Moving Back to Portugal: What You Need to Know

Have you lived in Portugal before and are now considering a return? You’re not alone. Many people who have experienced life in this beautiful country often find themselves drawn back to its sunny shores, relaxed lifestyle, and rich culture. Whether you’re planning for retirement or simply looking to enjoy life a little more, Portugal can be an excellent choice.

But what does the process of moving back entail? Let’s explore.

Are There Special Benefits for Previous Residents?

You might be wondering if there are any special perks or simplified processes for those who have lived in Portugal before. The answer largely depends on your citizenship status.

For Portuguese Citizens

If you are a Portuguese citizen, there is a program called Programa Regressar. According to the official website, “The purpose of the Programa Regressar is to support emigrants, as well as their descendants and other relatives, so that they have the best conditions to return to Portugal and make the most of the opportunities that currently exist in our country.

The Programa Regressar involves all governmental areas and includes specific measures such as tax benefits for those returning, financial assistance for emigrants or relatives of emigrants who come to work in Portugal and a credit line to support business investment and the creation of new business ventures in Portugal, among others.”

For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

If you’re a citizen of an EU country, an EEA country, or Switzerland, you’re in luck. You can move freely between Portugal and your home country without needing a visa. Your previous residency doesn’t necessarily grant you extra benefits, but the process is straightforward regardless. If you have a spouse or other qualifying member who isn’t an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, the process will be slightly easier for them due to their family tie to you.

For Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

If you’re not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (for example, if you’re American or British), the process is different. According to Lisbon-based lawyer, Sandra Gomes Pinto, “you would need to start a fresh visa application” — much like you did the first time you moved to Portugal.

However, your previous residency isn’t irrelevant. When applying, it’s recommended that you include information about your prior stay in Portugal in your personal statement. Explain why you’re moving back to Portugal – this could potentially help your application.

Potential Challenges of Moving Back

While the idea of returning to Portugal might seem straightforward, there can be some unexpected hurdles. Sandra notes that one common issue is related to paperwork from your previous stay.

A prime example is the NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) or tax identification number. Some returning residents have forgotten their NIF numbers, which can cause complications because:

You can only ever have one NIF number.
The NIF is required at the point of application for your new visa.

If you find yourself in this situation, you may need to engage legal services to track down your original tax number.

Similarly, another client had changed his name through marriage since leaving Portugal. Sandra and her team had to gather quite a bit of paperwork and create a case to show that the person who originally lived in Portugal was the same person applying for residency again.

The Citizenship Opportunity

An important point to consider is the possibility of Portuguese citizenship through naturalization. If you have lived in Portugal for five years or more in the previous fifteen years, you could be eligible for Portuguese citizenship.

Obtaining Portuguese citizenship would make moving back to Portugal (or to any other EU country) much easier. It’s definitely worth investigating this option if you meet the residency requirements.

Tips for a Smooth Return

If you’re seriously considering moving back to Portugal, here are some tips to make the process smoother:

Gather Your Documents: Try to locate any paperwork from your previous time in Portugal, such as your NIF number.
Check Your Eligibility: Determine if you’re eligible for citizenship based on your previous residency. You may want to apply for citizenship and wait for this to be processed, or you may want to apply for this as well as apply for residency in Portugal (citizenship applications take a few years).
Consult with an Immigration Lawyer: They can guide you through the process and help resolve any issues that arise.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes in Portuguese immigration laws that might affect your move.

Conclusion

Moving back to Portugal can be an exciting prospect, filled with the promise of returning to a place you once called home. While the process might not be significantly different from your first move, your previous experience and connections in the country can be valuable assets.

Remember, each case is unique, and immigration laws can change. It’s always best to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer who specializes in Portuguese visas to get the most up-to-date and personalized advice for your situation.