Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 25 February 2026

This page covers how Movingto works — our process, what's included, and what to expect. For visa-specific questions, see the FAQ on each program guide.

About Movingto

What does Movingto do?

Quick answer: Movingto coordinates your end-to-end immigration process — from consultation through citizenship — with a dedicated legal team, specialist case manager, and the most comprehensive Golden Visa fund platform on the market. We have processed 2,500+ successful applications with zero rejections since our founding in 2021.

What's included:

• Free eligibility assessment
• Dedicated legal team who work exclusively with Movingto (not outsourced affiliates)
• Specialist case manager coordinating your timeline and documents
• Client portal with real-time status and document tracking
• Access to funds.movingto.com — comprehensive fund comparison platform
• Full lifecycle support: NIF, bank accounts, healthcare, schools, renewals, citizenship

Who are your clients?

Quick answer: 90% of our clients are US-based. Our entire operation is built around serving American families.

We specialize in the unique challenges US investors face: IRA/401k investments, PFIC-aware fund selection, US tax integration, FBAR/FATCA compliance, and source-of-funds documentation.

Is Movingto a law firm?

Quick answer: No. Movingto is a coordination platform with a dedicated legal team.

Your legal work is performed by immigration lawyers who work exclusively with Movingto. You engage them directly — you see their name, credentials, and bar registration before signing. This structure gives you dedicated legal expertise plus coordinated project management.

What makes Movingto different from other firms?

Quick answer: US specialization, fund-first approach, dedicated legal team, zero rejections since 2021, and full lifecycle support.

• US focus: 90% US clients — IRA/401k desk, US tax integration, PFIC expertise
• Fund-first: We're not pushing real estate like most firms — funds.movingto.com shows you every option
• Dedicated legal team: Lawyers who work exclusively with us, not anonymous affiliates
• Track record: 2,500+ successful applications with zero rejections since founding in 2021
• Family-owned: Dean and Ana Fankhauser relocated across 5 countries themselves — this isn't theoretical
• Full lifecycle: NIF, banking, healthcare, schools, renewals, citizenship — we don't disappear after filing

Why Choose Movingto Over Other Firms?

What makes you safer than other immigration agents?

Quick answer: Zero application rejections since 2021, named lawyers with verifiable credentials, fixed-fee pricing, and a client portal that gives you full visibility.

Trust in immigration services comes down to track record, transparency, and accountability:

• Track record: 2,500+ successful applications with zero rejections since founding in 2021
• Named legal team: You see your lawyer's name, credentials, and bar registration before signing — not anonymous affiliates
• Fixed fees: Quoted upfront, no hourly billing, no surprise charges
• Visibility: Client portal with real-time status tracking — you always know where your case stands
• Founder-led: Dean and Ana Fankhauser went through immigration themselves across multiple countries

Why choose Movingto over a traditional immigration law firm?

Quick answer: Traditional law firms bill hourly, assign different lawyers to each task, and typically lack US tax expertise. Movingto offers fixed fees, a dedicated team who knows your case, and specialized support for American families.

How do you prevent mistakes and delays?

Quick answer: Dedicated case managers, standardized checklists, and lawyers who handle Movingto cases exclusively — this is why we have zero rejections.

Most rejections happen because of incomplete documentation or incorrect filing. Our process:

• Personalized document checklist based on your specific situation
• Pre-submission review by your dedicated lawyer before filing
• Case manager tracking every deadline and requirement
• Client portal so nothing gets lost in email threads

The result: 2,500+ applications, zero rejections since 2021.

Client Case Studies

Anonymized examples from our case history. Names changed for privacy.

For US Clients

Can I use my IRA or 401k for Golden Visa investment?

Quick answer: Yes. We have a dedicated IRA/401k desk for US clients investing through retirement accounts.

Most firms don't understand how to structure Golden Visa investments through an IRA or 401k. We specialize in this — it's one of our core services. We'll connect you with the right custodians and funds that work with US retirement accounts.

What about US taxes on foreign fund investments?

Quick answer: US citizens face PFIC rules on most foreign funds. We help you navigate this.

We're integrated with US/EU cross-border tax advisors who specialize in:

• PFIC analysis and QEF elections
• Partnership-structured funds (K-1 reporting)
• FBAR and FATCA compliance
• Portugal ITS (NHR successor) regime

Our fund platform identifies which funds are US-friendly and which to avoid.

Why does 90% US client base matter?

Quick answer: Because US clients have specific needs most European firms ignore.

Americans face PFIC taxation, require specific fund structures, need IRA/401k-compatible investments, and have complex reporting requirements. Firms that treat US clients as an afterthought cause expensive mistakes. We built our practice around American families from day one.

Fund Comparison

How do I compare Golden Visa funds?

Quick answer: Use funds.movingto.com — the most comprehensive fund platform on the market.

Compare every qualifying fund across:

• Strategy: real estate, venture capital, private equity, fixed income
• Fees: management, performance, entry/exit
• Liquidity: lock-up periods, redemption windows
• US suitability: PFIC status, K-1 availability, IRA compatibility

We have close relationships with all the leading funds, but we show you the full landscape.

Do I have to use a Movingto-recommended fund?

Quick answer: No. Choose any qualifying fund — we coordinate with whichever you select.

If you've already identified a fund or want one not on our platform, we'll work with your choice. Our fund platform is for comparison, not restriction.

Why are you "fund-first" when other firms push real estate?

Quick answer: Funds often work better for US investors, and we specialize in US clients.

Real estate requires property management, local presence, and creates tax complications for Americans. Funds offer diversification, professional management, and better alignment with US tax structures — especially for retirement account investments.

Most firms push real estate because it's what they know. We built our expertise around funds because that's what serves our US client base best.

The Legal Team

Who handles my case?

Quick answer: A dedicated immigration lawyer who works exclusively with Movingto, supported by your case manager.

You see your lawyer's name, credentials, and bar registration before signing. You communicate directly through the portal. For Portugal, legal work is led by lawyers including Ines Cabral Almeida (Portuguese Bar #61676P).

Are the lawyers Movingto employees?

Quick answer: Our lawyers work exclusively with Movingto as dedicated members of our legal team.

They're not anonymous affiliates you'll never meet. They handle Movingto cases day in, day out. This means consistent quality, direct communication, and lawyers who know our systems and standards.

Can I speak directly with my lawyer?

Quick answer: Yes. After onboarding, you have direct access via portal and scheduled calls.

Full Lifecycle Support

What happens after my visa is approved?

Quick answer: We don't disappear. Movingto supports renewals, settlement, and citizenship.

• NIF (tax number): Obtained before or during application
• Bank accounts: We know which Portuguese banks work with Americans
• Health insurance: Compliant coverage for visa requirements
• Healthcare enrollment: Navigating the Portuguese health system
• Private schools: For families relocating with children
• Renewals: Permit extensions every 2 years
• Citizenship: Naturalization applications after 5 years

Do you help with tax planning?

Quick answer: We connect you with specialist US/EU tax advisors — we don't provide tax advice ourselves.

We're integrated with cross-border tax professionals who handle PFIC elections, FBAR reporting, Portugal ITS regime, and exit tax planning. Tax advice comes from licensed specialists, not immigration coordinators.

Pricing and Process

How does pricing work?

Quick answer: Fixed-fee packages quoted upfront. No hourly billing, no surprise charges.

Your quote includes Movingto coordination and legal fees — both disclosed before you sign. Government fees are listed separately in your welcome pack.

What's the process?

1. Free consultation — Eligibility assessment and visa recommendation
2. Agreement — Fixed-fee quote, clear scope
3. Lawyer assignment — You see credentials before proceeding
4. Fund selection — Compare options on funds.movingto.com (Golden Visa)
5. Document preparation — Personalized checklist, portal tracking
6. Filing — Lawyer submits to authorities
7. Tracking — Real-time status updates
8. Post-approval — Biometrics, card, and ongoing support

How fast do you respond?

Quick answer: Within 1 business day. Urgent issues same-day.

Our team is native English speakers in US-friendly time zones. No waiting days for responses.

Countries Supported

What countries do you cover?

• Portugal: Golden Visa, D7, D8 Digital Nomad, D2 Startup, Tax Strategy (ITS)
• Spain: Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa
• Greece: Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa
• Italy: Investor Visa, Elective Residence
• UAE: Golden Visa

Portugal Golden Visa with fund investment is our specialty — 90% of our Golden Visa clients choose this route.

Learn More

• About Movingto — Our story and team
• Why Choose Movingto — What makes us different
• Client Journeys — Real case studies
• Fund Comparison Platform — Compare funds