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Signing the Deeds (Escritura) in Portugal

A couple sits at a table with a man in a suit. The man from the couple is signing a document while the woman, smiling, rests her hand on his shoulder. The suited man watches attentively. The table has papers and a cup on it.
James Cave
November 4, 2025

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 …

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Understanding the Promissory Contract

A man and a woman sit at a table, reviewing and signing a document together. The man, wearing glasses and a light blue shirt, holds a pen and signs the paper, while the woman in a black dress with lace sleeves looks on attentively.
James Cave
November 4, 2025

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 …

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Madeira for Digital Nomads

Panoramic view of a hilly landscape in Madeira, Portugal featuring terraced farming and scattered houses. The scene is lush and green, extending towards a distant horizon under a partly cloudy sky. A winding road traverses the lower part of the hills.
James Cave
October 31, 2025

While Lisbon has long reigned as the premier destination for digital nomads in Portugal, the idyllic island of Madeira has been quietly but steadily making its mark on the global digital nomad scene. Historically known for its appeal to retirees …

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Portuguese Permanent Residency: What Changes When You Hit the 5-Year Mark?

A picturesque public square in Portugal with a large ornate fountain featuring statues, surrounded by historic buildings under a clear blue sky. Purple jacaranda trees are in bloom, and pedestrians walk leisurely on the intricate black and white cobblestone pattern.
James Cave
October 31, 2025

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 …

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Retiring in The Azores

A scenic view of lush green farmland on Pico, Azores, divided by hedgerows on a sloping landscape leading to a coastline with deep blue ocean waters. A few scattered houses and farm buildings are nestled amidst the patchwork of fields, with hills in the background and a partly cloudy sky overhead.

Is Portugal better or is the grass just greener?

James Cave
October 31, 2025

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 …

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Moving Back to Portugal: What You Need to Know

A person stamps a passport at a wooden desk. Several stamps and ink pads are scattered on the desk, along with a few documents. The person is wearing a white shirt and a blue tie.
James Cave
October 31, 2025

Have you lived in Portugal before and are now considering a return? You’re not alone. Many people who have experienced life in this beautiful country often find themselves drawn back to its sunny shores, relaxed lifestyle, and rich culture. Whether …

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Can Brits Buy A Property in Portugal After Brexit?

A charming facade features a green door and a wooden door, both framed by stone walls. Cascading purple wisteria blossoms wrap around the entrance, their lush foliage nearly covering the doors. Cobblestone pavement adds to the quaint, picturesque scene.
James Cave
October 31, 2025

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 …

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Does Portugal Offer Citizenship By Investment?

A group of professionals in business attire sitting around a table, holding and discussing documents with various charts and graphs. A laptop, cup of coffee, and more papers are on the table. Only the hands and partial torsos of the individuals are visible.
James Cave
October 31, 2025

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 …

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Portugal Citizenship Vote Postponed: How These Last Minute Proposals Could Affect You

Portuguese parliament interior
James Cave
October 23, 2025

Parliament was expected to vote this week on major changes to Portugal’s nationality law, including extending the required residency period for citizenship. But last-minute proposals from two parties — Partido Socialista (PS) and Chega — have postponed the vote. Adding …

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Portugal’s New Foreigners Law: What It Means for You

Law gavel with books
James Cave
October 17, 2025

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signed the revised Foreigners Law into effect, after the legislation was approved by 70% of parliament. This new law represents one of the most significant overhauls of immigration rules in recent years. While some changes …

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