Latest Articles

How to Stay Warm in Portuguese Houses During Winter

A man and a woman, bundled up in winter clothing including hats, gloves, and scarves, sit next to a radiator. The man warms his hands by blowing on them, while the woman holds her hands close to the heat source, appearing cold.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Parts of Portugal like the Algarve, the Alentejo, and Lisbon are blessed with some of the mildest winters that Europe has to offer. Outside, that is. Inside a Portuguese house is another story altogether.  Old Portuguese houses and apartments are typically …

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Portugal Mortgage Calculator: Check How Much You Could Borrow

Person using a calculator with a small model house and a bag with a dollar sign on it nearby. The person is wearing a white shirt and the background is plain white.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Are you thinking about purchasing a property in Portugal but are confused about how much you’re able to borrow? Buying a property in Portugal can be confusing, but don’t worry: Portugalist is here to help. Use our mortgage calculator below …

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Bring Your Pets to Portugal on the Queen Mary 2

A large cruise ship named Queen Mary 2 is docked in a harbor. The ship has a sleek black hull with a white superstructure, and multiple decks are visible. The city skyline and several buildings are in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Not keen on putting your furry family members in a plane’s cargo hold? Looking for a more comfortable way to bring your pets to Portugal? The Queen Mary 2 ocean liner might be your answer. As the only pet-friendly ocean …

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Which Areas of Lisbon Are Unsafe? 

Grafitti in the Alfama neighborhood
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Moving to Lisbon? The good news is that you’re headed to one of Europe’s safest capitals, where violent crime is rare and most neighborhoods are perfectly fine for daily life. But like any major city, Lisbon has areas that require …

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Internet in Portugal: Get Your Home Connected to Fibre Broadband

A woman with short curly hair sits on a rooftop terrace using a laptop. She is wearing a white crop top and black and white striped pants. The terrace overlooks a scenic city with a river and distant bridge visible. A tablet and camera are on the table.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Wondering if you’ll be able to binge-watch your favorite shows or video call your friends back home without buffering nightmares? Well, get ready for some good news – Portugal is home to some wonderful high-speed internet.  BUT…(and this is a …

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Health Insurance in Portugal: Get A Quote Today

A doctor wearing a white coat and stethoscope smiles while speaking with a woman and a young girl in a medical office. In the foreground, text reads “Understanding Health Insurance in Portugal.”.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Feeling lost in the maze of Portuguese healthcare? Trying to get health insurance quotes but ending up with a headache instead of answers? We get it – it’s confusing! Health insurance isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a must-have …

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Understanding the Portuguese Healthcare System

A man in a white coat holding a tablet sits at a desk with office supplies, notebooks, and a computer. The background shows a bookshelf with various items. Text overlay reads, "Understanding the Portuguese Health System.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Portugal’s healthcare system, like many in Europe, offers a unique blend of public and private options. But how does it stack up against other countries, and what can newcomers expect? A WHO study from 2000 ranked Portugal 12th globally, outperforming …

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Getting a Mortgage in Portugal: A Complete Guide for Foreign Buyers

James Cave
December 19, 2025

Dreaming of owning a little slice of Portugal — maybe a sunny apartment overlooking the Algarve coast, a stone cottage in the Alentejo, or a city apartment in Lisbon? The good news is that getting a mortgage in Portugal is …

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What is a Fiador and How Do I Get one?

A person signing a document with a black and gold pen on a wooden surface. Nearby, a set of keys lies on top of the document, partially visible, suggesting the signing might relate to property or real estate.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

If you’re applying for Portugal’s D7 or Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll almost certainly need a rental contract as part of your application. Most consulates want to see a 12-month contract in your name; a few will accept six months, but …

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10 Years for Portuguese Citizenship: Is Portugal Still A Good Deal?

balloons showing the number 10
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Portugal’s parliament has recently voted to increase the residency requirement for Portuguese citizenship from five years to ten years, leaving many prospective expats wondering whether the country remains an attractive destination. The short answer? It depends entirely on why you …

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