Moving to Europe permanently and acquiring citizenship that allowed us to move freely in European Union has been in our plans for almost a decade. We ended up applying for a golden visa in Portugal, which should end up in Portuguese citizenship after some years in the country. All of this with the help of a consultancy firm while we were in the US (learn more about all the processes and common Q&A and why we ended up choosing the golden visa investment funds option)
But how was it moving there? More specifically, to interior Portugal, a region we barely knew.
The Initial Part
Before our kids starting in elementary school, we decided it was time to move to Europe! And with that, came the choice of which country in Europe. The final choice was between Spain and Portugal. We ended up choosing the latest. But, before moving there, we decided that the most we could do while still in the US, the better. So we ended up choosing
we would prefer to make most of all the efforts while in the United States
Applying for a Visa
We applied for our visas online, but all with the help of a specialized consultancy firm in immigration. We were able to apply online while in the United States. We can say that overall, the process was simple and straightforward.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when applying for a visa. First, you need to be aware of any requirements. Second, you must understand the application process and timeline. Third, you should be prepared for delays and some bureaucracy from SEF (the official Portuguese entity for immigration and that is responsible for the golden visa program)
If you’re planning to visit Portugal, here are some tips to help you prepare for your trip:
Getting Portuguese citizenship
Our ultimate goal with our move to Portugal is actually to acquire Portuguese Citizenship. That will allow us to move freely in Europe and have access to the Schengen area. But for that, we need to wait some years before getting Portuguese Citizenship. And now we are just 2 years away from that goal 🙂 The time required can vary from time to time, but usually, 5 years is the round number. There are some persons that get Portuguese citizenship in less than 5 years, but they are very rare cases.
Moving to Interior Portugal
Moving to interior Portugal was a breeze. We found our dream home within days of moving to Lousã (in the central region of Portugal). Our realtor had been working with us for months, and we were able to find a great house at a reasonable price.
Finding a New Home in Interior Portugal Was Easy
We didn’t need to spend hours searching through hundreds of houses because our agent knew exactly where to go. She knew the neighborhoods and the schools, and she showed us homes that fit our needs and budget.
When we finally found the perfect home, we signed the contract in just two weeks. The process was quick and painless.
Our realtor made it easy for us to move here. She helped us find a rental house while our new house was being reconstructed, and she arranged for movers to help us pack and unpack our belongings.
She even took care of the paperwork and paid our taxes. All we had to do was pack our bags and say goodbye to friends and family.
We Were Able to Find a Good School for our Kids
We were able to find a good school for our kids because we did our homework. We looked at schools in the area where we wanted to live, researched them online, and talked to friends who had moved there.
When we found a school that fit our needs, we made a list of pros and cons and compared them to the schools we liked. Then we narrowed down our choices based on those factors.
After narrowing down our options, we visited each school and met with the principal. We asked questions and took notes. We also called parents whose children attended similar schools and got their feedback.
Finally, we chose the school that was right for us, but most importantly for our kids. Their experience in Portugal is highly related to the Portuguese friends they have been making and it’s a very important part of their education.
Some Thoughts on Expectations Vs. Reality
Living in Interior Portugal Was Easier Than We Thought
We moved to interior Portugal in May 2020 and we couldn’t be happier. The weather was great, the beaches were amazing, and our house was perfect.
But there were some challenges along the way. Our house wasn’t ready when we arrived, and we had to live in a nearby house for two months until it was finished.
That meant we missed out on some of the tourist attractions, but we made the most of it by visiting local restaurants and exploring nearby towns.
And once we got settled in, we realized that living in interior Portugal was actually easier than we thought. There are fewer tourists, so finding things to do is easier. And because there aren’t many tourists, locals are friendlier and more helpful.
So if you’re considering moving to interior Portugal, here are some reasons why you should consider it.
Living in Interior Portugal Has Been Good For Our Health
We’ve been living in interior Portugal for over three years now, and we’re happy to say that our health has improved dramatically since moving here. We feel healthier than ever before, and we attribute this to the fresh air, clean water, and healthy food that we eat every day.
We’re not alone. Many people who live in interior Portugal and that have moved from metropolitan areas report feeling better than ever before. And there are many reasons why.
First, the weather is great. The climate is mild and dry, with temperatures averaging between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F). This means that you don’t need to wear heavy coats or sweaters when you go outside.
- Second, the air quality is excellent. There are no smoggy cities or factories nearby, so the air is clean and free of pollutants.
- Third, the water is pure and drinkable. There are no toxic chemicals in the tap water, and the rivers and lakes are safe to swim in.
- Fourth, the food is delicious. Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant, and the local cuisine includes dishes made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Fifth, the lifestyle is relaxed. People tend to be friendly and helpful, and they enjoy their leisure time outdoors.
- Sixth, the cost of living is very affordable. Living costs are lower than in big cities, and the standard of living is similar to what you’d find in the U.S., Canada, or Australia.
- Finally, the Portuguese are welcoming. You won’t feel out of place if you speak Portuguese, because most people understand English. In fact, many locals speak English fluently.
If you want to experience these benefits too, consider moving to interior Portugal.
Living in Interior Portugal Made Me Appreciate My Family
Moving to interior Portugal was a huge change for us. We had never lived outside of the United States before, and we were excited to experience life in a different country. However, moving to another country meant leaving behind our family and friends.
We knew that we would miss our friends and family back home, but we didn’t expect just how much we would appreciate having them around us. It wasn’t until we moved to interior Portugal that we realized how much we loved being surrounded by our loved ones.
In fact, living in interior Portugal has made me realize how much I love my family. When we first arrived, I couldn’t wait to spend time with them. Now, I look forward to seeing them every day. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow closer to them, and I hope that they feel the same way about me.
But we’re Happy Here!
We love living in this beautiful country. It has everything we want – mountains, beaches, rivers, lakes, forests, and more. And best of all, it’s affordable.