James Cave

James Cave is the founder of Portugalist and the author of Moving to Portugal Made Simple, now in its second edition with more than 450 reviews on Amazon. He also wrote German Men Sit Down to Pee and Other Insights Into German Culture, a humorous guide to German culture, which has more than 650 ratings on Goodreads. Originally from Ireland, James Cave has lived in northern Portugal, Lisbon, and the Algarve, and has written about moving to Portugal since 2016. He is known for no-fluff guides to the D7, the Golden Visa, and the Digital Nomad Visa, along with citizenship and buying property in Portugal. Follow James Cave on Amazon, Goodreads, and LinkedIn, or at james-cave.com.

Algarve vs Silver Coast: Which Coastal Part of Portugal Is Right for You?

When dreaming of moving to Portugal, the sunny Algarve and the charming Silver Coast often top the list of potential new places to live. Each has its own unique appeal, from climate to community, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference. Let’s dive into what sets these two beautiful regions apart. The Algarve Let’s start with the Algarve, the most popular place for prospective expats considering a new life in Portugal. Best Weather The Algarve’s biggest draw …

12 Of the Most Expat-Friendly Places in Portugal

In this guide, we’ll take you on a fun and exciting journey through the best places to live in Portugal as an expat. We’ll explore the vibrant city life of Porto and the beauty of the North of Portugal, the peaceful charm of the Silver Coast, and the laid-back lifestyle of the Algarve in the south. Along the way, we’ll give you a taste of what life could be like in each of these amazing locations, so you can find …

Portugal VS Greece: Where Should Expats Choose to Live?

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 on family bonds. However, they also possess unique attributes that make them stand out. Greece, for instance, is renowned worldwide for its illustrious historical and cultural heritage, while Portugal boasts its own captivating history and an emerging reputation as a …

Flags of Australia and Portugal are shown side by side, with the top half of the image featuring the Australian flag with its Union Jack and stars, and the bottom half displaying the Portuguese flag with its red and green sections and the national coat of arms.

If you’re an Australian looking for a gateway to Europe, a change of pace, or simply a different way of life, Portugal is increasingly worth considering. The country offers a mild climate, a slower pace of life, stunning coastlines, rich history, and generally lower day-to-day expenses compared to major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. According to the Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2024 (published by AIMA, October 2025), there were 1,161 Australian citizens officially residing in Portugal as of …

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 close-up of a ballpoint pen resting on a sheet of financial data, including a line graph with red and green lines and a numeric table of values. The pen is gold and black with a red accent, placed diagonally across the chart.

Portugal’s has one of the most popular golden visa programs in the world, and one of the ways that you can obtain this visa and obtain residency in Portugal is by investing in a qualifying fund (or funds), such as a private equity or venture capital fund. There are a number of qualifying funds, in sectors ranging from startups and technology to renewably technologies, wine, and football teams. After five years of residency, it’s possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, …

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.

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 …

A street view of a small town with various shops and parked cars. On the right, there is a black building housing "Alexandra's Boutique". Further down the street are more businesses and a church steeple visible in the distance. The sky is overcast.

You might have heard of Little Portugal in London, the nickname for the large Portuguese community in the South Lambeth area of South London, but did you know there’s a very large Portuguese community in Massachusetts in the USA? Fall River, an industrial town that’s about 1 hour and 20 minutes south of Boston, is home to the largest concentration of Portuguese people in the whole of the United States. As of 2018, 46 percent of Fall River Residents claim …

A person with curly hair, wearing a yellow coat, stands on a stone staircase and smiles while talking on the phone. Sunlight illuminates part of the scene, and the stairs are flanked by walls with graffiti.

If you’re planning a move to Portugal one thing you might be wondering is, “Will my mobile phone (or cell phone) work over there?” Your phone is such an important part of daily life nowadays. Whether it’s keeping in touch with family and friends, getting directions with maps, or quickly looking something up – your phone is likely always by your side. So of course you’ll want to be able to take it along during this big move. The good …

A detailed map of Porto, Portugal, showcases the city's intricate street network, with major roads and intersections highlighted. The map features a minimalistic, light green and cream color scheme and includes a scale indicator in the bottom left corner.

In recent years, Porto has emerged as a prime tourist destination in Portugal, drawing visitors and expats with its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes. However, this surge in popularity has also led to a significant increase in property prices and the overall cost of living within the city. Consequently, many individuals, including expats and students, are exploring alternative places to live near Porto, where they can enjoy a lower cost of living without sacrificing the conveniences and attractions …

Algarve vs Silver Coast: Which Coastal Part of Portugal Is Right for You?

12 Of the Most Expat-Friendly Places in Portugal

Portugal VS Greece: Where Should Expats Choose to Live?

How to Move to Portugal from Australia

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

Investing in Funds for Portugal’s Golden Visa

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

Fall River, Massachusetts: The Most Portuguese City Outside Portugal

Will Your Phone Work in Portugal? What to Sort Before You Move

12 Best Places to Live Near Porto (For When the City Is Too Much or Too Expensive)