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Portugal Property: Moving to Live in the Algarve in Portugal

Date: 29/1/2009

If you’re thinking of moving to live in the Algarve in Portugal this introductory guide to what’s what should stand you in good stead and help you begin planning and organising your move.

The first thing to know is that if you don’t speak any Portuguese whatsoever the Algarve should be the location you’re focusing your initial relocation considerations on.  This is because you can get by in the Algarve through the medium of English whilst you pick up the Portuguese language with formal lessons which are widely available in language schools throughout Portugal or from private tutors locally in the Algarve.

Having said that, if at all possible begin Portuguese lessons for all the family before you move as this will help you with day to day stuff like paying for groceries in the supermarket and reading signs and directions on roads and streets for example. 

Please note that Portuguese is notoriously difficult to learn and even if you have an excellent ability to learn a foreign language, don’t base any key decisions on your future language ability – for example, don’t assume that you will be able to set up in a specific business where you will need to communicate through the medium of Portuguese until you have spent a good amount of time working to learn the language.

The Algarve is divided into central, western and eastern Algarve and you need to do some homework into the differences and delights of each part of the Algarve region before you commit to a rental or purchase property.  Guiding your choice of location should be considerations such as – availability of nursery and school places if you have children, access to medical facilities, access to like minded communities of people, access to employment opportunities and access to leisure activities and every day amenities according to your personal preferences.

The two most difficult considerations as listed above are the school options and employment opportunities available.  The international schools are limited on spaces and you need to apply for a place before you commit to your move and what’s more, local and international nurseries are over subscribed and there is no guarantee of a place for all children.  If you’re thinking of putting children into state schools remember that Portuguese is hard to learn and if your children are over the age of about 7 you risk harming their educational development by putting them into a school where they cannot communicate or understand what is being taught.

With regards to finding work in the Algarve you need to be realistic about the likelihood of you finding decent paying opportunities in a marketplace where there is stiff competition for jobs where little or no Portuguese is required.  As a result you’ll find many expatriates cleaning pools, doing gardens and providing house maintenance services and so you need to think outside of this box to find a business or employment opportunity for you.

If you are going to be reliant on earning an income when living in Portugal it would be very sensible to have a job or business lined up before you commit to your Algarve relocation.  Money is the number on reasons why expatriates repatriate and return home, so get this part of your move established well in advance and you stand the very best chance of moving to live in the Algarve in Portugal successfully and soon. Source: Shelteroffshore

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