Portugal Made Simple

Your move to Portugal starts here

Clear, up-to-date guides to visas, the best places to live, and the real cost of life in Portugal — in plain English.

As featured in…

The New York Times, Forbes, MSN, and The Independent logos side by side on a light background, suggesting media coverage of Portugal.

What readers say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 152 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Louise Fallon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Portugalist is a great source for information on moving to Portugal. It’s just the facts and no fluff, which I love! Videos are also excellent! Thank you for publishing this website.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christopher Glenn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Portugalist website and its wealth of information make navigating the process of moving to Portugal far more approachable. The information is presented in simple, creative and enjoyable ways. The site's founder, James, is also incredibly resourceful and well-connected with others in Portugal. We learned of the website/company after a friend gifted us James' book "Moving to Portugal Made Simple."  For anyone wanting to explore the idea of relocating to Portugal, this site provides a one-stop shop for virtually everything you need to know!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Peter Cooper 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have found the Portugalist and James very good for reliable information regarding moving to Portugal. He also has very good contacts who can provide additional information to help you in your decision making. Due to circumstances, we are unable to do anything at this time, but if/when we decide to move, James and the Portugalist will be the ones we will use.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Debranna Ray 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Portugalist is the go to company for all your moving abroad questions and needs. The webinars hosted by James Cave are informative and insightful, packed with interesting and knowledgeable reps in a variety of fields, and his book “Moving to Portugal made Simple” is a must read for any wannabe expat or even current expat.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Dickinson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. James is always extremely helpful with very good and practical advice.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ramon Venegas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have attended several events organized and hosted by Portugalist and have always found the full of useful information, great guests and insightful conversations. Highly recommended. Thank you James!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   cp drey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Being a subscriber to the Portugalist I was able to get my NIF thru them via anchorless. James gives updates via webinars with regards to relocating to Portugal and requirements on how the different visa works whether it's D7, Golden Visa, Nomad visa, etc. Also he gives pointers on how the process works. I'm not ready to retire to Portugal yet but will sure reach out to him when I need help with the application process.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Barbara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We really found Portugalist to be so informative, and now how to move forward with our plans to re-locate
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vientiene Taeed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent blog, very useful for both those moving to Portugal or already live here and are settling

Thousands of people have used Portugalist to make the move to Portugal

Visas & residency

Find the right visa

Every route to living in Portugal, explained — start with the one that fits your situation.

🏛️

The D7 Visa

For those with passive income — pensions, rental income, dividends.

Read the guide →

💻

Digital Nomad Visa

The D8, for remote workers and freelancers earning abroad.

Read the guide →

🏗️

Golden Visa

Residency through investment — only about seven days a year in Portugal.

Read the guide →

💼

The D2 Visa

For entrepreneurs and anyone starting a business in Portugal.

Read the guide →

🇪🇺

EU / EEA citizens

Moving from within Europe — what you need, and what you don’t.

Read the guide →

⚖️

Compare visas

D7 vs Golden Visa, D7 vs D8 — see them side by side.

Compare →

Where to live

Popular places to live

A charming street scene in Lisbon, Portugal, with a vintage yellow tram labeled "28" traveling along cobblestone tracks. The backdrop features colorful buildings, including a red one, trees with autumn foliage, parked vehicles, and a quaint urban atmosphere.

Latest News & Articles

Stay updated with our recent articles and insights.

Learning Portuguese

Review: Portuguese Pro from Liz Sharma (Talk The Streets)

Portuguese Pro is the most well-rounded European Portuguese course I’ve come across. It’s the only one with a full CIPLE mock exam and feedback on all four parts, and it’s built to get you speaking Portuguese in Portugal, not just passing a test.

Learning Portuguese

Can Music Help You Learn European Portuguese?

Portuguese music won’t teach you the language on its own. Lyrics are too poetic for that. But it’s the most fun you’ll have practicing, it’s great for the rhythm of European Portuguese, and it helps to know the songs your Portuguese friends know. Here are the singers worth starting with, three songs from each, and the method I’d use to turn any song into a lesson.