Moving to Portugal in 2024: How Much Does it REALLY Cost?

[@odetemoura6786]

I am Portuguese, lived in various countries in diferent continents, including USA. I have an advice for Americans, do not move permanently to any country, before you lived there. Remember, Portugal is part of the EU so you better check the laws. From experience, I would not bring electric appliances, furniture, unless it is a family heirloom or a car, from USA or worst from a country with, left side steering wheel. Remember, if you move believing you will find a USA version in that country, it is not going to happen. You have to be open and ready for a change, 'downsize', if not ,your are going to be miserable. If your only incentive to move is low cost of living, do not MOVE. You can move to another state.

[@TheUnretirees]

All good advice @odetemoura6786 ! Thanks for watching!

[@cpdrey5985]

Spot on! Totally agree 👍

[@Blue_Dun]

What if your incentive is a sort of "political asylum" because a certain president and his red hat party are going to rip away our constitution and turn our political system upside down

[@HowardIraSeeit]

We spent about 7k on our first trip which was 35 days long and included one week in the Azores. On this trip we made an offer on a house in a small village in central PT. Our second trip was about 120 days later and on that trip we closed on our home and moved in within 7 days of arriving in the country. The home came with everything in it including way more furniture as well as linens and kitchenware than we would ever need, we donated some of the excess to the community and bought only new beds for each room. We spent 75 days on the second trip and are currently back in the US. On this second trip we purchased a very nice used car. We have tickets for the end of this month (July) and will stay 86 days this trip and when we return after this trip we will apply for our visas. Our total expenses are just over $100,000 including the house, the car, and all travel expenses. Our house is about 1,200 sq ft and is an old farm house in excellent living condition the property also includes a second home the same size that has a good roof and walls but in need of a full restoration, there is a habitation license on each and a very nice 3,500 sq meter land with established fruit trees, olives, grapes, oranges, cherries, etc. we did everything ourselves such as NIF and bank account along with help from our estate agent. We have found the experience to be very fulfilling life experience. This upcoming trip will be our first summer month and we are looking forward to our first trip devoted to relaxation only.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @SarahDeshay and congratulations! There are some great places in central Portugal and I hope the next trip and the visas go smoothly! We had very little drama with our visas, so we’ll hope the same for you!

[@angypapa2191]

Hello Sara. Which part of Portugal did you move to? I'm looking to relocate from the UK

[@corbinprydwen4130]

This sounds like heaven. I don’t like fast pace hustle and bustle! A farm with fruit trees and a garden! ❤❤❤ heaven!

[@rabukan5842]

I am American who has been living abroad for 20 years. From experience and observation, I would never purchase a house in a country I have not lived in for at least 6 months - 1 year... preferably more. For me, the best way to move to a foreign country is to rent in different areas over a year or two to get a feel for each area. Rents in Europe can be very cheap compared to the US, so why rush? The logistics of purchasing from abroad can become a nightmare, and for most, purchasing a home is too big an investment to just jump the gun on. Take your time, unless you are looking at it as a rental property, then location considerations are more about the best opportunities to rent the home out than to live in. Also, don't ship cars or furniture to that country. Just purchase in the country. I know people who shipped cars and motorcycles only to find out that after the customs taxes, VAT, conversion costs, crating/shipping, etc. they could have purchase brand new or slightly used for far less, and ended up with a vehicle that is proper for that country. Also, forget appliances from the US unless the appliance is 220v capable. In other words, forget scouting trips. Just move with as little as possible, explore and enjoy the country first, then make your bigger moves in steps once you have the proper information from which to act. Just my humble opinion.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and we agree with most everything. For us - and maybe not for everyone - it made sense to buy when we did, but we understand that for many people, especially those that haven’t done extensive scouting, renting and then deciding where to buy is the best option. Fully agree on not shipping things. Time and time again we talk with people who shipped from the US or UK and then ended up getting rid of things anyway. Better to purge and start fresh.

[@rabukan5842]

@@TheUnretirees As you do say, each situation is different, but yes, it's so different from moving to another state. Better to go minimalist. Very few cultures are as consumerist as the US. We just don't need all that stuff, IMHO. :) Very informative work on these videos. Thank you.

[@TheUnretirees]

lol, it is so very different than just moving to a different state! Thanks again!

[@leegarza3986]

Exactly what I would do. Americans want to come here and buy and try to make money. Damn, greed gets old. Just relax and enjoy the country and its people.

[@kathleenkalt3852]

That was eye-opening. I've been watching videos about moving to Portugal from the U.S. for a few years and this was the most comprehensive regarding upfront costs.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks…it really was the video we wished had been around when we were planning our move. No doubt, the biggest cost was the scouting trips and one could move without doing as many as we did, but we don’t regret it on this side of the move.

[@ervie60]

I read some comments about buying a property in Portugal. Best tips I can give are two: 1) Get your own lawyer specialized in real estate. Agents get their money from the seller, one of them even admitted they have a conflict of interest with the buyer. 2) Find an architect or construction engineer to inspect the property prior to buying or sign a CPVC. Be warned the building quality can be awfull and masked by a quick make-over renovation that hides humidity/mold problems. Do not rely on a notary to check paperwork and licences!

[@TheUnretirees]

Good tips @ervie60 !

[@wallywal6139]

All in all a pretty accurate cost assessment. We're in the process of moving to Portugal from the southwest US so our travel costs have been a lot more but the rest of our expenses have been in line with yours. We purchased a house that we closed on 8 months ago and fortunately it was furnished so at least we have something to start with. Our house in Portugal is much smaller than our house in the US so nearly everything will be sold. Furniture is much more expensive in Portugal and we'll be in a village and not a city so we need a car. Importing a car from the US can have issues. The car has to be modified to meet their specs and sometimes it never passes inspection and all of this takes a very long time. Save yourself the trouble and buy a car in Portugal unless you're already coming from the EU and be prepared for the cost. Thanks for the video, I learned a few things!

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @wallywal6139 and good luck on the rest of your move! Yes, shipping a car is not for the faint of heart for sure. Even cars purchased in Spain need modifications and money! We didn’t do it and unless you have an emotional attachment to a car, it’s likely best to sell it in the home country and buy something here, if you need it. Thanks for the added info!

[@TravlwithMJ]

This video really resonated with me. We are Americans that moved to Lisbon officially in June 2024. Although we are renting, we experienced all the things you shared. It certainly has been eye opening and far more costly than we expected. So far we love it and are happy with our choices but I do wish we had information like this prior to our move. If you come to Lisbon please reach out, we’d love to meet for cocktails and share stories. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheUnretirees]

Yes! We’d love to connect next time we’re in Lisbon and hear more about your experience. Feel free to email us at hello@theunretirees to connect. Thanks for watching!

[@corbinprydwen4130]

❤❤❤❤

[@AnnGagnon-k3m]

You guys love to suffer. Just rent!!!

[@FakeSquid]

Thank you! Could you please summarize the method you used for relocating your dog (and how big your dog is)? My spouse and I are in the process of doing this and want to make sure we're going the most sensible route.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching! We actually did a whole video on the process for relocating our pooch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqTEYWVpmNuLqbMsi=EQpEAIWzMSXgSZxB

[@stevenmeeks1081]

very helpful and comprehensive review......thanks

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@kenyacarl3626]

Wonderful presentation and information and yes, I’m scared 😨 off now;-)

[@TheUnretirees]

Well, we scouting trips and furnishings were where a lot of $ went. It is possible to do it with just one scouting trip and to rent a furnished apartment to start…then the biggest “expense” is funding a bank account - but that money frees up once you’ve had your final immigration meeting. Best of luck!

[@MicheleDAcosta]

You're a beautiful couple, and your kindness and generosity shine through in every video you share. Wishing you an abundance of joy, health, and a touch of magical good fortune. I’m currently preparing for my move to Portugal, and I’m so glad to have discovered you! I look forward to following your inspiring journey.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks so much for watching and your kind words. Hoping your move goes smoothly!

[@ivonan919]

I enjoy watching your videos! Thank you for all your tips!

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @ivonan919 and we’re glad these are helpful!

[@alsteeves2044]

Great rundown. Really like you guys, must be the similarity in age. The comment section is a laugh. Anyway, seen the Algarve, next stop the Silver Coast. Keep well Subscribed😅

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and some of the comments are … great :). The Silver Coast has a different vibe from the Algarve for sure!

[@RushmoorFizzbomb]

In regards importing a car to Portugal, you can obtain a vat and IMT(car duty) exemption certificate when you have your interview to get your Visa. The exemption applies to household goods including one vehicle per person that must have been owned and registered in the originating country of the applicant for a minimum period of possibly 6 or 12 months prior to importation. You will have to check. Different time periods are stated on different sources. The process is quite complex and it probably would be best to talk to ACP ( equivalent of AAA or AA) in Portugal. There is a 5 year tapered VAT clawback if you sell your car within this period. After 5 years you are free entirely to sell without vat liability.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and for the additional info @RushmoorFizzbomb

[@zairoart]

I understand the car is considered "a used car" after 6 months on the road and the cost drops considerably when you're moving permanently to Portugal. A car can be shipped in a container with all the furniture and household goods. Just 5 years ago a friend and her husband shipped two cars and all the contents of their house from Massachusetts to Portugal (Alentejo region) for $10,000. They paid a small tax amount. The registration cost is higher than in the Northeast.

[@lindadorman2869]

Really helpful information that can apply to moving to other countries as well as Portugal. People underestimate the money, time and effort it requires to move abroad. It's not as easy as moving within the same country. Thanks for sharing a realistic assessment of the costs involved!

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @lindadorman2869 and we appreciate the kind words!

[@MirandaHorger]

Wow, what great information! Like you said, this is the video you wish you had had... I haven't seen anyone else break it down like this. Really great things to consider, plus info in the comments.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @MirandaHorger. The living here is great….the getting here was a bit expensive, lol.

[@nikij.6058]

Thanks for sharing. Seems like it may be better to rent to begin with, then find a home to reduce trips, etc…

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @nikij.6058 and a lot of people do rent for a year or more before buying (if they buy at all). We don’t regret buying as we did because rates were still low, exchange rates were attractive, and we had firmly decided on an area to live. It also allowed us to rent it out before we moved so we didn’t face the double rent situation. But most people rent to start for sure.

[@MichaelTroper]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @user-yu2qk8yx9c

[@tbbarabara]

I did everything myself in 2019. I did this before I left the US so I had the visa when I arrived. The process was a little tedious but not difficult. When I arrived in Portugal, I picked up my NIF, etc. during the first four months I was in Portugal. My issue was dealing with lies from people especially in the real estate business in Portugal. I have been traveling the world for the last couple of years because dealing with liers is down right boring. Hope others don't have the same experience. Only go with the top international RE agencies unless you now many people who have used a local agency successfully.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @user-cn5ri5 and now they require the NIF as part of the visa process. It is still possible to get a NIF without going thru a third party like Bordr but you need to get one while you are visiting Portugal and have an address in Portugal (or have a friend who will be your representative and who has an address in Portugal). Sorry to hear of your troubles with the real estate people. We had such a good experience with ours, but I’m sure there are plenty of shady people. Best of luck in your travels!

[@antoniodasilva1230]

Dude it's basically the same bullshit if you move from Europe our Portugal into the USA you think that my parents back in 1980 didn't have to spend thousands of dollars and deal with shaddy Americans and the American immigrating bureaucracy Shananagas it's all the same no body is getting a special treatment for whatever your nationality is

[@katdodd5801]

One of the better informational videos I've seen. Thank you 😊

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @katdodd5801 and it’s what I wished we could have watched before we moved! We don’t regret moving for sure, but it would have helped in our planning.

[@donkraus1991]

Rent for a year in big city and find your next more permanent place during the year. Rent cars when you need one. Keep it simple. Keep airplane trips back and forth minimal. Everything takes time and so relax! Have fun and a toast for the adventure!

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and for a lot of people that makes sense! We're not disappointed we did it the way we did, but it's not the best for everyone.

[@vickie3237]

Thank you for this! You’re never to old!!!

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks so much @vickie3237 !

[@Mialovesphoto]

Yes!! A video please on moving your dog!!

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @Mialovesphoto and, yes, doing a video on the process of getting Riley to Portugal would be good. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Chengst34]

@@TheUnretireeswould really love to hear more about moving your dog. We have two Great Pyrenees that will be coming with us!

[@nopenever6214]

Yes, I have three large fur babies!

[@FilipeCardoso1]

Come live in São João de Ver, it's cheaper(an 3 room apartment is 140k euros) and is 20 minutes from Oporto!

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching. Looks lovely but we’re happy where we are in Nazaré!

[@FilipeCardoso1]

Nazaré is very nice.​@@TheUnretirees

[@jayc.9475]

I was looking seriously into moving to Portugal as a retiree recently and even booked a long scouting trip but then I found out that the tax benefits for passive income have ended and as far as I understand the tax on my small monthly income of about €11,500 would have over a 26% tax. That means I would be losing over a quarter of my income every month and having to set that aside to pay taxes every year. I really wanted to move to Portugal but I am looking at countries like Greece now instead. Greece has a 7% flat tax on passive pension income.

[@TheUnretirees]

There is talk of reviving some sort of version of NHR, the package of tax benefits designed to attract expats, but it hasn’t happened yet. Best of luck - Greece isn’t a bad option!!

[@annelizevandyk2825]

I would love a video on the social aspect of moving to Portugal. How easy or difficult it is to make friends.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @annelizevandy2825 and that’s a good idea. In many places in Portugal, there are expat meetups and everyone is in a similar situation having relocated to Portugal, so making friends there is easy. Also, if you are so inclined, some churches have English services, so another great place. In terms of making friends with someone who is Portuguese, we haven’t been able to do that but we also need to be better about learning and speaking Portuguese.

[@DouglasGiglio-u3r]

I’m for the US and I’m interested in more information on the process of moving your dog. How specifically did they get there? I’m not a fan of putting my pet in a cargo hold on a plane and she’s too big to be allowed in the plane. Thanks in advance

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and we have a whole video on moving a pet from the US to Portugal. We did put our dog in the luggage hold and it worked well for us, but check out the video as we go into the various options. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqTEYWVpmNuLqbM

[@DouglasGiglio-u3r]

Thank you

[@hikergirl603]

Good information. We spent about $40k to move and get set up in PT. We left a year later and got back about 50% of that by selling the car, furniture, and getting our rental deposit back. We try to think of the remaining $20k as the price of a year-long vacation in Europe. Even though we didn't like living in Portugal, we're glad we tried. We're especially glad we didn't buy a home in PT and kept our US home, cars, etc. We came back to the states, unlocked the front door and we were home! If you have the means to try, go for it but keep in mind that over 50% of expats leave within the first year and about 80% leave before five years. It isn't for most of us. We're proof. We didn't like it at all (after the first month or so).

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @hikergirl603 and sorry that Portugal didn’t work out for you. We love it so far (more than 8 months in). Hope you’ve found (or returned) to your happy place!

[@christobar]

What ended up changing your mind about staying?

[@GLifestyle50]

Same here.. after for 8 months we decided to come back home. I do love Portugal only for Vacation.

[@alsteeves2044]

That is very enlightening. We visited the Algarve for about a month. Yes full time is another story. Thank you

[@RobRVA]

Do you carry your health insurance from the US or go through the Portuguese health system? Also did you use a Portuguese realtor or guide to show you potential cities and houses or do it all on your own? Do you have a video specifically about bringing your pet over? We have four cats I'd be terrified for them to go in cargo hold on the plane. Do you mind if I ask your ages? Sorry for so many questions. Really enjoying your videos just scratching the surface of them. Great information.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching! In order to get your visa approved, you have to have private health insurance that covers Portugal (and includes shipping you back to your home country if you fall really ill). Once we were in Portugal, we switched to a Portuguese private health insurance (which was cheaper). Once you have residency approved, you can, if you wish, just rely on the public health care system, which costs $0. In terms of realtors, in general a broker who is with a firm (like ReMax or Century 21) will only show you homes that they represent...so we picked cities we were interested in, and then had different agents show us homes in those cities -- in some cities we needed two or three different agents. It's more complicated for sure. You can hire a buyer's agent (which we didn't do but should have considered) who is independent from the brokerage firms and he/she can show you any homes. Finally, in terms of pets, yes, we have a video called "How to Move to Portugal With Your Pet" here on this KZbin channel. Cats you can bring onto the plane under your seat (I don't know about 4), but we didn't have any trouble bringing our dog and having him stowed with the luggage in his crate. Best of luck!

[@RobRVA]

​@@TheUnretirees Thank you for the response and suggestions! As for the cats if necessary we would do two trips or whatever it took. My babies!

[@ganymeade5151]

The cheapest way to move is to leave most of your stuff here and move to a furnished apartment overseas. You might consider renting your house.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and it certainly is cheaper to not ship anything. While we were able to leave all our furniture because our US place is a short-term rental now, there are some hassles (and maybe cash flow issues) of being a landlord to a property that is an ocean away. We have found it expensive to have to hire a handyman to do simple things that we would have done ourselves, for example.

[@RoadrunnersOfCA]

Thank you for this extremely informative video! My spouse and I are about your age, and we've been looking into health insurance, but it's so expensive! I was shocked to hear of the affordable plan you have! May I ask what company it's through? We are healthy and can pay out of pocket for routine check-ups. Looking for the bare-bone requirements to satisfy the visa rules. Thanks! 😊

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching. The visa requirement is different than what you would have once you’re here. We use Medis for health care and then added a medical concierge service, Serenity. We did use a broker for getting our health insurance. Best of luck!

[@RoadrunnersOfCA]

@TheUnretirees Thank you so much!!! Much appreciated!!!

[@laura_and_shanman]

"There will be unexpected things that will be out of your control." = always - GREAT job!

[@TheUnretirees]

lol @laura_and_shanman and the unexpected happens again and again!

[@donnal7414]

One major thing that was not mentioned was the hit you take when converting your U.S. dollar to euros.

[@TheUnretirees]

Yep, that’s true @donnal7414 and at the moment it’s about $1.07 for €1, but that changes over time. When we moved the bulk of funds over to buy our home in Sep/Oct 2022, there were a few magical weeks where the dollar was stronger than the Euro, so it was great for us. But that was an unusual few weeks.

[@kmgameiro3036]

ask any portuguese how it is when they want to come to the usa? and how long it takes to get any visa you are so lucky please dont complain

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and we have no complaints.

[@SenorAspie]

When you have citizenship (something you have to look into) , your health info and bank card # are on your cartao citadao (citizen card). Once you have your citizen card, transactions and healthcare are so easy to get.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for the tip @SenorAspie

[@TheStunlaw1]

Crikey. !How many more "retirees" are moving to Portugal and making videos about it sending real estate prices skyrocketing ?

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @TheStunlaw1 .

[@Ce8880]

very informative

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching!!

[@rosed.2605]

Can you provide a breakdown of everyday living expenses including deposits and monthly costs for utilities, internet, mobile, insurance (health and home owners), annual property taxes, and costs/process to get a drivers license?

[@TheUnretirees]

Maybe in the future but it’s less expensive for many things here but not all. For example, internet + cable + 2 mobile phone lines is €65. Property taxes are approx 0.2% of a home’s value. Health insurance for public health care is $0 and for private health care can run from €50/mon to €200/mon depending on a lot of factors.

[@itsthegoodstuff]

Thanks for the details. Also consider your heritage. Maybe you qualify for a Euro passport. Granddad from euro? I think you need longer to first figure out a region and then figure out a town. Only then start looking at places. No point in falling for a house in a location that it turns out later you hate. The house better be great because you won't be leaving it. You would need way more time for France/Italy since they have so many such distinct regions. You really do need to find a region, find a town and only then start looing for a house. So many many weeks needed. Also summer vs fall. Are you ready for the heat of the summer, the cold of the winter? How much for electrical prices during summer days when you want A/C? Many of the villages around Lake Como are deserted in the winter. Your dream lake front place in July might be an abandoned town for months of the winter. Strong yes on manual transmission in cars. You will be paying more across Europe to rent cars if you can only handle automatic. If your older think of the nearest medical care. That remote cottage that looks across a valley is very pretty until you need an ambulance and its 90 min's away so your three hours from a hospital. Repair work needed? Don't bring USA presumptions on time and cost. Expect everyone in town to know that yanks bought the Sainz family place and so you will be the talk of the town for the next month. Everyone will be looking for history and motive. Chapter marks please.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @itsthegoodstuff and for all the additional things to consider.

[@TheGlobalNobles]

Great video!!!!

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and your kind words!

[@tonistojcev6281]

Love the video. Me and my family moving there next year. Can I ask you a question? You might know or not the answer but no big deal. If we move there n we have address to provide to the government is that good enough? My cousin have family members that live there? What do they need to give us for us to prove that we will stay there ?

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @tonistojcev6281 and we’re not experts but I believe you would need you and whomever you would be planning to live with complete a TERMO DE RESPONSABILIDADE form. It is basically someone saying to the government that they are taking you in. We didn’t do it so I’d love to hear from someone else who has needed to do this. Thanks!

[@trickshots7188]

I love the simplicity of Portugal. I am european btw

[@TheUnretirees]

We love it too! We’re “becoming” European!

[@risefcoetzee3776]

Super useful information. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching @risefcoetzee3776 !

[@tomead]

I would love to know more about moving the dog. We will be moving with 3 dogs and 4 cats. Can 2 small dogs be in one crate? And also can more than 1 cat be in a single crate?

[@TheUnretirees]

That’s a great question. I don’t know the answer about more than one pet in a crate, but we do have a full video about moving with a pet. Hope it helps. Thanks for watching!

[@TheBlueskyson]

Hi team. Couldn't you simply book a cheap hotel as your accom address for visa? ty 4 vid

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching but unfortunately no. You need to have a lease that is registered with a Portuguese government office. It’s a bit of a drag for sure, unless you have friends or relatives who live in PT and you apply with that as your address. Otherwise, you’re paying a lease for a rental that you may not be able to use. I understand why it’s a requirement but there is already the income and asset test which you would think eliminates the risk of having someone come here and immediately be homeless. Above my pay grade for sure!

[@gailna3325]

You never mentioned the required deposit for Portugal. Either $250-$500,000?

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching. If you are moving to Portugal in a D-7 visa (retirement visa) there is an amount you need to put into an Portuguese bank account-it’s your money but it needs to be in the account and we talk about that in this video. The $250-500,000 only comes into play if you are trying to gain residency thru the golden visa program. If you’re doing a D7, it doesn’t apply. Thanks!

[@spinozaslens]

Can you address shipping a pet? 🐈🐕‍🦺Love the detail and how you think through things.

[@TheUnretirees]

Sure -- maybe we'll do a video on it, but it's a bit complicated. There are a few tricks. First, Portugal has a very specific examination and communication scheme for a pet. * You need to work with a US vet who is USDA certified (ours was not so we had to go to a different vet than normal). * The pet needs a specific microchip that is probably different than what it has in the US (ours now has two microchips), and you need to get a microchip certificate from the vet. The microchip needs to be implanted before this next step * The pet needs to get a new rabies vaccine at least 21 days before you travel to Portugal, unless it has had one within one year of your arrival date. (Note that it doesn't matter if the rabies vaccine doesn't expire for another year or two...it only matters when the last vaccine was given - between 21 days and one year of arrival.) * The pet needs an exam by a USDA-certified vet within 30 days of travel and the vet needs to send a Health Certificate to the USDA within 10 days of arrival. * The USDA will return the Health Certificate within 72 hours of arrival (this is really unnecessarily tight, but it is required) * All vet documentation (rabies certificate, microchip certificate, USDA certificate, etc.) needs to be sent to the vet at whatever Portugal airport you are arriving in at least 48 hours before your arrival. * Once you arrive at the airport, you need to go to the airport vet, who will have your documentation. They will examine your pet and then give you a signed certificate that, if needed, you show at customs as you are leaving...and then that's it! Ugh. Oh yeah, we had a difficult time finding airlines who could take our dog in the luggage area since he was too big for under the seat. We were able to fly TAP airlines and have the dog on our flight. We know of several people who have used third-party professional pet movers, but - for us - that was too expensive. We even met two people who have moved their pet by taking a private plane. Anyway, best of luck to you!

[@spinozaslens]

@@TheUnretireeswonderful detail. I feel more confident about the process now knowing what is expected. I have watched nearly all your videos-brilliant work-excellent teachers!

[@RockPopMandolin]

Great video, guys. Thanks. As someone considering a move to the Silver Coast, I am now much more aware of the costs. I'm also interested in the BnB side of things. Have you done a video breaking down the rules and regulations about getting into BnBs? On another note, I enjoyed your video on making money with KZbin. I'm also a KZbinr with nearly 16K subscribers. But I make most of my income from sidelines like Patreon. In fact, Patreon brings in 10 times the amount I make on YT. Have you tried Patreon? -Mike

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and we haven’t tried Patreon…something to look into for sure. As for BnBs, any new short-term rental needs to get a license from the local municipality. Generally, unless you are in Porto, Lisbon or the Algarve, you are likely to get a license but it’s not guaranteed. You just apply and if rejected you can always do long-term rental (more than 30 days). We suggest contacting the municipality before making an offer on a place to get more info on the process and the likelihood of getting the license. Hire a translator if you need to for that conversation to make sure you don’t end up buying a place that can’t do what you want it to do. Best of luck!!

[@RockPopMandolin]

@ Thanks very much! I will do that. Keep on making interesting videos!

[@CherieHagen]

Im very interested in moving dogs and your $1200 cost. I dont want my dogs in cargo. Please do a video ❤️🙏

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and we do have a video on this channel about moving a pet to Portugal! Check it out!

[@Lanscape81]

Is purchasing property a requirement for a D7 visa?

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching…and no, purchasing a property is not a requirement. The requirement is that you have a place to live…so that can be a purchase or a lease to rent.

[@FC-rg1vk]

Totally makes sense all the costs. Keeping it real!

[@TheUnretirees]

Ka-Ching.

[@HissingKitty2008]

So it’s an initial investment of 15,000 non refundable dollars per person?

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and once you have your AIMA meeting you don’t need to keep that money in there, so you can spend it down or transfer it out.

[@howardmendelsohn8355]

I have 2 pugs. Any cost estimates?

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching! It all depends on the route you take to get your pups to PT. If you’re able to put each in a carrier that fits under an airplane seat, then it is so much easier - it’s then probably less than five hundred each for the exams, chip and certification stuff. If they don’t fit under the airplane seat, then you’re either buying crates and tickets for them to be in luggage or cargo and that’s more…we spent $150 for the crate and $400 to get the dog in luggage. Then there is the shared private option but that’s running into $10k range. Best of luck!

[@lrsco]

I’m planning a move from Scotland to the Algarve. I appreciate your video advice that you can give. P.s. I’m American moved to U.K. in 1998. I’m now British as well.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @lrsco and best wishes on your move!

[@lrsco]

@@TheUnretirees Do you recommend a particular solicitor / company in Portugal to help with the process of D7 and taxes?

[@loriwitte4754]

Number one is misleading as only 2k is an actual cost and 13k is just cash on hand for a bank account not a cost. Correct?

[@TheUnretirees]

We’re not sure it’s misleading since Matt says “It’s your money, it doesn’t go away, you just need to have it in the bank account” in talking about funding the bank account as part of the D7. It is real money, though, that you need to have and can set aside for this process, even if later you can spend it. Thanks for watching!

[@victoriastithlcpc]

Hi! When my partner applied for a long-term Visa in France, he only needed to put down (as an address) an Airbnb for one month. Do you know if we can just use an Airbnb rental like this for the Portuguese D-7 Visa? Or do we have to have a long-term lease on an apartment or other rental (we aren’t going to buy now)? Thank you if you can provide any guidance!

[@TheUnretirees]

No expert on this, and since we bought here before moving here it wasn’t our experience. But I believe the requirement is a 12-month (or longer) lease and that an AirBNB for a month or so won’t work. There are laws that allow renters to exit leases early, but again not an expert. Thanks for watching!

[@victoriastithlcpc]

@@TheUnretirees thank you, I guess I’ll have to investigate more. Thanks for your experience!

[@lonelinessinmilan6486]

We moved to europe, thirty five years ago ...now, we're retirees in italy, with our grown children and their italian families.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @lonelinessinmilan6486 and it sounds like you’ve done it well!

[@ParisianThinker]

That turned out to be a fabulous idea. Congratulations!

[@brettcutler6117]

What is your tax yearly?, I will not be working and living off just social security, with a large savings account, What would you think my taxes would be on my social security as opposed to Spain.

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @brettcutler6117 and I wish we could help but we’re not tax experts.

[@JMgmkh]

Isn't it mandatory to take Portuguese language classes too ?

[@TheUnretirees]

Portuguese language classes aren’t required for residency but you do need to pass a language test if/when you apply for citizenship. Thanks for watching!

[@1artistvocalist]

What about a single woman over 50 moving on her own? Is it safe? And what about renting or house share. Are there any websites you know of to help with that. And once approved for a visa you are allowed to just re locate permanently there? You don't need to apply for citizenship. Thanks for the video..sorry for so many questions!

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @1artistvocalist and certainly where we live is very safe for a single woman. Many areas in Portugal have Facebook groups for expats (probably true of cities in other countries as well) where you could find a flatmate if you wanted, but certainly renting on your own is very possible. In terms of your visa, once your visa is approved, you meet here with the immigration office and give them a similar set of papers and then they send you a residency card good for two years. You can renew for three more years and then you can decide to apply for citizenship or just continue to renew as a non-citizen resident. Either is ok.

[@1artistvocalist]

@@TheUnretirees thanks for responding and clearly answering my questions. Sounds like a lot of uncertainty and red tape for a single woman. I think I will join a dating site and look for my future husband in Portugal! lol! All the best to you two!! Thanks for the video!!

[@principalsirmsyadav]

I am working as a Principal and will retire on December 25, I am also thinking of moving to Europe as my daughter is in Germany on blue. Should I move on D7 visa or on family reunion Visa in Germany? If possible, can you please 🙏 advise? Your video is worth to be appreciated 👍 Thanks

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @principalsirmsyadav and we’re not qualified to answer that. There are many experts both online and in KZbin who are knowledgeable about German immigration rules.

[@jesuszapata4831]

What's wrong with just staying for 90 days

[@TheUnretirees]

Nothing is wrong with staying for 90 days if that’s what you want to do. Thanks for watching!

[@kmgameiro3036]

my kid came has a minor 21 years ago and still dont have a visa only dreamer

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching.

[@jodrhh]

That intro very, very familiar with our rich journey KZbin channel LMAO 😂

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching @jodrhh and we like those guys!

[@metalsomemother3021]

When you say $400 for health care and $375 for visa, are they PER PERSON or for both of you

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching. Health Care runs about $400 for both of us combined. The visa costs were also combined -- about $120 to set the appointment with VFS and then the rest was charged at the VFS appointment.

[@lastcre8iveicon]

Jeez! You 2 must be dripping with cash! These costs total more than I've earned in 10 years! The world sucks.

[@TheUnretirees]

Not so much. It was more expensive than we expected for sure! Thanks for watching.

[@antoniodasilva1230]

It's normal cost expenses one night at a Manhattan hotel at the lowest costs me 800 last week 8:50

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching! Yes, Manhattan is expensive.

[@Faben202]

Those are some big doodies. I mean, duties.

[@TheUnretirees]

We could not stop laughing!

[@hugomaitre7600]

Portugal is not at all cheap there is a huge hype around it totally not underrated! Stop feeding this hype

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for your thoughts @hugomaitre7600 and "cheap" is always relative to where you compare it to.

[@Carolinapetroska]

Expensive

[@TheUnretirees]

lol, yes. One can do it less costly than us by renting a furnished place off the internet, but even then it still carries meaningful costs.

[@cherylhorta4131]

I think it cost you such an unbelievable amount of money because you paid people to create all the steps you could have done with on your own - yes, paying lawyers etc and companies to do work you could have done

[@TheUnretirees]

What lawyers? We DIY’d most of our own process. Most of the costs were travel related.

[@MoboyNooh-e9n]

Wasting money!

[@TheUnretirees]

Ok. Well thanks for watching.

[@dosdeyamaguchi9675]

proof of assets 13,000 euro, but don't you also need a monthly passive income of at least 800 some euro?

[@TheUnretirees]

Thanks for watching and, yes, there is a proof of income requirement as well. We didn’t include it because it isn’t a “cost” but you are right that there is an income requirement as well as an asset requirement.

[@OhThatsAngie]

You have OFFICIALLY KILLED my ideas of us moving outside of the USA. 😳😞🥹

[@TheUnretirees]

There are lots of different ways to make it work! If you really want to move abroad our advice is just to find a way that works for you. We made this video just to show some things to think about when you’re planning. Good luck!

[@shizelgodfrey7189]

Those were my thoughts too! I am going to Portugal next month but really this video just got me depressed😪

[@JMgmkh]

Apparently around 90 % of people move back to their home country in 5 years or before.

[@alsteeves2044]

Oh gawd. Phillipines and panama will take you, or Vietnam.