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Which Areas of Lisbon Are Unsafe?

Moving to Lisbon? The good news is that you’re headed to one of Europe’s safest capitals, where violent crime is rare and most neighborhoods are perfectly fine for daily life. But like any major city, Lisbon has areas that require extra awareness, especially after dark. Let’s break down what you actually need to know as an expat planning to make Lisbon home. The Reality Check: How Safe is Lisbon Really? Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries globally, …

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

Many people tracing their family tree back to Portugal ask the same question: “Can I get Portuguese citizenship through my great-grandparent?” The short answer? Not directly. The Current Law: You Can Only Go Back as Far as Grandparents Under Portuguese law, citizenship by descent is currently only available up to the grandparent level. If you have a Portuguese parent, the process is relatively straightforward as you don’t need to show language skills or ties to the Portuguese community. If your …

A person’s hand holding a passport and boarding pass rests on the handle of a blue suitcase at an airport check-in area, with blurred signs and counters in the background.

A new proposal from the Portuguese government could dramatically reshape who qualifies for Portuguese citizenship — and how long they’ll have to wait. On June 23rd, the government approved a bill to increase the minimum legal residency period to obtain Portuguese nationality. The plan: This bill now heads to the Assembly of the Republic, where it will be debated and voted on. It is not yet law, but the government is clearly pushing for reform. What Exactly Is Being Proposed? …

A person in a beige sweater pours sugar from a packet into a green cup and saucer on a wooden table. The person's face is partially out of frame.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program, long seen as one of Europe’s most appealing residency-by-investment options, may soon become even more attractive. According to a Bloomberg report, the Portuguese government is considering reforms to streamline the application process and introduce improved financial incentives — potentially aligning the Golden Visa more closely with Portugal’s favourable tax regime. In short, Portugal’s new centre-right government appears determined to reinforce its commitment to international investors, talent, and entrepreneurs. Portugalist Insight: A Timely Boost for Golden Visa …

A white and brown bulldog sits in the back seat of a car, looking out the rear window. The dog wears a black collar and has a contemplative expression. Sunlight illuminates the interior and the snowy, urban landscape outside the car.

If you’ve been dreaming of sunshine, seaside towns, and a better lifestyle in Portugal, but hesitated because of the hassle of bringing your pet, there’s great news: the EU Pet Passport scheme is back for UK residents. As of May 19, 2025, a new agreement between the UK and EU means that pet passports are once again valid for cats and dogs traveling from the UK to the EU. This marks a welcome end to the post-Brexit red tape that …

A close-up of a person's hand using a calculator. The person is holding a pen in one hand and pressing the buttons on the calculator with the other. In the background, there are documents, papers, and a notebook with a spiral binding.

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme has been a topic of significant interest and controversy in recent years. Although the NHR program officially ended in 2023, the Portuguese government has since introduced NHR 2.0 (often called TISRI or the scientific and innovation regime, among other things). In July 2024, the new government announced plans to bring back the NHR regime – but crucially the new regime will exclude dividends, capital gains and pensions or social security. This article examines the …

A person with light pink nails holds a pen poised over a stack of documents on a black desk. The documents appear to have text and sections for signatures. Another hand rests nearby, seemingly guiding the writing process.

Let’s talk about something that might not be the most exciting part of your Portuguese adventure, but it’s definitely worth getting right: estate planning. Whether you’ve got a lovely villa in the Algarve or a bank account in Porto, having a clear plan for your assets can save your loved ones a lot of headaches down the road. Do You Need a Portuguese Will? While there’s no legal requirement to have a Portuguese will, here’s the deal: if you own …

A toyota Camry car - one of the most popular cars in California. But should this be imported into Portugal?

Thinking about bringing your beloved car to Portugal? While it’s possible to import a vehicle tax-free when moving here, the process isn’t always straightforward. Let’s break down what you need to know. The Tax-Free Window When moving to Portugal, you have a one-time opportunity to import a vehicle without paying Portugal’s hefty vehicle tax (ISV) and VAT (IVA). This can save you thousands of euros, but there’s a catch – well, several catches. Main Requirements Important: Miss any of these …

A charming street scene in Lisbon, Portugal, with a vintage yellow tram labeled "28" traveling along cobblestone tracks. The backdrop features colorful buildings, including a red one, trees with autumn foliage, parked vehicles, and a quaint urban atmosphere.

Thinking about making Portugal’s capital your new home? From stunning views to startup culture, ancient trams to artisanal coffee shops, Lisbon has a lot to offer. But is it right for you? I’ve spent years helping people relocate to Portugal, and Lisbon remains one of the most popular choices – especially for young professionals and digital nomads. But like any city, it’s got its quirks, charms, and challenges. Let’s dive into what makes Lisbon tick – and whether it might …

Ever heard those stories about European countries paying people to move there? They’re true! Sardinia’s offering €15,000 to populate its rural villages with populations of 3,000 or less, Spain’s Rubia’s dishing out monthly payments of €150 per month while Ponga is offering €3,000 to young couples willing to stay for five years, plus an additional €3,000 for each child. But what about Portugal? Will this sunny slice of southern Europe actually pay you to make it your home? Let’s dive …

Which Areas of Lisbon Are Unsafe?

Can I get Portuguese Citizenship through my Great-Grandparents?

Is Portugal Really Raising the Citizenship Residency Requirement to 10 Years?

Portugal Looks to Sweeten Golden Visa Incentives — But Will Promises Be Delivered?

Big News for Pet Owners: Moving to Portugal from the UK Just Got Easier

Does Portugal Still Have An NHR Tax Regime?

Wills in Portugal: What Expats Need to Know Before It’s Too Late

Want To Import Your Car Into Portugal? Check It’s Worth It

The Real Pros and Cons of Living in Lisbon (From Someone Who Lives Here)

Will Portugal Pay You to Move There?