I want to move to Portugal but I don’t know where to begin...it’s all so complicated!Moving to another country can be complicated, but Moving to Portugal Made Simple is here to simplify the process. Whether you’re thinking about retiring here, raising a family, or starting a business, Moving to Portugal Made Simple will give you the information you need to join hundreds of thousands of others who’ve made the move to Portugal.In this practical step-by-step guide, you’ll get answers to questions ✓ Why should I move to Portugal?
✓ Why shouldn’t I move to Portugal?
✓ What’s it like being an expat in Portugal?
✓ Where should I live? Lisbon? The Algarve? The Silver Coast?
✓ How do I get residency in Portugal? Do I need a visa?
✓ Do I need to learn Portuguese?
✓ What should I look for when buying a house?
✓ When will I be able to get Portuguese citizenship (and a Portuguese passport?)
Are you ready to open the next chapter of your life? Join the hundreds of thousands who have traded in their old lives for a new life under the sun in Portugal.
Originally from Ireland, James is a writer who has spent time living in Germany, Spain, Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom. While living in Germany he broke nearly every single one of these rules, but writing a book about what not to do in Germany means he is able to put each cultural faux pas down to 'research'.
As someone who has moved to Portugal twice— once in 1976 and again in 2006— and is now considering returning permanently, James Cave’s book is easily one of the best I’ve seen on the topic.
While making Portugal sound as wonderful as it actually is, it also lays out the problems that expats will have with language learning, housing, integrating into the culture, and, most especially, a burocracia portuguesa. [There’s no such thing as a good bureaucracy, but the Portuguese version is not for the faint hearted.]
Because of his target audience, Cave spends a great deal of time on property ownership in Portugal, something that I don’t care much about. I’ve owned a house once in my life, and won’t again; if my pipes burst or foundation cracks, I’d rather call the owner than be the owner. I recognize that I’m in the minority, and that Cave knows his audience.
We have been a part-time, winter resident for a few years and as we consider becoming residents, this book provides a wealth of information. A helpful table of contents allows you to go to those items that are pertinent to your situation. Although I thought I was knowledgeable about most of these issues, I found new information that will certainly be beneficial.
Only 99 (short) chapters, covering everything from where to live in Portugal to renting and buying homes/apartments to pets to visas to Portuguese bureaucracy. And more. Packed with most of what you’ll need to know in a friendly, easy going manor. Cave is honest about things some potential expats may have difficulty dealing with (bureaucracy, older apartments- cold & noisy sometimes. If you’re ever thinking of moving to Portugal, you need this book!
an excellent practical introduction w/references to other helpful resources
Liked author’s coverage of technical/logistical and social/cultural issues involved in a move to Portugal. It covers bases in terms of house buying, necessary residency requirements, paper work & health insurance and medical options, with suggestions for further reading or research on specific questions or issues and boils down the often overwhelming process into more manageable steps.
As someone who’s lived in two countries outside of my own home country, I can say that this book offers a great overview of things to consider when planning, even down to the level of detail needed for when it’s time to take action. I will be referencing this book over the course of the next year or so as I decide which country I may want to live in next.
Wow. I feel like this really covers everything. From a small breakdown of vibe of each town to start narrowing down our search, to unique situations for the golden visa, to schooling options. All of which we are looking at for the next 5 years.
Very informative for people who are considering a move to Portugal! Hits most of the high-level topics. Recommend for anyone considering a move to Portugal.