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.

How to Learn “Portuguese From the Azores”

A picturesque coastal town in Faial with white and red-roofed buildings nestled along a curved shoreline. Clear turquoise water gently laps against the beach, and lush greenery covers the surrounding hills. The sky is partially cloudy, casting soft light over the scene.

Thinking about moving to the Azores or exploring your family roots there? You’re in for a linguistic treat! While there’s no official “Azorean Portuguese,” the islands have their own unique flavour when it comes to the language. Let’s dive into what makes it special and how you can start learning Portuguese as it’s spoken in the Azores islands. The Azorean Accent: A World of Its Own The main difference between continental Portuguese and Azorean Portuguese is the accent. However, the …

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So you’re buying property in Portugal or applying for a NIF number — and someone mentions the phrase “fiscal representative.” Don’t panic. It sounds more complicated than it is, and by the end of this article you’ll know exactly whether you need one, how to get one, and what it’s actually going to cost you. Tip: Novomove offers fiscal representation for €79 Do you need a fiscal representative? Use the decision tree above to figure out where you stand. Here’s …

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.

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 more manageable than many assume. Plus, with Portugal’s lower living costs and various tax deductions available, many newcomers find their overall expenses quite reasonable – especially compared to countries like the US, where healthcare and property taxes can take a …

Getting a Mortgage in Portugal as a Foreigner: What Banks Actually Want

Dreaming of owning a little slice of Portugal — maybe a sunny apartment overlooking the Algarve coast, a stone cottage in the Alentejo, or a city apartment in Lisbon? The good news is that getting a mortgage in Portugal is absolutely possible for foreigners. The process is more straightforward than you might think — as long as you understand how Portuguese banks work, what paperwork you’ll need, and what kind of deposit to expect. Since 2016, Portugalist has helped countless …

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.

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 Portuguese Education System The Ministry of Education (Direção-Geral da Educação – DGE) regulates the education system in Portugal, which consists of four main stages: There are three main types of schools, especially at a secondary level: There are also religious …

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If you’re familiar with the NIF (tax number) in Portugal, get ready to add another crucial number to your list: the número de utente or SNS number. This number is your gateway to the Portuguese public healthcare system, and it’s a must-have for anyone planning to reside in Portugal. What is the SNS Number? The SNS number allows you to access: Obtain your SNS number as soon as you become a resident in Portugal. Healthcare is vital, so this should …

A group of fresh broad beans, some in their pods and some removed, displayed on a dark textured surface. One pod is open, revealing three light green beans next to it. The beans and pods have a natural, slightly uneven shape.

Portugal can be a fantastic place to live as a vegan or vegetarian. But you have to do your research. On one hand, somewhere like Lisbon has some of the best vegan and vegetarian food you will find anywhere in Europe. You can find vegan pastéis de nata, vegan versions of Portuguese dishes like alheira, arroz de pato, bitoque, and even arroz de polvo, along with plant-based bakeries, brunch spots, specialty shops, and cafés where oat milk or soy milk …

Continente supermarket at Vasco da Gama shopping centre in Lisbon

People ask me what grocery stores in Portugal are like, and the short answer for anyone coming from the US is: smaller, cheaper, and there are more of them. Smaller isn’t a high bar—American supermarkets are enormous. But there’s no Walmart-style store here, and even the hypermarkets, the big out-of-town ones, would look modest parked next to a Supercenter. And your fridge and cupboards will be smaller too, unless you import your American fridge, so your shopping habits change. You …

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.

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 large towns or cities. Some of the smaller towns and villages are a little harder to get to, and usually have fewer services, but it’s almost always doable, although sometimes you’ll have to rely on taxis as well. Cities like …

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Most people learning European Portuguese aren’t really aiming for A1. They’re aiming for A2 — because that’s the level you need for citizenship and permanent residency, and it’s the one the exam (the CIPLE) actually tests for. That’s also why so many courses just bundle A1 and A2 together and march you straight through both. Which is fine. But it does mean A1 gets treated as a sort of half-finished thing you pass through on the way to somewhere more …

How to Learn “Portuguese From the Azores”

Do You Need a Fiscal Representative in Portugal?

Understanding Taxes in Portugal: What Expats Actually Need to Know

Getting a Mortgage in Portugal as a Foreigner: What Banks Actually Want

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

How To Get a Número de Utente (SNS Number) in Portugal

The Best Places to Live in Portugal as a Vegan or Vegetarian

Grocery Stores in Portugal: What’s Different, What It Costs, and Where I Shop

Public Transport in Portugal: Trains, Buses, Metro — What Goes Where

What A1 European Portuguese Actually Looks Like (And Why It’s Worth Aiming For)