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9 Medieval Portuguese Towns You Could Move To

A historic stone fortress with intricately patterned walls and multiple levels, surrounded by green trees under a clear blue sky. Visitors are exploring the site, and the ancient ruins are spread across the foreground.
Written by: | Last Updated: January 14, 2026

Picture yourself waking up to the sound of church bells, strolling along cobblestone streets, and admiring the quaint architecture of centuries past. These captivating places offer a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history and culture, allowing you to experience a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. If you’re seeking an escape from the modern world and yearn for a more genuine and timeless lifestyle, these medieval towns are the perfect destination. Far from the high-rises of the …

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Last modified: January 14, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.
Last modified: January 14, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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The Best of Both Worlds: Living in Portugal Near the Spanish Border

A European Union border sign with the word "España" in the center, surrounded by yellow stars on a blue background. Graffiti at the bottom reads "OLIVENÇA É NOSSA, É PORTUGAL" in white paint. The sign is positioned in a rural area with trees and grass.
Written by: | Last Updated: January 14, 2026

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich cultures of both Portugal and Spain, living in a Portuguese town near the Spanish border might be the perfect choice for you. From the northern regions to the sunny Algarve, there are several charming towns that offer easy access to Spain, allowing you to regularly experience the best of both countries. Let’s explore some of these border towns and what makes them unique. Northern Portugal Chaves Situated about 10 km from …

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Last modified: January 14, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 2 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.
Last modified: January 14, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 2 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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Buying Property in Portugal: The Real Process, Not the Brochure Version

A symmetrical facade of a building covered in blue and white tiles with 15 windows in a grid pattern. Each window has a blue wrought-iron balcony railing. The design is consistent across the entire surface, creating a harmonious and repetitive visual effect.
Written by: | Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Buying a home in Portugal is one of those ideas that feels wonderfully simple on the surface. An apartment in Lisbon. A quiet stone house in the countryside. A villa near the sea. For many people, it’s tied up with lifestyle dreams, retirement plans, or the idea of putting down roots in Europe. And in fairness — buying property in Portugal is absolutely achievable for foreign buyers. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership. The legal system is well established. …

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Last modified: January 13, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 6 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.
Last modified: January 13, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 6 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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Moving to Portugal as an EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen

woman holding an EU flag
Written by: | Last Updated: January 9, 2026

If you’re an EU citizen — for example, from Ireland, Germany, or France — moving to Portugal is refreshingly straightforward. Unlike non-EU citizens, you don’t need to apply for a visa before you move. You can just… come. No need to rent a property in advance. No waiting months for a visa to be approved. No navigating the D7, D2, or Golden Visa paperwork. You simply need to show you can support yourself in Portugal (we’ll cover how in a …

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Last modified: January 9, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 2 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.
Last modified: January 9, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 2 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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Moving to Portugal from South Africa

Two flags are shown overlapping: on the left, the flag of South Africa with a green, white, red, yellow, blue, and black design, and on the right, the flag of Portugal with a red background and a coat of arms featuring a shield and armillary sphere.
Written by: | Last Updated: January 9, 2026

For many South Africans, the appeal of Portugal goes far beyond beaches, pastel de nata, and postcard-ready towns. The real draw is safety, stability, and certainty — things that can feel increasingly fragile back home. Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare, daily life feels calm, and most people don’t live behind electric fences or plan their routines around security concerns. Add political stability, predictable institutions, and the protections that come …

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Last modified: January 9, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.
Last modified: January 9, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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Portugal’s Cheapest Golden Visa Option – But Is the €200k–€250k Cultural Route Worth It?

A person in a white hoodie views black-and-white art in a gallery, possibly exploring life and culture in Portugal; gray bench in front.
Written by: | Last Updated: January 7, 2026

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa, the answer is simple on paper: donate €250,000 (or even €200,000 if you can find a qualifying low-density cultural project). No property. No €500,000 fund subscription. Just a single contribution to a government-approved cultural project. But that immediately raises the real question: is anyone actually doing this — and does it make sense? Most investors still choose the €500,000 fund route, despite the higher upfront cost, because …

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Last modified: January 7, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 3 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.
Last modified: January 7, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 3 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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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.
Written by: | Last Updated: 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 a great place to live. But the Portugal that’s advertised online—by lawyers, realtors, and YouTubers who’ve only been in the country for about five minutes—is very different from the reality.  I think that’s why you sometimes see those Portugal SUCKS …

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Last modified: January 6, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.
Last modified: January 6, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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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.
Written by: | Last Updated: 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 company, you needed one. If you didn’t work, you probably didn’t. But the rules have changed, and now many visa applicants and residents are being asked for a NISS in situations that seem confusing. Want to get your hands on …

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Last modified: January 5, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.
Last modified: January 5, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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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
Written by: | Last Updated: 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 full-time. But the routes you can invest through and the political mood have all shifted. So is it still worth it? Or do the cons outweigh the pros. This guide looks at: This is just one person’s opinion and not …

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Last modified: January 5, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 3 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.
Last modified: January 5, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 3 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

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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.
Written by: | Last Updated: 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 ultimately vetoed the decree. Bottom line right now: The existing five-year legal residency rule for Portuguese citizenship still applies. What happens next is genuinely uncertain. The changes may return in amended form, be delayed well into 2026, or potentially never …

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Last modified: January 5, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 2 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.
Last modified: January 5, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 2 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

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