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Moving to Portugal from New Zealand

Close-up of two flags overlapping. The left flag has a green and red background with a coat of arms and shield. The right flag has a dark blue background with a partial Union Jack in the corner and four red stars with white borders.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

For many Kiwis, the allure of Portugal extends far beyond its award-winning beaches and historic cities. Nestled on the southwestern edge of Europe, Portugal offers New Zealanders a gateway to the continent’s rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and landscapes. With …

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Schools in Portugal: How to Choose The Right School For Your Children

An open book lies on a blue desk in an empty classroom. The classroom features a large chalkboard at the front, slightly out of focus, and rows of unoccupied desks. The image conveys a quiet, studious atmosphere.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Parents moving to Portugal face many decisions, and one of the most crucial is choosing the right school for their children. This guide aims to help you navigate the Portuguese education system and make an informed choice. Overview of the …

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Cost of Living in Lisbon: The Breakdown

A brown decorative wallet lies partly open on a white surface, displaying various Euro banknotes and several scattered Euro coins in different denominations. The wallet features a colorful and intricate pattern with a small metal zipper pull.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Living in Lisbon is no longer as cheap as it once was, particularly when it comes to rental costs. Although there are more expensive restaurants and coffee shops than there were a few years ago, most of the other living …

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A Guide to Christmas in Portugal

A large, illuminated Christmas tree with green, red, and yellow lights stands prominently in a town square at night. An ornate building with an archway and statues, also lit up, serves as a backdrop. The scene is festive and vibrant with holiday decorations.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Christmas in Portugal is a unique experience. For some people, particularly those that come from very cold parts of the world, it doesn’t feel Christmasy enough. For others, the ability to walk outside and even get a little Vitamin D …

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How to Get Your CRUE as an EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen

woman holding an EU flag
James Cave
December 19, 2025

If you’re from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you have the right to move to Portugal under EU freedom of movement rules. There’s no visa, no sponsorship, and no embassy process. You can simply move to Portugal and begin living here. However, once …

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Understanding Taxes in Portugal

Portugal flag with a coat of arms on the left, blending into a close-up of Euro banknotes on the right, predominantly showing the 200 and 100 Euro notes.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Moving to Portugal means getting familiar with a new tax system. Whether you’re retiring here, working remotely, or starting a business, understanding your tax obligations is crucial. The good news? While Portuguese taxes aren’t the lowest in Europe, they’re often …

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Dealing with Noisy Houses & Apartments in Portugal

A man and a woman lying in bed under white blankets appear disturbed. The man, on the right, covers his ears with a pillow, while the woman, on the left, looks annoyed and is holding her head. A lamp on a nightstand is in the background.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Apartments and houses in Portugal lack insulation. This means that not only can they be absolutely freezing during the winter months, but noise travels between apartments very easily as well. And while there are things you can do to stay …

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Getting Around Portugal By Public Transport

A blue and red Commuter train labeled "2295" rides on a double-track railway under clear skies. The train, belonging to Comboios de Portugal (CP), is moving through a rural area with power lines and a bridge visible in the background, showcasing the scenic beauty of Portugal.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

If you don’t drive, or just don’t want to drive, you can easily get around mainland Portugal by public transport (Madeira and The Azores can be a little trickier). Public transport in Portugal is good, particularly if you’re going to …

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Buses in Portugal: How To Get Around Portugal By Bus

A white and red Rede Expressos bus is parked at a bus station on a sunny day in Portugal. The bus station has a shelter and a few people sitting on benches. In the background, there are trees, residential buildings, and a tall apartment complex.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Following on from the article about getting around Portugal by train, I’ve put together a guide to getting around Portugal by bus. I’ve travelled extensively by bus here – taking buses throughout the country and even into Spain as well. …

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Renting an Apartment or House in Portugal

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.
James Cave
December 19, 2025

Most people who move to Portugal end up renting for a period of time, even if their ultimate aim is to buy a place here. Others end up renting for their entire time here. It’s always tricky to find a good …

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