Your Portugal Starts Here!

Welcome to Olá Coimbra!

New beginnings made simple, personal, and full of heart.

Speaking from experience… moving anywhere new can be stressful — but moving to a new country? That’s a whole new level!

Olá Coimbra! was born from my own journey of relocating to Portugal, and from helping others make that same exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) leap. I’ve fallen completely in love with this country, and I want to make sure that everyone who chooses to live here can have a smooth, welcoming experience from day one.

I truly enjoy dreaming with others — turning “someday” plans into beautiful new beginnings

What We Believe

At Olá Coimbra!, we’re here to help you discover your new beginning in Portugal — with guidance, kindness, and local expertise. Even if you’re still abroad, we’ll make sure you feel confident that this is the right journey, and that when you arrive, you’ll feel at home.

Warmly,
Paula Chanda
Founder, Olá Coimbra!

OUR SERVICES

“It’s not the place that makes a home… it’s the people. Olá Coimbra! made me feel like family from day one.”

—Peter from New Jersey

Decathlon Black Friday

Decathlon Black Friday

We are thrilled to partner with Decathlon for your active lifestyle needs! Our home gym equipment is all thanks to Decathlon!

Go Shopping for Black Friday Deals!

We are thrilled to have been invited to partner with

GET YOUR GUIDE!

I’ve used Get Your Guide for all of my trips inside of Portugal and in London and around the world!

Get Your Guide Website

Amazing view of Porto from the Hop on Hop off Bus!

“I saw parts of Porto I didn’t know existed!”

Hop on Hop off Bus London!

“Amazing experience! Mother and daughter.”

FAQs

Portugal place to move, relocation services, Portugal retirement

Why do I need help in Scouting my move to Portugal?

Moving abroad is very different from a local move. Beyond the language barrier, Portugal has cultural nuances, regional differences, and administrative steps you simply don’t discover until you’re already here. That’s where we make the process easier.

We act as your “boots on the ground”—guiding you through neighborhoods and regions, and ensuring listings are exactly what they claim to be. Having been through the immigration process ourselves, we know what you’ll need for visa and residency appointments and can help you avoid surprises.

In short: we take the stress off your shoulders and help you navigate everything you don’t know you need to know before arriving.

What if I can’t make a trip to Portugal, I need to do it all from my home country?

No problem—it can be done. We moved here ourselves without ever taking a scouting trip, so we understand exactly what you’re facing.

Our service is designed for people who can’t visit in advance but still want to confidently choose their future home. We help you identify the right region, city, and neighborhood based on your needs, and provide detailed guides, market insights, and on-the-ground support. We can tour properties by video, verify listings, and manage everything locally so your move to Portugal is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

We even have affiliate stores where you can purchase items for your new home!

I need assistance with the Visa process! Is this something you do?

Absolutely! Yes. We stay up to date on requirements for both your VFS visa appointment and your AIMA residency appointment after you arrive. We work with trusted partners to help you secure essentials like your NIF and Portuguese bank account, and then assist with the next major requirement—housing.

Because we’ve been through the process ourselves, we understand the challenges and guide you through each step with reliable, vetted support.

What if I’m not ready to move yet but want to visit Portugal—can you help?

Absolutely! Even if a move isn’t on your mind yet, we’re here to help you experience Portugal like a local. We love exploring our new home and know the ins and outs of traveling throughout Portugal—and the EU in general.

Whether you’re looking for suggestions on hidden gems, help planning the perfect itinerary, or full trip planning support, we’ve got you covered. With trusted partners like Get Your Guide, we can ensure your Portugal adventure is unforgettable and leaves you counting down the days until you return… or even decide to move here like we did!

How do I get my new home ready for my arrival from my home country?

Setting up a home from another country can be challenging, but we make it easy. We offer packages that not only help you find your new home but also prepare it for your arrival. Through our curated Amazon store, we can arrange many of the essentials you’ll need so your place is move-in ready.

While many people choose to travel light and bring only personal essentials—like clothing or meaningful items—we handle the rest, ensuring your new home in Portugal is comfortable the moment you walk in.

Portugal transition, transporting your items, Portugal relocation

My mother-in-law’s paintings that she left us! They bring a piece of another “home” to our new “home.”

OUR SERVICES

Our Service Recommendations