Hi Pete

Obviously you need to check your own situation, but when I applied for my residency card, I delclared myself as self employed (which I am!). I had to show my bank account had some funds in it (not a huge amount!) and I had to show that I had medical insurance, which I purchased here in Portugal.
I like everything to be legal and all the paperwork in place. But I have to say that many of the 'rules' that you read about are not exactly strictly enforced! For example, many of the expats I meet have no residency card (or haven't even heard of it!) and have lived here for many years.
I think as long as you can prove that you are not going to be a burden on the state (not that they are going to give you anything!) you should be ok.

Regards

Simon

Hi Simon,
Thanks for clarifying that. I totally agree with you in wanting things done 'by the book' even if they're not strictly enforced. The Portuguese authorities informed us that we need to have at least the equivalent of the minimum wage for each of us in order to get a residency permit;we have a private income that will will just need a 'top-up' wage in order to satisfy that , so we should be ok on that score ( once I find a job!).
As for medical insurance , looking online produces a plethora of suppliers , but how do you pick one? Would you recommend your own provider? We're trying to get as much as possible sorted in advance (or at least ready to action at the appropriate time).

Regards,
Pete

Hi

My medical insurance is through MultiCare, only because it is affliated with my bank here in Portugal, the CGD. It costs me about 40 euros a month for a good level of cover.

Their website is www.multicare.pt

It is in Portuguese, but hey, a good opportunity for you to practise

Cheers

Simon

Thanks Simon, I relish a challenge! Sounds ok though , and of course we'll need to open a Portuguese bank account. What do you need in order to open one?

Cheers,
Pete

Hi

To open a bank account you will need an address in Portugal and a Contribuinte number (like our NI number) which you can apply for at any local tax office (Direcção Geral dos Impostos). You will also need this number for when you buy the house.

Regards

Simon

Hi Simon,

Quick question on the bank account - we are looking to purchase a place in the Beiras to use as a holiday home. Can we apply for a Contribuinte Number without having a permanent (or any) residence in Portugal (you say you need this to buy a house) also what is the situation on opening a bank account without an address in Portugal. Seems like it may be a chicken and the egg here... or am I confused???

Thanks,
Vickie

Hi

It's a couple of years since I did mine, so I cant quite recall. I'll look into it and come back to you.

Regards

Simon