Generally it will only take a few days to get used to driving on the right. Many of the road signs are the same as at home and in our experience, people adapt very quickly. Roads in Portugal are well maintained and are far less congested than at home and there is an excellent motorway…
Pets may be taken to Portugal although you will need a health certificate from your vet, issued 15 days before departure and a certificate of vaccination against rabies. You will also need a certificate declaring the animal has been kept in an area free of animal diseases. All these certificates must be stamped and legalised…
The standard of education in Portugal is generally high and since entering the EU, it has become simple to transfer between systems with full recognition of qualifications. Schools and colleges are widely available and if your children are young it’s recommended that you put them into the local school. State education is free and most…
Your retirement pension or other benefits can be paid directly into your bank at home or abroad. For more information contact the UK Department for Work & Pensions
The healthcare system in Portugal is extremely efficient and available to all EU residents. The E111 or E128 forms are required for emergency treatment. You can also take out private health insurance at a reasonable cost in Portugal. For more information contact the UK Department of Health & Social Care
No coastline anywhere in Europe can match the Algarve. It enjoys an astonishing 320 days period of sunshine a year, combined with fresh, gentle breezes from the Atlantic. 100 miles of glorious beaches are swept clean by the tides every day, ranging from vast expanses of glittering sands to secluded coves bordered by soft, coloured…
‘AN ABSOLUTE JEWEL ON THE ATLANTIC COAST’ The majority of our properties lie between the Spanish border in the east and Sagres in the west, and a high percentage within the famous ‘golden triangle’ including the prestigious developments of Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Val dos Pinheiros, Quinto do Mar and Vila Sol. The…
Renting out your property is an excellent way of helping to pay some or all of the annual costs, as well as helping to cover any mortgage payments. Rental income varies depending upon the facilities you provide, the location and the facilities on offer, and the seasons; May/June to September being the high season with…
As with UK or Ireland, this depends on the price of your property and when you buy. As a guideline, annual running costs for an average 2/3 bedroom property will be £1,000 – £1,500 per annum. This will include gas, electricity, water, local rates, community fees and insurance. Your appointed Lawyer will ensure that all…
Portuguese regulations state that anyone who lives in Portugal for more than 183 days a year should have official residency. There is no advantage in full time residents not applying for full residency and this simple process can be done at the local department of immigration. You will also need to apply for a tax…