James Cave 
The last big step in the house buying process in Portugal is the signing of the Deed of Purchase and Sale or Escritura de Compra e Venda (commonly referred to as the escritura). This is the point where you hand over the final cheque or payment and in return, the sellers hand over the keys to the property. Although there will be a few small things to do afterwards, this is the last big hurdle in the buying process and …
A major step in the Portuguese property buying process is putting down a deposit and signing the promissory contract. You’ve already made an offer, but the promissory contract confirms you want to go ahead with the sale. Although putting down a deposit is a normal part of the buying process in many countries, in Portugal this is a much bigger step as the promissory contract (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda or just CPCV) makes it difficult for either …
As you learn about Portuguese visas and residency requirements, you’ll hear terms like temporary residency, permanent residency, and Portuguese citizenship used a lot. Trying to understand the differences can be confusing, particularly if it’s your first time moving abroad. In this article, we’ll break down one of those terms, permanent residency, and what it means to have it. Can I Get Permanent Residency Straight Away? One of the most common misconceptions is that you can obtain permanent residency in Portugal …
Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores offer a unique retirement destination for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. As an autonomous region of Portugal, these nine volcanic islands combine European charm with a remote, almost mystical atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the Azores an appealing retirement choice and what you need to know before making the move. The Azores: An Overview The Azores archipelago, located about 1,500 kilometres …
Brexit has left many people scratching their heads, especially those who dreamed of spending more time in Europe. It’s natural to have questions about how this change might affect your plans, particularly when it comes to buying property abroad. If you’ve been eyeing a lovely villa in the Algarve or an apartment in Lisbon, you might be wondering if it’s still possible to make that dream a reality. Well, we’ve got some good news for you! The Good News: You …
Parliament was expected to vote this week on major changes to Portugal’s nationality law, including extending the required residency period for citizenship. But last-minute proposals from two parties — Partido Socialista (PS) and Chega — have postponed the vote. Adding to the uncertainty, the death of former Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemão has led to a two-day suspension of parliamentary activities, meaning the vote may be delayed further. Here’s what’s on the table — and what these changes could mean …
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signed the revised Foreigners Law into effect, after the legislation was approved by 70% of parliament. This new law represents one of the most significant overhauls of immigration rules in recent years. While some changes are technical, others will have a direct impact on people who are moving to Portugal, applying for residency, or bringing family members here. Below, we’ll break down the key changes — and what they might mean for you. 1. Family …
Planning a scouting trip to Portugal takes serious preparation. This isn’t just a vacation—you’re on a reconnaissance mission to figure out if Portugal is right for you, where you want to live, and potentially even secure a property. This comprehensive guide will help you make the most of every precious moment of your time in Portugal. The Three Critical Questions Your Scouting Trip Must Answer When you arrive in Portugal, you’re here to determine three fundamental things: 1. Do I …
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 …
You might think you won’t miss British food while living in Portugal, but every now and then you’ll get a craving for a taste of home. It could be something as simple as a bar of a cup of tea and toast (easy to replicate) or something more complicated like a pint of ale in a cozy pub. Thankfully, there are a large number of British people living in Portugal and because of this, there are quite a few shops …
