The nation is fortunate to have a warm environment, a wide variety of foods, strong services, and a booming economy, all of which contribute to its popularity as a destination of choice for immigrants interested in relocating. Around 600,000 of its residents are foreign nationals, which accounts for approximately 6.5 per cent of the population as a whole. Larger cities, such as Brazil, Porto, Lisbon, etc., are more desirable places to live for immigrants due to the active culture and prosperous industries found there. This country provides its foreign residents with access to high-quality health care and educational opportunities. It offers one of the best climates, magnificent coastlines, and an affordable housing system, making it a home for foreigners away from their home country. For lovers of serenity, living in the fishing villages is the best option. While for those who seek the calmness of the sea as well as the vibrancy of the city, then living in a bustling city is the right location. The Algarve region is one of the best places to live in Europe, as it offers an affordable cost of living of about €1,700 a month in smaller towns, and €2,200 in bigger cities. It is the responsibility of Service de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras to oversee immigration into Portugal. As an EU member state, the country’s immigration system is similar to other EU countries, where EU citizens are allowed free access.
Immigrating to the Country
Immigrating to the territory from India requires careful planning and preparation. The following is a list of significant actions to take and things to remember:
Visa Requirement
Indian citizens require a visa to enter Portugal. There are different types of visas, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. For long-term stays, such as work or study, you will need a residence visa. You can apply for a visa at the Embassy in India or through the VFS Global visa application center. The immigration policy of Portugal is comparable to that of a significant number of other EU member nations. EU citizens have freedom of movement here, as it is part of the Schengen Area, while non-EU citizens can only relocate to the territory to work, study, join family, or retire if they are issued visas.
Language
Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, so it is important to have at least a basic knowledge of the language before immigrating. You can take language classes in India or in the territory to improve your language skills.
Housing
Before moving to Portugal, you will need to arrange for accommodation. You can rent a house or an apartment or stay in a hostel or hotel while you search for long-term accommodation. Websites like Idealista, OLX, and Casa Sapo are popular sources looking for rental properties.
Job opportunities
It is important to research job opportunities in the territory before immigrating. You can search for job vacancies on websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Monster. Knowing the language can give you an advantage in finding employment here.
Healthcare System
You should have health insurance coverage before immigrating to Portugal. The national health system (SNS) provides free or low-cost healthcare to residents who contribute to the system through taxes.
Cost of living
The cost of living here can be higher than in India, especially in major cities like Lisbon and Porto. It is essential to make a budget and plan in accordance with it.
Cultural Differences
The people and practices of this land have a history all their own. It is important to learn about the culture and traditions before immigrating to ensure a smoother transition and avoid culture shock.
Keep in mind that there’s additionally a scheme called the Golden Visa, which is designed to encourage wealthy individuals living outside the country to invest in it. Overall, immigrating to the country from India can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By carefully planning and preparing, you can make the transition smoother and enjoy all that the nation has to offer.
