James Cave

James Cave is the founder of Portugalist.com, a website he created in 2016 to make moving to Portugal more simple. He’s also the author of Moving to Portugal Made Simple, now in its second edition and with more than 400 reviews on Amazon. Through Portugalist, James has helped thousands of people plan their move and settle into life in Portugal with clear, trustworthy, and up-to-date information. Portugalist has been featured in countless publications including the WSJ, New York Times, and Independent.

What Are My Accommodation Options for the D7 Visa?

A bright and clear day view of a sprawling cityscape in Lisbon, Portugal, featuring numerous tightly packed buildings with red-tiled roofs. The city is set against a backdrop of rolling hills, with many clusters of buildings extending into the distance under a clear blue sky.

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Written by: | Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Are you dreaming of moving to Portugal but struggling to find suitable accommodation? Don’t worry: you’re not alone! For most residency visas (D7, Digital Nomad Visa, D2, D1, and D3), you’ll need proof of accommodation before you can even apply. …

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Last modified: December 19, 2025. Since its creation, this page has been updated 0 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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Will My Phone Work in Portugal? Should I Buy a New One Before Moving?

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.

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Written by: | Last Updated: December 19, 2025

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 …

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Last modified: December 19, 2025. Since its creation, this page has been updated 0 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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Portuguese Music: 12 Singers & Bands Worth Listening to

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Written by: | Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Outside of Portugal, Portuguese music is relatively unknown and it can be difficult to know which singers and bands you should listen to. This list will get you started. It’s by no means exhaustive, but it covers artists and bands …

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Last modified: December 18, 2025. Since its creation, this page has been updated 0 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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How to Stay in Portugal For More Than 90 Days (as a non-EU citizen)

A serene beach scene with calm waves gently washing onto the shore. Rocky cliffs covered in patches of greenery rise in the background under a clear blue sky. The smooth sand reflects the surrounding landscape, creating a peaceful and picturesque view.

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Written by: | Last Updated: December 17, 2025

For Americans, Brits, Canadians, Australians, and anyone else without an EU/EEA or Swiss passport, Portugal’s 90-days-in-180-days Schengen rule is often the first big headache. It’s fine for a short trip, but not ideal if you’re thinking about moving here— or …

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Last modified: December 17, 2025. Since its creation, this page has been updated 0 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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A Guide to Living in the Eastern Algarve

Panoramic view of a coastal landscape in Portugal with shallow water and boats anchored in the distance. Green patches of seaweed and sandbeds are visible at low tide. Houses with yellow roofs and a clear blue sky can be seen in the background.

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Written by: | Last Updated: December 16, 2025

The Eastern Algarve, starting from the charming town of Olhão and stretching to the Spanish-Portuguese border, offers a unique and enchanting lifestyle for those seeking a more laid-back and authentic Portuguese experience. While it may not be as crowded as …

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Last modified: December 16, 2025. Since its creation, this page has been updated 0 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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A Guide to Living in the Central Algarve

A picturesque coastal scene shows a sandy beach surrounded by rugged cliffs and clear blue waters. White-washed buildings with red and yellow roofs overlook the beach from the cliffs above. People are sunbathing and enjoying the beach. Small plants are in the foreground.

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Written by: | Last Updated: December 16, 2025

The Algarve is often split into three sections: the Eastern Algarve, the Central Algarve, and the Western Algarve. The Central Algarve is the vibrant heart of the Algarve region, offering a perfect blend of stunning beaches, world-class amenities, and easy access to both the …

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Last modified: December 16, 2025. Since its creation, this page has been updated 0 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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A Guide to Lisbon’s Best Neighbourhoods

Two people sit on a park bench facing a circular fountain in a city square. The park is surrounded by bare trees and colorful buildings with a blue and white facade, reminiscent of Portugal's charming architecture. It's a clear day with a few people walking in the background.

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Written by: | Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Lisbon is a city that captures the hearts of both visitors and residents alike. With its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that more and more people are choosing to call Lisbon their …

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Last modified: December 16, 2025. Since its creation, this page has been updated 0 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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Living in Portugal VS Spain: Which Country Is Right For You?

Two flags are displayed side by side, representing Portugal and Spain. The Portuguese flag, featuring a green and red design with a coat of arms, is on the left. The Spanish flag, with red and yellow stripes and a coat of arms, is on the right. Overlaid text reads "Portugal versus Spain.

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Written by: | Last Updated: December 16, 2025

A lot of people think about moving to Spain or Portugal. Both have a similar climate, they have shared histories, similar cultures, and are located right next to each other, so it’s understandable why so many people lump the two …

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Last modified: December 16, 2025. Since its creation, this page has been updated 0 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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Moving to Portugal with Non-EU Family Members: A Complete Guide

A smiling family of three poses outside, sitting close together. A young girl in a pink shirt holds a soccer ball, with her father in a plaid shirt kneeling beside her and her mother in a denim jacket standing behind, embracing them.

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Written by: | Last Updated: December 16, 2025

If you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen planning to move to Portugal with a non-EU spouse, partner, or children, you have good news: your family members don’t need to apply for standard Portuguese visas like the D7 or Golden Visa. Instead, they …

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Last modified: December 16, 2025. Since its creation, this page has been updated 0 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

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What Happens At My AIMA Visa Renewal?

A hand in a green sweater is extended against a light blue background. Floating above the palm are three large, yellow question marks.

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Written by: | Last Updated: December 16, 2025

For those who’ve taken the leap and secured residency through AIMA (previously known as SEF), the time will inevitably come to renew your visa. Previously, this would take place after just one year of residency in Portugal but, these days, …

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Last modified: December 16, 2025. Since its creation, this page has been updated 0 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

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