Due to my French heritage and having made 2 trips to France, I initially focused on France itself. But concern over political stability eventually shifted my attention elsewhere. I chose Portugal because it was in Southern Europe (warmer) aand it had a Golden Visa program which was attractive. I later abandoned the GV route and focused on the D7 retirement visa which I seemed qualified for.
The Process
| Period | Activity |
| 2022-2023 | Research Europe online (criteria = stable, warm, ease, Golden Visa) |
| 2024 | Scouting trip to Portugal 9/17 to 10/14 (VRSA 11 days, Portiomao 1 day, Machico 12 days, travel 4 days) |
| 2024 | Obtain NIF @ Finanças tax office with Mariana who speaks Portuguese |
| 2024 | Obtain Novobanco bank acct via NIFNow |
| 2025 | 1st Machico stay 3/16 to 6/11 (85 days) |
| 2025 | 2nd Machico stay 9/22 to 12/18 (85 days) |
| 2026 | Hire GetFastVisa for VSF appointment help after many failed attempts |
| 2026 | D7 visa application (4/22/2026 @ SF VSF office) |
| 2026 | Upcoming residency trip 8/24 to 12/2 |
As of 2026, it has been a 4-year journey. Although that seems like a long time, relocating from USA to Europe is not done overnight. A methodical approach will achieve superior results over one that is rushed. Having enjoyed island life for the past 12 years, moving from Hawaii to Madeira island makes good sense. I chose Machico to avoid the Funchal crowds while being relatively closeby for easy access to its amenities. I also wanted to be close to the airport but not too close. Added bonuses are the Machico small village lifestyle and it's nice sandy beach which is a rarity on Madeira. A car is not needed in Machico. Intercity trips are easy with inexpensive bus service or Bolt rideshare. Within Machico itself, a good pair of shoes is all that is needed.
I'm relocating from Hawaii USA to Madeira PT
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808-651-**** (USA mobile)
+351 960 278 *** (PT mobile)
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From Maui to Madeira with love |
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