Nomad Compass Portugal

Last updated: September 2026 Sooner or later, every move comes down to the same practical question: how do you get your money here? Whether it's your savings, a house sale or your monthly salary, knowing how to handle moving money to Portugal can save you real money and a few awkward conversations with your bank. This guide is about bringing your money with you when you move: how to do it without losing money on the way, and how to be ready for the questions your Portuguese bank will ask. Quick answer Most people moving to Portugal transfer money through a bank wire or a money transfer provider such as Wise, and the real cost is usually hidden in the exchange rate rather than the visible fee. Portuguese banks are legally required to check where money comes from, so for large transfers, have documents ready that show the source of the funds. If you carry €10,000 or more in cash into or out of the EU, you must declare it to customs. Transferring money to Portugal at a glanc...

Last updated: September 2026 Your first residence permit in Portugal doesn't last forever, and the renewal is the next milestone after your AIMA appointment. The good news: most Portugal residence permit renewals can now be handled online, without visiting an AIMA office. This guide covers when to renew, how AIMA's online renewal portal works, what you need to show, what it costs, and what to do if your card expires while you wait. Quick answer A first temporary residence permit is generally valid for 2 years and renewable for 3-year periods. Portuguese law asks you to apply for renewal at least 30 days before your card expires, and you can apply from 90 days before. Most renewals are now submitted online through AIMA's Portal de Renovações, where you apply, pay the fees and receive a receipt that shows your application is in progress. Residence permit renewal at a glance Question Short answer How long is a first permit valid? Generally 2 years, then renewa...

Last updated: September 2026 Proof of accommodation for Portugal visas trips up more applicants than almost any other document. It feels simple: show where you'll live. But the consulate and AIMA each look at it differently, and a document that works at one stage can be rejected at the next. If you're applying from abroad, you may be signing a lease on a flat you've only seen in photos, and paying rent before you've even arrived. So it's worth getting this document right the first time. This guide explains what counts as proof of accommodation for a D7 or D8 visa , what changes when you get to your AIMA appointment, and the small mistakes that cause the most delays. Quick answer For a Portuguese residence visa, consulates typically ask for proof of accommodation covering 12 months: a long-term lease, a property deed in your name, or a termo de responsabilidade signed by someone hosting you. Once you're in Portugal, AIMA asks for a signed declaration of...

Last updated: September 2026 For many people, choosing a new country isn't the hard part. Making sure their dog or cat can come too is. The good news: bringing a pet to Portugal is very doable. It just takes planning, because the rules are strict, the timing matters, and for some countries the process starts months before your flight. This guide covers the rules for bringing dogs and cats to Portugal from outside the EU, including the US, the UK and Brazil, what happens at the airport, and what you need to do after you arrive. Quick answer To bring a dog or cat to Portugal from outside the EU, your pet needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel (for a first vaccination), and an official health certificate. Pets from countries with a higher rabies risk, such as Brazil, also need a rabies antibody blood test and a 90-day wait before traveling. You must notify the airport's veterinary checkpoint at least 48 hours before arrival, and onc...

Last updated: September 2026 Moving to Portugal doesn't end your relationship with the IRS. The US is one of very few countries that taxes its citizens wherever they live, so as an American in Portugal you'll usually deal with two tax systems at once. The good news: with the right tools, most Americans in Portugal don't end up paying tax twice on the same income. This guide explains what you still need to file in the US, the main ways to avoid double taxation, the foreign account reports people most often miss, and how Social Security works if you're self-employed. Quick answer If you're a US citizen or green card holder living in Portugal, you generally still need to file a US federal tax return every year, reporting your worldwide income. Tools like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (up to $132,900 for tax year 2026) and the Foreign Tax Credit help prevent double taxation. You may also need to report foreign bank accounts (FBAR) once they total more than ...