Top 30 Questions
Instant Relocation
Portugal
How do I get a NIF number quickly when moving to Portugal?
The NIF is the key that unlocks life in Portugal—you need it for rentals, bank accounts, utilities, and even phone contracts. Instant Relocation Portugal gets your NIF issued in a matter of days using just your basic documents, so you can start signing contracts and moving forward instead of waiting in tax-office queues.
What is the fastest way to secure a long-term rental in Lisbon in 2026?
To beat the Lisbon market, you need more than a few portal searches—you need someone on the ground who can monitor listings, call agents immediately, and secure viewings. With our Premium Rental Search, we run a full-market search, arrange unlimited viewings, and negotiate directly, so you end up with a good home at a fair price instead of the last option left.
Can you help me find rentals in Porto and the Algarve as well, or only in Lisbon?
Yes, we work across all of Portugal, from big cities like Porto to coastal areas in the Algarve and quieter regions in between. You get one English‑speaking team that understands your profile and applies the same professional search and negotiation process, no matter where in the country you decide to live.
What documents do I need for the Portugal D7 Visa in 2026?
For the D7 Visa, you normally need proof of stable passive income, savings, a clean criminal record, health insurance, and a solid rental contract in Portugal. We coordinate your Visa case with a specialist law firm and, in parallel, secure a Visa‑compliant rental for you so that your application and housing strategy support each other instead of competing for your time and energy.
How much should I budget for a two-bedroom rental in Greater Lisbon?
Most expat‑friendly two‑bedroom rentals around Lisbon fall into a price band of €1,000-€2,500, with more affordable options in commuter towns and higher prices in prime areas. Our team helps you position your budget realistically, then targets areas and properties where your money works hardest.
Can you set up electricity, water, gas, and internet for my new home?
Yes, we can have utilities ready as soon as you move in, which means no days spent in the dark. We compare suitable plans, handle the sign‑up in Portuguese, and share all details with you in English.
What income is required for the Portugal D8 digital nomad Visa in 2026?
The D8 Visa is designed for remote workers who can demonstrate a consistent monthly income above a defined threshold of €3,480 per month and prove that their work is performed for clients outside Portugal. We help organize contracts, invoices, and bank statements in a way that makes sense to consulates, while also finding housing that supports your remote‑work lifestyle, such as quiet neighborhoods with strong internet.
How do I open a Portuguese bank account as an Expat?
Opening a bank account can be straightforward if you know which banks are expat‑friendly and what they expect to see from you. We help you gather the right documents, pre‑select suitable banks, and either accompany you to the branch or coordinate the process remotely, so you have a local account ready for rent, utilities, and daily expenses.
Which areas around Lisbon are best, with good schools and reasonable rent?
Areas like Cascais, Oeiras, and certain suburbs are popular with families because they balance green spaces, schools, and easy access to Lisbon. We review your school preferences, commuting needs, and budget, then focus the search on neighborhoods that match your lifestyle rather than just ticking boxes on a map.
Can you negotiate the rent and terms on my behalf?
Yes, negotiating is a standard part of what we do, and we frequently secure reductions in rent, better maintenance terms, or clearer clauses simply by handling the conversations in Portuguese. Our goal is not just to get you any contract, but to get you a fair, sustainable agreement that protects you over the full term of your stay.
How long are residence permit appointments taking at the moment?
Residence permit processing has become slower in recent years, with many applicants waiting several months between their Visa, appointment, and card delivery. Knowing this, we help you build a realistic timeline, prepare a file, and secure housing so you are not forced into last‑minute changes while you wait for decisions.
Can you help me buy a property in the Algarve or on the Silver Coast?
Yes, we support buyers in all major regions, including the Algarve and Silver Coast, from initial research to key handover. You get property sourcing, viewing coordination, and independent legal checks in English, so you can be confident about what you are buying, even if you are not physically present for every step.
How can I avoid rental scams when searching from abroad?
Scams usually exploit distance, urgency, and language barriers—pressuring you to send money before you have checked the property and documents. We remove that risk by verifying owners or agencies, visiting properties in person or via video, and arranging an independent contract review, so the first time you see your home in person, it matches what you agreed on.
Do my children also need NIF numbers?
Yes, children need NIF numbers for school files, healthcare registration, and many everyday procedures. When families relocate with us, we obtain NIFs for all members in one coordinated step.
What kind of accommodation proof is best for a D7 Visa application?
Consulates tend to favour clear, registered, long‑term rental contracts that show exactly where you will live and for how long. We design your rental search around these expectations, focusing on properties and landlords willing to sign contracts compliant with Visa applications.
What should I expect to pay monthly for utilities in a typical two-bedroom apartment?
Combined monthly costs for electricity, water, gas, and internet fall into a predictable range of €100-€300 per month, though older, less insulated properties can run higher. During setup, we discuss your expected usage, help you choose an appropriate plan, and ensure your cost of living stays close to the budget you planned.
Can you coordinate the international shipping of my belongings to Portugal?
Yes, if you are bringing furniture and personal items, we can coordinate international removals with a trusted logistics partner who handles packing, transport, and customs. We align shipping dates with your rental start or purchase completion, so your belongings arrive when you actually have a place to put them.
How do I prove my work income for the D8 Visa?
Remote work income is usually proven through a combination of contracts or employment letters, invoices, pay slips, and recent bank statements. We help you and our partner law firm structure this information clearly, and we can also provide letters related to your housing and local setup to present a coherent picture of your life in Portugal.
Can my spouse and children join me in Portugal later through family reunification?
In many cases, yes, as long as you have a valid residence permit, sufficient income, and a home that can accommodate your family. We often support this by upgrading your rental if needed, arranging school places, and coordinating with the legal team so that your family members’ applications are timed and documented properly.
Can you organize property viewings in multiple cities during my scouting trip?
Yes, we can plan a focused itinerary so that in a few days, you can compare Lisbon, Cascais, and Porto without wasting time on unsuitable properties. Before you travel, we pre‑screen and confirm availability, turning your scouting trip into meaningful choices rather than random visits.
Can you help me get reliable high-speed internet if I move to a rural area?
Once we know what is available—fiber, ADSL, 4G, or 5G—we arrange the installation and make sure it goes live as soon as possible after you receive the keys.
How do you decide whether the D7 or D8 Visa fits me better?
We start by mapping out your income sources—pensions, rentals, investments, salary, or freelance work—and how stable and documented they are. Together with our legal partners, we then compare this to current D7 and D8 criteria and suggest the route that offers the highest chance of approval and the most comfortable long‑term lifestyle for you.
Can you recommend a valid Bank account for Portugal D7 Visas?
Portuguese Banks are more flexible with international clients and have good English‑language apps and customer support. We recommend options that fit and then guide you through the entire opening process, so you can start transferring funds and paying local expenses without delays.
Will someone review my long-term rental contract before I sign?
Yes, contract review by an independent legal professional is built into our higher‑level rental services because most clients are signing in another language and legal system. You receive a clear explanation of key clauses in English and can ask for changes or clarifications before you send any money or commit to move‑in dates.
Can you help with moving my pets to Portugal?
Moving with pets can be stressful. That is why we help plan the process from both a housing and logistics perspective. That means focusing your property search on pet‑friendly options, confirming rules, and coordinating transport and documentation with our removals partner to keep your animals safe and comfortable.
How competitive is the Lisbon property market for foreigners?
Lisbon remains one of the most crowded rental markets in Portugal, with well‑located properties often receiving multiple offers within days. Our role is to make you stand out—by ensuring you have a NIF, a local bank account, clear income proof, and a professional presentation. So that property owners see you as a strong, low‑risk choice.
As an EU citizen, do I need to register my residency in Portugal?
The EU process is simpler, but it still requires you to have your documentation, address, and financial proof organized before you visit the local authorities. Many EU citizens work with us because combining NIF, rental search, utility setup, and bank account opening in one service saves time and prevents multiple trips back and forth for missing paperwork.
Can you explain the main property taxes when buying in Portugal?
When you buy a home, you will pay a purchase tax, some smaller registration costs, and then an annual municipal tax that depends on the property and area. We calculate these costs for each property you consider, so you can compare not only purchase prices but also real long‑term affordability before making an offer.
I already own a property in Portugal—can you help me find tenants or buyers?
Yes, if you own a property, we can promote it to expat audiences, answer initial questions in English, and coordinate viewings with prospective tenants or buyers. This is especially useful if you are overseas and want someone local and professional representing your interests without you needing to be on the phone constantly.
What happens if my Visa is refused—can you still help me?
A refusal is not necessarily the end of the road; it is often a signal that something in the file was missing, unclear, or not presented the way the consulate expected. We work with our legal partners to review the decision, adjust your strategy, and, if appropriate, help you reapply or appeal.
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Our Swedish founders personally experienced the challenges of moving to Portugal. During the early days of the pandemic, they witnessed firsthand the rising housing costs, recognizing the critical need for reliable support.
“We’re not just a relocation agency; We are Expats ourselves and understand the questions you have and the challenges you might face. That’s why we built our services to be easy to use, drawing directly from our own experiences.”