So, you’ve decided it’s time to bid farewell to Portugal? Whether you’re heading back home or embarking on a new adventure, leaving a country you’ve called home is a significant step. This guide will help you navigate the practical aspects of your departure.
Ready to dive in?
The Practical Checklist: What You Need to Do
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. There’s a lot to organize when leaving a country. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the process. It’s by no means exhaustive, but should get you started.
- Legal and Administrative Tasks
- Notify AIMA (previously called SEF) of your departure
- Cancel your residency permit and hand over your residency card (normally at the local police station)
- Inform Finanças (tax authorities) and provide proof of your new address
- Notify your câmara municipal (local council) of your departure
- If required, notify your embassy about leaving Portugal
- Financial Matters
- Close unnecessary bank accounts and transfer funds (once you have settled the balances on everything else, such as utilities). Normally, this is best done in-person
- Settle any outstanding debts or bills
- Consider appointing a trusted person as your power of attorney
- If leaving permanently, deregister as a tax resident (consult a tax advisor)
- Be aware of any capital gains implications if you’ve sold property
- Consider getting a fiscal representative if keeping property or financial commitments in Portugal
- If you have contributed to a pension fund (state or private), you should inquire about the possibility of transferring benefits and provide a forwarding address. EU citizens can normally transfer benefits between member countries
- Credit card companies should also be notified of a new address for statements
- Healthcare and Social Security
- Obtain copies of medical and dental records
- Inform relevant authorities if you have a Portuguese social security number
- Review and inform your private health insurance provider about your departure
- Contact your local Health Centre (Centro de Saúde) for information regarding any necessary paperwork that needs to be completed.
- Housing and Utilities
- Give appropriate notice to your landlord if renting (normally a minimum of one month)
- Decide whether to sell your property or keep it
- Arrange for final utility readings and bills
- Cancel subscriptions (gym, mobile phone plans, etc.)
- Ensure all utilities, insurance, internet, and other contracts are paid and cancelled
- Leave a forwarding address with all the companies involved
- Transportation
- Sell or export your vehicle
- Cancel any vehicle insurance
- Cancel any local transportation passes
- Education (if applicable)
- Notify your children’s school and request school records
- Pay any bills (if applicable)
- Provide a forwarding address for any correspondence.
- Mail and Communication
- Arrange for mail forwarding through CTT (usually up to three months)
- Provide your new address to any services you’re keeping open
- Personal Belongings
- Decide whether to sell furniture and fittings or ship them to your new address
- Get quote(s) from shipping companies or decide how you will ship your belongings
Remember: Always get written confirmation of your notifications and requests. Keep all paperwork safe – you might need it in the future!
Country-Specific Information
- UK citizens can find useful information on the UK Government’s website
- US citizens can consult the US Government’s travel website for advice on returning
- Canadians can find information about returning to Canada on their government’s website
- Australians should consult the Australian government site
Anyone who registered with their Embassy on arrival should advise them that they leaving the country.
Financial Planning for Your Move
Moving countries can be expensive. Have you considered all the financial aspects? Here are some points to ponder:
- Budget for moving costs (shipping, flights, temporary accommodation)
- Research the cost of living in your new location
- Consider exchange rates if moving to a different currency zone
- Investigate tax implications of leaving Portugal and entering your new country
Final Thoughts
Leaving Portugal is a significant step, but with careful planning and a positive attitude, it can lead to exciting new opportunities. Remember, it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions during this process. Are you feeling prepared for your move? What aspects are you most concerned about?
We’d love to hear about your experiences and any additional advice you might have for fellow expats leaving Portugal. After all, we’re all in this together!
Have you started ticking items off your departure checklist? What’s been the most challenging part so far? Share your thoughts and experiences – your insights could be invaluable to others in the same boat!