Latest Articles

11 Pros & 16 Cons of Living in Portugal

A person wearing black-rimmed glasses looks upwards, with a contemplative expression. Above their head, "CONS." and "PROS." are written, separated by a vertical and horizontal line, suggesting a comparison chart. The background is grey and plain.
James Cave
January 6, 2026

You’ve done your research, watched the videos, read the blog posts. Sunshine, beaches, cheap wine, €10 lunches. That sounds perfect.  A little too perfect maybe? Don’t get me wrong—there’s a lot to love about Portugal. And I truly think it’s …

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How to Get a NISS (Social Security) Number in Portugal

People wait on red chairs in a Segurança Social office in Portugal, with staff assisting others and flags and posters in the background.
James Cave
January 5, 2026

You’ve probably already dealt with getting your NIF (tax number). Now you’re hearing about the NISS – and wondering why you need yet another number. Here’s the thing: the NISS used to be straightforward. If you worked for a Portuguese …

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What Are The Pros & Cons of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa?

Man looking at his laptop and a file
James Cave
January 5, 2026

On paper, Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (often called the D8; sometimes the D9) sounds almost too simple: If you earn € per month, you can move to Portugal on your foreign income, get EU residency, maybe a passport.” If you’re …

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I Looked at 9 Pros & 7 Cons of Portugal’s Golden Visa – Here’s My Opinion

investor looking at charts and using a calculator
James Cave
January 5, 2026

Portugal’s Golden Visa is in a very different place than it was a few years ago. It’s still one of the last serious residency-by-investment options in the EU, and still incredibly flexible if you don’t want to move to Portugal …

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Does Portuguese Citizenship Take 5 Years or 10 Years? (2026 Update)

A hand holding a Portuguese passport in front of a blurred background resembling the colors of the Portuguese flag, green and red.
James Cave
January 5, 2026

Portugal’s proposed nationality law reform has stalled. Although Parliament approved major changes in late 2025, the reform has not become law. After constitutional concerns were raised, the proposal was sent for preventive review, parts were ruled unconstitutional, and the President …

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Moving to Portugal From the US: Is Portugal Really Better?

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
January 5, 2026

Portugal has long marketed itself as something of a paradise — warm weather, affordable living, and a laid-back lifestyle that feels a world away from the stress and polarization of American life. So, should you move to Portugal from the …

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9 Requirements That Could Impact Your D7 Visa Application in 2026

older couple budgeting at a table in front of a laptop
James Cave
January 3, 2026

Applying for a Portuguese residency visa is already complex, and much of the information online is outdated by the time you read it. Requirements, procedures, and enforcement standards do change — sometimes quietly, and sometimes quickly. If you are considering …

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What Portuguese Food Is Really Like (& 18 Dishes To Try)

A bowl of traditional Portuguese green caldo verde soup with leafy greens and chorizo sits on a white napkin and red tablecloth beside a spoon.
James Cave
January 1, 2026

Reality check before we dive in: Portuguese food is generally simple, fresh, and comforting rather than spicy or sauce-heavy. If you’re expecting Thai/Mexican “boom-pow” flavours every meal, you’ll think it’s plain. If you lean into great ingredients, grills, stews, soups, …

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The Algarve Without A Car – Here’s How To Do It

A small train station with two rail tracks and platforms. The station building is white with a red-tiled roof. There are electric lines above the tracks and a signal light. The sky is mostly clear with a few clouds, and trees are visible in the background.
James Cave
January 1, 2026

When planning a trip to the Algarve or considering a move to this stunning region of Portugal, many people assume that having a car is essential. However, there are several reasons why you might prefer to explore the Algarve without …

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An Overview of International Schools in the Algarve

James Cave
January 1, 2026

Are you considering making the Algarve your family’s new home? You’re in good company! The Algarve’s expat community in this stunning region is growing, and with it, the number of international schools has risen, offering a variety of educational options …

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