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Moving to Portugal from Canada

Costs, Requirements, and Living

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Canadians moving to Portugal is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason as the country is known for its mid climate and affordable cost of living. Nevertheless, resettling in a new country can be challenging without proper research. Fortunately, we’ve created a Complete Guide, that will help you understand the most important aspects of your moving process. Your journey’s just getting started!

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Portugal From Canada?

The costs of moving from Canada to Portugal can vary but are usually between $12,000 and $25,000 CAD. 
Property Size  Toronto, Canada  Vancouver, Canada 
1-Bedroom $9,800 – $10,800 $5,300 – $5,900
2-Bedroom $12,000 – $14,000 $7,000 – $7,800
3-Bedroom $15,100 – $16,700 $8,100 – $8,900
4-Bedroom $19,000 – $21,500 $10,500 – $11,700
5-Bedroom $22,700 – $25,100 $12,100 – $13,400

Disclaimer: the costs presented in the table above are only estimates. Your moving costs will probably be different depending on the size of your move, place of departure, and the moving company’s prices.

Check out our Moving Volume Calculator for more details.

Removals to Portugal – Available Moving Companies

Are you interested in moving to Portugal from Canada? These are the top international removal companies that can help you:

  1. Centennial Moving
  1. Brytor
  1. Ethic Move

For a better cost estimation, we advise you to request quotes from the International Movers to Portugal. They are the only ones who can offer you accurate and personalised price rates.

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Cost of Living in Portugal vs Canada

The cost of living in Portugal is 30% cheaper than in Canada. 

The average cost of living in Portugal:

  • For a single person in Portugal, the cost of living is around $1840 CAD
  • For a family of 4 in Portugal, the cost of living is around $5000 CAD

The average cost of living in Canada:

  • For a single person in Canada, the cost of living is around $3328 CAD
  • For a family of 4 in Canada, the cost of living is around $8000 CAD

Being one of the most affordable countries in Europe, living in Portugal as an expat can be very exciting!

Below you will find the price difference of the common expenses between Canada and Portugal:

Product  Costs in Canada (CAD)  Costs in Portugal (CAD) 
Meal at budget-friendly restaurant $ 25.00 $15.33
Water (0.33-liter bottle) $ 2.34 $ 1.85
Cappuccino $ 5.19 $ 2.91
12 Eggs $ 4.82 $ 4.06
Chicken 1 kg $ 16.76 $ 10.21
Gasoline 1 liter $ 1.60 $ 2.61

Source: Numbeo

Disclaimer: These are mere estimates.

Living in Portugal as a Canadian

Portugal is a very popular location to relocate because of its cheap cost of living, warm climate, and nice community. Moving to Portugal from Canada will not be difficult since most people are able to speak English.

Top 3 Places to Live in Portugal for Canadians

  • Lisbon: As the capital of Portugal, this is the most visited city and offers incredible experiences.
  • Porto: Here you will find a relaxed atmosphere with a fine touch of Portuguese history.
  • Braga: This is one of the oldest cities in Portugal. Offers a quite environment, perfect for people who are looking to retire to Portugal from Canada.

Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal

Pros

 Good and warm climate
 English is commonly used
 Good education
 Beautiful beaches
 Safe country
 Quality healthcare
 Low cost of living

Cons

 No central heating
 Cold ocean
 MasterCard and Visa not accepted
 Need for basic Portuguese language
 Hard to find a job
 Crime towards tourists

Are You Moving Pets to Portugal?

Then, you should keep the following in mind:

  • You must obtain an international veterinary certificate from a licensed vet.
  • Your pets must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Your pets must be microchipped.
  • You might be required to pay an entry fee in Portugal.

For the official information, check out Traveling with Pets.

Working in Portugal

Looking for a job in Portugal when coming from Canada can be quite tricky. Fortunately, we’ve gathered the best resources for you to have a smooth transition:

Requirements to Move to Portugal

Before your move to Portugal, as a Canadian citizen you are required to apply for a visa to be able to enter the country. Following your arrival, you will have to apply for a residence permit.

There are different types of visa when immigrating to Portugal from Canada:

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Portugal?

Canadians moving to Portugal need a work visa (temporary stay visa), which can be obtained after receiving a job offer from a Portuguese employer.

The visa requirements can be found at Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros

We strongly advise you to check Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF)  to learn more information about the application process.

Will You Retire in Portugal From Canada?

What you need for Portugal immigration from Canada:

  • You are required to apply for a Temporary Stay Visa (see above).
  • Check the official government website for the necessary documents.
  • Once there, you can apply for a residence permit within the first 4 months.
  • Read our checklist for moving to Portugal to get more information.

How Taxes Work if You Are Living in Portugal as an Expat

If you move to Portugal from Canada and have a stay longer than 183 days in a calendar year, you are considered a tax resident and are obligated to pay taxes.

Non-residents are required to pay a flat tax of 25% of their income earned in Portugal.

See the table below for Income Tax Rates

Taxable Income (CAD)  Tax Rates (%) 
$0 – $12,331 13%
$12,332 – $18,609 16.5%
$18,610 – $26,354 22%
$26,355 – $34,099 25%
$34,100 – $43,455 32%
$43,456 – $63,689 35.5%
$63,690 – $68,831 43.5%
$68,832 – $128,129 45%
Over $128.129 48%

Open a Bank Account in Portugal

As a pro-tip from us, we advise you to open a bank account before moving to Portugal from Canada. This can be easily done, and it requires the following documents:

  • Proof of income with a statement of your profession.
  • Proof of current address (this can be either your Canadian address or your Portuguese one, assuming you already moved)
  • A valid ID (e.g.: passport)
  • Your número de identificação fiscal (NIF); if not yet in Portugal, you can hire a lawyer who can obtain it for you.

How About Healthcare in Portugal?

  • Portugal is known for its high-quality healthcare. Moreover, for residents under the age of 18 and over the age of 65, public healthcare (Serviço Nacional de Saúde – SNS) is free of charge.
  • To be able to access SNS, you must be a tax resident in Portugal. If this is the case, you will be entitled to free or lower-cost medical care.
  • You can also benefit from the private medical care if that is what you prefer. As a Canadian moving to Portugal, you have the option of acquiring a private health insurance, either from Portugal or an international one.
  • The cost for a private health insurance in Portugal is usually between $50 and $150 CAD.

How to Move to Portugal From Canada: Checklist

  • Use our volume calculator to estimate the size of your move.
  • Check out our top international moving companies and find the one that’s best for you.
  • Prepare your legal documents and store them in a safe place that you can carry with you to Portugal.
  • We truly advise you to start packing as soon as possible. If you are not entirely sure how to pack fragile items, we have handy tips for you here.

Did you know…?

  • Portugal is famous for its cuisine, with its iconic Pastéis de Nata – a custard tart originating from Lisbon, which will make your dessert a unique experience.
  • Fado Music is a big part of Portuguese culture. If you are a music lover, you will most certainly fall in love with this genre.
  • The blue and white ceramic tiles (called Azulejos) architecture in Portugal is just one part of the wonders you will see in this country.

Are You Ready to Move to Portugal?

We truly hope this article helped you prepare for this huge next step in your life.  Having followed our checklist for moving to Portugal, your relocation process will be much easier and will get you started for a new journey.

Frequently asked questions

Is Portugal a good place to live?

Is living in Portugal expensive?

Do Canadians need a visa for Portugal?

Can a Canadian move to Portugal?

How long can you stay in Portugal without a visa?

How to move my family to Portugal?