France from when we lived in England. We loved France possibly more than Portugal 😱😱

[@marcokeller3575]

I'm working on getting my German citizenship so I can retire there for a while. You brought up some good points to think about, thank you.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Your welcome 🙂☕️