Your scouting trip is the perfect opportunity...to visit a new area and to act like you already live here. A few ideas/comments:
1. Transporting pets is not an issue; see US and Portuguese embassy sites for the rules (chipping, health records) and you'll be set.
2. Your activities are best met in the Algarve or a community such as Quinta da Marinha or Penha Longa, both north of Cascais. Algarve is less expensive tho, and geared to your exact needs. It's a heavy expat area, mainly Brits but Scandinavians, French and Germans have a growing presence, some Americans. It goes dead in the winter and hectic in the summer, but if you have a golf community you'll be less affected by these swings.
3. Are you exploring realtor web sites to get a feel for pricing, style, privacy? A villa/house is going to suit you better than a condo/apartment. Have you gone to Portugal Property [portugalproperty.com]? Great for insight on areas and listed properties. RE/MAX is another popular agency. Your budget is fine...make some realtor contacts so you can see some communities and properties while you are here.
4. Do you get the online version of the English-language newspaper The Portugal News? Focus is mainly on the Algarve, and lots of real estate info plus ads for businesses related to pets, golf, etc. [www.theportugalnews.com]

In October, you will meet people each day who've done what you're thinking of doing. Answers, insights, alternatives will come to you naturally and you'll make friends quickly. Congrats on going for the dream!

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Your scouting trip is the perfect opportunity...to visit a new area and to act like you already live here. A few ideas/comments:
1. Transporting pets is not an issue; see US and Portuguese embassy sites for the rules (chipping, health records) and you'll be set.
2. Your activities are best met in the Algarve or a community such as Quinta da Marinha or Penha Longa, both north of Cascais. Algarve is less expensive tho, and geared to your exact needs. It's a heavy expat area, mainly Brits but Scandinavians, French and Germans have a growing presence, some Americans. It goes dead in the winter and hectic in the summer, but if you have a golf community you'll be less affected by these swings.
3. Are you exploring realtor web sites to get a feel for pricing, style, privacy? A villa/house is going to suit you better than a condo/apartment. Have you gone to Portugal Property [portugalproperty.com]? Great for insight on areas and listed properties. RE/MAX is another popular agency. Your budget is fine...make some realtor contacts so you can see some communities and properties while you are here.
4. Do you get the online version of the English-language newspaper The Portugal News? Focus is mainly on the Algarve, and lots of real estate info plus ads for businesses related to pets, golf, etc. [www.theportugalnews.com]

In October, you will meet people each day who've done what you're thinking of doing. Answers, insights, alternatives will come to you naturally and you'll make friends quickly. Congrats on going for the dream!

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craigandmicki,

Thank you so much for your reply! You've made me feel a lot better because I've actually been doing some of the things you mentioned. I have looked at the realtor websites and have found a few properties that look great online, but until we get there and see where they are actually located in proximity to other homes, and shopping centers etc., it's hard to get too excited! I did look at Portugal property and will check out Remax today. I'm glad to hear that the dogs won't be too much of an issue though. I have also subscribed to the online version of the Portugal news.
My one other question (and this may be a result of "over" researching this!) is, is it worthwhile to look at the silver coast area? It's not really going to be close while we're visiting, since we're going from Atlanta to Madrid to Lisbon to Faro (exhausting) but sometimes online, I'll see a few great prices on really nice real estate in that area. I'm not sure if it'll have the same vibe (beach town, laid back, casual, quaint) of the Algarve region or if because it's closer to Lisbon, it'll feel more like where we are now (suburb 30 minutes outside of a major city that still moves faster than the 'true' country living folks do). I'd love to hear your thoughts on this if you know anything about it and don't mind. The unfortunate thing is that it would be hard for us to fit both areas into this scouting trip from a time perspective and my husband is fit to be tied with my constant, daily new findings! :)
Thank you again for your response. I'm excited and nervous about this new journey, but I've also never felt more alive! :)

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I know a bit about Atlanta ....as a consultant out of Chicago, I had several Atlanta clients and lived there for a year. Without dampening your spirits, I simply want to suggest that the Algarve doesn't offer a lively beach town atmosphere and is so very different than any area around Atlanta....on so many levels. You need to be there to know what I mean....and in October you'll know if those are welcome differences to which you happily adjust. Have you ever lived or traveled extensively outside the US? Because comparatively, Portugal is a bureaucratic, socialist/communist country without an ounce of marketing, innovation or customer-oriented acumen, tempered by the most genuinely caring and kind people you'll ever meet. The Silver Coast is cheaper but the coastal area is comprised of small villages (other than Setubal and Sesimbra or Sines). None of them will have the golf amenities or culture you seek but they are fun to visit. It's only 4 hours from the Algarve to Lisbon so you really could see the Silver Coast while here. And I understand your agonizing flights...takes us 24 hours to get back to Michigan for our annual trip 'home'.

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As you probably guessed, I have not traveled outside of the US much with the exception of family vacations spent over the years on various islands, both in the US, Mexico and BV islands. My husband travels globally for his job and that's how Portugal popped up on our radar! But he's never been to the Algarve area. I'm actually glad that you said the Algarve won't be like anything here. (Your description was funny and probably very accurate!) My expectations of life there would be a slower, simpler life with good food, good wine, good friends and a MUCH slower pace. Except for the drivers I hear...by the way, how is it to drive in Portugal? We are trying to decide whether to take the train from Lisbon to Faro or rent a car. I'm a little concerned from what I've read that the driving there may be detrimental to one's health! And I wonder if the train would give us a nice view of the country side on our way down (and prove to be relaxing after all that flying!). Any thoughts there? Thanks again for all you've helped me with!

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Hello, just a few comments. My husband and I moved to Portugal from a suburb of Los Angeles, California. We took a repositioning cruise in March out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Of course your doggies could not accompany you on a cruise but there are many pet relocations that could help you with that. We did not bring animals just way too much stuff lol. We stayed in Lisbon for a month and really enjoyed it and all the cultural things it offers. We went Cascais and think it is beautiful, only about 30 to 40 minutes out of Lisbon, Maybe somewhat like your arrangement in Atlanta.
May I ask if you plan on staying in Faro or looking at other areas of the Algarve? We first went to Faro and found all but one of the beaches are on islands and the one beach that is not is basically at or near the airport. We we somewhat disappointed in the atmosphere there. We have now been in Lagos since the end of April and so far are really enjoying it. People are very nice and friendly, Portuguese and others. We have only met about three Americans so far, which is ok. It has been a cool and rather windy but we are told more windy and cooler than normal. There are no large shopping centers here but Portamou, about 12 miles away has a nice one. Clothes here seem to be a little more expensive, however our utilities are about 25% of what they were in the US. Our condo is only About 800 sq ft compared to our house which was 2400 sq ft. Also, we had a pool central heat and air. Here we do not have air, even though we live in a new building and we have not needed it. We do not have heat, so I really cannot personally speak to that. It is not the US, but we really like it overall. We have our our first year residency, without much trouble, but not hassle free. Much better to start this while you are in the States. I will be happy to meet with you for a coffee or wonderful glass of Portugal wine when you are here. Driving can be a bit of a challenge, only stick shift cars but my husband has done it very successfully. If you have more question please contact me as the web site I have here will be closed . I will send you a personal message.

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And so much, so VERY much, depends on what you're coming from, what you're willing/able to accept. As ProfBren have experienced, this summer was cooler and windier than we've experienced in 4 years. Will be interested to hear from you guys after a winter in Lagos, as it gets much quieter. Keep us posted!

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Will do. Are you two in Lisbon?

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No, we're in Cascais...did you ever reach the part-time help you wanted for the month you spent in Alfama? Just wanted to know if I should recommend her to others.

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Yes and we did communicate with each other at that time. She did not show up because she said she could not find it and the taxi driver did not know where it was either. I felt if she didn't know where it was she would ask for directions before coming. Oh well long time now.

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ProfBren,

Thank you for your response! Yes, a cruise sounds like a lovely way to experience Portugal, especially because the country is bordered by water! My husband is 6'9" tall, so unfortunately we've never cruised anywhere because he really has a problem with the small cabins and beds! However, we do plan on staying in the Faro area, just as a base landing per se. Our thoughts were to start there and travel around the area, trying to get a feel for which areas appeal to us. We're going to try to walk around most places, try shopping in grocery stores, eating in local restaurants, etc., and talk to as many local people (and of course, expats too) as possible. We've heard that Silves and Lagos are beautiful as well. We really are looking for a sleepy beach town feel (we are aware of the holiday season there though!) with a slow pace and enough diversity of people that we can get around daily with our limited portuguese speaking abilities at first. We think we might rent a place first so that we can take some time feeling places out. Our main concerns are privacy and room for our dogs to roam around some. Oh, and of course, ceilings that my husband can stand up straight in! Lol! I hear over and over that Cascais is a beautiful town. It's proximity to Lisbon is particularly appealing because I think it would be 'easier' to family/friends to get to us after a long transatlantic flight. My husband loves golf though and we don't hang out downtown at all and he's concerned that we won't be as happy so close to the city. We don't know though so we're keeping it open. Sigh. The weather has been strange everywhere lately, so I'm not really surprised that it's been cooler and windier there. It seems everyone we know from different parts of the country have had their "can you believe this weather?" story, especially this past year. At any rate, I've got so much information about our upcoming trip to Portugal swirling around in my head right now, that I really can't wait until we just get to experience it all. Like craigandmicki said to me earlier, I do believe that once I'm there, a lot of these concerns/questions will answer themselves and I'll have a better grasp of what we want to do and where to go. Until then though, I thank you for your email address and would love to meet you there for a great glass of wine (or two!). Any input you think would help us is always greatly appreciated! Thank you again!

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Hi just a brief clarification. We took a repositioning cruise to balcolona, Spain and then drove to Lisbon from there. We stop in the Azores but the weather was not good that day so I did not go ashore. My husband is 6' 4" so I totally get the cabin beds and ceilings. We spent our first month in a nice little apartment with 6' 6"" ceilings he felt like he was in a small box. I do get you do not want to be in a fast paced beach town. There are many beautiful villas that are out and away from the towns where you doggies would love it. I highly recommend you rent at first. By the way we did all our paper work with San Francisco and they did give us some bad information. The SEF office here where we completed our process was shocked because they told us only one person should immigrate, it cost us a little more money by doing that and couple of extra visits to the SEF office. I highly recommend you both start your packets there and it will be much easier when you get here. Something you could check out during your visit. Ate logo

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Hi ProfBren,

Update: I sent this to your email address first and it came back undeliverable so. I'm posting it here. Just wanted you to know!

Thank you so much for your responses so far, and thank you for the clarification on the repositioning cruises. I honestly never knew the cruise ships operated those special one way trips, but after you mentioned it and I looked it up, I found it quite interesting and sensible for them to do that. What a great way to travel, but like you said, for us, it wouldn't work because of our dogs. However, it's always good to learn something new so thank you!

I also agree with your advice for us to begin our paperwork process here, and because I've got the gift of a little time before we actually move, I will do that. I'd like to have as much of that stuff done ahead of time as possible because I feel like we'll have SO many new things to learn and assimilate to once we're living there that our paperwork will not be something I'll want to worry about. I also agree with you that we should rent first. That just seems like the best idea because we are really clueless as to which area will be a good 'fit'. From where I sit here in Georgia, I look at villas and homes everyday in Portugal that look beautiful online and seem perfect for us. Towns, small cities and rural areas that sound great, but could be in the middle of nowhere or near something undesirable. So as excited as we are to get there and find our 'special' little place, I'm aware that we need to be there for awhile and really get a feel for the country, the people, the activities we'd want to get into, etc. I like to volunteer and do so now here at home, so I'd like to find someplace there that I could indulge myself in that regard as well.
So thank you again for your help, advice and kind words. I hope to meet you one day while we're there, and take you up on that glass of wine! :)

By the way, I'm of portuguese descent so this is another reason we're looking to relocate there. My parents were very old school though and didn't teach us kids how to speak the language growing up because they wanted us to 'fit' in in America with no accents, etc. Ugh. So I'm trying to make up for lost time and culture! :)

Cuide-Se!

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Hi, sorry about the email. Try this one professoradams9416@gmail.com. When we were in Los Angeles we tried to find Portuguese books, lessons or anything to try to get a jump start on the language but could only find Brazilian Portuguese . Most people told us to be careful because there are lots of differences. I do volunteer work also, at a soup kitchen and attempting to teach English at our local children's home. I would also like to be involved with the animal shelters but without a car this proving a little more difficult. Please keep in touch. Ate logo

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Hi, I saw the reference to being of Portuguese descent, you may be eligible for citizenship through your parents or even grandparents;
it took me about 6 months or so but working through the Portuguese Consulate in San Francisco, I obtained mine through grandparents who were born in Azores and my mom who was born in USA (but we registered her birth in Portugal this year so she is now a citizen) - I now have a citizen card which included medical number and eligibility for public health care, and a Portuguese passport so I don't need to worry about temporary residency, etc. plus you have right of residency if the other EU countries;
I am winding down to retirement or a break and Portugal is the planned 1st stop or home base and I thought the citizenship would be helpful, you might consider if it would be worthwhile for you, I can give you a head start on what you will need

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RAMLin,

Thank you for the information on citizenship in Portugal! We are heading over this week for our scouting trip and I will definitely keep you in mind if we decide that this is where we plan to settle down. Hopefully we'll be in touch!

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To everyone,
We are excited to get ready for our trip to Portugal at the end of this week! I want to thank everyone again for their helpful words and advice here and I am looking forward to experiencing everything that we can fit in while we're there! I will let you know our thoughts upon our return, and after a good nights rest! I think we'll need it by then! Thanks again!

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Interested in splitting the cost of an empty leg cherter on a pvt jet? The 2 of us are considering a winter place in Portugal.

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Prof Ben, my husband & I are coming down to Praia do Luz in the next 10 days to finalize a 6 month rental. We would love to meet you for a glass of wine to hear about your experiences. We are in Lisbon for 2.5 months & head back to US for a quick trip, than back to Luz.

Kathy & Vince

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Kathy,

Thank you for reaching out to me about getting together! I wish I could say yes, I'll meet you all there, but unfortunately my husband and I are back in the States after our wonderful trip to Portugal!
We only had a week to spend gathering as much information as we could about the Algarvian region and we made the most of it! We returned home, more sure than before, that this is where we'll spend at least the first years of our retirement on our new adventure. For now though, reality has set back in, and we are purging our current home and fixing it up with plans to sell in the spring, and applying for our residency (the paperwork is extensive!).
I really hope to connect with, and officially meet the friends that I've made here once we arrive in Portugal, which, if my timing and luck are good, should be within the next 12 months!
Thank you for reaching out to us though, and I hope to meet you in the near future!

Cheryl

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Did you work on getting your residency visa once you were in Portugal? Do they allow you to do that? We are here for 90 days and would like to stay.

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We started from here but already had all our documents with us (FBI report, etc) and had to pretend we were applying from the US by sending paperwork to a friend in the US who then set it to the consul. That might gave been overkill but....Then, we had to fly back to the US for a couple of weeks in order to submit our passports to the consul to get the Visa stamp inserted.

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Explored it, but timing is challenging and you have to appear at your Portuguese Embassy in the U.S., based on your address, and surrender your passport. They then will issue your residence visa. Some have done it by completing the application packet, including fingerprints which may be done at US Embassy in Lisbon, sending the packet to US friends and having the packet put into US mail to the appropriate Portuguese Embassy. Then you return to US when application is approved, surrender your passport for a few weeks, pick up your residence permit.

We ended up getting a visa extension for 3 months, but with that you are not allowed to leave Portual for another country and return---or visit another EU country for a short trip. Once you leave, you cannot come back in. However, that "extension period" counts as "away" so that after a quick visit back to the U.S. We were able to able to return for another 3 months on US passport and travel at will.

I hope this helps.

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Hi, After reading your message, we are curious to hear how your retirement to Portugal has turned out. We have a very similar intention and will be in the Algarve in October 2016, staying two weeks in San Bras on home exchange and another two weeks thereafter. Many thanks,

Saran
Hawaii

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My wife and I currently live in Seattle and plan to move to the Lisbon area in the fall of 2016; we are traveling there June 2016 to determine a specific location, but are focused heavily on Cascais.
ProfBen's note of 9/6/2014 is now a little dated, but a comment ("only one person should immigrate") was made in that posting about which I would like to get clarification. In an email to me written by an employee from the Portuguese consulate in SF whose first language isn't English, we were advised (I think) that only one spouse should obtain a temporary residence visa. Then after arriving in Portugal the other spouse would get a "family reunification residence permit". Does this make sense based on anyone else's experience? Am I properly understanding that?
On another point: During our exploration trip in June 2016 we would like to either find a specific rental opportunity or at least determine the locations to which we might be interested in moving in the fall. Does anyone have any recommendations? Is it advisable to meet an agent with whom to visit potential properties, or is it better to research properties online? Also, how might we communicate with expats currently living in the Lisbon area who might be willing to give advice?
Gary

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a) Highly helpful to work with a realtor while on your scouting trip. In the Cascais area, three are among the most trusted: MAP, Rose Realty and Porta de Frente. b) Have you acquainted yourselves with properties and areas? Use the casasapo.pt 'multiple listing site' to see what's available to buy or rent and get a feel for pricing and quality and what the realtors list. Note that realtors can be slow to remove properties no longer available and very slow to answer your email inquiries, outside of the recommended realtors in point (a). c) Get to know other expats via the facebook site "Americans in Portugal" and the Lisbon chapter of InterNations. This site, ExpatExchange, is among the most factual and helpful. d) The SF consul should be closed or fined or something. They follow their own set of 'laws'. No one else would advise splitting your applications for Visas this way. It usually comes up when the SF consul thinks you lack the 'financial means' to arrive as a couple. Many applicants have ignored that and simply followed the easier, clearer, faster steps outlined at this site. So you have that data? Do you need links to the realtors mentioned?

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craigandmicki, I greatly appreciate your help and offer of further help. You, and this site, have been tremendously helpful, and I have only begun to get into this!
I will investigate more the sites and references you gave me regarding rental properties. I will check back with you if I get stumped.
I have requested to be added to Americans in Portugal on Facebook.
I am anxious about the Visa process because I find conflicting information (we have the possibly unusual situation of my wife having a DUI on her record, which has all been resolved, but I can't get a direct answer about how the Portuguese authorities will view it). You mentioned a link to a site you have confidence in, so yes, I would appreciate being directed to it or any place that is proven to be accurate and reliable.
Thanks again for you assistance. I am sure I will be seeking more!
Gary

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Hi . Also check House Gallery
http://www.housegallery.pt/ . Silvia ( +351 969567892 / silvia.vieira79@gmail.com) will also provide you the contact of a tax and/or a legal advisor to help you , if you feel necessary . Rgds

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My wife and I have been to the Algarve twice in the last few months. Both times we rented a car at the Lisbon airport and drove to Lagos. It is an extremely easy drive on the A2 and A22. Both roads are toll roads, well maintained and not congested. Because the toll is about $30 to go from Lisbon to Lagos, I think the Portuguese avoid the express way. I would highly recommend renting a car if you want to explore the Algarve. We used Sixt and got a weekly rate of $140 unlimited miles for a small diesel hatchback.

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Are you planning on relocating there?
We are retired, a DAV and are looking for a place to winter and are considering Portugal, same region around Lago's. What have you found that is really different if anything???

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Are you living there full time?

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We have just had a disappointing—potentially disastrous—experience with Porta da Frente Lisboa. We rented an apartment in Cascais using one of their representatives. When the utilities were turned on, we were told by the gas company that the apartment is uninhabitable because of a pet door added to the lavandaria by previous occupants (creating potentially toxic indraft), and we have 90 days to correct or they will turn off the gas (no hot water, no heat). Work began, supervised by Porta da Frente rep, to correct problems with apartment. Two different workers investigated the door causing the problem and both stated they had solutions and would follow through. Three weeks have passed since the last worker appeared. Not only have we heard nothing from the rep or the workers (one left his tool box and drills here 3 weeks ago) but Porta da Frente will not return emails and the rep is nowhere to be found. We've contacted the attorney in charge of the owner's property but thus far have received not a word. I cannot in all good conscience recommend Porta da Frente for anything related to real estate and suggest, if you work with them, use an independent attorney—not Porta da Frente's, and not the real estate owner's attorney.

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cmanner,

If you are asking those questions to me...No, we don't live there full time (yet). My wife and I purchased a vacation home in Lagos area and plan to potentially move there full time in the next few years. Praia da Luz has numerous places to rent for the off season. I met several people who do just that....rent for the winter months.

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