Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 22:13     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
Anonymous wrote:Is it easier to move to Portugal than to Spain?

They both have income or wealth requirements for a non-lucrative visa, but they aren’t outrageous. The bureaucracy in Spain is tough, and it’s easier to get by in Portugal speaking English (since Portuguese isn’t spoken widely in the EU, most younger people know some English). But they are also very different countries culturally and historically - they just happen to share the same land mass.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 21:16     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Went there for a conference. Pretty place. Reminds me so much of California. But the language was tough. Spoken, I couldn't understand a word of it. Written, I could make out a few root words. Trying to speak to people (taxi drivers, etc.) who knew very little English was torturous for me (and I'm sure for them, as well). Yes, you can save some money on rent, but the language would create isolation. I'll just stay here.

Wow, I wonder if people ever learn another language at some point in their lives?
You think that's even possible?


Much harder to learn a new language later in life, especially to achieve fluency.

Probably much harder for lower IQ people, for sure.


Err…sure.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 21:11     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
Is it easier to move to Portugal than to Spain?
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 19:30     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
^^ he studied in Portugal
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 19:29     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
I know a priest from Newark and they sent him to study Portuguese so he could be fluent with Portuguese parishioners in his neighborhood (Ironside maybe?) and now decades later he also ministers to Angolese immigrants in Maine. So it’s possible to learn.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 17:09     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Went there for a conference. Pretty place. Reminds me so much of California. But the language was tough. Spoken, I couldn't understand a word of it. Written, I could make out a few root words. Trying to speak to people (taxi drivers, etc.) who knew very little English was torturous for me (and I'm sure for them, as well). Yes, you can save some money on rent, but the language would create isolation. I'll just stay here.

Wow, I wonder if people ever learn another language at some point in their lives?
You think that's even possible?


Much harder to learn a new language later in life, especially to achieve fluency.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 15:45     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
Anonymous wrote:Went there for a conference. Pretty place. Reminds me so much of California. But the language was tough. Spoken, I couldn't understand a word of it. Written, I could make out a few root words. Trying to speak to people (taxi drivers, etc.) who knew very little English was torturous for me (and I'm sure for them, as well). Yes, you can save some money on rent, but the language would create isolation. I'll just stay here.

Wow, I wonder if people ever learn another language at some point in their lives?
You think that's even possible?
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 15:16     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
Went there for a conference. Pretty place. Reminds me so much of California. But the language was tough. Spoken, I couldn't understand a word of it. Written, I could make out a few root words. Trying to speak to people (taxi drivers, etc.) who knew very little English was torturous for me (and I'm sure for them, as well). Yes, you can save some money on rent, but the language would create isolation. I'll just stay here.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 15:15     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
Anonymous wrote:Residency or citizenship?

If you're really curious, go to one of the expat groups focusing on Portugal. Like this one on FB. https://www.facebook.com/groups/americansandfriendsPT

They always have current updates on obtaining residency.


Thanks. There was a poster here so wondering if they are still around.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 15:09     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
Residency or citizenship?

If you're really curious, go to one of the expat groups focusing on Portugal. Like this one on FB. https://www.facebook.com/groups/americansandfriendsPT

They always have current updates on obtaining residency.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 14:22     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I would too! We are seriously considering buying a second home there and pursuing citizenship.


I had read Portugal was tightening up citizenship requirements and that the immigration system is a mess, so very curious to hear actual accounts.


Some of my relatives moved to Portugal a few years ago and report the same. Lots of people are moving there, there are very long waits for certain paperwork, and pretty strict requirements of what you must do (& where you can go) to be allowed to stay long term.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 14:19     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
A friend just returned from a several months-lomg stay visiting family. She said the opiod epidemic is really raging there and they are years behind us in terms of doctor's freely prescribing them.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 14:16     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
Anonymous wrote:I would too! We are seriously considering buying a second home there and pursuing citizenship.


I had read Portugal was tightening up citizenship requirements and that the immigration system is a mess, so very curious to hear actual accounts.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 14:08     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
I would too! We are seriously considering buying a second home there and pursuing citizenship.
Anonymous
Post 01/12/2026 14:00     Subject: Anyone move to Portugal?
I seem to recall there was a poster here a number of years ago who lived to Portugal with her family and was pursuing permanent residency and eventual citizenship. If that person is still here, did you end up achieving those goals? Did you obtain citizenship? Would be interested in any updated perspectives on the country you can share. Thank you!