|
Portugal: What is the benefit of having a fiscal representative?:
Just thought to share MY EXPERIENCE. I agree with mondayschid's latest response.
My husband & I (Americans from San Francisco, both 50 years old) moved to Portimao in the Algarve Oct 2016 , and we paid an attorney for filing our 120 day visa plus help with the SEF process.
The firm also helped with getting our fiscal number, opening a bank account at Novo Banco, filed our Non-Habitual Residency Tax Status, and other legal assistance we needed to obtain our residency process. What other legal assistance? Well, my husband had a bit of a colorful FBI background (nothing criminal but youth & living in SF can add to one's background). We now also have an accountant to file our tax return for 2016 (partial year Oct-Dec). Please note just because you have been approved for the NHR tax status does NOT equal you do NOT have to file a tax return in Portugal. The short explanation is you file your US Federal Tax Return first then file your Portugal Tax Return using the info in your US Federal Tax Return. In MOST cases you won't have to pay taxes in Portugal, but having a tax accountant might be smart especially if you have a lot of investment income like us, or you worked in Portugal.
Anyway, you get what you pay for and the amount this "representative" is charging doesn't really make sense to me (meaning I don't think she is a legit fiscal rep). Again, I'm just sharing my experience.
Thanks.
Portugal: Pre-existing conditions and Pt health insurance:
I too had breast cancer surgery Dec 2014, and now living in the Algarve. I'm 51 years old and have full coverage private medical insurance with Allianz through Medal (insurance broker) for 600 euros a year. You can send me a PM if you want further details.
Please note I do not have any experience with public health care system in Portugal. I actually do not think you can be eligible if you're just moving to Portugal.
Portugal: Daily costs seem high:
This is my opinion & yes standard of living/cost is different for everyone. Cascais area is known to be quite a bit more expenisve than many regions in Portugal. Largely due to its proximity to a major city such as Lisboa.
My opinion is perhaps start researching for an area in the Algarve. My husband & I arrived to live in Portimao from San Francisco in early Oct. (we're both 50 years old) . Please note we visited Portugal multiple times prior to our move so we were surprised by much except for a few things such as productivity/efficiency, etc. Our rent for a brand new T2 south facing duplex (important in the winter for warmth) for 750 euros (about 105 square meters plus a large deck with very good views - not ocean view). We're on the top floor (there are several bldgs in the community; all with elevators & 2 parking spots plus a storage unit) So far our monthly expenses inclusive of dining out & several pub visits weekly, groceries, utilities (internet, EDP, H20, mobile), insurance (health/car/renter), pet care (we have a French bulldog), petro/tolls for one car is around 2250 euros/month. The following is a link to the condo community we live in:
https://www.gardeniasliving.com.pt/index.php/pt
Hopefully this is helpful.
Portugal: Flying large dogs on TAP Airlines:
In Oct we flew on TAP from Miami to Lisbon with our 14kg Frenchie in the main cabin because she is small enough in a soft carry case under the front seat.
The key is to make sure you get the USDA certification so your dog(s) can enter Portugal. Your vet can explain the process. Your USDA & vet health certification has to be within 10 days of your departure & arrival into Portugal. USDA requires an appointment so make sure you make the appointment then get the health certificate from your vet to bring to USDA. But talk to your vet asap to are sure the vaccinations are appropriate.
Once you land in Portugal, the designated vet at Lisbon airport will inspect your documentation & scan the microchip(s) for record. It was an easy process - it just seems complicated in writing. Let us know if you have questions. We're. Happy to help when it comes to pets!
Portugal: Too young to retire?:
This is my experience since my husband & I retired early at 49 & 50 from San Francisco. We arrive in Portimao (in the Algarve) Oct. 8. The best advice is not to say you're retiring. There has been several posts by other ex-pats on this forum sharing what should be said during the application process. The best answer is to say you would like to live in Portugal for a bit & do some traveling.
The Visa Type is Type 1, and as a pensioner. Basically you'll be asked to show assets above a certain amount. We hired an immigration attorney in Lisbon, and our strategy was to move 50,000 euros into a Portuguese Bank, but check with the consulate that you will be processed through.
NOTE: I'm not saying 50,000 euros is the required number for a visa....I'm sharing MY experience & what my husband & I were able to do.
Recap we arrive on Oct 8, 2016 with our 120 day Type 1 Visa, and on Nov 24 we will be meeting with SEF for our one-year residency card. The Algarve SEF office per our attorney is not quite as busy. For example, if we lived in Lisbon, our SEF appointment likely won't take place until late Jan 2017 (about 4 weeks before our Type 1 visas expire).
Send us a private message if we can share our experience further.
Portugal: Health Insurance Cost:
My husband & I just purchased Allianz health coverage through Medal. Best price & quality coverage. Do NOT go with Medis...pretty bad medical coverage and very expensive. I'm 51 with a breast cancer history & my husband is 50. Annual premium for both of is 1,236 euros. Bruno is also excellent to work with.
Portugal: LONG TERM RENTAL:
My husband and I live in Portimao. We arrived in Oct 2016 from San Francisco. I had reserved a 30 day one-bedroom unit to allow us to find a one-year rental. The long-term rental site is good, and Oct - May is the slow season here so long-term rentals are plentiful ranging between 400-500 euros for nice one-bedroom with amenities. I recommend renting between Alvor/Portimao. You'll have more options with restaurants, pubs, beaches & people.
Good luck.
Portugal: International Health Insurance:
Thank you. This is interesting to read since my husband and I from San Francisco is also planning our move to Portugal early Fall 2016.
So what is all the low health care cost we've been reading about? Premiums for me along would be at least 500 Euros; I'm a 50 year old female with a history of breast cancer.
Portugal: Residency Visa (Not the Golden Visa):
I just reached out to an attorney in Lisbon to help my husband & I start our Portuguese residency visa but they are claiming if we are not interested in the Golden Visa, AND we're both US citizens, we will have to choose a way to obtain Portuguese residence. The options are either working visas, studying or teaching visas and entrepreneur visas.
My husband and I are financially independent and just want to retire in Portugal. We don't need any financial support & do not wish to purchase property or start a business. We can more than provide documentation of sufficient financial sources.
What REALLY are our options.
Global Expat Forum: Moving to UAE to work for ADIA:
Hi there,
I'm interviewing to go work for Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in UAE. Does anyone work for ADIA? Any insights? I would be moving to UAE from San Francisco and would love to hear get feedback on neighborhoods to live, etc.
| 
Login to Contact beeg1234
About beeg1234
