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Can You Move to Portugal With a Pre-Existing Health Condition?

a box of medications with days of the week

Moving abroad is scary enough. But when you have pre-existing conditions? It gets properly terrifying. Right now, you’ve got a setup that works. Your doctor knows your history, your prescriptions are sorted, your medical records are more or less all in one place. Everything’s familiar, even if it’s not perfect. Then you start thinking about Portugal. What happens to your medications? Will insurance companies cover you? How long until you can access the public health system, and can you access …

If you’re trying to decide whether to get your Portuguese NIF in person or online, the answer mostly comes down to where you live now. For some people, getting it in Portugal makes perfect sense. For most, particularly Americans, Brits, and Canadians, it is usually a waste of time, money, or both. The short answer You should usually get your NIF: Tip: Get your NIF through Portugalist for just €64. If you live outside the EU/EEA, getting Your NIF in …

A man in a white coat holding a tablet sits at a desk with office supplies, notebooks, and a computer. The background shows a bookshelf with various items. Text overlay reads, "Understanding the Portuguese Health System.

Portugal’s healthcare system, like many in Europe, offers a unique blend of public and private options. But how does it stack up against other countries, and what can newcomers expect? A WHO study from 2000 ranked Portugal 12th globally, outperforming the UK (18th) and the US (37th). However, given how much time has passed, this data is now outdated. More recent assessments paint a similar but varies picture: These rankings suggest Portugal’s healthcare is solid within Europe and impressive on …

Panoramic view of a coastal landscape in Portugal with shallow water and boats anchored in the distance. Green patches of seaweed and sandbeds are visible at low tide. Houses with yellow roofs and a clear blue sky can be seen in the background.

The Eastern Algarve, starting from the charming town of Olhão and stretching to the Spanish-Portuguese border, offers a unique and enchanting lifestyle for those seeking a more laid-back and authentic Portuguese experience. While it may not be as crowded as the Central Algarve, the Eastern Algarve still boasts a fair share of tourists, striking a perfect balance between tranquility and vibrancy. Living in the Eastern Algarve means having access to a wide array of stunning beaches, although some may require …

International Schools in the Algarve: Your Options and What They Cost

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 for families from the UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, and all over. While the Portuguese education system is excellent and accommodating to foreign students, you might prefer an international education for your children. This is often the …

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 …

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If you can work remotely for a non-Portuguese employer or freelance for clients outside Portugal, the Digital Nomad Visa (typically called the D8, sometimes the D9) offers a relatively direct path to living here legally — without needing to invest, retire, or give up the work you already do. Unfortunately, however, getting a clear, up-to-date list of Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa requirements is harder than it should be. Requirements vary from country to country, and different consulates or VFS offices …

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 …

A view looking up at four adjacent old buildings with colorful, intricate facades. The left building is red, the center-left is yellow, the center-right is white, and the right building is beige. Each building has balconies and multiple windows, with a blue sky above.

One of the biggest challenges of moving to Portugal is finding somewhere to rent — and for most people, it’s not something you can leave until after you arrive. If you’re applying for a Portuguese residency visa such as the D7 (passive income) or the Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need a signed lease before your application goes in. Most consulates expect that lease to be 12 months long and registered with Finanças, Portugal’s tax authority. There are some exceptions — …

A stack of pancakes topped with melting butter, syrup, and a small American flag on a plate. Fresh strawberries and blueberries garnish the plate. Additional bowls of blueberries and strawberries are in the background. The scene is set outdoors.

Portugal has some fantastic food (pastéis de nata at the top of that list) but there are always some home comforts that you’re going to miss, regardless of where you’re from. Thankfully, you’ll be able to find a lot of these products in Portugal, particularly long-life products. However, some products (like dairy products) are harder to find, due to the distance, and some items are more related to American culture rather than a certain food (e.g. American-style takeaway coffees). If …

Can You Move to Portugal With a Pre-Existing Health Condition?

Getting Your NIF in Portugal: In Person vs Online — Which Makes More Sense?

Portugal’s Healthcare System: What Expats Need to Know About Public and Private

Living in the Eastern Algarve: Less Touristy, Cheaper, Close to Spain

International Schools in the Algarve: Your Options and What They Cost

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

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa Requirements: A DEEP DIVE Into Every Aspect Of the Application

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

How To Actually Find A Rental in Portugal

20+ Foods American Expats in Portugal Miss Most (And Where to Find Some of Them)