A Guide to TV in Portugal
For those considering a move to Portugal, the country’s television offerings promise a blend of local and international content. Most TV packages, especially when bundled with fibre internet, boast around 150 channels, ensuring a diverse viewing experience. If you opt for a 4G home internet package, you can still expect a respectable lineup of approximately 90 channels. Beyond the array of Portuguese channels, viewers will be pleased to find familiar English-speaking channels such as Fox News, Fox Comedy, National Geographic, …

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How to Move to Portugal from Canada
If you’re a Canadian looking for a warmer climate, better quality of life, or simply a change of pace, Portugal is increasingly on the shortlist. The country offers a mild climate, a slower and more communal pace of life, stunning coastlines, and generally lower day-to-day expenses compared to many parts of Canada—especially major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. According to the Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2024, there were 2,876 Canadian citizens residing in Portugal as of 31 December 2024. …

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Can I Move to Portugal If I Have a Criminal Record?
Thinking about moving to Portugal but worried your minor criminal record might be a problem? Concerned about the clean criminal record requirement for visas like the D7, Digital Nomad Visa, and golden visa? You’re not alone, and this is a common question that comes up in Portugalist webinars. The good news is that Portugal might be more welcoming than you think. Let’s break down some expert advice from Lisbon-based lawyer Sandra Gomes Pinto in a way that’s easy to understand …

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How To Get a Número de Utente (SNS Number) in Portugal
If you’re familiar with the NIF (tax number) in Portugal, get ready to add another crucial number to your list: the número de utente or SNS number. This number is your gateway to the Portuguese public healthcare system, and it’s a must-have for anyone planning to reside in Portugal. What is the SNS Number? The SNS number allows you to access: Obtain your SNS number as soon as you become a resident in Portugal. Healthcare is vital, so this should …

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Signing the Deeds (Escritura) in Portugal
The last big step in the house buying process in Portugal is the signing of the Deed of Purchase and Sale or Escritura de Compra e Venda (commonly referred to as the escritura). This is the point where you hand over the final cheque or payment and in return, the sellers hand over the keys to the property. Although there will be a few small things to do afterwards, this is the last big hurdle in the buying process and …

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Understanding the Promissory Contract
A major step in the Portuguese property buying process is putting down a deposit and signing the promissory contract. You’ve already made an offer, but the promissory contract confirms you want to go ahead with the sale. Although putting down a deposit is a normal part of the buying process in many countries, in Portugal this is a much bigger step as the promissory contract (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda or just CPCV) makes it difficult for either …

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Portuguese Permanent Residency: What Changes When You Hit the 5-Year Mark?
As you learn about Portuguese visas and residency requirements, you’ll hear terms like temporary residency, permanent residency, and Portuguese citizenship used a lot. Trying to understand the differences can be confusing, particularly if it’s your first time moving abroad. In this article, we’ll break down one of those terms, permanent residency, and what it means to have it. Can I Get Permanent Residency Straight Away? One of the most common misconceptions is that you can obtain permanent residency in Portugal …

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Retiring in The Azores
Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores offer a unique retirement destination for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. As an autonomous region of Portugal, these nine volcanic islands combine European charm with a remote, almost mystical atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the Azores an appealing retirement choice and what you need to know before making the move. The Azores: An Overview The Azores archipelago, located about 1,500 kilometres …

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Can Brits Buy A Property in Portugal After Brexit?
Brexit has left many people scratching their heads, especially those who dreamed of spending more time in Europe. It’s natural to have questions about how this change might affect your plans, particularly when it comes to buying property abroad. If you’ve been eyeing a lovely villa in the Algarve or an apartment in Lisbon, you might be wondering if it’s still possible to make that dream a reality. Well, we’ve got some good news for you! The Good News: You …

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Does Portugal Offer Citizenship By Investment?
No, Portugal does not offer direct citizenship by investment. However, Portugal does offer something potentially more valuable: a legal, EU-approved pathway to citizenship through its residency-by-investment program, commonly known as the Golden Visa. Unlike Caribbean citizenship-by-investment schemes or programs that the EU has challenged (Malta’s program was ruled illegal by the EU Court of Justice in 2024), Portugal’s Golden Visa provides a legitimate route to EU citizenship. Here’s what this means in plain English: You invest in Portugal, obtain residency, …

