How to move to Portugal from Canada
Are you envisioning a fresh start in a place with a lower cost of living? Portugal could be the perfect destination for Canadians, boasting a climate that rivals the best of British Columbia's weather.
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Did you know a Canadian needs a visa to live in Portugal? You can apply for these options at a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate or a VFS Global office, catering to different conditions such as students, entrepreneurs, investors, remote workers, and retirees.
Even if, as a Canadian citizen, you have dual citizenship from any EU country, you have the right to live in Portugal without a visa. Your EU citizenship will grant you the right to live and work here, and you'll only need to request a simple document at the local townhall where you intend to establish residency, stating that you are now a resident of that area and, therefore, Portugal.
A Canadian citizen doesn't need a visa to visit Portugal as a tourist for up to 90 days.
Index
- Portugal rating from AnchorLess
- Your Life in Portugal as a Canadian
- Geographic and Demographic Overview
- Where to Apply for a Portuguese Visa in Canada
- Healthcare in Portugal for Canadians
- Driving in Portugal as a Canadian
- Taxes in Portugal for Canadians
- International Schools in Portugal
- Finding Accommodation in Portugal
- How to Make Your Move to Portugal as a Canadian
Take off for Portugal now!
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Portugal rating from AnchorLess
⭐️ Overall Living
💶 Cost of living
💻 Internet
👍 Safety
👥 Community score
Your Life in Portugal as a Canadian
Number of Canadians living in Portugal:
🇨🇦 Over 1,000 Canadians currently residing in Portugal
Cost of living:
👨 Average monthly cost for a single person: €1,500
👨👩👧👦 Average monthly cost for a family: €3,000
☕️ A cappuccino in Toronto costs €4.84, while in Lisbon, it’s €1.87!
Quality of Life:
👍 Portugal ranks 6th on the Global Peace Index, significantly higher than the US
🚑 Average cost of healthcare plans in Portugal: from €30 to €150 per month
⏩ Fast Visa Application
✅ Easy Visa to get
Portugal, a charming and compact country, is roughly the size of Nova Scotia, providing a familiar sense of scale for those considering relocation. It ensures a high quality of life with a wide range of activities available, making it a wonderful place to explore and enjoy your time abroad.
Geographic and Demographic Overview
The Atlantic Ocean borders Portugal to the south and west, while Spain borders it to the north and east. Despite its size, it has a population of about 10 million.
Cultural and Natural Attractions Portugal is world-renowned for its rich cuisine and stunning locations, including diverse beaches, mountains, and national parks.
Language and Communication While the official language is Portuguese—a Latin language similar to Spanish or Italian—it is common to find English-speaking inhabitants, especially given the country’s high tourist rate.
Portuguese Quality of Life Portugal's quality of life is renowned for its tranquility, even in urban areas. A low cost of living, affordable or free healthcare, accessible services, and a prime geographic location support the high quality of life.
Portugal Benefits for Canadian Citizens There are several compelling reasons for Canadian citizens to consider moving to Portugal, from the welcoming culture to the economic advantages and international community.
Your Visa Process as a Canadian**
Check each type of visa and see where your situation fits.
List of the Portuguese Visas
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D9
📝 Visa Name: D8 Visa Portugal
🏢 Visa Category: Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa
🎓 Qualification: Income from remote or freelance work
🔍 Pros:
- 🌐 Contracts or clients outside Portugal
🚫 Cons:
- 📈 Proof of monthly income of approximately €3400
Visa D8
D8 Visa in Portugal: Live as Digital Nomad
Begin Your D8 Visa Application from Anywhere: Stay Relaxed, We Handle the Rest
Where to Apply for a Portuguese Visa in Canada
It depends on your location; some consulates delegate this service to VFS Global offices. You must find the one closest to you that will suit your province. Below is a guide on where to apply for a Portuguese visa in Canada.
Important Notice: VFS Global is a company that specializes in visa processing. The Portuguese government uses it as the official office for visa procedures in Canada, and it is a primary choice for designated consulates.
Make sure you visit the office assigned to your location.
Toronto VFS Office: Due to high demand, it is recommended to book your appointment three months before your intended travel date. We suggest starting your procedure about six months before, as there are unofficial reports of delays up to five months! For other offices, start your application up to 4 to 12 weeks before your intended travel date.
Honorary Consulates: Be aware that "honorary" consulates cannot process visa applications. Focus on the official list above.
Preparing Your Documents for the Visa Application
Your first steps will be to search and gather your documents to start your visa application. Here's a checklist to help you timeline your Portuguese visa application as a Canadian:
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid and up-to-date. It must be valid for at least three months after entering Portugal.
- Translation and Notarization: If your documents are not in English or Portuguese, they will need to be translated and notarized according to the Hague Apostille.
- Criminal Record: Request your criminal record. In Canada, you must obtain a certificate of criminal record from the RCMP. This document has a 90-day validity. You'll need to visit your local police station to retrieve your fingerprints, a process that can take up to a week, and they will request a fee.
Appointment Information
Embassies may request different documents. Be ready to provide extra documents if requested.
- Flight Booking: Portuguese visas can be granted according to your arrival date in Portugal. Have a ticket booked before your appointment.
- Preparation Tips: Follow these tips to ensure your visa process is ready for submission! Visa processes can be lengthy, but your main focus should be on ensuring everything is prepared for your case.
Visa Fees
The exchange rate influences the monthly updates of visa fees. As of the second semester of 2024, national visa fees are 90 euros, which can be around $135 CAD. Children under six are free of charge.
Payment Methods: When scheduling your appointment, pay close attention to the payment methods accepted at each location. Some locations may only accept cash for processing fees.
Additional Fees: If applying through VFS Global, you'll need to pay their processing fee for each visa. Currently, it ranges from $60 to $65 CAD, depending on local taxes.
Postal Services: Some offices may request payment for postal services to deliver your passport. Be ready for that!
After Receiving Your Portuguese Visa
- Initial Contact with SEF: Upon receiving your visa and arriving in Portugal, your first step should be to contact a SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) office. SEF is the official government agency responsible for managing foreign nationals, similar to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Scheduling an Appointment with SEF: All long-term visa holders have 120 days to establish residency in Portugal. Schedule an appointment with SEF as soon as possible upon arrival due to high demand and busy schedules.
- Requesting an EU Residence Permit: During your SEF appointment, you will request your EU residence permit. This permit functions similarly to a permanent resident card in Canada, allowing you to live and travel freely within the Schengen Area and granting unlimited entries into Portugal.
Documents Required for SEF Appointment:
- The same documentation required for your visa application
- Proof of your current residence in Portugal, even if it differs from the address used for your visa application
- Your Portuguese NIF number
- Your Portuguese bank account showing sufficient funds
- Health insurance in Portugal
Note: For the SEF appointment, you no longer need your Portuguese travel insurance.
Path to Portuguese Citizenship
After holding your initial permit for five years, you are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Don't waste time and money for your relocation to Portugal 🇵🇹
Healthcare in Portugal for Canadians
Portuguese healthcare is extremely affordable, even in private facilities, and accessible to everyone, unlike in Canada.
Requesting an Utente Number: Head to the nearest public healthcare facility from your home with the following documents:
- ID
- NISS Portugal
- Proof of address
- Evidence of Portuguese legal status
Public Healthcare Overview: Portugal offers public healthcare at extremely low rates, often free, making it highly accessible. However, the low costs lead to heavy utilization, resulting in crowded facilities and long waiting times.
Accessibility: Despite the crowds, public healthcare remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their situation. For emergency services, dial 112, which is available free of charge.
Recommendation for Insurance Holders:
Even for those with private insurance (which is mandatory for visa holders), it is advisable to register for a Portuguese healthcare user number (utente). This ensures access to public healthcare services when needed.
Private Healthcare:
Private healthcare in Portugal offers several benefits:
- Shorter waiting times for appointments
- Generally lower congestion in facilities compared to public options
- Availability of English-speaking staff in designated private hospitals and clinics
Cost of Healthcare Coverage: Monthly rates for private health insurance or plans are very affordable, ranging from 10 euros to 60 euros.
Cost of Medical Appointments: An appointment with a specialist typically costs between 50 and 100 euros.
Requirements for Private Healthcare: To acquire either health insurance or a health plan, you will need a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
Driving in Portugal as a Canadian
Using Your Canadian License:
If your driver's license was issued less than 15 years ago and you are younger than 60 years old, you can use your Canadian driver's license to drive in Portugal without needing any additional permits.
For Those Who Do Not Meet the Criteria: If you do not meet the above criteria, you will need to:
- Access the IMT portal (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes), similar to the DMV in Canada, and check where your license fits.
- Request a transfer of your driver's license via the online form after acquiring the requested documents on the portal.
Purchasing a Car in Portugal: All cars circulating in Portugal must have third-party protection insurance. This is the minimum insurance requirement in place.
Taxes for Cars: You'll need to pay the yearly IUC (Imposto Único de Circulação). Prices for these taxes are based on the motor, gas, and car fabrication years, generally ranging from 30 to 50 euros (or higher).
Early Inspection: Additionally, you must complete an early inspection in designated workshops, which will provide the car with a green seal to circulate.
Taxes in Portugal for Canadians
Filing Taxes in Canada and Portugal: It's important to remember that as a Canadian, you need to file tax returns in both your home country and Portugal. This ensures compliance with local and international tax laws.
Using the Portuguese 'Finanças' Portal: In Portugal, you can file your taxes online via the 'Finanças' Portal.
Hiring an Accountant: To effectively manage your assets and tax obligations, consider hiring a professional accounting service. An accountant who understands both local and expatriate tax laws can be invaluable.
Practical Tips for Daily Expenses:
- Receipt Management: Ask for a receipt for every transaction and ensure your NIF is recorded on it. Categorizing these receipts correctly can help lower your overall tax burden.
- Tax Deductions and Refunds: Expenses such as entertainment, healthcare, and education can be categorized for tax deductions or refunds.
International Schools in Portugal
Portuguese Educational System: Portugal's public education system places children in schools according to their location and age group. The curriculum is extensive, with students typically graduating fluent in at least one foreign language, despite the primary language of instruction being Portuguese.
International Schools: Numerous international schools across Portugal can accommodate Canadian families, catering to a diverse international student body. Some of the most renowned include:
- In Braga:CLIB Braga International School
- In Porto:Oporto British School
- In Leiria:Leiria International School
- In Lisbon:Prime School
- The British School in Lisbon
- Astoria International School
- St. Dominic's International School
- United Lisbon International School
- International Christian School
- The Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
- In Loulé:Nobel Algarve International School
- Aspire International School
- Vilamoura International School
Higher Education: Colleges in Portugal offer lower tuition rates compared to many other countries. For those applying through the Portuguese National Exam, the annual tuition for most universities does not exceed 800 euros.
Finding Accommodation in Portugal
Long-term Accommodation in Portugal:
- Secured Services: Consider using secure and inclusive housing services like Spot-a-Home and Flatio. These platforms act as mediators with landlords and ensure the quality of listings through physical inspections, though they may be more expensive.
- Direct Listings: If you're having trouble settling on your initial rental, check out properties on websites like Idealista and Imovirtual. These platforms allow direct interactions with landlords or real estate agencies, giving you the opportunity to visit and assess properties personally.
Caution Against Scams: During your house hunt, be vigilant to avoid scams. Common scams include requests for down payments before property viewings. Make sure to make any payments only after securing a rental contract. AnchorLess offers the discount code ANCHOR20 at Spot-a-Home for those looking for housing in Portugal.
Purchasing a Home in Portugal
Advantages of Buying a Home: Buying a home in Portugal can be significantly more affordable than in many parts of Canada. Owning property not only provides stability but also serves as proof of accommodation when dealing with Portuguese authorities.
Options to Purchase a House:
- Realtor: For those unfamiliar with the local real estate market and practices, it's advisable to purchase through a realtor. This guarantees accurate handling of all legalities and provides you with expert guidance throughout the process.
- Privately: If you prefer to handle the purchase yourself, ensure you're familiar with all the necessary legal and procedural details to avoid common pitfalls.
Financing a House:
- Mortgage with Millennium Bank: As one of the largest private banks in Portugal, Millennium Bank offers competitive mortgage rates and terms, making it a solid option for financing your home purchase.
- Cafimo for Brokerage Services: These include finding suitable properties, negotiating deals, handling legal paperwork, and providing after-sale support. They specialize in catering to the specific needs of international buyers, ensuring a smooth transition to property ownership in Portugal. Cafimo also facilitates mortgage arrangements by comparing different lenders and finding the best rates and conditions for their clients.
House Conditions in Portugal: Be aware that due to laws only recently implemented in the last decade, issues with humidity and heating can be common. Ensure any property you consider has adequate insulation.
How to Make Your Move to Portugal as a Canadian
Electric Outlet Patterns: The pattern of the electric outlet is different in Europe and, therefore, in Portugal. Your Canadian appliances will need adapters.
Furniture Considerations: Portuguese homes come in a wide range of sizes and buildings. New developments are available, just like older buildings with renovated (or not) facilities. Some furniture may not fit in with your new life here—literally.
Taking Utensils and Furniture: Yes, you can! You just need to head to your local consulate (for those assigned a VFS office for a visa, you'll just need to get in touch, via phone or email, with the Portuguese consulate located in the same city as the VFS office that covers your province). You'll request your baggage and residency certificate, which will allow you to take all appliances owned for at least one year completely duty-free.
Budgeting for Your Move: The cost of relocating from Canada to Portugal varies widely depending on your lifestyle and needs. It’s advisable for immigrants to have at least six months of financial coverage to begin their life in Portugal comfortably.
Potential Costs:
- Housing Deposits: Some landlords may require a deposit ranging from three to four months, while others might ask for the entire year’s rent upfront.
- Adjusting to Local Culture: Adapting to the Portuguese lifestyle may involve purchasing items uncommon in local households, such as dryers or dishwashers.
Smaller Costs:
- Getting Around: While Portuguese residents often walk extensively, new immigrants might prefer using ride-sharing services like Uber during the initial months to ease into their new environment.
- Reserve Fund: Establishing a reserve fund for unforeseen expenses is crucial, especially during the initial phase of settling into a new culture where spending might exceed that of the locals.
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