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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Věděli jste, že německý občan ke svému pobytu v Portugalsku nepotřebuje vízum??

Jelikož jsou obě země součástí Evropské unie, mají němečtí občané právo žít a pracovat v Portugalsku bez jakýchkoli vízových náležitostí. Pro získání dokladu o pobytu budete muset navštívit místní úřad, kde plánujete trvale bydliště založit. Tento doklad potvrdí, že jste nyní rezidentem dané oblasti a tudíž i Portugalska.

Pro ty, kteří plánují pobyt delší než krátkodobá návštěva, tento jednoduchý doklad o pobytu zaručuje, že jste uznáni jako rezident, což vám umožňuje využívat místní služby a plně se integrovat do společnosti.

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Portugal rating from AnchorLess

⭐️ Overall Living

9.2/10

💶 Cost of living

7.8/10

💻 Internet

9.5/10

👍 Safety

9.1/10

👥 Community score

8.5/10

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.

Start to relocate to Portugal

Jak získat trvalý pobyt v Portugalsku jako německý občan

Jako občan EU mají Němci právo žít a pracovat v Portugalsku bez nutnosti víza. Přesto je však třeba splnit určité administrativní kroky, aby bylo možné získat legální pobyt.

Přípravné kroky před stěhováním

Prvním krokem bude shromáždění základních dokumentů potřebných k získání trvalého pobytu v Portugalsku:

  1. Platný doklad totožnosti: Ujistěte se, že váš německý občanský průkaz (Personalausweis) nebo pas je platný. K vstupu a pobytu stačí kterýkoli z nich, doporučuje se však mít oba.
  2. Překlad dokumentů: I když to není vždy nutné, může být užitečné mít důležité dokumenty přeložené do portugalštiny. Jako občan EU nepotřebujete Apostilní osvědčení.

Základní portugalská dokumentace

Pro založení svého života v Portugalsku budete potřebovat získat následující dokumenty:

  1. NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal): Toto je vaše portugalské daňové číslo, které je nezbytné pro většinu oficiálních úkonů. Získáte jej na kterékoli finanční správě (Finanças) nebo prostřednictvím daňového zástupce ještě před příjezdem do Portugalska.
  2. portugalský bankovní účet: Většina bank vyžaduje pouze váš německý průkaz totožnosti a NIF k otevření účtu.
  3. Doklad o adrese pobytu: nájemní smlouvu nebo list vlastnictví nemovitosti v Portugalsku.

Registrace pobytu

Jako občan EU, který pobývá déle než 3 měsíce, musíte:

Zaregistrujte se na místním městském úřadě (Obecním úřadě):

Máte 30 dní po uplynutí 3 měsíců od zahájení pobytu na to, abyste se zaregistrovali.

Požadované dokumenty pro registraci:

  • Platný německý občanský průkaz nebo pas
  • Doklad o trvalém pobytu v Portugalsku
  • Doklad o finančních prostředcích (výpisy z bankovního účtu, pracovní smlouva nebo výpisy z penze)
  • Portugalské NIF

Po registraci

  1. Osvědčení o registraci: Získáte dokument potvrzující vaše právo pobývat v Portugalsku (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia).
  2. Platnost: Tento certifikát je platný po dobu 5 let.
  3. Možnosti zdravotní péče: Můžete si zvolit:

Dlouhodobý pobyt

Po legálním pobytu v Portugalsku po dobu 5 nepřetržitých let:

  1. Můžete požádat o trvalý pobyt
  2. Osvědčení o trvalém pobytu je platné po dobu 10 let
  3. Pokud si to přejete, můžete následně požádat o portugalské občanství

Cesta k portugalskému občanství

Po 5 letech legálního pobytu můžete žádat o portugalské občanství a zároveň si ponechat své německé občanství, protože obě země umožňují dvojí občanství. Hlavními požadavky jsou:

  • Důkaz o 5 letech legálního pobytu
  • Základní znalost portugalštiny (úroveň A2)
  • Čistý trestní rejstřík
  • Občanská a společenská integrace v Portugalsku

Důležité tipy:

  • Zaregistrujte se u svého místního německého konzulátu v Portugalsku
  • Zvažte připojení se ke komunitám německých expatů pro podporu a rady
  • Udržujte aktuální jak německou, tak portugalskou dokumentaci
  • Oznamte německým úřadům změnu místa pobytu (Abmeldung)

Pamatujte, že jako občan EU máte proces výrazně jednodušší než neobčané EUMáte právo žít a pracovat v Portugalsku již od prvního dne a registrační proces je převážně administrativní povahy, nikoli žádost o vízum.

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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)
Moving to Portugal as a German

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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