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.

Follow him on Linkedin and Amazon

Cost of Living in Porto: The Breakdown

A green felt book cover with a button closure lies on a soft beige surface. A folded 100 euro banknote is placed on top of the cover. A small black tag with white text is visible on the book cover's side.

Porto is one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities, and some would say its most beautiful. Although smaller than Lisbon, it has plenty of great bars, restaurants, shops, and cafés. Most importantly, the cost of living in Porto is much more affordable than Lisbon particularly when it comes to rental and property prices. Porto’s proximity to the beach makes it popular with surfers and those that want to be by the coast, and it’s just one the many reasons that many …

A hand holding a Portuguese passport in front of a blurred background resembling the colors of the Portuguese flag, green and red.

Many people tracing their family tree back to Portugal ask the same question: “Can I get Portuguese citizenship through my great-grandparent?” The short answer? Not directly. The Current Law: You Can Only Go Back as Far as Grandparents Under Portuguese law, citizenship by descent is currently only available up to the grandparent level. If you have a Portuguese parent, the process is relatively straightforward as you don’t need to show language skills or ties to the Portuguese community. If your …

Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship Through a Spouse or Partner

If you’re married to a Portuguese citizen—or in a long-term, legally recognised partnership with one—you may be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship. And unlike other citizenship routes, this pathway is surprisingly straightforward: there’s no residency requirement, and most people qualify after three years of marriage or cohabitation. That said, the rules around marriage, de facto unions, community ties, and language requirements can be confusing. This guide breaks everything down into clear, practical steps so you know exactly what to …

A circular Starlink satellite dish is mounted on the roof of a building with several solar panels. The sun is setting behind a mountain range in the background, casting a warm, golden light across the scene.

Portugal has great internet coverage, but there are definitely some parts of the country that aren’t covered – not just by fibre broadband but by mobile internet as well. If that’s the case, you may be looking at other options and wondering whether Elon Musk’s Spacex Starlink could be the answer to your problems. With a monthly cost of €40 (and, as of August 2024, a hardware setup cost of between €249 and €349), getting internet through Starlink isn’t as …

Luxury Portugal: The Most Expensive Areas To Live in

Are you looking for a property in Portugal? Looking for somewhere a little more exclusive? With more than 300 days of sunshine per year in the Algarve and Lisbon, some of the most stunning beaches in the world, and a laid-back, friendly culture, this is the perfect place to buy that dream second home or put down roots. And whether everything from penthouse apartments in Lisbon to multi-million euro villas in the Algarve, you won’t have to sacrifice on quality …

A person sits on a white cushion next to a turquoise swimming pool, working on a laptop. They are partially shaded by large green leaves. Two teal pillows are placed by their side, and white pebbles surround the wooden deck area.

Remote work has changed everything. It’s now perfectly possible to keep your job in New York, Toronto, or London while living in a sunny European country with beaches, pastelarias, and a slower pace of life. And for many people, that dream destination is Portugal. Portugal is warm without being extreme, safe without being sleepy, and modern without being overwhelming. It has excellent healthcare, a thriving expat and digital nomad community, and some of the best weather in Europe. And yes …

A couple sits on a white couch in a modern living room, watching TV. One holds a remote control, and the other has a laptop. The room features a stone accent wall, sleek furniture, and a black rug on a polished floor.

For those considering a move to Portugal, the country’s television offerings promise a blend of local and international content. Most TV packages, especially when bundled with fibre internet, boast around 150 channels, ensuring a diverse viewing experience. If you opt for a 4G home internet package, you can still expect a respectable lineup of approximately 90 channels. Beyond the array of Portuguese channels, viewers will be pleased to find familiar English-speaking channels such as Fox News, Fox Comedy, National Geographic, …

A close-up image of two flags side by side. The flag on the left is the Canadian flag, featuring a red maple leaf on a white background with red borders. The flag on the right is the Portuguese flag, showcasing a complex coat of arms on a red and green background.

If you’re a Canadian looking for a warmer climate, better quality of life, or simply a change of pace, Portugal is increasingly on the shortlist. The country offers a mild climate, a slower and more communal pace of life, stunning coastlines, and generally lower day-to-day expenses compared to many parts of Canada—especially major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. According to the Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2024, there were 2,876 Canadian citizens residing in Portugal as of 31 December 2024. …

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

Thinking about moving to Portugal but worried your minor criminal record might be a problem? Concerned about the clean criminal record requirement for visas like the D7, Digital Nomad Visa, and golden visa? You’re not alone, and this is a common question that comes up in Portugalist webinars. The good news is that Portugal might be more welcoming than you think. Let’s break down some expert advice from Lisbon-based lawyer Sandra Gomes Pinto in a way that’s easy to understand …

A man wearing a badge is assisting a woman at a reception desk. The woman, with a ponytail, is leaning on the counter, holding a black handbag and looking at the book the man is writing in. The background features minimalistic decor and a vase with white flowers.

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 …

James Cave

Cost of Living in Porto: The Breakdown

Can I get Portuguese Citizenship through my Great-Grandparents?

Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship Through a Spouse or Partner

Is Starlink A Solution For Internet in Rural Portugal?

Luxury Portugal: The Most Expensive Areas To Live in

Moving to Portugal as a Remote Worker in 2026

A Guide to TV in Portugal

How to Move to Portugal from Canada

Can I Move to Portugal If I Have a Criminal Record?

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