Rosa(26)

During my master in European Law in Tilburg I did an Erasmus semester in Lisbon. The city grabbed me, and I vowed to return. After graduating I applied to three Portuguese firms that handle Dutch-Portuguese commercial cases. PLMJ hired me.

As an EU citizen, working in Portugal was straightforward. My Dutch law degree was recognized through the EU Qualification Directive. I did need to register with the Ordem dos Advogados and complete a six-month adaptation internship. The salary is lower than in the Netherlands — €1,400 net as a trainee — but so are the costs.

I live in a shared apartment in Alfama with two Portuguese housemates. My room costs €550 per month, including all bills. It is small by Dutch standards, but the location is priceless: view of the Tagus, fado in the street, and five minutes walk to the office.

The work rhythm is different from the Netherlands. Lunches last longer, but evenings at the office too. The hierarchy is more formal — you address partners as "Doutor" or "Doutora". But the substance is fascinating: I work on cross-border real estate transactions for Dutch investors in Portugal.

My NIF, bank account at CGD, and Numero de Utente for the SNS were sorted within two weeks. The SEF was the biggest challenge — three months waiting for an appointment for my residence registration. My advice: book that appointment as early as possible.

In two years I want to work as a fully qualified lawyer — in Lisbon. The Dutch-Portuguese law niche is small but growing, especially through real estate transactions and emigrating Dutch people. Ironically, I will soon be helping others do what I did myself.