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.

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

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.

I first came to Lisbon in 2012. I paid around €500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment and people thought I had two heads for spending that much – friends here were paying €250 and thought they were being fleeced. I remember reading about this thing called craft beer and wondering when it might reach Portugal. Since then I’ve watched Lisbon go from a city nobody had really hard about, to a tourism and digital nomad hotspot, to somewhere people …

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? Portugal won’t pay you to move there. Sorry. At least, if you’re living in the US, UK, …

Ariel view of the Dom Luis bridge in Porto and the Douro River

Already living in the EU with a long-term residence permit but aren’t an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen? Dreaming of making Portugal your next home? Article 116 of Portugal’s immigration code might be your ticket to Portuguese residency. Let’s dive into what this means for you and how you can make that move to Portugal happen. Overview of Article 116 Think of Article 116 as the EU’s way of saying “Mi casa es su casa” – if you’ve already proven yourself as a …

Picture this: It’s 2010, and Portugal has just become one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. While Portugal might not have been first to the party (the Netherlands claimed that honor in 2001, followed by Spain in 2005), it did beat several other progressive nations to the punch, including France, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and Germany. And it was just one of several progressive bills. But let’s get to the question you’re really …

A vintage black-and-white photo of four individuals. Three men and one woman pose outside in front of a house. One man sits in a chair wearing a suit, while the two other men, one in a suit and one in a military uniform, and the woman stand behind him.

Fall River, Massachusetts, has long been known as one of the most Portuguese towns in America. In this interview, we sit down with Tom, a lifelong Fall River resident with deep roots in the city’s Portuguese community. Born to second-generation immigrants, Tom shares his firsthand experiences of growing up in a family that held tight to their Azorean heritage while making a new life in America. From stories about his grandmother’s cooking to memories of life in the city’s tenements, …

A smiling couple stands in a modern living room as a woman hands them a set of keys. The couple is dressed casually and showing excitement. The woman is holding a clipboard, suggesting a house or apartment agreement signing. The setting is bright and welcoming.

Let’s talk about the D7 visa – it’s one of the most popular options for moving to Portugal, and for good reason. The main draw? You only need to show a regular passive income equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage. As of , the amount needed for a single applicant is per month. To put this in perspective, the Digital Nomad Visa (aimed at remote workers and freelancers) requires four times that amount – per month. This makes the D7 …

A comparison image divided diagonally. The left side shows Madeira's scenic coastline with rocky cliffs and lush greenery. The right side displays the Azores with an expansive view of blue water, islands, and mountainous terrain. Both sections are labeled.

Thinking about a little slice of island paradise? Forget Hawaii or The Caribbean. If you move to Portugal, you have your pick of the Azores or Madeira. Whether you’re considering a move, planning an extended stay, or simply curious about life in the Azores and Madeira, this article will help you understand the unique characteristics of each destination. Join us as we explore living in the Azores and Madeira, two island paradises that offer a glimpse into a different way …

Split image with "Braga" on the left showing a historic square with a fountain and old buildings, and "Porto" on the right displaying a view of a lit-up cityscape at dusk with the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. "VS" in a circle at the center indicates a comparison.

When considering a move to Northern Portugal, two cities often stand out: Porto, the vibrant coastal metropolis, and Braga, the charming inland city steeped in history. Both offer unique living experiences, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. Let’s delve deeper into what life in these cities entails. Location and Accessibility Porto Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, sits majestically along the Atlantic coast. Its international airport serves as a gateway to the world (or at least a lot of …

Split-screen image comparing two cities: Braga on the left, showcasing its historic cathedral with a clear blue sky overhead, and Coimbra on the right, featuring a scenic view of its hillside buildings and the Mondego River. Text overlay reads "Braga vs Coimbra.

Thinking about settling down in Coimbra or Braga? You’re in for a treat either way, but let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of these two charming cities to help you find your perfect Portuguese home. A Stroll Through History Both Coimbra and Braga are like walking history books. Coimbra, home to one of the world’s oldest universities (founded in 1290!), oozes academic charm. Picture yourself wandering through medieval streets where scholars have trodden for centuries. Braga, on the other hand, is …

Moving to Portugal is an exciting adventure, but it often comes with a crucial decision: whether to buy a car. While Portugal boasts charming cities with decent public transportation, having your own set of wheels can open up a world of possibilities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a car in Portugal, from assessing your needs to navigating the purchase process. Do You Really Need a Car in Portugal? It’s a question …

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

Will Portugal Pay You to Move There? Kind Of.

Can I Move to Portugal Through If I Have Permanent Residency in Another EU Country?

Is Portugal LGBTQ Friendly?

Growing up in Fall River: An Interview with Thomas Silvia

How to Apply for the D7 With Rental Income (And Get Approved)

Portuguese Island Life: Living in Madeira vs the Azores

Braga Vs Porto: The Ultimate Guide to Living in Northern Portugal

Living in Braga vs Coimbra: A Portuguese Tale of Two Cities

Buying a Car in Portugal as a Foreigner: The Process, the Costs, the Traps