Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is located in Western Europe and is known for its unique history, culture and architectural heritage. Portugal occupies about 16% of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain, and has a population of over 10 million.
Guia completo para se mudar para Portugal
General
Culture in Portugal is defined by the combination of various elements characteristic of the country. From festivals such as the Popular Saints (in Lisbon), the Flower Festival (in Madeira) or the São Mateus Fair (in Viseu), to traditional dances such as the Vira, Chula, Corridinho and Fandango, Portugal is a country full of life and diverse areas to explore and get to know!
Cities/Country Size
In Portugal there are 159 cities in which 4.5 million people live. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), the seven cities with more than 100 thousand inhabitants are the following: Lisbon, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Amadora, Braga, Funchal and Coimbra. (We can put a map of Portugal with the cities)
Food
Typical Portuguese dishes & Restaurants to try:
Bacalhau com natas – Laurentina, o Rei do Bacalhau; Preço: 16.50€ | LisboaBacalhau à Brás – Laurentina, o Rei do Bacalhau; Preço: 13.80€ | LisboaPolvo à Lagareiro – Dom Feijão; Preço: 16€ | LisboaCaldeirada de peixe – Casa do Mateus; Preço 2 pessoas: 27€ | SesimbraFeijoada – Casa da Feijoada; Preço: 16.50€ | LisboaArroz de pato – O Farnel; Preço: 12€ | AlcocheteCozido à portuguesa – O Jacinto; Preço: 17.50€ | Lisboa
Wine
Portugal is the 11th largest wine producer in the world! It is renowned for the vast variety and quality of the wine it offers, and there are currently more than 250 species of native grapes!
10 Portuguese wine regions:
Infrastructures
Portugal has an extensive infrastructure network covering transport, energy, water and telecommunications. The country has an efficient transport system, including roads, highways, railways, underground railways and airports. The road network covers the entire country and is complemented by a high quality public transport system, including buses, trains and boats.
General
Portugal is known to be a safe and reliable country. There is safety all day long on the streets of the cities, where people can walk freely and socialise with friends. Portugal was considered the 4th safest country in the world and the 2nd most peaceful country in the European Union.
Portugal is the 4th safest country in the world
Crime rate
The level of criminality in Portugal is low, and the crimes that occur most frequently are of a non-violent nature. This fact is due to the investment in crime prevention through police intervention and care by the authorities.Although Lisbon has the highest crime rate, both violent and non-violent, the Portuguese capital is still considered one of the safest cities in the world, ranking 37th in quality of life and 31st in lower crime.
Public / Private Hospitals
The Directorate General of Health (DGS) is responsible for public health in Portugal, which operates through the National Health Service (SNS) - to which Portuguese and foreign citizens are entitled, with differences depending on their situation (whether they are tourists or locals).In the public health system, each person has a family doctor who is responsible for providing basic medical care.
When you register at a health centre, you are assigned a family doctor. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe medication, refer for examinations or refer to a specialist. In Portugal, it is possible to access private health services without additional requirements. A choice made by many users is to bet on a health insurance.
Health insurances are affordable, depending on the plan chosen, the age and the health of the patient. They allow users to take advantage of private health services at a lower price. There are options starting from 10 euros per month. A consultation with a private doctor can cost between £80 and £120, but with the discount of health insurance, a consultation can cost around £30.
List of companies for health insurance:
"Número de utente"
The “Número de Utente” is necessary to obtain services in the National Health Service (SNS). For people with Portuguese citizenship, the user number is automatically obtained when the Citizen Card is made. For foreigners with a residence or permanence permit in Portugal, it is necessary to make a request to obtain the user number.
What are the documents and requirements to request the user number?
- Residence Permit
- Work visa
- Fiscal identification number (NIF)
If you have foreign citizenship, without a residence permit or work visa, but have been living in Portugal for more than 90 days, you should request a certificate of residence in your parish council, which can prove your residence in Portugal for more than 90 days.
Social Security
Social Security is a social protection system that aims to guarantee citizens and residents in Portugal their basic rights, promote equal opportunities and help to build a more inclusive and protective society with the welfare of its inhabitants. The system covers both Portuguese citizens and foreigners working in the country.
Image Source: https://pplware.sapo.pt/
There are several social benefits available through Social Security in Portugal, such as:
- Unemployment benefits: aimed at unemployed workers who meet certain requirements, such as length of employment and previous contribution;
- Retirement pensions: intended for workers in old age or with permanent disability;
- Sickness benefits: intended for workers who become incapacitated for work due to illness or accident;
- Death benefits: intended for the dependants of workers who die;
- Family allowances: intended for workers with dependent children.
In order to receive social benefits, the worker must have made contributions to the system during his working life. For more information on Social Security, go to the official website: https://www.seg-social.pt/inicio
Bank Account
In Portugal there are more than 30 different banks where you can open an account.
If you live in Portugal, opening a bank account is simple. You just have to choose a bank (examples: Santander, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, BPI...) and go there with the necessary documentation. Below we present a list of documents required to open an account in Portugal.
If you live in Brazil, it will be more complicated to open an account in Portugal, because you will need a NIF (Fiscal Identification Number) - which corresponds to the CPF in Brazil.
Documents required to open an account in Portugal:
- Document with the NIF (Tax Identification Number) which is issued by the Finance Department;
- Proof of residence (water bill, electricity bill or rental contract);
- Salary receipt or Professional Card;
- Deposit some amount in the account for the opening.
Follow these 5 steps to open a bank account in Portugal:
1.Documents required: To open a bank account in Portugal, you need to present a number of documents, including a valid identification document (citizen card or passport), proof of residence (for example, a water or electricity bill), and a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
2.Choosing a bank: Portugal has several banks and financial institutions to choose from, each with their own conditions, rates and services. It is important to research and compare options before making a decision.
3.Online or in-person bank account: Some banks offer the possibility to open a bank account online, which can be a convenient option for some people. However, others prefer to visit a bank branch in person to have a personal conversation with an account manager and have all their questions answered.
4.Fees and rates: It is important to be aware of the fees and charges associated with the bank account such as maintenance fees, interest rates, ATM withdrawal fees, among others.
5.Data protection: All banks in Portugal are obliged to protect the privacy and security of their customers' data in accordance with Portuguese law and European regulations.
Renting a house
Renting a house nowadays can be a more profitable option than buying. By renting, you don't have to spend as much money and you can control your spending.
However, it all depends on the city where you intend to live. The cities of Lisbon, Porto and Funchal are the most expensive at the moment to rent a house, with Lisbon at the top. The Alentejo is the place where rents are the most affordable.
Buying a house
Buying a house in Portugal can be a complex process, but it can also be a great opportunity for long-term investment. Here are some important factors to keep in mind when considering buying a house in Portugal:
- Budget: It is important to set a realistic budget and have a clear sense of the amount of money you have available to spend on buying a house. This includes not only the price of the house, but also associated expenses such as registration fees, real estate commissions and retirement or renovation expenses.
- Mortgage credit: It is possible to obtain a mortgage credit to finance the purchase of a house in Portugal. It is important to evaluate the different loan options available and choose the one which best suits your financial needs.
- Solicitor: It is advisable to hire the services of a solicitor to help you through the buying process. The attorney can help negotiate the price, assist in the verification of legal documentation and ensure that all legal aspects of the purchase are in order.
- Documentation: A number of documents are required to complete the purchase of a house in Portugal, including the purchase and sale contract, the land registry certificate and a copy of the property register.
- House insurance: It is recommended to take out a house insurance policy to protect your property against damage or loss.
Supermarkets and Restaurants
The portuguese people usually spend around 320€ in the supermarket every month.There are several supermarkets to choose from:
Average programming salary
The average salary for a programmer in Portugal varies depending on a number of factors, including your location, level of experience, type of company and programming language specialisation.
Some of the most valued programming languages in the Portuguese market include Java, Python, JavaScript and PHP. Generally speaking, the average salary for a beginner programmer in Portugal can range between £25,000 and £30,000 per year. For programmers with more experience and specialisation in a particular language, the salary can go up to 35,000€ or more.
It is important to bear in mind that these are just average figures and that a programmer's actual salary can be influenced by a number of factors including their education, technical skills and negotiating skills.
Taxes
In Portugal, taxes are administered by the state and are levied to finance public expenditure such as health, education, security and infrastructure. Individuals and companies are required to pay taxes according to their income or profit, as well as other assets and property. Taxes in Portugal include:
1.Income tax: This is the personal income tax, which is levied annually on the income earned by individuals. The tax rate varies according to income, with higher rates for higher incomes.
2.Value Added Tax (VAT): This is a consumption tax levied on the sale of goods and services. The rate of VAT varies according to the type of product or service, with higher rates for luxury items and lower rates for basic necessities.
3.Corporation Tax: This is a tax levied on the profit of companies. The tax rate varies according to the size and type of business, but is usually around 25%.
4.Real Estate Tax: This is a tax levied on the ownership of real estate including houses, land and commercial buildings. The tax rate varies according to the location and value of the property.
5.In Portugal, it is compulsory to declare taxes annually and individuals and companies are responsible for keeping accurate and up to date records of their earnings and expenses
Holidays
In Portugal, workers are entitled to at least 22 working days holiday per year. This is the minimum amount guaranteed by law, but many companies offer more days holiday to their employees.
The amount of holiday days a worker is entitled to can be negotiated with the employer and can be influenced by factors such as:
Portuguese law allows workers to accumulate holidays throughout the year, which means that it is possible to be entitled to more holiday days depending on the period of work.
Green Tickets VS Employment Contracts
Greeb tickes known as "Recibos Verdes” and employment contracts are two different types of documents that apply to jobs in Portugal.
“Recibos Verdes” or “Green receipts” are used to record independent or autonomous work, i.e. work where the worker provides services to another person or company without being bound to them by an employment contract. In this type of arrangement, the worker is considered a "service provider" rather than an employee of the company. Green receipts are issued on a monthly basis and include information on the amount paid for work performed, as well as relevant tax deductions.
Employment contracts are formal documents that establish the relationship between the employer and the employee. In this type of agreement, the worker is considered an employee of the company and has specific rights and duties. Employment contracts include information about the worker's salary, working hours, holidays, rights and duties, among other things.
In general, workers who provide their services as freelancers or with green receipts have fewer rights and protection than workers with an employment contract, such as the right to paid holidays, holiday allowance, unemployment insurance, and others.
Do I need a Visa?
Portugal is a very popular destination for Brazilians who choose to make a change of country to obtain better living conditions. And to change country to reside, you need a visa.
If you are travelling to Portugal for tourism purposes, with no intention of residing, you do not need a visa. If you intend to live in Portugal, you need a visa.
Caso pretenda passar mais de 90 dias em Portugal, precisa de solicitar um visto. Existem diversos tipos:
- Visto de estada temporária: destinado para quem pretende ficar em Portugal por um período inferior a 12 meses. Algumas finalidades a que o visto pode ser aplicado: tratamento médico; trabalho independente; cursos e programas de intercâmbio.
- Visto de residência: destinado para quem pretende permanecer em Portugal por um período igual ou superior a 1 ano ou para quem pretenda trabalhar por mais de 9 meses no país. Este visto pode ser pedido em situações como: estudos; procura de trabalho; voluntariado; trabalho independente.
- Visto Schengen: Visto até 90 dias, para pessoas de outros países. Este visto não inclui cidadãos brasileiros.
Um visto demora em média 60 dias para ser concluído. Documents required to apply for a visa for Portugal:
- Visa application form;- 2 identical 3×4 photos that are recent;
- A copy of your passport;
- Travel insurance or PB4;
- Criminal record certificate (issued by the Federal Police)
- Authorisation for consultation of the Portuguese Criminal Record by SEF;
- Financial Proof;
- Proof of accommodation.
Residence Permit
Residence Permit is different from Visa. There are two types of residence permit that can be applied for at SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service):
- Temporary residence valid for a period of 1 year and can be renewed for periods of 2 years. After 5 years, the resident must apply for a permanent residence permit.
- Permanent Residence Permit. This type of permit does not have an expiry date, however it must be renewed every 5 years. This is a permanent resident permit.
Necessary Documents for Residence Permit:
- Duly completed form;
- Bank Statement;
- Individual Number;
- Proof of address;
- Valid passport with visa;
- Authorisation to consult the Portuguese criminal record;
- Proof of registration
- Proof of payment of tuition fees (Portuguese taxes);
- The fee for issuing the residence permit is 37.50 euros.