Retiring To Portugal? Here’s What You Need To Know

At Movers International our job is to ensure that your move is hassle free, and we will certainly take care of everything that comes under our remit. However, there are many things that you need to do yourself that we cannot do, such as cancel the papers, open a bank account in your destination country, tell all your friends and relatives where you are going, and so on. You have to do all that yourself. 

 

Furthermore, the rules and regulations will vary from one country to another. So, for example, if you are taking a lot of your belongings with you, there may be some that are not allowed to be imported into your destination country. As an example, you cannot import into the US anything that contains meat products. But that is only one example, so you will need to read up on the rules for your destination country. 

 

Possibly you are retiring to Portugal, and that is a favourite destination for many Brits. You may have been there on holiday several times and love the laid-back way of life, the sun, and – if you are that way inclined – the golf courses. On the Algarve, which is where many Brits go, there are no less than 35 golf courses, including some of the best in Europe. 

 

The cost of living in Portugal is also favourable, partly because wages in Portugal are a lot lower than in Northern Europe. Petrol and utility prices are relatively high, but property is relatively cheap, as are health costs and public transport. Locally produced food and drink, beer, wines, spirits, and cigarettes are also inexpensive. In addition, taxes are low and income from the UK is not taxed if it has already been taxed under a double-taxation treaty. 

 

If you like playing tennis, bowls, squash, or mountain biking, there are some great facilities available, and there is even microlite flying in the Algarve. On the Sagres Peninsula there are great opportunities for birdwatching, particularly during the migration seasons. There is also a great modern zoo at Barão de São João which houses 120 different species and has a children’s petting zoo as well. 

 

The Portuguese eat a lot of fish. In fact, they are the world’s sixth largest consumer of fish, with their favourites being sardines and cod. They eat whole grilled sardines over a piece of bread, while salted cod is everywhere, whether for a simple lunch or elaborate dinner party. 

 

Portugal is also crazy about wine, both red and white. And, of course, it produces port. On the island of Madeira, you will find Madeira wine as well. With all those bottles, they needed cork, and as luck would have it the world’s best cork oak trees also grow in the Algarve. The country now accounts for more than half of the world’s cork supply. 

 

The Portuguese are friendly people, and another advantage is that most of them speak English. Even so, if you are thinking of moving overseas to Portugal, it is a good idea to put a bit of effort in and learn the basics of the language. 

 

At Movers International, we have been moving people to Portugal for over 30 years, so we can make your move an enjoyable one rather than something to worry about. We also have regular runs to Portugal every couple of weeks, so if you only need to move a few items we can take them for you as a part load.