Becoming a permanent resident in Portugal
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If you are an EU citizen, as soon as you are in permanent residence you will be entitled to apply for a Portuguese national insurance card. This will provide you with access to a local doctor. As with most EU countries you will need private topup insurance as well, as the state is only liable for 70% of the cost of consultations and medication. You will also need some form of private health cover to cushion you against hospitalisation fees, dental bills etc. You will need to have paid full contributions in your home country for at least two years to be eligible for this reciprocal state health cover.
The mild climate and the friendliness of the Portuguese are major factors which encourage people to take up residence in Portugal. The Portuguese have naturally sunny dispositions, to match the weather, and their healthy life style is to be admired.
When contemplating a move to Portugal it is essential to visit the country, to find out if it really is the place of your dreams. Like all countries, you will encounter things which may frustrate you, but nowhere is perfect, and if Portugal were to be a complete paradise it could be aggravatingly boring, and that is one adjective that cannot be applied to life in this colourful, welcoming country.
For information on becoming a permanent resident and also Property for sale in Portugal, contact the Portugal Property team on 0800 014 8201 or email us on: info@portugalproperty.com
Published in: Portuguese Life