With any move, a thorough checklist will help you transition to your new home smoothly. Whether moving to Portugal is for employment or retirement, this checklist will keep you organized and prepared for your transition into the land of pristine beaches and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Six to 12 Months Prior to Your Move
- Make sure you (and anyone moving with you) have a valid passportÂ
- Apply for a Visa for yourself and/or any applicable family members – the different types of Visas available include employment, study, family, or to purchase propertyÂ
- Research whether you need an international driving licenseÂ
- Check how your pension and benefits contributions will be recognized in PortugalÂ
- Research the city where you plan to relocate Â
- Make a budget using cost of living calculators and information on food, transportation, and accommodation costs of your selected cityÂ
- Make a moving budget and a living budget to cover the first six months to a year of your stay Â
- Contact international movers to get pricing and options for your moveÂ
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A Few Months Before Your Move
- Check in with the Centre for Disease Control site to see if you need to get any vaccines before you travel and, if you do, book them through your doctor Â
- Book your flightÂ
- Book a short-term rental to help you get settled in and wait for your items to arrive from overseas Â
- Secure your international moving company and pay any applicable deposits. Note that your personal items must arrive in Portugal within 90 days of when you do. To avoid being held up at customs your items must be documented in a complete inventory, which reputable movers will be able to easily provide for you as a part of their standard service.Â
- Secure travel insurance, medical insurance, etc.Â
- Research rules on moving your pet with you (or focus on finding a local home for your pet before your move). Note that Portugal is said to be more flexible in the ability to relocate your pet with you compared to many other countriesÂ
- Start working on improving your PortugueseÂ
- Plan to rent or sell your home or give notice to your landlordÂ
- Get medical and dental appointments for you and your family before you leave and, at these appointments, secure copies of the records to bring with you on your move Â
- Sell any major appliances or vehicles you will not be taking with you or arrange for storageÂ
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A Month Before Your Move
- Arrange for banking in PortugalÂ
- Contact your credit card companies and let them know about your moveÂ
- Arrange to have your mail forwarded to you via post office box if you have not secured a permanent address yetÂ
- Begin PackingÂ
- Sort out what electric outlet converters you’ll need and purchase themÂ
- Book a rental car from the airport if applicableÂ
- If you require a job, begin your search onlineÂ
- Cancel subscriptions, utilities, oil, gas, water, newspapers etc.Â
 The Week of your Move
- Check your flight statusÂ
- Pay all outstanding loans and debtsÂ
- Visit family and friends to say goodbyeÂ
- Ensure your cell phone plan will allow you to connect with people back homeÂ
- Get some Euros in preparation for your moveÂ
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The First Few Weeks Post Move
- Research local transportation options that will work for you and purchase or lease a vehicle if applicableÂ
- Seek out local grocery stores, things to do, and restaurantsÂ
- Secure a longer-term rental to liveÂ
- Research visa extensions as neededÂ
- Send your new permanent contact address to friends and familyÂ
- Set up your internet, long term cell phone plan, cable, utilities etc. at your new homeÂ
- Enjoy everything Portugal has to offer!Â
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Orbit International Moving Logistics Ltd.: Your International Moving Expert
We have over a decade of experience moving customers around the world. Some of our customers like us so much, they’ve used us more than once. Why did they come back to Orbit? Our customer service is what sets us apart – customer service representatives answer every question, no matter how small, and our moving crew shows up on time with all the materials they need to get the job done correctly the first time. To learn more about Orbit, call us at 416-661-4228 or contact us to Get the best price.
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