From California to Portugal

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From California to Portugal – Timeline, Budgeting & What to Expect

Planning an international move takes time — but with a proper plan, it becomes manageable and exciting. Here’s a realistic roadmap for a 6–12 month transition from California to Portugal.

1. 6–12 Months Before

  • Start researching visa options (D7, D8, etc.)
  • Reach out to RDS Group for a free consult
  • Begin collecting financial and legal documents
  • Apply for NIF and open a bank account (we assist remotely)

2. 3–6 Months Before

  • Secure rental or purchase contract
  • Submit visa application to Portuguese consulate
  • Prepare for FBI background check and apostilles
  • Plan a scouting trip (optional but useful)

3. 1–3 Months Before

  • Receive visa and plan flights
  • Organize movers and international shipping
  • Notify IRS, banks, and health providers
  • Set up international health insurance

4. Arrival in Portugal

  • Apply for SEF residence permit
  • Register address with local authority
  • Get mobile service, utilities, and local accounts

5. What It Costs (Typical Ranges)

  • Visa application & document prep: €600–€1,200
  • Rental deposit: 2–3 months rent
  • Relocation: €3,000–€6,000 (depending on services used)
  • Legal and admin: €500–€1,500

6. Our Role

We provide:

  • Timeline planning
  • Document review and filing
  • Real estate scouting
  • Arrival services and orientation

The smoother the plan, the more exciting the journey.

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Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy – GDPR & CCPA Compliant Effective Date: 01/05/2025At RDS Group (WJS Services Limited), we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information, and outlines your rights under both the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).WJS Services Limited trading as RDS Group PO Box 239, Stamford, PE9 4WX, United Kingdom Registered in England & Wales No. 04084319 Registered Office: SPA House, SPA Road, Braceborough, PE9 4NS

1. Who We Are

RDS Group offers relocation and advisory services, assisting individuals and families moving to Portugal. We specialize in D7 visa assistance, real estate support, and help with local bureaucracy.

2. Information We Collect

Depending on your interaction with us, we may collect:
CategoryExamples
IdentifiersName, email, phone number, IP address
Personal InformationPassport/ID details, visa or residency status, income documentation
Commercial InformationReal estate interests (type, budget, location)
Internet ActivityIP address, browser type, device data, cookies, usage patterns
CommunicationsContact form messages, emails, consultation notes
We do not collect or process sensitive personal data unless explicitly required for a legal or contractual obligation and with your consent.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your data for:
  • Providing our services (relocation, visa, real estate).
  • Responding to your inquiries and scheduling consultations.
  • Processing payments (if applicable).
  • Improving our website and user experience.
  • Complying with legal or regulatory obligations in the EU, UK, or US.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For individuals in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your data on one or more of the following lawful bases:
  • Consent – when you explicitly permit us to do so.
  • Contractual necessity – to deliver our services to you.
  • Legal obligation – to comply with regulatory or tax laws.
  • Legitimate interests – to improve services or secure our platform.

5. Your Rights

For EU/EEA Residents (GDPR):

You have the right to:
  • Access your personal data.
  • Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Request deletion ("right to be forgotten").
  • Restrict or object to processing.
  • Data portability.
  • Withdraw consent at any time.
  • Lodge a complaint with your data protection authority.

For California Residents (CCPA):

You have the right to:
  • Know what personal data we collect and how we use it.
  • Request deletion of your personal data.
  • Opt-out of the sale of personal data (we do not sell data).
  • Non-discrimination when exercising your privacy rights.
To exercise your rights, email info@qms.pt or call +44 333 772 7204.

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data.We may share your data with:
  • Service providers: immigration consultants, banks, real estate partners.
  • Government authorities: when required by law (e.g., SEF, tax office).
  • Hosting and security vendors: to maintain website functionality.
All vendors and processors are contractually obligated to safeguard your data and comply with applicable laws (GDPR, CCPA).

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:
  • Operate the site (necessary cookies)
  • Analyze traffic (analytics cookies)
  • Enhance functionality (functional cookies)
You may manage your cookie settings in your browser or via our cookie banner.

8. Data Retention

We retain your data only for as long as necessary:
  • Typically no longer than 5 years
  • Or as required by law or regulation
  • Or until you withdraw consent or request deletion

9. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures:
  • Encrypted data transmission and storage
  • Access controls and authentication
  • Secure hosting environments

10. International Transfers

If you are based outside the UK, your data may be transferred to and processed in the UK or Portugal. When transferring data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), are in place.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may link to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please read their privacy policies before providing personal data.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website with the "Effective Date" noted at the top.

13. Other

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

14. Contact Us

For privacy-related inquiries, data access requests, or complaints:Email: info@qms.pt Phone: +44 333 772 7204 Postal Address: PO Box 239, Stamford, PE9 4WX, United Kingdom
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