Indian Couple from Dubai
Dear Members,
We’re about to start the process of moving to Portugal for good. We’re an Indian couple who have been living in Dubai for more than 10 years.
After many years of a fast-paced, clock-driven life, we’re now looking for something slower and simpler. We’re thinking about starting a small Indian snacks shop, grocery shop, or something similar. Neither of us has done this before, so it would be completely new territory for us.
Most of my professional life has been in programming/coding, and I also have experience in the printing industry.
My questions are mainly for those who have already walked this path:
- Do you think we’re moving in the right direction?
- Realistically, can a newcomer still build a small business and make a place for themselves in Portugal?
- We understand that things can move slowly in Portugal, especially bureaucracy and business processes. How difficult is that in day-to-day reality?
- We’re not looking to move countries just to get back into another 9-to-5 routine. Is running a small family business a realistic way to build a decent life there?
We’re not expecting to become rich. We’re mainly looking for a more peaceful and sustainable life where we can work for ourselves.
Would really appreciate hearing from people already living in Portugal, especially anyone who has started a small business there.
Thanks a lot.