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16 Honest Reasons People End Up Leaving Portugal

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Thousands of people move to Portugal every year and the vast majority of them end up staying, at least for a good few years. But some people decide that Portugal just isn’t the right fit for them. The reasons people decide this are endless, and are often very personal, but having spoken to lots of expats who’ve made this big decision, there are a few common reasons. The purpose of this article isn’t to present a list of reasons you …

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Portugal is still a very affordable country by Western European standards, but the cost of living has increased over the past few years — in particular, the cost of renting and buying a property. This is especially true in Lisbon, which has become one of the most desirable places to live in Portugal, but those increasing costs are also increasing all over the rest of the country, particularly in Porto and the Algarve. Looking at the cheapest places to rent …

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If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, you are probably wondering how much money you need to have in order to live there. This is quite a difficult question to answer, but it can be broken down into two parts: Income Requirements for Residency Moving to Portugal long-term involves obtaining residency there. There are different processes depending on whether you hold EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship (e.g. you have a French or Irish passport) or whether you hold a citizenship from the rest …

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Have you heard about the D7, sometimes known as Portugal’s retirement visa? If you’re reading this, you probably have — and you’re wondering: where should I retire in Portugal? In theory, you could move anywhere in Portugal. Some areas are more popular with retirees — the Algarve and Silver Coast being the obvious examples — but there’s nothing stopping you from settling somewhere more remote, like the far north or one of the Azores islands. That said, where you land …

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Living in the Algarve without a car is possible, but some towns make it much easier than others. Many people assume public transportation in Portugal is excellent everywhere just because it is Europe. The reality in the Algarve is a little different: public transportation is okay, towns are often walkable, and you can get by without a car in the right place, but you need to choose carefully. For most people, being car-free in the Algarve means four things matter …

An envelope labeled "Roth IRA" with a 100 euro note partially visible, surrounded by various euro bills, documents, and a green pencil on a wooden table. Two people are partially visible on either side of the table.

For Americans interested in Portugal’s Golden Visa, one question comes up again and again: Can I use my 401(k) or IRA to fund the investment — without triggering huge U.S. tax penalties? Technically, the answer can be yes. In practice, the answer is far more complicated. While some advisors present this approach as a clean workaround, the reality is that using U.S. retirement funds for Portugal’s Golden Visa sits in a legally ambiguous and potentially high-risk area of U.S. tax …

Algarve vs Silver Coast: Which Coastal Part of Portugal Is Right for You?

When dreaming of moving to Portugal, the sunny Algarve and the charming Silver Coast often top the list of potential new places to live. Each has its own unique appeal, from climate to community, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference. Let’s dive into what sets these two beautiful regions apart. The Algarve Let’s start with the Algarve, the most popular place for prospective expats considering a new life in Portugal. Best Weather The Algarve’s biggest draw …

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A B2 level of Portuguese is a fantastic level to aim for. It isn’t as daunting as the C1, which can often take years to achieve, but it’s something that some people will be able to achieve in less than a year. Having a B2 or upper-intermediate level of Portuguese will give you the skills and confidence to speak Portuguese at quite a confident level. You may still struggle with accents, certain vocabulary or phrases, and expressing yourself as comfortably …

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While a lot of people aim for an A2 level of Portuguese, as this is the level needed to obtain Portuguese citizenship, aiming for a B1 or lower-intermediate is a lot more practical if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in Portugal. Ideally, you should use this as a stepping stone to work towards a B2 level of Portuguese. With a B1 level, you’ll be able to have slightly more complex conversations and understand a lot more …

Selling Property in Portugal as a Foreigner: The Taxes, the Process, the Surprises

Are you considering selling your property in Portugal? Portugal’s property market has been thriving in recent years, attracting both domestic and international buyers. With its stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, and warm climate, it’s no wonder that so many people are interested in moving here or owning a second home here. As a seller, this means you have a great opportunity to capitalise on the demand and get the best value for your property. In the following sections, we’ll cover everything …

16 Honest Reasons People End Up Leaving Portugal

Where Are the Cheapest Places to Live in Portugal?

How Much Income Do You Need to Live in Portugal?

11 of the Best Places to Retire to in Portugal

Best Places to Live in the Algarve Without a Car

Yes, You Use an IRA to Invest in Portugal’s Golden Visa (But There’s A Lot to Consider)

Algarve vs Silver Coast: Which Coastal Part of Portugal Is Right for You?

Learning Portuguese to B2 (Upper-Intermediate) Level

Learning Portuguese to B1 (Lower-intermediate) Level

Selling Property in Portugal as a Foreigner: The Taxes, the Process, the Surprises