Moving to Portugal is an exciting adventure that promises sunny weather, a relaxed lifestyle, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes. Portugal is an increasingly popular destination for expats. However, before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to understand the moving expenses involved.
In this guide, we’ll break down the moving expenses list and costs associated with relocating to Portugal. Read on.
Visa and Legal Costs
One of the first expenses you’ll face when moving to Portugal is the visa and legal costs. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your move, you may need a visa to enter and reside in the country.
Visa Fees
Portugal offers several types of visas for different purposes, including work, study, and residency visas. For example, the D7 visa is a popular choice for retirees and remote workers. It allows you to live in Portugal with a passive income or remote employment.
The fee for a D7 visa typically ranges from €60 to €150, depending on the consulate and the specific application process. On the other hand, the Golden Visa program, which grants residency to investors, comes with a higher price tag, often ranging from €5,000 to €50,000 depending on the investment.
Residency Permits
Once you’ve secured your visa, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit if you plan to stay long-term. The residency process involves submitting documents and paying administrative fees. On average, the cost for residency permits ranges from €100 to €200.
Legal Assistance
Some people choose to hire a lawyer or immigration consultant to navigate the bureaucratic process of obtaining a visa and residency permit. Legal fees typically range from €500 to €1,500, depending on the complexity of your case and the professional’s rates.
Shipping and Moving Costs
Moving your belongings internationally can be one of the most significant expenses when relocating to Portugal. The cost of shipping depends on various factors such as:
- the volume of items
- the shipping method
- the distance
Shipping Your Belongings
For a typical move, shipping by sea is the most economical option, although it takes longer. The cost of shipping a 20-foot container from the U.S. or UK to Portugal can range from €2,000 to €5,000, depending on the volume of your items. Smaller shipments, such as those sent via air freight, will be more expensive per cubic meter.
Moving Company Costs
If you’re hiring a professional moving company, the cost will increase as they provide packing, loading, and unloading services. Expect to pay between €1,500 and €4,000 for a full-service moving company, depending on the size of your move. Additional charges may apply if your move includes specialized items like antiques or fragile electronics.
Customs Duties and Taxes
When moving your belongings into Portugal, customs duties and taxes may apply. The Portuguese customs authorities allow the import of personal belongings without duties if you meet specific conditions.
Such as having lived in the country for at least 12 months before your move. Otherwise, you may face customs fees ranging from 5% to 10% of the total value of the goods.
Accommodation and Housing Costs
Portugal’s real estate market can be competitive, especially in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region. Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, it’s essential to budget for housing costs.
Renting
Rental prices vary significantly depending on location. In Lisbon, for instance, monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between €900 and €1,500, while outside the city center, prices range from €650 to €1,000.
Porto offers slightly lower rent, with prices for a similar apartment ranging from €700 to €1,200. Make sure to consult an expert when retiring in Portugal as an expat.
Initial Deposits
When renting a property in Portugal, landlords typically require a security deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent, which you’ll need to budget for. Additionally, some landlords may ask for the first and last month’s rent upfront.
Property Search Fees
If you choose to work with a real estate agent to find your rental or property to buy, expect to pay a fee. This typically ranges from 1% to 2% of the property’s purchase price for buying, or a month’s rent for renting. While not mandatory, using an agent can simplify the process.
Healthcare and Insurance
Portugal has a robust healthcare system, and as an expat, you may need private health insurance to cover your medical needs while you transition into the public system.
Health Insurance
Expats in Portugal often opt for private health insurance, which typically costs between €30 and €100 per month, depending on the level of coverage and your age. While Portugal offers an excellent public healthcare system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), foreigners must register with SNS and pay for services based on a sliding scale, which may not be ideal for everyone.
International Health Insurance
If you’re still covered by an international health insurance policy before you register with SNS, this can cost anywhere from €50 to €200 per month, depending on the provider and coverage level. Many expats choose to maintain international insurance coverage during the first few months to avoid long wait times for registering with the public system.
Medical Services
Once registered with SNS, the cost of medical services is generally lower than in many other countries, with doctor consultations averaging €10 to €20. Private healthcare, however, is more expensive, with consultations ranging from €40 to €80 per visit.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Portugal vary depending on how often you plan to travel and whether you’ll be relying on public transit or driving.
Flights to Portugal
The cost of flights to Portugal will vary based on your departure country and the time of year. On average, a one-way ticket from the U.S. to Lisbon costs between €300 and €600, with tickets from European cities like London, Paris, or Berlin generally ranging from €50 to €200.
Transportation within Portugal
Public transportation is a convenient and affordable way to get around in Portuguese cities. A monthly metro or bus pass typically costs between €30 and €50, depending on the city. If you’re planning to rent a car, expect to pay €20 to €50 per day, depending on the car type and season.
Buying a Car
If you choose to buy a car in Portugal, expect to pay anywhere from €5,000 to €20,000 for a used car. Car registration, insurance, and road tax will add to your ongoing transportation costs.
Follow This Moving Expenses List Now
Moving to Portugal is an exciting journey, but it’s essential to plan your budget carefully to ensure that the process goes smoothly. Having a clear idea of what to expect can help you avoid financial surprises and make your relocation stress-free. Take the time to research this moving expenses list for a smooth transition.
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