I appreciate your perspective. I've longed to travel to Portugal since the mid-90s. It was a secret gem back then. All countries continue to change and evolve. We'll definitely be traveling there soon...
Thank you Carol....this is such a tremendous help. Your observations are golden. I'm considering my first visit to Portugal in May sometime, with a friend who has been there. Should be very eye opening. I have traveled the US, but never been to Europe. I want to at least visit...only that way can I know if a move is for me.
As someone who had never traveled to Europe before moving to Portugal, I understand. Come with an open mind. Europe isn't the U.S. For me, personally, I like that. -CW
Hi, Carol. You're a wise woman! The primary motive should be the desire to move TO somewhere, not away from. We are very traveled. My husband and I both grew up in different countries in Europe before moving to and later meeting one another here in the U.S. We still have properties in each former country and have blessed to spend a lot of time traveling and spending time with family and friends in Europe and So. America. So few Americans have any real idea of just how different living in another country can be. If you're wealthy, then many problems can be simply resolved, but in many cases the bureaucracy and work cultures in those countries would soon become defeating -- not to mention the challenges of making new friends if you don't speak the language. There's a world of difference between enjoying a beautiful, friendly country like Portugal as a vacationer, and the realities of relocating to live there year round. If you have lots of money, no problem. Otherwise, maybe just downsize in the U.S. and enjoy extended vacations overseas, if you're a retiree.
Thanks for your comment Jane. I stand by my statement regardless of economic advantage/disadvantage:
"What worked for us may not work for you. Everyone is different and our experiences will not be yours if you decide to move to Portugal or to any other country. There will be challenges and changes to overcome. How you view and adjust to your new lifestyle will largely be influenced by how you view your entire life. Give yourself the time to reflect on that before making a move you could regret." -CW
It would be great news if a good number of educated and middle/upper class Americans decided to move to Europe bringing with them energy , capital , digital skills and an open mind. Europe welcomes them with open arms. And frankly in terms of safety , education , helephcare , culture , and art de vivre , Europe has a lot to offer while the trend in the USA is worrying.
Another punchy article that gets straight to the point. Yes to everything you say, and 'wow' that there are Americans without passports. I just can't internalize that. There are several hundred FB groups aimed at Americans moving to Portugal; there are at least a thousand blogs/vlogs/YTs on the topic, primarily prone to errors; there is so much out there that Americans must be overwhelmed. And running from....well, does that really work, unless you're an authentic refugee?
I personally know Americans who do not have passports (sorry to say).
And yes, there are so very many resources out there that it is truly overwhelming. I remember when Paul and I started researching a move to Portugal back in 2019, and it gave me a headache just trying to determine which information to rely on.
I do try to direct my readers to the best vetted trusted resources so that they don't have to deal with what Paul and I had to deal with. Hope in some way, that it helps.
I agree, it's never good to run from something. I'm grateful that Paul and I didn't have to make that choice. - CW
Hi! I was recently asked to write a "guide" for people wanting to leave the US, and I presented lot of the items you say in this article. IF someone has time, they need to do their research - like you say, it took us about 2 years to decide WHERE to go (we already knew we were planning to leave). There are so many considerations. IF you have to run because you are targeted, getting out might be the first priority, with getting to somewhere with a few months to research while being safe can be huge.
Thanks for your comment. I'm sure some people are considering the need to run for specific reasons and I feel for those folks. Hopefully, some of the links I provided in my article will help.
I remember when we started the process for a D7 visa for Portugal, we also had a contingency plan if our application was not approved, or if we had to modify or resubmit: live in Panama for 6 months (I believe that was the allowed timeframe in 2021 to stay as a tourist), 3 months in Costa Rica and then Belize for 3 months. We felt that would have allowed ourselves the time to make revisions or research another European country to move to. Thankfully, it didn't come to that, but it's best to be as prepared as possible. - CW
Yes. For those who must, they could consider something like your alternate plan, or the "Schengen Shuffle." Hubby and I lived for years with contingency plans, codes to be sent by fax then phone, and other measures in case we had to leave earlier. Thankfully we made it (just barely) to my retirement.
Yes, to all this! I have told my friends to renew their passports if they have less than two years left before they expire. But moving to any new country is a process and the requirements can change at any time. As you say, things are not going to change overnight. People in the States have told me I was "smart" to move when I did (Jan. '21), but really, it was about moving TO Portugal, not about moving FROM the States. Excellent advice all through this article. Thank you!
Hi Carol, Very good article. We have been talking about moving to Europe for 15 years. We are moving along on the process right now. We are struggling with the question of what to take and what to leave behind. What is your experience. Did you pack up your household or just take a pile of suitcases? Will you be writing about your moving experience in the near future.
What to take with you or leave behind when you move to Europe is a personal choice. I know some people who took everything with them and others who took only what they could fit into a couple of suitcases.
For Paul and I, we decided to leave behind most of our possessions. We had sold or given away most of our antique furnishings years before. And since we weren't planning on purchasing a home or apartment in Portugal, we weren't sure if our furnishings would even fit in our new space. Plus, it's expensive to ship everything and we both felt it was a good time to really look at what was important for us to keep and what we could live without or replace once we were established in Portugal.
We began sorting our stuff out a couple of years before we moved. Some items we sold via online marketplaces, some items we gave away, and some we donated. What was left wasn't much. After we decided what we wanted to take with us to Portugal, we had an estate auctioneer outright purchase our remaining household goods and furnishings right down to pots and pans, glassware, sheets, mattresses, and towels. They packed everything up and took it away. We got only pennies on the dollar for our items, but we expected that, and we were relieved to have it all taken off our hands.
We had lots of photos which we hadn't time to scan and store in the cloud, so we took those. We took some books and cooking items such as our cast iron skillet and favorite knives and a few cookbooks. We took some clothing, our pet cremains, electronics, and a few small mementos. Anything with U.S. electrical plugs such as coffee makers, toasters, lamps, hair dryers, etc. (other than mobile devices and computers), we left behind. Also we left bedding as the bed sizes in Europe are so different than in the U.S. We brought no furniture other than a couple of small accent pieces and one oriental carpet. We brought some artwork, although we didn't have that much left.
When we actually left the U.S. to fly to Portugal, we took 13 suitcases with us. Many of those suitcases were small (almost carry-on size), but during Covid there was a suitcase shortage (something we never would have given a thought about), and we had a hard time finding large suitcases. Realistically, if all the suitcases had been large ones, it would have been more like 7-8 suitcases. Those suitcases contained documents, some precious metals and jewelry, clothing and shoes since we were moving to Portugal late summer into early fall, some prescription medications and OTC items, toiletries, cosmetics, etc. to last us a few months until we got established in Portugal, some books, and our computers. Also a couple of favorite sleeping pillows.
Thanks! I have been looking into this for a while. I even spent 3 months in Portugal 2 years ago and loved it. When I arrived in Porto, I kept mysteriously breaking into tears. Come to figure out it was from relief because I had never felt so safe in my entire life (I am 61). I was abused as a child and am about to be divorced next week for being insubordinate, so now I can not imagine ever feeling safe in the USA again. I prefer social safety, but I have language learning disabilities, so I have decided on an English speaking Caribbean Island with Portugal being my contingency plan for now. I leave in a month and a half, but will keep my possessions in storage in the US until I get settled.
I enjoyed reading this article Carol. We came to Portugal for many of the same reasons as both of you.
I agree that having options is good, but I am concerned that Americans leaving "from" versus going "to" may not always have the experience they expect.
Thank you for another well written article. I’ve been researching moving to Portugal for the last 5 years. I lived in Europe for several years in my younger days and have never lost that yearning to return. I go there on vacation every couple of years and always want to stay. I’ll be in Portugal in April to walk the Coastal Camino. Not really a scouting trip, but it will be my first time in Portugal. I retire in just under 2 years and am hopeful I can make a move permanently. I’ll be back next spring to stay for at least a month on a scouting trip. I love the lifestyle and the community feeling of Europe, something the US seems to have lost, except in times of tragedy. And even then, it wears thin quickly and the blame game starts. Not to mention the violence, poverty, wealth inequality, and I could go on. But I won’t. I pray I can make my dream of moving to Portugal a reality. I’ve already started studying Portuguese. Keep up the good work. Hopefully I’ll see you in Portugal!
We are going to the Azores in April and Madeira in Oct. Both are vacations with an eye towards livability. We are going to Canada as well. My sense is having a place in Ontario and a place in the Azores is going to be enjoyable if things dont get really bad and they will be useful if things get nuts.
Thanks for your comment, Michael. I agree that it's always good to be prepared. The Azores is beautiful! We were in Sao Miguel in September. Thanks also for the restack of my article - much appreciated! -CW
Carol- your perspective is always so refreshing. Thank you for this excellent piece. My concerns, as a US citizen and resident have never been greater. But I, too, remain hopeful. Although I anticipate darkness, I also believe in the goodness of people. And I plan to travel to help my perspective, to provide light in the darkness and to offer myself an opportunity to remain grounded in the knowledge that there are decent and kind people everywhere. Hope is our ( and your) state motto. And I hold fast to that. Be well.
Great perspective, and thank you for approaching it evenhandedly. In 2005 I tried to move to Spain and was unprepared for it, so I failed. I too have Portuguese heritage and people should realize it takes years to acquire citizenship even if you have a slam-dunk case, and besides that you must begin the process in your home country as you mentioned. Often you need documents and statements that will continue to require your physical presence to obtain back home (or you pay hundreds to a service to get them, and hundreds more for a lawyer to sign, stamp, and forward them). I literally destroyed a relationship by having someone try to handle my documents for me, with all the stress it caused.
So yes, be prepared for a lot of bureaucracy and don’t expect any quick results. I too left because of USsociety, not an election, and it took decades of work to achieve.
Love this. We will move because: safety, cost of healthcare, cost of living and quality of life. Plus we both have lived in Europe and want to be back. And so I can finish the other half of my wine business plan!
I appreciate your perspective. I've longed to travel to Portugal since the mid-90s. It was a secret gem back then. All countries continue to change and evolve. We'll definitely be traveling there soon...
Yes. Yes you should.
Thank you Carol....this is such a tremendous help. Your observations are golden. I'm considering my first visit to Portugal in May sometime, with a friend who has been there. Should be very eye opening. I have traveled the US, but never been to Europe. I want to at least visit...only that way can I know if a move is for me.
Thanks for your comment, Susan.
As someone who had never traveled to Europe before moving to Portugal, I understand. Come with an open mind. Europe isn't the U.S. For me, personally, I like that. -CW
Hi, Carol. You're a wise woman! The primary motive should be the desire to move TO somewhere, not away from. We are very traveled. My husband and I both grew up in different countries in Europe before moving to and later meeting one another here in the U.S. We still have properties in each former country and have blessed to spend a lot of time traveling and spending time with family and friends in Europe and So. America. So few Americans have any real idea of just how different living in another country can be. If you're wealthy, then many problems can be simply resolved, but in many cases the bureaucracy and work cultures in those countries would soon become defeating -- not to mention the challenges of making new friends if you don't speak the language. There's a world of difference between enjoying a beautiful, friendly country like Portugal as a vacationer, and the realities of relocating to live there year round. If you have lots of money, no problem. Otherwise, maybe just downsize in the U.S. and enjoy extended vacations overseas, if you're a retiree.
Thanks for your comment Jane. I stand by my statement regardless of economic advantage/disadvantage:
"What worked for us may not work for you. Everyone is different and our experiences will not be yours if you decide to move to Portugal or to any other country. There will be challenges and changes to overcome. How you view and adjust to your new lifestyle will largely be influenced by how you view your entire life. Give yourself the time to reflect on that before making a move you could regret." -CW
It would be great news if a good number of educated and middle/upper class Americans decided to move to Europe bringing with them energy , capital , digital skills and an open mind. Europe welcomes them with open arms. And frankly in terms of safety , education , helephcare , culture , and art de vivre , Europe has a lot to offer while the trend in the USA is worrying.
Another punchy article that gets straight to the point. Yes to everything you say, and 'wow' that there are Americans without passports. I just can't internalize that. There are several hundred FB groups aimed at Americans moving to Portugal; there are at least a thousand blogs/vlogs/YTs on the topic, primarily prone to errors; there is so much out there that Americans must be overwhelmed. And running from....well, does that really work, unless you're an authentic refugee?
Thanks for your comment, Susan.
I personally know Americans who do not have passports (sorry to say).
And yes, there are so very many resources out there that it is truly overwhelming. I remember when Paul and I started researching a move to Portugal back in 2019, and it gave me a headache just trying to determine which information to rely on.
I do try to direct my readers to the best vetted trusted resources so that they don't have to deal with what Paul and I had to deal with. Hope in some way, that it helps.
I agree, it's never good to run from something. I'm grateful that Paul and I didn't have to make that choice. - CW
Hi! I was recently asked to write a "guide" for people wanting to leave the US, and I presented lot of the items you say in this article. IF someone has time, they need to do their research - like you say, it took us about 2 years to decide WHERE to go (we already knew we were planning to leave). There are so many considerations. IF you have to run because you are targeted, getting out might be the first priority, with getting to somewhere with a few months to research while being safe can be huge.
Hello Elaine,
Thanks for your comment. I'm sure some people are considering the need to run for specific reasons and I feel for those folks. Hopefully, some of the links I provided in my article will help.
I remember when we started the process for a D7 visa for Portugal, we also had a contingency plan if our application was not approved, or if we had to modify or resubmit: live in Panama for 6 months (I believe that was the allowed timeframe in 2021 to stay as a tourist), 3 months in Costa Rica and then Belize for 3 months. We felt that would have allowed ourselves the time to make revisions or research another European country to move to. Thankfully, it didn't come to that, but it's best to be as prepared as possible. - CW
Yes. For those who must, they could consider something like your alternate plan, or the "Schengen Shuffle." Hubby and I lived for years with contingency plans, codes to be sent by fax then phone, and other measures in case we had to leave earlier. Thankfully we made it (just barely) to my retirement.
Yes, to all this! I have told my friends to renew their passports if they have less than two years left before they expire. But moving to any new country is a process and the requirements can change at any time. As you say, things are not going to change overnight. People in the States have told me I was "smart" to move when I did (Jan. '21), but really, it was about moving TO Portugal, not about moving FROM the States. Excellent advice all through this article. Thank you!
Thanks for your comment, Barbara. And thanks for the restack! - CW
Hi Carol, Very good article. We have been talking about moving to Europe for 15 years. We are moving along on the process right now. We are struggling with the question of what to take and what to leave behind. What is your experience. Did you pack up your household or just take a pile of suitcases? Will you be writing about your moving experience in the near future.
Hello Terry,
Thanks for your comment.
What to take with you or leave behind when you move to Europe is a personal choice. I know some people who took everything with them and others who took only what they could fit into a couple of suitcases.
For Paul and I, we decided to leave behind most of our possessions. We had sold or given away most of our antique furnishings years before. And since we weren't planning on purchasing a home or apartment in Portugal, we weren't sure if our furnishings would even fit in our new space. Plus, it's expensive to ship everything and we both felt it was a good time to really look at what was important for us to keep and what we could live without or replace once we were established in Portugal.
We began sorting our stuff out a couple of years before we moved. Some items we sold via online marketplaces, some items we gave away, and some we donated. What was left wasn't much. After we decided what we wanted to take with us to Portugal, we had an estate auctioneer outright purchase our remaining household goods and furnishings right down to pots and pans, glassware, sheets, mattresses, and towels. They packed everything up and took it away. We got only pennies on the dollar for our items, but we expected that, and we were relieved to have it all taken off our hands.
We had lots of photos which we hadn't time to scan and store in the cloud, so we took those. We took some books and cooking items such as our cast iron skillet and favorite knives and a few cookbooks. We took some clothing, our pet cremains, electronics, and a few small mementos. Anything with U.S. electrical plugs such as coffee makers, toasters, lamps, hair dryers, etc. (other than mobile devices and computers), we left behind. Also we left bedding as the bed sizes in Europe are so different than in the U.S. We brought no furniture other than a couple of small accent pieces and one oriental carpet. We brought some artwork, although we didn't have that much left.
When we actually left the U.S. to fly to Portugal, we took 13 suitcases with us. Many of those suitcases were small (almost carry-on size), but during Covid there was a suitcase shortage (something we never would have given a thought about), and we had a hard time finding large suitcases. Realistically, if all the suitcases had been large ones, it would have been more like 7-8 suitcases. Those suitcases contained documents, some precious metals and jewelry, clothing and shoes since we were moving to Portugal late summer into early fall, some prescription medications and OTC items, toiletries, cosmetics, etc. to last us a few months until we got established in Portugal, some books, and our computers. Also a couple of favorite sleeping pillows.
We filled a pallet and used UPakWeShip to ship our pallet to Portugal. I wrote an article about our experience with UPakWeShip (it was a good experience). You can find it here: https://www.ourportugaljourney.com/p/shipping-your-things-to-portugal?s=w
If I can answer any other questions, feel free to reach out anytime! - CW
Thanks! I have been looking into this for a while. I even spent 3 months in Portugal 2 years ago and loved it. When I arrived in Porto, I kept mysteriously breaking into tears. Come to figure out it was from relief because I had never felt so safe in my entire life (I am 61). I was abused as a child and am about to be divorced next week for being insubordinate, so now I can not imagine ever feeling safe in the USA again. I prefer social safety, but I have language learning disabilities, so I have decided on an English speaking Caribbean Island with Portugal being my contingency plan for now. I leave in a month and a half, but will keep my possessions in storage in the US until I get settled.
I enjoyed reading this article Carol. We came to Portugal for many of the same reasons as both of you.
I agree that having options is good, but I am concerned that Americans leaving "from" versus going "to" may not always have the experience they expect.
Thanks for your comment, Alex.
I agree that it's never a good thing to run "from" something. I hope my article helps folks to realize that. -CW
Thank you for another well written article. I’ve been researching moving to Portugal for the last 5 years. I lived in Europe for several years in my younger days and have never lost that yearning to return. I go there on vacation every couple of years and always want to stay. I’ll be in Portugal in April to walk the Coastal Camino. Not really a scouting trip, but it will be my first time in Portugal. I retire in just under 2 years and am hopeful I can make a move permanently. I’ll be back next spring to stay for at least a month on a scouting trip. I love the lifestyle and the community feeling of Europe, something the US seems to have lost, except in times of tragedy. And even then, it wears thin quickly and the blame game starts. Not to mention the violence, poverty, wealth inequality, and I could go on. But I won’t. I pray I can make my dream of moving to Portugal a reality. I’ve already started studying Portuguese. Keep up the good work. Hopefully I’ll see you in Portugal!
We are going to the Azores in April and Madeira in Oct. Both are vacations with an eye towards livability. We are going to Canada as well. My sense is having a place in Ontario and a place in the Azores is going to be enjoyable if things dont get really bad and they will be useful if things get nuts.
Thanks for your comment, Michael. I agree that it's always good to be prepared. The Azores is beautiful! We were in Sao Miguel in September. Thanks also for the restack of my article - much appreciated! -CW
Carol- your perspective is always so refreshing. Thank you for this excellent piece. My concerns, as a US citizen and resident have never been greater. But I, too, remain hopeful. Although I anticipate darkness, I also believe in the goodness of people. And I plan to travel to help my perspective, to provide light in the darkness and to offer myself an opportunity to remain grounded in the knowledge that there are decent and kind people everywhere. Hope is our ( and your) state motto. And I hold fast to that. Be well.
Great perspective, and thank you for approaching it evenhandedly. In 2005 I tried to move to Spain and was unprepared for it, so I failed. I too have Portuguese heritage and people should realize it takes years to acquire citizenship even if you have a slam-dunk case, and besides that you must begin the process in your home country as you mentioned. Often you need documents and statements that will continue to require your physical presence to obtain back home (or you pay hundreds to a service to get them, and hundreds more for a lawyer to sign, stamp, and forward them). I literally destroyed a relationship by having someone try to handle my documents for me, with all the stress it caused.
So yes, be prepared for a lot of bureaucracy and don’t expect any quick results. I too left because of USsociety, not an election, and it took decades of work to achieve.
Love this. We will move because: safety, cost of healthcare, cost of living and quality of life. Plus we both have lived in Europe and want to be back. And so I can finish the other half of my wine business plan!