Clear Answers for Your Move to Portugal

Honest guidance from an English expat on the Silver Coast. No hype. No pressure. Just practical help.

Your First 90 Days in Portugal

Your Essential Checklist

Week 1-2: Foundations

☐ Activate Portuguese phone SIM ☐ Confirm accommodation address for paperwork ☐ Locate nearest town hall, health centre, tax office ☐ Open Portuguese bank account (if not done before arrival) ☐ Set up utilities if renting long-term

Week 3-4: Administration

☐ Attend AIMA/SEF appointment if non-EU ☐ Register residency if EU citizen ☐ Register with local health centre ☐ Confirm NIF details are correct

Month 2: Settling In

☐ Register vehicle or obtain Portuguese licence ☐ Set up utility direct debits ☐ Find local services (doctor, dentist, vet) ☐ Begin Portuguese lessons ☐ Join local groups or activities

Month 3: Establishing Life

☐ Review tax position with professional ☐ Confirm banking is working smoothly ☐ Build local contacts and friendships ☐ Evaluate accommodation for long-term suitability

How I Can Help

The first 90 days involve many decisions. I can help with:

  • Answering questions as they arise

  • Connecting you with local services

  • Providing guidance on next steps

Realistic Expectations

Things Take Time

Portuguese bureaucracy moves slowly. Appointments get delayed. Documents get lost.

This is normal. Plan for delays. Build buffer time into everything.

Frustration Happens

Even the most prepared people hit walls. Systems that make no sense. Circular requirements. Conflicting information.

Accept it. Breathe. Try again tomorrow.

Loneliness Is Real

Even with a partner. Even if you are social. Building a life takes time.

The first three months are hardest. It improves.

Weather Adjustment

Summer arrivals face winter reality later. Portuguese houses are cold. Invest in heating early.

Winter arrivals may find things quieter than expected. Activity increases in spring.

Your First 90 Days in Portugal

What Nobody Tells You

You will miss unexpected things. Not the big stuff. Specific products. Familiar routines. Background noise you never noticed.

Bureaucracy will test your patience. Accept it as part of the experience. Prepare documents in triplicate. Smile.

Your Portuguese is worse than you think. And better than you fear. Keep trying.

Friendships take longer to build. Surface connections come quickly. Depth takes months or years.

It gets easier. Month six feels different from month one. Month twelve feels like home.