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From the Emerald Isle to the Iberian Peninsula: Moving from Ireland to Portugal

Close-up of two flags overlapping. The top flag is the Irish flag, consisting of vertical green, white, and orange stripes. The bottom flag is the Portuguese flag, featuring a green left section, red right section, and national coat of arms in the center.
James Cave
December 31, 2025

Are you an Irish citizen considering a move to sunny Portugal? You’re not alone! Many Irish folks are trading in their raincoats for sunscreen and making the leap to this stunning coastal country. But before you start packing your bags, …

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Utilities in Portugal: How to Set Up Water, Gas, & Electricity

A man stands in front of an open electrical meter box, taking a photo of the meter's display with his smartphone. The meter shows the reading in black numbers on a white background. He appears to be documenting the reading.

Close-up Of A Male Technician Doing Meter Reading Using Mobilephone

James Cave
December 19, 2025

Picture this: you’ve just stepped into your new Portuguese abode. The sun streams through the windows, casting a warm glow on the terracotta tiles. The aroma of fresh pastéis de nata wafts in from a nearby bakery. It’s perfect, except …

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How to Sell Your House in Portugal Without An Estate Agent

A small green door with a "For Sale" sign written in Portuguese ("Vende-se") and English, along with a phone number. The door is set in a weathered stone wall with patches of blue paint, surrounded by greenery.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

In Portugal, estate agents typically charge 5% (or more) commission + VAT. For many expats living in Portugal—and an increasing number of Portuguese—that’s too much. 5% of a €250,000 property is €12,500. If your property is more expensive, say €750,000, …

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The Best Property Websites For Buying Property in Portugal

A person in a pink shirt is using a laptop on a white desk. The laptop screen displays a photo of an outdoor patio with greenery. Also on the desk are a glass of water, a pen, a notepad, a calculator, and a rotary phone.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

If you’re familiar with Zillow or Realtor.com in the US—or Rightmove and Zoopla in the UK—your instinct is probably to look for “the one big website” that lists every property for sale. In Portugal, that doesn’t exist. There is no …

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Buying Books in Portugal

A large library in Portugal with shelves filled with books, a metal staircase leading to an upper level, and a white sculpture of a person riding a bicycle suspended in mid-air from the ceiling.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Buying books, especially foreign-language books, can be a challenge in Portugal. And, if you can find the book you want, it often costs a lot more than you’re used to paying for a book. Getting used to the higher prices …

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Silver Coast Guide: What It’s Like to Live on Portugal’s Costa da Prata

A wide, sandy beach under a clear blue sky with gentle waves breaking onshore. In the background, there’s a rocky hill with numerous buildings perched on top, and more buildings spread along the coastline, giving a picturesque coastal town view.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Imagine waking up to the sound of Atlantic waves, strolling along golden sandy beaches, and immersing yourself in authentic Portuguese culture. This is the essence of life on Portugal’s Silver Coast, or Costa de Prata. Stretching roughly 150 kilometres (93 …

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Do You Need a Fiscal Representative? We Can Help

A person with shoulder-length curly hair wearing a striped shirt and denim overalls is standing against a plain background with their arms outstretched and palms up, displaying a puzzled or unsure expression.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Ah, fiscal representation. Just when you thought you’d gotten your head around all the paperwork involved in moving to Portugal, this term pops up and throws you for a loop. Don’t worry, amigo – we’ve all been there, done that, …

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Moving a Startup from San Francisco to Lisbon: An Interview with Bounce Founder Cody Candee

Cody Candee is smiling at the camera while wearing a light gray sweatshirt with the "bounce" logo on it. The background is out of focus but appears to be an office setting with large windows and desks.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Bounce is the largest network of luggage storage and locker providers worldwide. It’s popular with travelers or people going to events who want to leave their luggage on arrival or departure day, instead of dragging their bags around the city. …

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The Pros & Cons of Living in Lisbon

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.

Lisbon

James Cave
December 19, 2025

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, …

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Portugal VS Greece: Where Should Expats Choose to Live?

James Cave
December 19, 2025

Living in Portugal and Greece offers a chance to immerse oneself in two distinct yet equally enchanting Southern European lifestyles. These two countries share certain commonalities, such as a delightful climate, beautiful beaches, a laid-back culture, and a strong emphasis …

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