TL;DR
Your dream of moving to Portugal might feel closer than ever right now. Many people share this goal, but wrong ideas often lead to costly mistakes. The truth is that Portugal has clear rules for those who want to live there. You just need the right facts before you start your journey.
This guide will help you avoid the most common moving to Portugal mistakes in 2026. Each myth below comes with real facts based on current laws and rules.
Myth #1: Getting an AIMA Appointment is Easy and Only Takes 2 to 3 Months
Reality: It Often Takes Longer Due to Backlogs
The AIMA backlog Portugal situation has been a real challenge for many people moving there. Your wait time depends on factors outside of your control in most cases. Many applicants report waiting much longer than the old 2 to 3 month window.
Processing times for AIMA residence permits typically range from 6 to 18 months depending on permit type. If you are tired of waiting or the endless calls and emails to get an appointment, we can help you! We help clients file a lawsuit to force AIMA to give them an appointment.
Myth #2: You Can Move to Portugal Without a Real Visa Plan
Many people think they can figure out their visa status after they arrive in Portugal. This approach almost never works out well for anyone trying to stay long term. Your visa type shapes everything from work rights to your path toward residency and beyond.
The most popular options include the D7 visa for passive income holders and the D8 visa for digital nomads. Work visas, student visas, and family reunion visas each have their own rules too. You need to pick your pathway before you pack your bags for this big move.
Myth #3: Finding Long Term Housing is Quick and Simple
The rental market in Portugal can surprise newcomers who expect a fast search process. Portugal relocation tips often suggest starting with short term housing for your first few weeks. Landlords typically want to meet you in person before signing any long term lease.
Short term rentals like Airbnb work well for landing, but AIMA requires proper proof of housing. A registered lease for at least 12 months is required for your Portugal residence permit stage. Your housing plan should include time to search after you arrive in the country safely.
Myth #4: Portugal Paperwork is Fast if You Are Organized
Being organized helps a lot, but it does not control government timing at all. The system and appointment slots drive your actual timeline more than your own prep work. Since April 28, 2025, AIMA only accepts applications that are fully complete at submission time.
Any submission missing even one required document will not be accepted for review anymore. This changed from older rules where incomplete cases could still be submitted and updated later. Your moving to Portugal checklist should include extra buffer time for each step involved.
Myth #5: Everyone Speaks English Everywhere, So Admin is Easy
Many Portuguese people do speak English, especially in Lisbon and Porto tourist areas daily. However, government offices and local admin tasks often run fully in Portuguese only. Your AIMA appointment and local council visits may require a translator or patient skills.
Documents in English are sometimes accepted, but official papers often need certified translation. You should not assume that every clerk or office worker will speak your language there. A local helper or lawyer can make these admin steps much smoother for your situation.
Myth #6: Healthcare is Instantly Simple from Day One
Healthcare in Portugal is good, but there is usually a transition period for new residents. You need health insurance coverage for most visa types when you apply for your permit. Private coverage matters a lot during your first months before you access the public system.
Once you have your residence permit, you can enroll in the SNS public health system there. Your insurance needs depend on your visa type and whether you live in Portugal yet. Planning for both private and public options will keep you covered during your early days.
Myth #7: Getting a NIF is Effortless
A NIF Portugal number is your tax ID and you need it for almost everything there. If you are in the country, you can apply yourself at a local tax office any day. The catch is that you often need to arrive very early and wait many hours for your turn.
Office staff may only speak Portuguese, which adds another layer of challenge to this task. People who are not in Portugal often need a fiscal rep to get their NIF number. This approach is common for non-residents who want to open bank accounts or buy property.
Our service provides NIF support along with the admin help you need around it. You can skip the long lines and language barriers with professional help on your side.
→ Book Your Free NIF Consultation
Conclusion
Your move to Portugal does not have to feel stressful or full of guesswork anymore. We offer visa pathway planning for D7, D8, and other visa types that fit your life. Document prep and appointment readiness for AIMA is another area where we guide clients daily.
Our NIF help covers both in country and out of country options for your needs. You get support from people who know the 2026 rules and current AIMA processes well.
FAQs
Is moving to Portugal actually easy?
Moving to Portugal takes real planning and patience with paperwork and timelines. Your success depends on having the right visa and complete documents ready early.
Why are AIMA appointments delayed?
The AIMA backlog Portugal comes from high application volumes and system changes since 2023. AIMA inherited over 350,000 pending cases from SEF and is still working through them.
Do I need a visa to move to Portugal from the USA?
Yes, moving to Portugal from the USA requires a valid visa for stays beyond 90 days. Popular options include the D7 for passive income and D8 for digital nomads today.
What are the biggest mistakes people make when moving to Portugal?
The biggest moving to Portugal mistakes include poor visa planning and expecting fast paperwork. Many people also underestimate AIMA processing times and housing search challenges there.
Can you rent an apartment in Portugal before you arrive?
Short term bookings work for landing, but signing a long term lease remotely is very hard. Most landlords want to meet you in person before they agree to any rental contract.
Do I need health insurance to move to Portugal?
Yes, health insurance coverage is required for most visa types when applying for residence. You need valid coverage at your AIMA appointment and throughout your permit period there.
Your Portugal journey can go smoothly when you know the real facts and current rules. These myths trip up many people, but you now have the truth on your side today.
