Our Life in Portugal
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Welcome to Our Life in Portugal!

7/5/2017

3 Comments

 
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Hi! ​We’re Harold and Jana and we'll be chronicling our move from Georgia (USA) to Portugal later this year. The decision to move from our native country to an entirely new one was not made lightly. There were many factors involved, and we'd like to take a minute to give you an idea of a few of those just in case you're considering something similar.

​First, we are childless, so we won't be living far away from any kids or grandkids. Our parents have all shuffled off this mortal coil, so there are no elder care issues. And finally, we needed to REBOOT, as we put it.

​Reboot? What does that mean? When our parents retired they did a bit of traveling (in the U.S.) but didn't expand their horizons. Instead, they kept to their usual routine which did not take advantage of their freedom from the 9-5. Both Jana and I felt that it would be good to shake things up, start over. One of the best (and probably the most stressful) ways to do that is to sell your house, get rid of most of your earthly possessions, and move somewhere completely new.

Both of us have traveled extensively, and as retirement age approaches we want to do some exploration of Europe. During our last several vacations to the UK and Ireland, one of our largest trip expenses was airfare. If we want to wander around Europe, what better way to do that than live there and benefit from their low cost transportation options?

Why Portugal? Because it's a beautiful country with a welcoming culture, and a sensible program for establishing residency. Their healthy lifestyle and lower cost of living is highly attractive. And there's a wealth of history to explore. Throw in a moderate, yet diverse climate, genuinely nice people, it is the ideal choice.

The aim of our website and blog is to give our readers information on the immigration process and what it's like to live in a foreign culture. And to allow you to share in our successes. Don't worry--we'll be sure to share the things that didn't go right, as well, so that hopefully others do not need to make the same mistakes we will.

So welcome to Our Life in Portugal. 

Next in the Queue: Visa application 
3 Comments
bertrand fernandes link
6/21/2020 10:51:31 am

Greetings H AND J

I really needed a guide on my options if i do end up taking the citizenship that portugues grants to its old colonies inhabitants (Goa) .
Goa was a portuguese colony for 450 years . Its influence is still visible. you can check out my blog travel advencher . (LINK PROVIDED)

Many just take it and run to other places in europe specially london to make quick bucks . I would like to know if there are job opportunities for new passport holders in portugal itself and also the cost of living in portugal

Hope i find all the answers on your blog , it sure does look beautiful

Reply
Jana & Harold
6/21/2020 12:29:38 pm

Olá Senor Fernandes,

Thank you for your kind comments. At present the job situation in Portugal is not good, especially with the economic downturn due to the virus. Even on our street there are a number of businesses that have closed. It is very sad.

As to the cost of living, we used Numbeo (https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/) to get an idea of what groceries, rent, etc would be in Porto. Certainly you can reduce those costs if you live further out of the city. Of course, if you’re out in a village you would require a car to get here and there.

There are a lot of former AirBNB apartments coming up for short or long term rent since our tourist numbers are still down. Those prices look fairly decent. Usually it’s hard to find an apartment in Porto. As tourists return those apartments will most likely return to being AirBnB properties.

There might be a Facebook group that is more particular to your situation regarding the acquisition of citizenship, etc. We aren’t knowledgeable in that area.

Hope some of this helps. Stay well!

Reply
bertrand fernandes
6/21/2020 06:01:06 pm

Thanks for your prompt reply.

Its a sad situation everywhere. Even here in goa we are in the lockdown so many business have closed and many will close if things don't improve soon. I guess the situation is same all over the world . Lets hope things improve in the coming days. I will check out the website you gave for the cost of living.
As for the facebook group , will check if there exist one.

you two take care and stay safe


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    Harold is a former software engineer. Jana is an author. Together they're exploring their new life in Portugal.

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