A helping hand

A helping hand with the paperwork.

Tell me what you need and I become your person on the ground. I book it, come with you, translate, and make sure it gets done. You pay only for the time it takes.

What I can help with

The things that are hard in a new language.

Getting your NIF

The tax number you need before almost anything else. I book the appointment, come with you to Finanças, and translate.

Opening a bank account

I help you choose a bank, prepare the documents, and sit with you at the branch so nothing gets lost in translation.

Exchanging your driving licence

Help with the IMT process to swap your licence: the forms, the booking, and exactly what to bring.

Utilities and internet

Getting electricity, water, gas, phone and internet set up and properly in your name.

Health centre

Registering at your local centro de saúde and finding your way around the system.

Medical appointments

Booking doctor and specialist appointments, calling to reschedule, chasing results and referrals, sending you a reminder before the day, and coming along to translate during the visit if you would like.

Appointments and translation

Residency and other official appointments, phone calls in Portuguese, and someone beside you who understands.

Everyday errands

The post office, the town hall, finding a trusted tradesperson, the small things that are tricky when you are new.

Something not listed?

Just ask. If it is the kind of thing a helpful local neighbour could sort, it is very likely I can help.

Simple and clear

How it works.

Tell me the task

Send a message or call and describe what you need. No detail is too small.

I give an honest estimate

I tell you what is involved and roughly how long it should take before we begin.

I sort it with you

I book it, come along, translate, and follow it through. You are billed afterwards for the time it took.

Pricing

Pay for time, nothing more.

Pay as you go

By the hour

€35 / hour
  • One hour minimum, then per half hour
  • Time counted from door to door
  • You are billed after the job is done
Tell me your task
Limited spots

On Call

€150 / month
  • Up to three hours of help each month
  • Priority messages for quick questions
  • Extra hours at a reduced €30
Ask about On Call
Good to know

How long things take

  • NIF: usually 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Bank account: 1 to 2 hours
  • Utilities or phone: about an hour

Estimates only. I always tell you what to expect before we start.

A small travel cost may apply beyond the Ponte de Lima area. Government and third party fees are separate and paid by you.

Good to know

Common questions.

How am I charged?

By the time it takes, billed after the job is done. One hour minimum, then per half hour, counted from door to door.

Do you guarantee the outcome?

I do everything in my power, but the offices and their timelines are run by the government, not by me. I will always be honest about what is realistic.

Which areas do you cover?

Ponte de Lima and the surrounding area. For places further out, a small travel cost may apply, and I will tell you in advance.

Are government fees included?

No. Any official or third party fees are separate and paid by you. My charge is only for my time.

Are you a lawyer or fiscal representative?

No. I am a friendly local helper. When something genuinely needs a lawyer, accountant, or official representative, I will tell you and can point you toward one.

Got something on your list?

Tell me the task and I will give you an honest estimate. No obligation.

Tell me your task