Note · by Mwata
Thinking of a country other than Portugal?
The three steps of Phase 1 work for any destination, and also if you decide to stay where you live. You describe the life you want (Picture), research and compare your options (Explore), and write down your decision with next steps (Decide). You can use the same Phase 1 exercises whichever destination you are considering.
Some of the practical examples are about Portugal, because I live there. Use these examples to identify questions to investigate. Check the answers against the rules that apply to your destination and circumstances. For example:
- If an example mentions registration at a Portuguese câmara, the local municipal authority, check whether you need to register at your destination and which authority handles it.
- If an example discusses Portuguese tax, check which rules apply to the country you are considering and to your own situation.
- If I describe a building project in Portugal, investigate which permissions, if any, your own project would need.
Check the official government sources for your destination. For questions about your own circumstances, consult a qualified adviser with relevant expertise. If you want to read more about a specific country, there are country handbooks, for example from Grenzenloos. A country guide can provide additional background; you do not need one to complete Phase 1.
Chosen a country? See our recommended sites (in Dutch).
If you want to take this further
Phase 1 covers Steps 1 to 3 and can be used for any destination or for changes where you live now. Steps 4 to 8 are coming later, for any country, and are not included in the Phase 1 purchase. The course is available in English and Dutch.
See what's included in Phase 1 · Try the free exercise first