Finding work

Hi, it depends what nationality you are. Are you in an EU country?

I’m in the uk so not the eu anymore ? Just weighing up my options at the moment x

Sadly due to Brexit you can no longer just choose to just go and work there, you would need a work visa, you could only stay for 90 days without one and couldn’t work.

With a work visa , would I have to be

Employed or could I still be self employed x

Some of the most easily explained info on this comes from financial consultant/immigwebsites. Have a read of this one https://www.expatica.com/pt/moving/visas/portugal-work-visas-1030874/

I think it may not be easy to get a permit, self employed or employed, now the UK is outside the EU the joy of being free to work where you want has gone. 

How old is your boy? will he need to go to school? this is your 1st priority and you will need to check out availability and if he wants to fit into a Portuguese society.

He’s 10 will be 11 when we are ready to leave, it will be his first year at secondary school … I was contemplating private school for the first year or so but may decide to straight off mainstream .. I am also a qualified teacher and if worst comes to worst I can home school British curriculum. Or even start out employment in a school xx

I sent my children to private school (English & Portuguese) as we wanted them to have the British Exams for their future, however it was 15,000 each plus other costs and transport so not cheap and as it turns out they do not need the British Exams but the teachers and general conditions has proved to be very good for them, the Portuguese system is much better now and it will enable your son to learn the language well and faster plus the majority of children speak English anyway.

Regarding work the central Algarve has the largest amount available and when I had a construction company some 12 years ago I was paying 130 euros per day for the best trades workers, I cannot remember how much I paid per meter when I needed to use sub-contractors but if you keep my contact ([email protected]) I can find out the prices for you easily as I still dabble in development.

It will be a big change for you both but your sons age then is good to move to another country, the best of luck to you!

David Wilson

You need to be aware you need two separate visas - a residency visa, as you can no longer stay in Pt beyond 90 days in every 180 without one if you are from the UK.

When that is granted which may take time, you apply for a work visa. Whether you can get one as an employee depends on whether the skills you have are wanted. Doubtless there would be plenty of work available in the Algarve but it depends who the govt is admitting at the time. 

I feel you just really need to be aware unless you are in the EU already there arehuge changes for Brits trying to settle in EU countries now, there is no automatic right to work or live in Portugal as there was.