Moving to Lisbon, what to expect

Abeinabox · 2020-12-14T13:00:02+01:00

Discover valuable insights on moving to Lisbon for English teachers, including job market trends, accommodation tips, and COVID-19 updates.

Abeinabox New member

Member since 14 December 2020

AbeinaboxNew member14 December 2020 11:00:02

Hi,

I'm Abby. I'm 25 years old and currently working as an English teacher in Spain. I've been here for over two years now and I'm now starting to look at opportunities elsewhere. I'm considering moving to Lisbon. I don't know if it will be a permanent move or just a year or two. That'll depend on how things go I suppose but I've been reading a lot and I just want some further advice in regards to my situation.

What's it like right now with covid in Portugal?
What's the job market like for English teachers in Portugal is it something that's difficult or fairly easy to access?
Accommodation, I keep hearing it's expensive but when I look on Idealista (and I'm happy with sharing a flat) it's actually really cheap- is this because of covid? Can I expect this to increase once things are 'normal' again?

Also, is there anything else I should consider in regards to moving to Lisbon that you think I should consider?

I've heard bureaucracy is not the best here but then again it's not that great in Spain either- so I can deal with being left a little frustrated.聽 Also, I am planning this move next year with the end/start of the school year.

I suppose I ask these questions and for clarification as Portugal is the place to move if you're retired or a digital nomad and I do offer online teaching but I am not retired nor completely reliant on teaching online.

For me though, I love the idea of trying out a capital city, with a relaxed lifestyle, amazing art culture and the opportunity to continue helping in the education sector. Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you.

SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpert14 December 2020 12:23:44

12276

Due to Brexit, you will be classed as a 3CN as of next year. Which will cause you a lot of stress. Basically it just means the end of freedom of movement.

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert14 December 2020 16:06:24

4906

Welcome Abby.聽

Answering to your questions:
What's it like right now with covid in Portugal?

But, since you are planning this move next year with the end/start of the school year, why worry about now? What is today, may not be tomorrow...

What's the job market like for English teachers in Portugal is it something that's difficult or fairly easy to access?
Please, read this:
/forum/viewtopic.php?id=902215
in September 2020, two new international schools were opened in Lisbon, Tasis and United. It is very likely that they are still looking for teachers. Try to send them your CV.

Accommodation, I keep hearing it's expensive but when I look on Idealista (and I'm happy with sharing a flat) it's actually really cheap- is this because of covid? Can I expect this to increase once things are 'normal' again?

Accommodation is not expensive if it is not located at a very touristic and central area. It's going to be a while before things get 'normal' again...

You also have flat sharing here, please see the Bquarto website:
/forum/viewtopic.php?id=908693

Also, is there anything else I should consider in regards to moving to Lisbon that you think I should consider? I've heard bureaucracy is not the best here but then again it's not that great in Spain either- so I can deal with being left a little frustrated.聽

For all that you need in your daily life, I never felt bureaucracy. You have a lot of information in this forum, if you have any doubts please ask. I know that this is a clich茅 that foreigners like to complain ... remember that often, this may happen because they do not understand the portuguese language....

Best regards聽

Abeinabox New member

Member since 14 December 2020

AbeinaboxNew member14 December 2020 20:49:06

Hi, thank you for your response. I don't find it the most useful. Could you tell me a little more about the 3CN process please at least?

Abeinabox New member

Member since 14 December 2020

AbeinaboxNew member14 December 2020 20:50:21

Thank you for your response and a copy of all the links! It's very helpful!

SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpert14 December 2020 22:42:36

12276

Abeinabox wrote:
Hi, thank you for your response. I don't find it the most useful. Could you tell me a little more about the 3CN process please at least?

You can't just work like and EU citizen, you have to apply for a work visa and you are the last to be offered a job. They have to prove that they have advertised and no one from Portugal or EU citizen was suitable for any job position before you have a shot at it.

Welcome to life after Brexit

JuliaNaym Member

Member since 18 June 2020

JuliaNaymMember21 December 2020 14:01:54

Regarding the issues with apartments, there're a lot real estate websites which can help foreigners buy a flat or get residence permit (such as Tranio platform). Moreover, people who applied for the Golden Visa program after 01 April 2020 will qualify for the extended permit, which is now valid for two years instead of one.