Latest Articles - Page 16

Internet in Portugal: Which Provider, What Speed, and What It Costs

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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 big but) not everywhere in Portugal has fibre-optic internet. While fibre optic broadband (called internet fixa or banda larga) is available throughout Portugal, and according to our own research, 76% of Portugalist readers have been able to get it at …

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Picture this: you’ve just stepped into your new Portuguese abode. The sun streams through the windows, casting a warm glow on the terracotta tiles. The aroma of fresh pastéis de nata wafts in from a nearby bakery. It’s perfect, except for one small detail – you can’t turn on the lights, run the tap, or cook your dinner. Welcome to the often overlooked, yet crucial chapter of your Portuguese adventure – setting up utilities. Setting up water, electricity, and gas …

Close-up view of a driver's license, focusing on the section listing vehicle categories and restrictions. Rows are labeled with codes (A1, A, B1, B, C1) with corresponding icons for different vehicle types, such as motorcycles, cars, and trucks.

One of the many administrative tasks that you need to think about when becoming resident in Portugal is exchanging your driving licence. Everyone will need to do this at some point, but the time-frame will depend on where you’re moving from. Moving from another EU Country Driving licenses that have been issued by countries belonging to the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) are valid in Portugal, until the expiration date printed …

An older man sits on a couch, using a laptop with a phone to his ear, while a woman stands nearby packing a suitcase. The room is bright, with light-colored furniture and a clock on the wall behind them.

When applying for a visa like the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa? What type of insurance do I need? Travel or health insurance? There’s a lot of conflicting information out there, and it doesn’t help that the rules constantly change—and differ from consulate to consulate. Until recently, most applicants did the following: However, things have changed. Some Consulates/VFS Offices Now Require 12 Months of Travel Insurance Several consulates and VFS offices—especially VFS San Francisco—are now requesting travel medical insurance valid …

Two people are working together at a desk. An older man with gray hair and glasses is standing and operating a calculator while a woman with long hair in a yellow sweater is seated, holding a pen and looking at documents. A laptop and plant are on the desk.

Savings are typically required as part of a D7 visa application, but most people will be unsuccessful if they apply with savings alone. This is regardless of how much you have in savings. (Note: we say most people because, like many things, the situation isn’t black and white and there are exceptions to every rule). However, it is possible to convert a lump sum of savings into something that generates passive income such as an annuity, rental property, investment, etc. …

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While many companies and government departments will accept a utility bill or rental contract as proof of address, that’s not enough for some and they make ask for an Atestado De Residência. It may also be required if you don’t have a rental contract or if the contract isn’t in your name. An Atestado De Residência is a document that confirms you live where you say you do. Although you will typically need a document like a rental contract to …

Two flags are displayed side by side, representing Portugal and Spain. The Portuguese flag, featuring a green and red design with a coat of arms, is on the left. The Spanish flag, with red and yellow stripes and a coat of arms, is on the right. Overlaid text reads "Portugal versus Spain.

A lot of people think about moving to Spain or Portugal. Both have a similar climate, they have shared histories, similar cultures, and are located right next to each other, so it’s understandable why so many people lump the two together. Regardless of which country you choose to live in, you’ll be right next to the other one and so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to travel around both. But travel is one thing and living somewhere is very different, …

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So you’re buying property in Portugal or applying for a NIF number — and someone mentions the phrase “fiscal representative.” Don’t panic. It sounds more complicated than it is, and by the end of this article you’ll know exactly whether you need one, how to get one, and what it’s actually going to cost you. Tip: Novomove offers fiscal representation for €79 Do you need a fiscal representative? Use the decision tree above to figure out where you stand. Here’s …

Portugal flag with a coat of arms on the left, blending into a close-up of Euro banknotes on the right, predominantly showing the 200 and 100 Euro notes.

Moving to Portugal means getting familiar with a new tax system. Whether you’re retiring here, working remotely, or starting a business, understanding your tax obligations is crucial. The good news? While Portuguese taxes aren’t the lowest in Europe, they’re often more manageable than many assume. Plus, with Portugal’s lower living costs and various tax deductions available, many newcomers find their overall expenses quite reasonable – especially compared to countries like the US, where healthcare and property taxes can take a …

Getting a Mortgage in Portugal as a Foreigner: What Banks Actually Want

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 absolutely possible for foreigners. The process is more straightforward than you might think — as long as you understand how Portuguese banks work, what paperwork you’ll need, and what kind of deposit to expect. Since 2016, Portugalist has helped countless …

Internet in Portugal: Which Provider, What Speed, and What It Costs

Utilities in Portugal: How to Set Up Water, Gas, & Electricity

Exchanging Your Driving Licence for a Portuguese One: What to Expect

What Insurance Do I Need for the D7 Visa?

Can You Apply for the D7 Visa With JUST Savings?

What’s an Atestado De Residência?

Living in Portugal VS Spain: Which Country Is Right For You?

Do You Need a Fiscal Representative in Portugal?

Understanding Taxes in Portugal: What Expats Actually Need to Know

Getting a Mortgage in Portugal as a Foreigner: What Banks Actually Want