Moving budget
The move itself costs more than the visa
Fees are the small part. Deposits, an unfurnished flat, apostilled documents and several months of living costs before your income settles are what drain the account.
One-off cash needed
€19,890
For 1 adult
| Consular visa fees | €90 |
| Residence permit fees | €170 |
| Documents, apostilles and translations | €350 |
| Travel and health insurance (4 months) | €180 |
| Flights | €600 |
| Shipping and excess baggage | €1,500 |
| Rental deposit and first month | €3,600 |
| Furniture and appliances | €3,000 |
| Living buffer (4 months) | €10,400 |
| Total | €19,890 |
Landlords ask for more from newcomers. Without a Portuguese income history, two to three months of deposit plus the first month up front is common, and some ask for a guarantor or several months paid in advance.
Keep the buffer liquid and in your own name. It is both a practical necessity and, in many files, part of what you show as available means.