A Taste of portugal
Portugal
The real story of one relocation to Portugal
From the Philippines to Portugal as Digital Nomads.
As digital nomads, our family made the bold decision to leave the Philippines and embark on an exciting adventure in Portugal. In this blog post, we’ll share our story of family immigration, the challenges we faced, and the incredible benefits of living as digital nomads in this beautiful European country.
"After years of working remotely from our cozy home in the Philippines, we craved a change of scenery and a new adventure. Portugal stood out as the ideal destination for several reasons..."
Why Portugal?
1. Affordability: Compared to other Western European countries, Portugal offers a lower cost of living, making it easier for digital nomad families like ours to thrive.
2. Stunning Landscapes: From the beautiful beaches of the Algarve to the historic streets of Lisbon, Portugal is a feast for the eyes.
3. Welcoming Community: The Portuguese people are known for their hospitality, making it easier for expats to integrate into local life.
Preparing for Immigration
The immigration process can be overwhelming, but careful planning made it manageable. Here’s how we prepared for our move:
1. Visa Application: As digital nomads, we applied for the DN visa, which is suitable for those with passive income or remote work. We gathered documents, including proof of income and accommodation. Reelo team helped us to collect required documents and submit our case.
2. Researching Schools: We explored international schools in Portugal to ensure our children would receive a quality education while adapting to a new culture. As we paid for turnkey package Reelo guided us and we found the best school for our children.
3. Finding Accommodation: We used various online platforms to find a family-friendly rental in Lisbon, where we could enjoy a vibrant community and access to co-working spaces.
1. Affordability: Compared to other Western European countries, Portugal offers a lower cost of living, making it easier for digital nomad families like ours to thrive.
2. Stunning Landscapes: From the beautiful beaches of the Algarve to the historic streets of Lisbon, Portugal is a feast for the eyes.
3. Welcoming Community: The Portuguese people are known for their hospitality, making it easier for expats to integrate into local life.
Preparing for Immigration
The immigration process can be overwhelming, but careful planning made it manageable. Here’s how we prepared for our move:
1. Visa Application: As digital nomads, we applied for the DN visa, which is suitable for those with passive income or remote work. We gathered documents, including proof of income and accommodation. Reelo team helped us to collect required documents and submit our case.
2. Researching Schools: We explored international schools in Portugal to ensure our children would receive a quality education while adapting to a new culture. As we paid for turnkey package Reelo guided us and we found the best school for our children.
3. Finding Accommodation: We used various online platforms to find a family-friendly rental in Lisbon, where we could enjoy a vibrant community and access to co-working spaces.
Settling into Portuguese Life
Upon our arrival in Portugal, we were immediately captivated by the warm climate and friendly atmosphere. The transition was both exhilarating and challenging, as we navigated our new environment. Here are some highlights from our early days:
- Language Learning: Although many Portuguese people speak English, we enrolled in language classes to help us integrate better and connect with locals.
- Exploring the Culture: We immersed ourselves in Portuguese traditions, from enjoying pastéis de nata to participating in local festivals and celebrations.
- Building a Routine: Establishing a daily routine helped us balance work and family time, allowing us to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Challenges We Faced
Like any family immigration experience, our journey had its ups and downs. Here are some challenges we encountered:
1. Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to a new culture took time, but we learned to embrace the differences and appreciate the unique aspects of Portuguese life.
2. Homesickness: Missing family and friends back in the Philippines was tough. We found solace in regular video calls and sharing our experiences through social media.
3. Work-Life Balance: As digital nomads, balancing work responsibilities with family adventures was a learning curve. We set boundaries to ensure quality family time.
The Rewards of Living in Portugal
Despite the challenges, the rewards of our immigration journey have been invaluable. Here are some of the highlights:
- Travel Opportunities: Living in Portugal has allowed us to explore not only the country but also neighboring Spain and beyond, enriching our travel experiences.
- Quality Family Time: Our lifestyle as digital nomads has given us the flexibility to spend more time together, creating lasting memories as we explore new places.
- Cultural Enrichment: We’ve embraced the Portuguese way of life, learning to savor meals, enjoy leisurely afternoons, and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings.
Tips for Families Considering Immigration to Portugal
If you’re thinking about making the leap to Portugal as a digital nomad, consider these tips:
1. Plan Ahead: Research visa options and gather necessary documents well in advance.
2. Connect with Other Expats: Join online communities or local groups to build connections and gain valuable insights about life in Portugal.
3. Be Open-Minded: Embrace the differences in culture and lifestyle; it’s all part of the adventure!
Conclusion
Our family’s immigration journey from the Philippines to Portugal has been a transformative experience filled with growth, exploration, and joy. As digital nomads, we’ve found a beautiful home where we can balance work and family life while enjoying the rich culture of Portugal. Thank to Reelo Team for support and help on each step of our relocation journey!
Upon our arrival in Portugal, we were immediately captivated by the warm climate and friendly atmosphere. The transition was both exhilarating and challenging, as we navigated our new environment. Here are some highlights from our early days:
- Language Learning: Although many Portuguese people speak English, we enrolled in language classes to help us integrate better and connect with locals.
- Exploring the Culture: We immersed ourselves in Portuguese traditions, from enjoying pastéis de nata to participating in local festivals and celebrations.
- Building a Routine: Establishing a daily routine helped us balance work and family time, allowing us to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Challenges We Faced
Like any family immigration experience, our journey had its ups and downs. Here are some challenges we encountered:
1. Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to a new culture took time, but we learned to embrace the differences and appreciate the unique aspects of Portuguese life.
2. Homesickness: Missing family and friends back in the Philippines was tough. We found solace in regular video calls and sharing our experiences through social media.
3. Work-Life Balance: As digital nomads, balancing work responsibilities with family adventures was a learning curve. We set boundaries to ensure quality family time.
The Rewards of Living in Portugal
Despite the challenges, the rewards of our immigration journey have been invaluable. Here are some of the highlights:
- Travel Opportunities: Living in Portugal has allowed us to explore not only the country but also neighboring Spain and beyond, enriching our travel experiences.
- Quality Family Time: Our lifestyle as digital nomads has given us the flexibility to spend more time together, creating lasting memories as we explore new places.
- Cultural Enrichment: We’ve embraced the Portuguese way of life, learning to savor meals, enjoy leisurely afternoons, and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings.
Tips for Families Considering Immigration to Portugal
If you’re thinking about making the leap to Portugal as a digital nomad, consider these tips:
1. Plan Ahead: Research visa options and gather necessary documents well in advance.
2. Connect with Other Expats: Join online communities or local groups to build connections and gain valuable insights about life in Portugal.
3. Be Open-Minded: Embrace the differences in culture and lifestyle; it’s all part of the adventure!
Conclusion
Our family’s immigration journey from the Philippines to Portugal has been a transformative experience filled with growth, exploration, and joy. As digital nomads, we’ve found a beautiful home where we can balance work and family life while enjoying the rich culture of Portugal. Thank to Reelo Team for support and help on each step of our relocation journey!