How to move to Portugal from Germany
Are you considering a fresh start in a place with a lower cost of living and stunning landscapes? Portugal could be the perfect destination for Germans, offering a warm climate and a rich cultural experience that complements Germany's vibrant lifestyle.
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Did you know a German citizen doesn't need a visa to live in Portugal?
As both countries are part of the European Union, German citizens have the right to live and work in Portugal without any visa requirements. You will only need to obtain a residency document from the local townhall where you plan to establish residency, stating that you are now a resident of that area and, therefore, of Portugal.
For those planning to stay longer than a short visit, this simple residency document ensures you are recognized as a resident, giving you access to local services and the ability to fully integrate into the community.
Index
- Portugal rating from AnchorLess
- Your Life in Portugal as a German
- Geographic and Demographic Overview
- How to Establish Residency in Portugal as a German Citizen
- Driving in Portugal as a German Using Your German License
- Taxes in Portugal for Germans
- International Schools in Portugal
- How to find an Accommodation?
- How to Purchase a Home in Portugal
- Comparing Portugal to Germany
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Portugal rating from AnchorLess
⭐️ Overall Living
💶 Cost of living
💻 Internet
👍 Safety
👥 Community score
Your Life in Portugal as a German
German Community in Portugal:
🇩🇪 Over 15,000 Germans currently residing in Portugal, forming a vibrant expatriate community
Cost of living:
👨 Average monthly cost for a single person: €1,500 (compared to €2,000 in Munich)
👨👩👧👦 Average monthly cost for a family: €3,000 (compared to €4,000 in Munich)
☕️ A cappuccino in Berlin costs €4.20, while in Lisbon, it's €1.87!
Quality of Life:
👍 Portugal ranks 6th on the Global Peace Index, comparable to Germany's 16th position
🏥 Healthcare access through European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
EU Citizen Advantages:
⚡ No visa required
✅ Immediate right to work and live
Portugal, a charming and compact country, is roughly the size of Bavaria, 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, comparable to the population of Lower Saxony.
Cultural and Natural Attractions
Portugal is world-renowned for its rich cuisine and stunning locations, including diverse beaches, mountains, and national parks. The Mediterranean climate offers a welcome change from Germany's continental weather, with over 300 days of sunshine per year.
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. Many Portuguese also speak German, particularly in tourist areas and business centers, due to the strong economic ties between Germany and Portugal.
Portuguese Quality of Life
Portugal's quality of life is renowned for its tranquility, even in urban areas. A lower cost of living compared to German cities, affordable or free healthcare (easily accessible with your European Health Insurance Card), accessible services, and a prime geographic location support the high quality of life.
Portugal Benefits for German Citizens
There are several compelling reasons for German citizens to consider moving to Portugal, from the welcoming culture to the economic advantages and international community. As EU citizens, Germans enjoy the freedom of movement, requiring no visa or special permits to live and work in Portugal, making the relocation process significantly simpler than for non-EU citizens.
How to Establish Residency in Portugal as a German Citizen
As an EU citizen, Germans have the right to live and work in Portugal without requiring a visa. However, there are still some administrative steps to follow to establish legal residency.
Initial Steps Before Moving
Your first steps will be to gather some basic documents to establish your residency in Portugal:
- Valid ID: Ensure your German ID card (Personalausweis) or passport is valid. While either is sufficient for entry and residence, having both is recommended.
- Documents Translation: While not always required, having important documents translated to Portuguese can be helpful. As an EU citizen, you don't need Apostille certification.
Essential Portuguese Documentation
To establish your life in Portugal, you'll need to obtain:
- NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal): This is your Portuguese tax number, essential for most official procedures. You can obtain it at any Finanças (tax office) or through a fiscal representative before arriving in Portugal.
- Portuguese Bank Account: Most banks require only your German ID and NIF to open an account.
- Proof of Address: A rental contract or property deed in Portugal.
Registering Your Residence
As an EU citizen staying longer than 3 months, you must:
Register with Your Local Câmara Municipal (City Hall):
You have 30 days after 3 months of residence to register.
Documents Required for Registration:
- Valid German ID or passport
- Proof of address in Portugal
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, work contract, or pension statements)
- Portuguese NIF
After Registration
- Certificate of Registration: You'll receive a document confirming your right to reside in Portugal (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia).
- Validity: This certificate is valid for 5 years.
- Healthcare Options: You can choose to:
- Continue using your EHIC
- Register with the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS)
- Maintain private health insurance
Long-term Residence
After living legally in Portugal for 5 continuous years:
- You can apply for permanent residence
- The permanent residence certificate is valid for 10 years
- You become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship if desired
Path to Portuguese Citizenship
After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship while maintaining your German citizenship, as both countries allow dual citizenship. The main requirements include:
- Proof of legal residence for 5 years
- Basic Portuguese language skills (A2 level)
- Clean criminal record
- Civic and social integration in Portugal
Important Tips:
- Register with your local German consulate in Portugal
- Consider joining German expat communities for support and advice
- Keep both your German and Portuguese documentation up to date
- Notify German authorities of your residence abroad (Abmeldung)
Remember that as an EU citizen, your process is much simpler than for non-EU citizens. You have the right to live and work in Portugal from day one, and the registration process is mainly administrative rather than a visa application.
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Driving in Portugal as a German Using Your German License
As an EU citizen, your German driver's license is fully valid in Portugal without any need for exchange or additional permits. You can use it indefinitely, following the same renewal periods as you would in Germany.
For Senior Drivers
If you're over 60, you'll need to follow Portuguese medical examination requirements:
- Age 60-70: Medical exam every 5 years
- Age 70+: Medical exam every 2 years Contact the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) for more information about these examinations.
Purchasing a Car in Portugal
- Mandatory third-party insurance (Seguro de Responsabilidade Civil)
- If bringing your German-registered car, you must register it in Portugal after 6 months of residence
- You can keep your German insurance temporarily, but inform your insurance company about the relocation
How to transfer a car from Germany to Portugal
- Request export documentation from German authorities (Abmeldebescheinigung)
- Register the car with Portuguese authorities within 6 months
- Complete technical inspection (Inspeção Técnica)
- Pay import taxes if applicable
Taxes for Cars
- Annual road tax (IUC - Imposto Único de Circulação): Based on engine size, CO2 emissions, and manufacturing year
- Prices typically range from €30 to €50, similar to German vehicle taxes
- Payment can be made online through the Portal das Finanças
Vehicle Inspections
- Regular technical inspections (Inspeção Periódica) are required:
- Cars under 4 years: No inspection needed
- 4-8 years: Every 2 years
- Over 8 years: Annually
- Inspections can be done at authorized centers (Centros de Inspeção)
Taxes in Portugal for Germans
Tax Residency Considerations
As a German citizen, you'll become a Portuguese tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Portugal during a calendar year. Due to the tax treaty between Germany and Portugal, you'll need to understand where to declare different types of income to avoid double taxation.
EU Tax Agreements: Thanks to EU agreements, the process of managing taxes between Germany and Portugal is more streamlined than for non-EU citizens. However, you still need to:
- Notify German tax authorities about your move (Finanzamt)
- Register with Portuguese tax authorities (Autoridade Tributária)
- Understand which country has the right to tax different types of income
Using the Portuguese 'Finanças' Portal:
- File your Portuguese taxes online through the Portal das Finanças
- Access your tax information with your NIF and password
- Submit the annual tax return (IRS) between April 1st and June 30th
- Documents are available in Portuguese and sometimes English (though rarely in German)
International Schools in Portugal
Portuguese Educational System
Portugal's public education system follows a location-based placement system similar to Germany's. While instruction is primarily in Portuguese, the curriculum is comprehensive, with students typically becoming fluent in at least one foreign language - often English or German due to strong business ties between the countries.
International and German Schools
Portugal offers several international schools, including German schools (Deutsche Auslandsschulen) that follow the German curriculum. These schools are particularly attractive for German families wanting to maintain educational continuity. Notable schools include:
German Schools
- In Lisbon:Deutsche Schule Lissabon (DSL)
- Follows German curriculum
- Offers Abitur qualification
- Recognized by both German and Portuguese authorities
- In Porto:Deutsche Schule zu Porto (DSP)
- German curriculum with Portuguese integration
- Kindergarten through Abitur
- Strong emphasis on multilingual education
Other International Schools
- In Braga: CLIB Braga International School (English-language instruction with German as an option)
- In Lisbon:United Lisbon International School (offers German language programs)
- St. Dominic's International School
- Carlucci American International School
- Prime School
- International Christian School
- In Porto:Oporto International School
- CLIP - Oporto International School (offers German language courses)
- In the Algarve:Nobel Algarve International School
- Vilamoura International School
Higher Education Portuguese universities offer significantly lower tuition fees compared to Germany:
- EU students (including Germans) pay the same fees as Portuguese students
- Annual tuition typically ranges from €700 to €1,200
- Many Portuguese universities offer programs in English
- Some universities have special partnerships with German institutions
- The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) maintains connections with Portuguese universities
How to find an Accommodation?
How to find a Long-term Accommodation?
- Online Platforms: While Germans might be familiar with Immobilienscout24 and ImmoWelt, in Portugal, the main platforms are:
- Idealista
- Imovirtual
- Casa Sapo
- These platforms often have German language options or English interfaces
- Secure Services: Consider using:
- Spot-a-Home
- Flatio
- These platforms offer verified listings and often have German-speaking staff
What is the Rental Process for EU Citizens?
As a German citizen, you benefit from simplified rental procedures:
- Only your German ID or passport is required (no visa documentation needed)
- Portuguese NIF (tax number)
- EU bank accounts are widely accepted for rent payments
- SEPA direct debits are commonly used for monthly payments
How to Purchase a Home in Portugal
Advantages for German Buyers:
- Property prices are generally lower than in major German cities
- No restrictions on EU citizens purchasing property
- Potential for rental income in tourist areas
- Can serve as a winter residence while maintaining a home in Germany
Purchase Process:
- Working with a Realtor:Many Portuguese real estate agencies have German-speaking agents
- Look for members of APEMIP (Portuguese Association of Real Estate Professionals)
- Some German real estate companies have Portuguese partners
- Legal Requirements:Notary process similar to German "Notar"
- Property registration in "Conservatória do Registo Predial"
- Energy certificate requirement (similar to German Energieausweis)
Financing Options:
- Portuguese Banks:Millennium BCP
- Caixa Geral de Depósitos
- Santander Portugal
- All accept applications from EU citizens
- German Banks:Some German banks offer mortgages for Portuguese properties
- Often better rates for German residents
- Possibility to use German assets as collateral
Comparing Portugal to Germany
Perception of Distances: In Portugal, distances are perceived differently than in Germany. While Germans might think nothing of a 2-hour drive between cities, in Portugal, a 30-minute drive is considered significant. This affects how people plan their daily activities and social life.
Regional Comparisons:
- Southern Portugal (Algarve): Similar to Mediterranean regions, with a lifestyle vastly different from any German region. Perfect for those seeking warmth and beach life year-round.
- Lisbon Region: Comparable to Hamburg or Berlin in terms of urban lifestyle, but with milder weather and more outdoor living opportunities.
- Central Portugal: Reminds many of the German countryside (except for the climate), with small towns and strong community ties.
- Porto and North: The industrial heritage and work ethic mirror the Ruhr region, though with a more relaxed approach to life.
Cultural Differences:
Work Culture:
- Working Hours: Unlike the German 8-17 schedule, Portuguese workdays often extend later
- Punctuality: More flexible approach compared to German precision timing
- Vacation: 22 business days, similar to Germany, but often taken in longer blocks during summer
- Business Communication: Less direct than German style, with more emphasis on relationship building
Daily Life:
- Meal Times: Later than in Germany - lunch at 13:00-15:00, dinner after 20:00
- Shopping: Many smaller shops instead of large German-style supermarkets
- Sunday Trading: More shops open on Sundays, unlike German Sunday closure
- Public Transportation: Less extensive than German systems, more reliance on cars
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