Portugal Expat Forum

Biscuit032
Joined 2022
Posts: 1

2 years ago

moving to Portugal

2 years ago

Dear All,
i would like if possible to do as much as the moving to Portugal paperwork myself and not rely on third parties to do this for me. My wife and i plan to rent a property in the Algrave before making a purchase and for us to retire to live permanently in Portugal (in early 2023). We plan to sell our house in the UK before the trial move ( even if we decide not to live in Portugal we want to move elsewhere)
I am interested in peoples experience of:
1. obtaining a NIF , is it possible to do this during a 2 week visit (in a few months time) via a citizen shop or SEF ? I know Bordr.io can get one for you for 150 euro but i want to try and do this myself and my wife
2. Opening a portuguese bank acccount- i know with a NIF and proof of UK address it is possible to open a basic online acccount with a bank like Activobank (and update to a diffferent acccount when actually in Portugal if requred. I have opened acccounts with Monzo, Wise, Revolut, and Starling banks)
3. D7 visa - with a NIF and bank account , (plus other requirements , eg saving , criminial record check, statement if why i wish to move ) it shpuld be possible to apply forfirst stage of D7 visa via VFS Global offfice - does anyone have experience of negotating the D7 process themselves?
4. deciding which currency transfer specialist to use , how did you decide ?
5. I understand you can live in Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa , and even when a D7 is issued there is no immediate requirement to apply for and start NHR time although once D7 is issued we become legally respinsible for payng Portuguse tax and completing annual tax return (we want to complete sale of our UK property before D7 is issued to avoid being potentially taxed in Portugal)
6. any thoughts/recommmendations about a good tax advisor ?
7. Does anyone have any experience of setting up a tax efficient wrapper for a UK pension (most of my pension will be taxed directly in the UK , as i have worked for the UK government) but that in a SIPP/AVC can be transferred i understand (but the amount in the fund woud not mske sense for a QROP taxwrapper via a Maltese scheme payable in euro). I have heard there are Portuguese taxwrappers suitable for those those with pots not large enough for QROP schemes-doessanyone have experince of this ?
my wife speaks fluent Portuguese (Brazilian) and i undrsyand a fair bit so ths should help
i would greatly appreciate any thoughts.

William Russell

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

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

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

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Additional Information:

Visit our Portugal Index for a Full List

William Russell

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

William Russell

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

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