Checklist Moving to Portugal

CHECKLIST MOVING TO PORTUGAL

Moving to Portugal from the UK can be a bit daunting and any move is stressful right, so to help you out we have created_at a checklist, so that you can have peace of mind when organising your move.

MOVING TO PORTUGAL CHECKLIST.

1.TELL THE TAXMAN,

It is important that you tell the tax authority HMRC  that you are moving to Portugal, failure to do so can result in having to pay tax that as an expatriate you should be exempt from.

You need to get your P85 from Revenue and Customs, you then need to complete and return it, give yourself adequate time to do this, as you do not want this form chasing you all over Europe.

The P85 lets HMRC know where you will be,  you will then be taxed in the correct place, avoid double taxation and possible bureaucratic nightmares.

2. EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD.

In 2006 the E111 was replaced by the EHIC and if you are traveling or moving anywhere in Europe you really should have one.

Although it is designed for short stays it will give you cover when you first move over if illness or accident befall you. You can apply for this via the NHS.

3. HEALTH AND MEDICAL INSURANCE.

Once you are a permanent resident in Portugal you are entitled to the same health care as a Portuguese national. For this level of residency you need only to apply locally (Junta de Freguesia) with evidence that you are living here, utility bills and passports are normally sufficient.

There are a number of companies offering private health Insurance in Portugal and the costs are competitive, it is like any other insurance well worth while shopping around.

Some of the best deals can be found in conjunction with Bank accounts so shop around for these as well.

4. DENTISTS AND DOCTORS

Your medical records are of course very handy to your new dentist and doctor once you have arrived in Portugal. Also you will be freeing up vital services in your country so please tell your Dentist and GP of your plans.

 5. DRIVING IN PORTUGAL

Most people will be driving when they get to Portugal and it is imperative that they get to know the new laws and customs in Portugal. Driving in Portugal is different to a lot of other countries so take time to read the rules and learn the signs.

 6.BANKS AND MONEY TRANSFER.

Opening a Bank in Portugal is a simple process, in fact much easier than many other European countries. It is far easier to manage your affairs in Portugal once you have opened a Bank account. All you need is a Nif number which you can get once you are here your passport and an address you can use your UK address to begin with.

Again it is useful to shop around as different Banks have different charges and offer different services.

As for transferring money use a currency transfer company it is cheaper than your Bank and often faster.

The only company we recommend also offer a pre-charged card, this allows you to charge up your card with Euros and then use it like a debit card when you are in Europe you can save a lot of money this way. It is a great way to pay a deposit, if you find a property on a viewing trip, it is also great for European holidays. Click Here to sign up.

7.YOUR PENSION IN PORTUGAL.

You may be exempt from income tax on your pension if you are European, if you have a work based pension not earned in Portugal you may not have to pay income tax in Portugal or in your home country.

There are a few exemptions, but you can take that as the rule.

 8.INVESTMENTS AT HOME

If you have investments in your own country especially tax free government sponsored schemes make sure that you are not endangering them by moving abroad, it is unlikely but worth checking.

Get professional advice from a financial expert about this type of investment.

 9.TAX ON INVESTMENTS.

If you are going to be working and or paying tax in Portugal, you should take steps to ensure that you do not get taxed twice. In the UK you should complete the R105 from HMRC.

You should then send it to the companies that hold your investments.

This will ensure that you no longer have to pay tax in the UK on interest received, instead you will pay the tax in Portugal.

WARNING: FAILURE TO DO SO MAY MEAN THAT YOU END UP PAYING TWICE.

 10.MAKING A WILL.

The law of intestate in Portugal should not apply to a foreigner moving to Portugal, normally the inheritance laws applicable are from the home country of the deceased.

However it is advisable to make a notarised will in Portugal to avoid any possible problems if the worse happens.

11.DOTTING THE I’S

Make sure you remember to tell all of the relevant people that you are moving unexpected telephone or electricity bill 6 months later are unwelcome in the extreme.

Post Office: Set up a redirection of mail service with the Post Office.

Utilities: Make sure that your gas, telephone, internet and electricity company know that you are leaving, even if you are renting the property out.

Council: The last thing you want is to continue paying your council tax so make sure you tell the council of your plans.

 12.USE PROFESSIONALS.

Make sure that you always use registered professionals in Portugal, even well meaning amateurs can make your move to Portugal turn into a nightmare. This does of course  include registered estate agents in Portugal.