65 Comments
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Rene Curtis's avatar

I’m super excited for you and plan to follow this summer. Also a cancer survivor with elderly cats so I am interested in hearing about your experiences since you are a few months ahead of me 😊 Best wishes for a smooth journey!

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

So far so good and my young cats and elderly dog are thriving. Best of luck to you!

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Sandra Shipshock's avatar

Oh, how wonderful. I can just picture you strapped into your airline seat, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. And then, when you're arising on your first morning, taking another deep breath of the air there by the sea and feeling that you've landed where you are meant to be. Good luck with getting your beloved critters to their new home!

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

I like that image of serenity. I fear that with three pets under our seat and a ridiculous number of heavy bags, it won’t be quite so mellow. But I look forward to arriving and to waking up that first morning. This has been a long time coming.

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Thea Chard's avatar

Congratulations Allison! I’ve been thinking of you often seeing your posts over the last year—and even before that when I think back on the SJN meetings. We’re also considering a similar change to join our abuelos in Mallorca, also a plan since the last administration but really taking hold since having our daughter (now 22 months) and visiting last year. Priorities have shifted. More power to you, safe travels, health and bounty, and hopefully we’ll be joining you as Spaniard neighbors soon. šŸ’ŖšŸ™ŒšŸ¤ž

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Let’s stay in touch! Hoping the Spain move works out and congrats on the daughter!

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Leslie Hoge's avatar

I’m super-excited for you! You’re actually doing what many of us have talked about. And I doubt things will be improving any time soon. I’m also wondering how easy it was to get approved to stay in Portugal (apparently) indefinitely? I’m happy to give you my email if you have time to send a quick note. I’ve checked online and it looks difficult these days. Thx

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

It's fairly complicated but doable. We got a D7 visa and have our residency permit interviews next month. I highly recommend the Americans and Friends PT Facebook group, which is full of excellent resources.

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Leslie Hoge's avatar

Thanks Alison! The D7 seemed most likely but challenging. I’ll check out that facebook page, too.

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•the point of singularity•'s avatar

I've tried joining the group three times answered their gatekeeping questions y nada. I'll admit I never use FB so maybe I've been notified and don't know it yet.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Reminder the time difference. Also, I saw that the membership is now at 50,000. They may be flooded with requests.

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•the point of singularity•'s avatar

Yes, my youngest daughter and granddaughter live in Lisbon. I've just tried cancelling my latest request and re applyingšŸ˜ž.

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Leslie Hoge's avatar

I was accepted. You have to have a profile photo — could that be an issue?

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•the point of singularity•'s avatar

I do have a profile photošŸ™. I hate the gatekeeping

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Gregory Garretson's avatar

Congratulations, Alison! I hope that the move has been going well and that you're enjoying Portugal, despite all the rain!

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sandy bassett's avatar

this is lovely and i am a full time nomad. but i have NEVER used amazon.

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Rose's avatar

So super excited for you - have heard nothing but fantastic information about this country from people,food, wine, markets, healthcare and dental services. I’m also looking to move to Portugal with a few friends. Have been attending webinars and researching lots - plans are now to visit Portugal for 7 weeks later this summer and then really get the ball rolling. Looking to possibly work with a company bro help with the process. I’m retired so will get the D7 visa- the only concern I have are the Portuguese taxes. Any advice, recommendations or help you care to share will be greatly appreciated. Happy new adventures! Be well. Rose

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Go for it! The tax situation is confusing and continues to change. It’s worth having a good tax attorney to help navigate it.

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Rose's avatar

Thanks for that info. Would a tax attorney here be sufficient or talk with someone in Portugal? Also, do you speak the language? I’ve been using Duo Lingo to help me - but learning a second language has never been my forte. Any other tidbits to share I’ll listen.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Duolingo only offers Brazilian Portuguese, which I learned late in the game. There are differences in pronunciation and vocabulary which will ultimately cause confusion. I think eventually you’ll want a Portuguese tax lawyer, but you can start with a US firm with international experience. The Facebook group Americans and Friends PT has a host of resources. There’s a tax FB group too - Tax Benefits for Exoats in Portugal. It’s run by a tax attorney.

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Rose's avatar

Thanks- not on FB but again appreciate the info

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Karen Kendra's avatar

Bon Voyage and good health to you! I wish I could leave too until til the felon’s term or life is over.

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Stickala's avatar

You will find so many unexpected joys in your journey - it’s called livingā¤ļø

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Martha Embry's avatar

Best of luck to you. I am jealous

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Dr. W's avatar

That's odd. I was packing exactly like that today. My son, parents, and friends are forcefully suggesting I hurry up and return to Canada. Would like to sell my house and withdraw my meager assets before they become worthless.

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Cat Mo's avatar

Wishing you all the best in your travels to Portugal. I hope you’ll continue to write about your new life there and share a bit of that Portuguese sunshine with us.

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Megan Gibbons's avatar

Hi! I also moved from Seattle to Portugal in August 2023. Midlife reinvention is amazing. Boa sorte and bem-vindo.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

I know there are a lot of us from the PNW here. Where are you living?

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Megan Gibbons's avatar

We're in Lisbon. About to move out of the city, but will still be in the Lisbon area.

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Dale's avatar

For me nothing like an infarct at 27 and learning you have bad genes for the rest of your life! Well still here! Thanks for many positive things.

Enjoy the days journey!

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Data Yap's avatar

Wow amazing! Bon voyage!

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Mary Beth Lambert's avatar

So excited for you living your dream in your one wild and precious life. ā¤ļø

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