Starting Over in Portugal: My Experience of Change and Adaptation

From Brazil to Portugal: challenges, achievements and essential tips for those who want to follow the same path

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Maybe it's not the best time to write this post yet. After all, I still feel like I'm starting over. Halfway through. But, just as I'm starting a new life, I'm also starting this new blog, and nothing is more fair than sharing a little of my journey so far.

Whatever the cause, I'm one of those people who dreams big, even the most impossible dreams. In fact, these are perhaps the ones that move me the most.

As I mentioned in my introduction, I have always been fond of change. Whether it be paths, dreams, destinations... I have been a drummer in a female punk rock band, a photographer, an actress, a director, a screenwriter, an author (in truth, I continue to be all of these).

In fact, despite being detached, I am a knowledge collector (oh, I forgot to mention that I also study astrology!). I have always loved jumping from book to book, from subject to subject, perhaps because of my 6th house in Gemini, or my Moon in Sagittarius, which is always looking for something beyond.

A Life of Changes

Whatever the cause, I'm one of those people who dreams big, even the most impossible dreams. In fact, these are perhaps the ones that move me the most.

So, here I am, living in Portugal for a measly 9 months. More specifically, in Lisbon. For me, it was a big surprise, because despite having dreamed of living in Europe for a long time, the Portuguese lands were never in my plans. In fact, Paris has always been the owner of my heart, and where I dream of living one day.

An Unexpected New Beginning

It all started three years ago, when I separated after 18 years of marriage. Along with it came the existential crisis that comes with a separation. Suddenly, you find yourself saying goodbye to a dreamed-of future together, and you need to pick up the pieces - and dreams - that were lost somewhere along the way.

Cut to 3 years later, by a whim of the future, I met up with an old love from 25 years ago, who now lives in Portugal. As a good Libra who believes in fairy tales and soulmates, I decided to give it a shot. After all, I've always had the motto that it's better to regret something you did than to spend your life wondering what could have been. That's how I moved to Los Angeles in 2013, where I lived for six years, and that's how I ended up here.

Challenges of New Life in Portugal

I must admit that it has not been an easy journey. Right away, I faced the European winter, which, although not the most terrible in Portugal, was not a bed of roses either. Getting used to the constant mold, the rare sun, and the biting winds made the arrival of spring and summer even sweeter - despite the low levels of vitamin D, which I insist is the cause of my slight and constant melancholy.

Moving to another country is not for the faint of heart. Adapting to a new culture, job market and bureaucracy - be prepared, because there are many in Portugal - only adds to the most painful of all: the distance from family and friends. In my case, it has been even more challenging because I am away from my daughter, who for now cannot come.

The Advantages of Living in Portugal

On the other hand, the many advantages of living here help to alleviate the difficulties. Living in Europe unlocks a new level of quality of life: being able to walk around alone without worries, having access to culture, travel and tours at an affordable price, and the entire European map that opens up to you at much lower prices than coming from Brazil. Furthermore, being immersed in history and art on every corner is a privilege.

Final Reflection

Despite the hardships and the fact that I am still in this transition and adaptation phase, I can say that it was one of the best choices I have made. So, if you also dream of venturing into Portuguese lands, I share with you some tips that can make your journey easier.

Practical Tips for Those Who Want to Move to Portugal

01 - Planning Before Moving:

Research the cost of living in different regions of Portugal and prepare yourself financially, considering exchange rates and initial costs.

The cost of living in Portugal is one of the lowest in Europe - as is the minimum wage. The biggest burden is the cost of housing, especially in the big cities.

Find out about the types of visas available and the requirements for each.

In my case, I came with the new Job Seeker visa . It allows you to come legally to Portugal for 120 days in search of work opportunities.

Once you have a contract, you show up on the date scheduled by AIMA (formerly SEF), take the contract, proof of residence, among other documents (check the list on the website ), and they grant you a Residence Permit valid for 2 years.

The process is simple, but if you want some advice, I recommend the company Você Português , which helped me. In less than 60 days, I had my visa in hand. They even get your NIF (Tax Identification Number) for you before you even arrive.

02 - How to Find Housing:

Explore options on rental sites like Idealista , OLX , and CustoJusto .
Consider staying in a hotel or renting a temporary room while you look for something permanent.
Check the location in relation to public transport and essential services.

And remember to prepare yourself financially for this, as most ask for a deposit of 2 months' rent, among other things.

03 - Documentation and Bureaucracy:

Request the NIF (Tax Identification Number) as soon as you arrive.
Issue a Proof of Residence
Register with the National Health Service (SNS) to have access to public healthcare.
Go to the local public hospital and get your patient number (UTENTE).
Open a Portuguese bank account (only after receiving your residence permit).

Keep in mind that Portuguese banks now only open accounts for those with a Residence Permit. In the meantime, a great option, which is the one I used, is WISE . You can bring money from Brazil, make online purchases, withdraw money, and even pay for services that require direct debit, such as gym memberships (here, known as Ginásio).

04 - Cultural Adaptation and Integration:

Join expat events and groups to meet people and share experiences. A great site is Meetup , where you can find a variety of activities and groups.
Explore the local culture, enroll in courses and be open to new experiences. A great tip is to also go out alone. You always end up meeting someone.

05 - Job Market:

Prepare a CV in the European format and adapt it to the Portuguese market.
Use platforms such as LinkedIn , Net-Empregos, Fiverr and Indeed to search for vacancies.
Consider working as a freelancer or starting your own business. If you work as a freelancer, you will need to open an Activity, which will allow you to issue the famous Green Receipts . Although this is something you can do on your own, I recommend looking for an accountant to help you. In the first year, you will be exempt from IRS, VAT, etc., even if you earn above the annual exemption limit (around 14,000 euros).

I opened my own content production company, L'Atelier Lab , and have been doing a variety of work ever since. While I'm on the subject, if you need a photographer or videographer in Lisbon, you know who to contact :)

06 - Missing Family and Friends:

Plan regular visits to Brazil if possible, or invite them to visit Portugal.
Use technology (video conferencing, messaging) to stay in close contact.
Seek to build a local support network with other Brazilians or expats.

As for this matter, there really is nothing you can do. It hurts. A lot. And as we know, life is made of choices. If your dreams don't take you as far as mine, stay away.

Now, if it keeps you awake, if it's something that's been with you for years, go ahead. The most that will happen is that you'll come back with countless stories to tell. And that tranquility and peace of mind of someone who, despite everything, tried.

Useful links:

Equipment List:

Thank you for following along with me this far. I hope these tips help make your transition to Portugal smoother and less stressful - if that's even possible.

Now I want to hear from you! What dream has your soul been asking you to fulfill? Take the opportunity to leave a comment with what you would like to see here! Good luck, and see you next time!

With love,

Larissa