Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Portugal Expat Forum

Newbie questions on an expected move in 2 years

New Topic Newest First
nirlay
  12/25/2017 17:41 EST

I have decided to move to Portugal after our kids are off to college. Few questions to start with :
1. Is it worthwhile to invest and get the golden visa. The benefit I see is that I would qualify for state run healthcare, but people have advised me to get private health insurance regardless. How much does private health insurance cost ?
2. Is it worthwhile to buy a property if the answer to the above question is a yes.
3. I am thinking of getting a job in the telecom industry as I work for Tier 1 telecom provider in the US. This is to get by the first few years where I can get health insurance coverage. I would like my health insurance to be covered. Based on this, which regions should I look for ?
4. Currently I work at least 80 hours a week. If I stop working totally what do I do, how does one spend time ? This may be a stupid question, but I just wanted to ask if life gets boring if the work hours gets to zero.

drewmckee
  12/26/2017 07:19 EST

Nirlay,

1. I’m not sure it is worthwhile to get the Golden Visa....depends on if you have the cash to plunk down on a house. I would look closely, there are some reduced investment requirements for older buildings and in rural areas. I think you can get the number down to around €275,000 if you do everything just right. All that being said, it is my understanding that you only need to establish residency to get on the national healthcare system. You don’t need a Golden Visa to do that. As for private coverage, I got a quote from Medal Insurance (thru AFPOP) for an "A” Option Plan at €100 per month per person (€2400 per year for my wife and I).

2. I think it is worthwhile to buy a property....even if you aren’t going for the Golden Visa. By U.S. standards, it is rather affordable. We purchased a beach house in Western Algarve two years ago and have been happy. Property taxes are very reasonable (€350 a year) as is property insurance (€200 a year)...and our place is a stones throw from the beach. While the exchange rate is creeping back up (€ gaining on $), I feel it is still in your favor. I have noticed property values increasing and inventory decreasing in the past two years.

3. No idea, I didn’t look at work.

4. This is a question I wrestle with too. I still work full time as well but take frequent breaks to the Algarve when possible. My wife would prefer to retire next year and move to Portugal full-time....I don’t think I’ll get bored but I’ve never been unemployed before either. If you golf, hike, bike, sail, etc....the weather in the Algarve certainly allows for most outdoor activities year round. Take a look at this very well written blog by two retired Americans in Lagos.....good info:

https://noparticularplacetogo.net

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

nirlay
  12/26/2017 14:51 EST

Thanks for the prompt response, Drew. I would like others to comment on the fact - how to establish residency. My thinking was you need a golden visa. If residency can be obtained without a golden visa, what is the benefit of the golden visa ?

I am inching towards buying an apartment ( in the range of $150K) to start with and renting it out for 2 years or so before I can spend more time in Portugal. I need to stay in US fulltime for another 3 years before the kids are out of the house. I am working full time and would follow the same path as you, Drew.

About insurance through AFPOP, how do you compare it to your current health insurance ( assuming that your current employer provides an insurance).

thanks
nirlay

BigWorld
  12/26/2017 16:49 EST

Good to have a plan for you that gives you some flexibility if your feelings about Portugal change. Many people do have a change of heart.

I have only looked into the golden visa so I can't compare but I can tell you a little of what I know.

Buying an apt. for $150k won't help you get a golden visa so I would not recommend. Spending another $200-250k at minimum at least gives you an immigration option to consider when you are ready. I worry a little about a housing bubble so do you research well.

Advantage I believe of the golden visa compared to some other options is that it allows you to work. Given what you have said about your interests, I think you will not be happy being idle.

Also, the golden visa allows you to leave Portugal for long periods of time and return without violating the terms of the visa.

Also, Portugal may be unique in that you do not have to own the housing forever in order to keep your residency. After a certain # of years, you can sell and still retain your golden visa.

Lastly, a golden visa can possibly lead to permanent EU residency in case you wish to move to another EU country some day.

drewmckee
  12/27/2017 07:02 EST

Nirlay,

I’m not an expert on Golden Visas by any means, however there are advantages for sure. If you clear the hurdles and can apply for the Golden Visa, it is my understanding that it offer the shortest, surest path to residency. As someone else mentioned, it removes the physical presence require as well. Honestly, to me the traditional path (link below) to residency doesn’t seem that bad and doesn’t require you to tie up more cash in real estate than perhaps you would like. Just my two cents, everyone's situation is a bit different.

As for the insurance, I haven’t purchased it yet because I’m still working and my company offers me insurance. However, from what I can tell, coverage will be similar. I am healthy, so I don't really use insurance....but the deductibles and coverage seem reasonable to me. Plus, after you get your residency card, you qualify for the public medical coverage as well (suspenders and a belt). Email Carla @ Medal ([email protected]), she will likely quote you a policy....they have several options.


Good read:
http://www.expatexchange.com/ctryguide/4216/92/Portugal/United-States-Citizens-Moving-to-Portugal-Demystifying-the-Paper-Trail

Cuernavacabound
  12/27/2017 07:32 EST

cart before horse

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

nirlay
  12/27/2017 09:01 EST

Cuernavacabound - not really. just weighing my options and learning about benefits of different options. Thanks for your help.

Drew - Thanks for your comments.

dancebert
  12/28/2017 10:17 EST

> Currently I work at least 80 hours a week. If I stop working totally what do I do, how does one spend time ?

Anyway you want. What did you do with your free time before your 80 hrs a week grind? What have you wanted to do if you had the time? Can you do those in Portugal? How to fill time is a frequent question in the Life After FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) forum at http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/

Filling the time void created by retirement can be a challenge even if the only change you made in your life is stop working. Now imagine the additional challenge if you're living in a foreign culture and country. I've seen too many fill their time with practicing their alcohol abuse techniques.

nirlay
  12/28/2017 12:11 EST

dancebert - thanks much for the link.
"alcohol abuse technique" LOL!!

drewmckee
  12/29/2017 06:57 EST

Nirlay,

I’m the same way....I like to look at stuff from all angles, collect the info and then make a decision. Sure, I might waste some time researching something I never end up doing....but no harm in having too much info and making an informed decision.

nirlay
  1/17/2018 19:10 EST

Can people comment on this property that I am thinking of buying. It has a staged payment option. What are the cons ?
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property/property-62397359.html

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

ESprotte59
  1/17/2018 22:00 EST

Hello. I purchased an off plan condo in Lisbon....under construction with same terms. I guess this is standard.
Erik

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/17/2018 22:15 EST

Many, Many, I said MANY gringoes lost all their money pre financing condos in Brasil when the builders ran off with the money, NOT uncommon.
IF the builders can't afford to build it, chances they WON'T finish it if they can't afford it !
HINT - what is the heritage of many Brasilians ?

KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC
  1/18/2018 01:47 EST

nirlay, for the apt. you are looking at, completion risk would be my biggest concern. Has developer acquired the site and all required permits? How will the project be financed? Does the developer have the equity required to complete? Does the developer have a track record of successful projects? Is there bank financing in place for the project? How will completion be guaranteed? What happens to your investment if they cannot raise all required capital? What are the closing costs - fees, commissions, etc.? If they cannot answer these questions, I would be concerned.

CascaisPortugal
  1/18/2018 05:24 EST

Lisbon is not Brazil....

CascaisPortugal
  1/18/2018 05:29 EST

No cons, investigate the history of the builders though.

mariaorr
  1/18/2018 08:38 EST

@GoingcrazyGoing; in Portugal too there are many buildings that were abandoned half way through construction; It is an eyesore and brings down the value to other properties in the area.
In Sesimbra, right on the waterfront, is this huge monstrosity apartment building that was started, and then boom 2009 and the builder ran away with the deposits and the building is still standing 18 years later; it looks terrible and I wonder why the municipality wont have it demolished; I know it costs money but it really give a negative impact on tourists and future retirees.

gbeaudry
  1/18/2018 08:52 EST

To Newbie: Figures A and D on page 31 of this OECD economics analysis should serve as a red flag when considering buying real estate on plans. i.e.: non performing loans in the housing sector are legion and buyers should therefore beware.

https://www.oecd.org/eco/surveys/Portugal-2017-OECD-economic-survey-overview.pdf

dancebert
  1/18/2018 09:15 EST

@nirlay I can think of 3 reasons why in 2017 anyone would ask in a forum about buying Portuguese real estate before construction was finished.

First is one has never heard of the PIIGS (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Spain) and their relation to that bit of economic bother that happened in 2008. Also one is unaware of any threats to the makeup of the EU.

Second and third, well, my momma taught me if I didn't have anything nice to say...

SummerFest
  1/18/2018 10:04 EST

It’s easy to loose money on real estate if you don’t know the area, the language, the quality of local construction, perrenial habit of locals not to pay condo fees, crime, and one group (actually more than one) of people that are above the law here in Portugal...
Yes, real estate is booming now. Yet, you have to be on the ground to make the right decision.
Not everything goes up.

mariaorr
  1/18/2018 10:23 EST

@summerfest - I agree 100 %
you have to be vigilant when purchasing in Portugal; don't buy a condo, no one pays the fees; I owned a condo in Lisbon and half the building didn't pay fees; So glad I sold that place.

mariaorr
  1/18/2018 10:23 EST

@summerfest - I agree 100 %
you have to be vigilant when purchasing in Portugal; don't buy a condo, no one pays the fees; I owned a condo in Lisbon and half the building didn't pay fees; So glad I sold that place.

mariaorr
  1/18/2018 10:23 EST

@summerfest - I agree 100 %
you have to be vigilant when purchasing in Portugal; don't buy a condo, no one pays the fees; I owned a condo in Lisbon and half the building didn't pay fees; So glad I sold that place.

SummerFest
  1/18/2018 13:07 EST

Recently I came across an apartment ( was looking for a friend of mine ) with monthly fee of €3.00, or €36.00 per annum. 90% of people didn't pay condo fee for 4 years...
Real estate agent tried to hide this info.
The apartment wasn't too bad and price was excellent for the Algarve region.
The condition of the building itself was left to desire and the neighbours...nunca

mariaorr
  1/18/2018 13:14 EST

Yes unfortunately this is the problem with condo fees in Portugal. There is no legislation to prevent this from happening; I had a condo in the Algarve and the one couple there hadn't paid for 22 years. No matter how many letters the superintendent sent them, they still never paid. Then when the building starts to get shabby there is no money to fix anything;

mariaorr
  1/18/2018 13:49 EST

@ Summerfest; be very careful with condo's in Portugal, realistically 3 euros a month is ridiculous, what good would that do if the building needs a new roof.

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/18/2018 16:49 EST

SO FUNNY ! BUT very Portuguese / Brasilian.
Brasilians HATE paying the electric bill and only do when it gets turned off and they are in the dark.
BUT they have plenty of $$ for beer and cigarettes.

mariaorr
  1/18/2018 16:52 EST

LOL; I know hey? what a bunch of cheap asses. There is always money for beer and cigarettes and soccer games;

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/18/2018 16:56 EST

It's cultural ... LATINO culture ; from Italy to Spain to Portugal to Brasil to central America ... same story.
You can't take the LATIN out of a LATINO.
GREEKS are pretty good at it too, they NEVER PAY taxes, that's what brought the country down.

mariaorr
  1/18/2018 16:58 EST

lol, that's for sure; quite nervy don't you think ?

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/18/2018 17:03 EST

Hell, if they can get away with it for 22 years, WHY should I pay either ?
My little contribution isn't even going to paint a door in the complex !

sandragv
  1/18/2018 17:09 EST

Guys, there are that kind of people everywhere. Remember, the world has an opinion about you, too. Why do people tend to stereotype ? Are you all the same? NO! So do not generalize when talking about other people. But, there's always different choices. If you do not like, do not come. Educated, good and friendly people are always welcome !

sandragv
  1/18/2018 17:09 EST

Guys, there are that kind of people everywhere. Remember, the world has an opinion about you, too. Why do people tend to stereotype ? Are you all the same? NO! So do not generalize when talking about other people. But, there's always different choices. If you do not like, do not come. Educated, good and friendly people are always welcome !

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/18/2018 17:18 EST

I think Sandra is embarrassed to be Portuguese.
Sorry to let you know that things are NOT like that in the US or Canada.
We don't have to wait all day to be attended in the bank and it doesn't take 3 months to get a drivers license either.
HERE both take about 20 minutes or less. Talk about EDUCATED ! WOW !
TRUTH HURTS SOMETIMES.

sandragv
  1/18/2018 17:44 EST

Nobody is perfect, not even you. And I am sure you know that. However, when you go to Portugal, you are very welcomed and they do not treat anybody according to any kind of prejudice or stereotype. Education also means to accept people and its differences ... and work together to build a better world, starting from the place we decided to live . Of course, we are all free to decide what differences we are able to accept, or not. Then, the choice is easy .

SummerFest
  1/18/2018 17:46 EST

I've never seen before anything with €3 condo fee. I looked at the building in the morning. It was crumbling.
Condo fees in my neck of the woods range between €22 without elevator to €50 with elevator. In my condo most people pay...once a year... after warnings. This is challenge with condo. Yet, villas have their own problems. They get robbed quite often. Police do nothing. There is no reporting in the news either.

Another story, it was reported though. Yesterday, an old woman was run over and killed by two speeding cars when she crossed the road. Police officers were gathering her parts in 500m radio. It was in Faro.
Nobody stopped. They coudn't find the cars.

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/18/2018 19:10 EST

SUMMERFEST = thanks for the info.
That is per month, right ?
Understand about condos. What are you calling a Villa ? Is that a separate house with no condo fee ? They are isolated and easy to rob ? Are the locals robbers or are they foreign immigrants ?
The cars that ran over the women in Faro, were they apparently some wealthy unaccountable locals or tourists ? Sounds like there is no interest in finding out who they were. Has to be some desire for justice.

SummerFest
  1/19/2018 05:17 EST

It’s per month. Can be paid quarterly, yearly, or once in 22 years :)
Villa is a stand alone house. Main target of this type of crime are foreigners and old people living alone. It happens everywhere - in the North and in the Algarve.
GNR is tied lipped on who commits these crimes. Locals avoid talking about it too. Local Brits have warned me. They live in the Algarve 20+ years. I trust them. It’s not too bad but you need to be very careful when picking a place. Expats are the best source.
As to who, locals or foreigners, it’s both.

mariaorr
  1/19/2018 08:29 EST

@goingcrazygoing -

A villa can be a stand alone house, or it can be in a gated community;
they do sometimes get robbed but depends where in Portugal they are; The Algarve is a magnet for thieves. They know its mostly wealthy foreigners.

mariaorr
  1/19/2018 08:36 EST

@summerfest;
not true that villas get robbed often at all; It depends where the Villa is.
As I said before, the Algarve is a target because there are so many expats living there.
There is a lot of crime in Portugal, so do your research, and if you see a condo that is not well maintained, you can bet no one is paying the fees.

mariaorr
  1/19/2018 08:36 EST

@summerfest;
not true that villas get robbed often at all; It depends where the Villa is.
As I said before, the Algarve is a target because there are so many expats living there.
There is a lot of crime in Portugal, so do your research, and if you see a condo that is not well maintained, you can bet no one is paying the fees.

mariaorr
  1/19/2018 09:00 EST

@sandrag- Missy Sandra,
We are only responding to a question that was posted about Portugal; Yes there is crime everywhere, but everywhere wasn't on the question list; Portugal was on the question list. Would you prefer we say that there is no crime in Portugal and lie ? I love Portugal too, but we need to be realistic and live with the facts; it is crime ridden, unfortunately, and some places are worst than others. Just like in the States, God help you if your are wondering around after midnight in Detroit, Michigan, or the slums of Chicago; However, walk around the affluent area in New York City after midnight, and you will fine.

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/19/2018 12:08 EST

Mariaorr =
Well, thanks for giving us the truth about Portugal. This is info people need to know.
I am sure as it is everywhere, there are good areas and bad ones. Same goes for Brasil.
Seems away from the touristic areas, inland is best and stay away from where all the gringoes live.
My friend got pickpocketed on a bus in Rome.
I go to foreign countries to get away from most gringos, not congregate with them. Isn't that what the experience is about ?

mariaorr
  1/19/2018 13:07 EST

@goingcrazygoing:

Portugal is not very famous with the
Americans " gringos" as you call them. I find that word derogatory, I would rather call them Americans. There are some very good people in the United States.
American prefer the Caribbean Islands as their playground, they are not much into Europe for retirement.

nirlay
  1/19/2018 21:13 EST

Thanks so much everyone for all your insights.

Can people throw in names of builders they trust. May be I do not go with unfinished property.

Also I was thinking about Algarve owing to the warmer weather, may be I need to rethink. Any suggestion ? I am flexible.

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/19/2018 22:11 EST

As a US Merchant Mariner, I've spent some time going in and out of the US Navy base at Rota Spain and Souda Bay Crete.
I've found both places wonderful.
Cadiz SP is the next town over and would be one great WARM place to live. Hannia, on the end of Crete is a beautiful town with plenty of yachties.
BOTH are good options for warmer weather inside the MED.
Would be a boaters dream. You could sail all the way to Greece or out the Pillars of Hercules.
One more good option is the Azores (Portuguese territory). Beautiful and safe.

nirlay
  1/20/2018 10:10 EST

I pursued with the agent with the questions Kevin prompted here and here is the answer :

The constructor has an excellent track record, this development is now in it's 8th phase of townhouses and apartments, all previous phases were completely sold off plan and this particular block had 40% sold before they'd even started digging the footings. They started 4 years ago at exactly the right time and there are more phases to follow. They are self financing with bank guarantees if required. The people who invested in the very first phase of 7 townhouses took a risk but it's certainly paid off, they paid just under 300k for each house and the latest ones are over 400k.

What do you guys feel ? What more homework can I do ?

Thank you all so much for your help and suggestions.

craigandmicki
  1/20/2018 10:32 EST

To nirlay's post....OK, you have answers from the builder to all your important questions. So, why do you now ask members what we think...what about what YOU think? That's all that really matters. We either do or do not have relevant experience; we've either succeeded or been hurt by similar opportunities. No matter what we say, it is your decision. You've enjoyed some excellent advice from your original post and some truly idiotic comments, which happens from time to time, and the choice is all up to you now.

nirlay
  1/20/2018 10:52 EST

The reason I posted this, is to get feedback what more questions I can ask, The answer that the agent gave me is at 30000 feet level and I am soliciting some feedback to arrive at an informed, educated decision. Yes, I did receive some valuable feedback and thank you for that.

dancebert
  1/20/2018 11:24 EST

>To nirlay's post....OK, you have answers from the builder to all your important questions.

In a Q & A forum, it's up to the person asking the Q to decide when he has the As he needs. If you don't agree, why not just stop reading the thread? You know, to each his own. different strokes for different folks. Why can't we all just get along?

Many forums allow readers to flag posts as Inappropriate, Abusive or the like. For many years I've believed there needed to be a less severe flag. Something like "That's SO funny! You thought you were his father/mother."

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/20/2018 12:29 EST

IT DOES get ridiculously ridiculous ....

KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC
  1/20/2018 13:41 EST

nirlay, from 30,000 feet it looks like this project could be a decent investment. If you still remain seriously interested my advice to you would be to identity 2 or 3 other projects that might also be a good fit and plan a trip to Portugal to further investigate.

In the meantime, I would think about what legal representation would best be qualified to help you with the closing. Also, I would ask agent for a copy of the project's standard purchase agreement so that you can see the specifics of what you will be agreeing to. Just remember always that you are not in the States and should therefore rely more on documented facts than gut feelings especially when dealing with an agent.

I assume when you say you are speaking with the agent that you are speaking with the developer's agent? At some point before you purchase, you should insist on speaking (in person ideally) with someone from the developer.

So many additional questions you should ask as you get further along but best ultimately to listen first and foremost to an attorney's advice and not mine or anyone else's on this forum.

nirlay
  1/20/2018 17:22 EST

Thanks Kevin for yet few more advices. I will follow through.

I am talking to some lady from the website : algarveedenproperties.com which I believe is an real estate agent.

Yes, I am planning a trip in April /May when a conference will take me to Spain and that will be en-route.

I am soliciting attorney's contacts now.

mariaorr
  1/22/2018 09:03 EST

Hi If you need a lawyer, Edge Lawyers in Lisbon are fantastic, they all speak English, we were very pleased with them. They did everything for us, we weren't present for the closing of our property and they closed for us and took care of everything.

mariaorr
  1/22/2018 15:38 EST

hello, has anyone applied for Portuguesa citizenship through marriage? does anyone know what the process time is?

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/22/2018 15:59 EST

CAN'T speak for Portugal but Brasil would let you apply for a perm residence (RNE) right away.
Prob the same
Must be on the PT embassy site.

mariaorr
  1/22/2018 16:01 EST

Thank you, I will see what they say on their site.

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/22/2018 16:30 EST

TRY THIS ONE =
https://www.expatica.com/pt/visas-and-permits/family-visa-portugal-spouse-visa_944833.html

mariaorr
  1/22/2018 16:31 EST

Thank you kindly, I will look on that site.

snoble
  1/22/2018 18:04 EST

How does one "prove" a common law relationship for the purposes of family reunification??? My partner and I have been together for 20 years, but we don't have any official document showing our common law relationship as being recognized. Is this just something that gay couples face or do straight couples face something similar?

GoingCrazyGoing
  1/22/2018 19:51 EST

PROOF =
Utility bill in both names
Bank account in both
Mail to the same address
Vehicles in both names
Licenses with same addresses
ANYTHING legal with same addresses
Anything else in both names
Joint photos

dancebert
  1/22/2018 21:08 EST

>PROOF =

Plus living in one of the few states where common law marriage is a legal concept. In the others it's folklore.

sepharad
  1/23/2018 10:36 EST

Private insurance.

Each person is different, Your profile will be different from mine. I am an overweight, 59 year old male with type 2 diabetes.

I will be at the high end of the pool. The most expensive.

I purchased the top of the line MEDIS plan through my banker at Millenium Bank.

It cost $6,700 per year. In the US I would not be able to buy insurance beyond Obamacare, which is awful. I could have purchased a plan at retirement for over $11,000 a year at my employer.

Drugs.

Retail value of my mothly supply of medications is about $1400/month in the US. It cost $70 in Portugal

sepharad
  1/23/2018 10:36 EST

Private insurance.

Each person is different, Your profile will be different from mine. I am an overweight, 59 year old male with type 2 diabetes.

I will be at the high end of the pool. The most expensive.

I purchased the top of the line MEDIS plan through my banker at Millenium Bank.

It cost $6,700 per year. In the US I would not be able to buy insurance beyond Obamacare, which is awful. I could have purchased a plan at retirement for over $11,000 a year at my employer.

Drugs.

Retail value of my mothly supply of medications is about $1400/month in the US. It cost $70 in Portugal

nirlay
  1/28/2018 10:50 EST

Thanks @mariaorr for suggesting your lawyer.
Looking for recommendation on developers in the Algarve region. Is going through developers a cheaper option ( understanding that they will only show their properties) ?

mariaorr
  1/29/2018 08:18 EST

I wouldn't go through developers; they ae biased.

spacemonkey168
  7/6/2019 19:53 EST

If others are willing to chime in with their anecdotes, please do. How pervasive is this problem with nonpaying neighbors at “residential” condos?

Also, my husband and I have been excluding “tourist resort” condos from our property search because we fear a resort management company can and eventually will arbitrarily pad maintenance fees. But, maybe they have more legal standing to foreclose/evict non-paying neighbors and attract people who will actually pay their share. Does anyone have experience with the resorts?

Should we avoid both and buy a tiny house, to avoid the headaches?

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Portugal GuideLiving in Portugal Guide

Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

Portugal Forum Portugal Forum
Join our Portugal forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Portugal.

Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Best Places to Live in Portugal Best Places to Live in Portugal

If you're thinking about living in Portugal, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Portugal in 2023.

Healthcare in PortugalHealthcare in Portugal

Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.

Cost of Living in PortugalCost of Living in Portugal

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Portugal.

Moving to PortugalMoving to Portugal Guide

Expats moving to Portugal are drawn by a variety of places to live, a rich history and so much more. Here are some tips on what it means to move there, and how to make it happen.

Real Estate in PortugalReal Estate in Portugal

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Portugal.

Pros Cons of Living in PortugalPros & Cons of Living in Portugal

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Portugal.

Retiring in PortugalRetiring in Portugal

Advice for people retiring in Portugal.

Visa and Residency PortugalPortugal Visa & Residency Guide

Thanks to Susan Stults Korthase for this helpful overview of current requirements to begin the process of obtaining a Residency Visa when moving from the US to Portugal.

10 Tips for Living in Portugal10 Tips for Living in Portugal

If you've recently arrived in Portugal, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Portugal.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal