Our Journey to Portuguese Citizenship: From Farm Life to Freedom
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Our Journey to Portugal
- The Decision to Pursue Portuguese Citizenship
- The Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship
- Portuguese Language Courses
- The Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship
- Our Plans for the Future
- The Challenges of Living in Portugal
- The Importance of Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone
- Conclusion
Introduction
🌞 Welcome to Portugal! It's been five years since we embarked on this adventure, and we can hardly believe how time has flown. Moving to Portugal was a leap into the unknown, but here we are, still going strong. In this article, we will take you through our journey and share with you our decision to pursue Portuguese citizenship. We will discuss the requirements, our plans for the future, and the challenges we have faced along the way. So buckle up and get ready to join us on this exciting ride! 🌟
Our Journey to Portugal
🚗 Our journey to Portugal began back in September 2019. We packed up our belongings, hopped into our trusty van, and embarked on a road trip across Europe. From England to France to Spain, we braved the elements and faced all sorts of obstacles. We even had some unexpected encounters with spiders in the middle of the night! But despite the challenges, we persevered and finally arrived at our destination: Portugal. It was love at first sight, and we knew we had found our new home. 🏡
The Decision to Pursue Portuguese Citizenship
🌍 After four and a half years of living in Portugal, we have decided to pursue Portuguese citizenship. This decision was driven by a desire for stability, freedom, and the ability to travel without restrictions. While we will never truly be Portuguese, acquiring citizenship will grant us certain privileges and opportunities. It will allow us to continue owning our farm and enjoy the benefits of being Portuguese citizens. It has always been our dream to make Portugal our permanent home, and obtaining citizenship is the next step in making that dream a reality. 🌟
The Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship
📚 To become Portuguese citizens, we must fulfill certain requirements. The first step is to demonstrate our proficiency in the Portuguese language. We have enrolled in government-run language courses to improve our conversational skills and obtain an A1 and A2 language certificate. Additionally, we must undergo a criminal background check and provide evidence of our ability to support ourselves financially. While the process may seem straightforward, the waiting time can be lengthy. Nevertheless, we are determined to see it through and become Portuguese citizens. 🌟
Portuguese Language Courses
💬 Learning the Portuguese language is essential for obtaining citizenship. We have dedicated ourselves to attending intensive language courses, which consist of six hours per week for six months. These courses are designed to improve our conversational skills and help us reach the A1 and A2 language proficiency level. While the courses can be challenging, we believe that language is the key to fully integrating into Portuguese society. We are committed to the process and look forward to mastering the language. 💪
The Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship
🌍 Portuguese citizenship comes with a host of benefits. First and foremost, it allows us to live and work in Portugal without restrictions. We will no longer be bound by a 180-day limit for leaving the country. Moreover, Portuguese citizenship grants us access to the European Union and enables us to travel freely within its member states. It will open up a world of opportunities for us to explore and experience new cultures. With a Portuguese passport in hand, we will be free to chase the sun and create new adventures. 🌟
Our Plans for the Future
🗺️ With Portuguese citizenship on the horizon, we are excited about the future. We plan to continue living on our farm in Portugal, making it our base while we explore other parts of the world. We long to travel and see all the beautiful places that this planet has to offer. Whether it's soaking up the sun in Southern Portugal or immersing ourselves in new cultures abroad, we are ready for the next chapter of our adventure. Life is too short to be confined to one place, and we are determined to make the most of it. 🌟
The Challenges of Living in Portugal
⛈️ Living in Portugal has its challenges, especially during the winter months. The rainy and cold weather can take a toll on our well-being, and the isolation on our farm can sometimes be overwhelming. While the comfort of our home is inviting, it can also make it difficult to step out and face the elements. However, we recognize the importance of embracing discomfort and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone. We are committed to seeking new experiences, whether it's through cold water swimming or pursuing new hobbies. It's all part of the adventure. 💪
The Importance of Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone
🚀 Stepping out of our comfort zone has been instrumental in our journey. It is through these moments of discomfort that we have grown and discovered our true capabilities. The decision to move to Portugal was a leap into the unknown, and each new challenge has tested our resilience. We firmly believe that life begins at the end of our comfort zone, and we are determined to continue pushing ourselves to new heights. By embracing the unknown, we have found a sense of purpose and fulfillment that we never thought possible. 🌟
Conclusion
🌟 As we reflect on our journey in Portugal, we are grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have come our way. Five years ago, we embarked on this adventure with uncertainty and a thirst for something different. Today, we are on the cusp of becoming Portuguese citizens, ready to embrace the future with open arms. Portugal has become our home, and we are excited to continue exploring its wonders and creating lifelong memories. Join us as we chase the sun and embark on new adventures, always seeking the next chapter of our extraordinary journey. 🌍✨
Highlights:
- Our fifth winter in Portugal marks five years of living in this beautiful country. 🌟
- We are pursuing Portuguese citizenship to have the freedom to travel and make Portugal our permanent home. 🌍
- Language courses and fulfilling the requirements will be our focus as we work towards obtaining citizenship. 💬
- Portuguese citizenship will grant us the ability to live, work, and travel freely within the European Union. ✈️
- Stepping out of our comfort zone has been fundamental to our growth and success in Portugal. 💪
FAQ:
Q: How long have you been living in Portugal?
A: We moved to Portugal in September 2019, making it our fifth winter in the country.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue Portuguese citizenship?
A: We want to have the freedom to travel, make Portugal our permanent home, and continue owning our farm.
Q: What are the requirements for Portuguese citizenship?
A: Some of the requirements include proficiency in the Portuguese language, a criminal background check, and financial stability.
Q: How are you learning Portuguese?
A: We are attending government-run language courses to improve our conversational skills and obtain language certificates.
Q: What are the benefits of Portuguese citizenship?
A: Portuguese citizenship allows us to live and work in Portugal without restrictions and provides access to the European Union for easy travel.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: We intend to continue living on our farm in Portugal while also exploring other parts of the world.
Q: What challenges have you faced living in Portugal?
A: The long and rainy winters can be challenging, as well as the isolation of living on a farm. However, we embrace discomfort and seek new experiences.
Q: Why do you believe stepping out of your comfort zone is important?
A: Stepping out of our comfort zone has allowed us to grow and discover our capabilities. It has been an essential part of our journey in Portugal.
