James Cave - Page 15 - Portugalist

Do They Speak English in Portugal? An Honest Region-by-Region Answer

A man with a beard is looking down while holding a large white sign that reads "DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?" in bold, black letters. He is wearing a black vest over a gray shirt and standing against a plain, gray background.

One of the most frequently asked questions on Portugalist is: how widely is English spoken in Portugal? Can I get by with English or do I really need to learn Portuguese? You may have travelled or lived in other European countries like France or Spain where English isn’t always spoken. Portugal’s not like that. When it comes to speaking English as a second language, Portugal is the 9th most proficient country in the world, according to the EF English Proficiency …

A picturesque public square in Portugal with a large ornate fountain featuring statues, surrounded by historic buildings under a clear blue sky. Purple jacaranda trees are in bloom, and pedestrians walk leisurely on the intricate black and white cobblestone pattern.

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 …

A person lounging on a beach chair, wearing a large sun hat and white clothing, is reading a book. In the background, gentle waves are visible under a bright blue sky. The sun is shining, creating a serene and relaxed atmosphere.

There are lots of great blogs and YouTube channels that have great information about moving to Portugal, but there’s something nice about just picking up a book and reading it through. Surprisingly, there are very few books about moving to Portugal (so far). There isn’t really a Portuguese equivalent of Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence or Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun, at least in terms of popularity, but there are a few self-published accounts that give some insights …

A black dog is gazing out of an airplane window. The dog is sitting next to the window, looking at the clouds and sky outside. The interior of the airplane is visible, including the wall and window frame.

One of the biggest challenges of moving to Portugal is not getting a residency visa, learning the basics of the Portuguese language, or shipping your belongings. Not, it’s bringing your furry friends here – if you’re a pet owner, anyway. While some airlines allow pets to come in the cabin, many only allow pets to go in the hold, if they allow them on the plane at all. Putting your pet into the hold is something many pet owners are …

A piece of caramel flan with a glossy top sits on a white square plate. Caramel sauce is spread around the flan, reminiscent of traditional Portuguese desserts. A spoon rests on the plate next to the indulgent treat.

From Bom Jesus do Monte to Braga Cathedral, there’s plenty to see and do in Braga. But for foodies, a more important question is: what’s there to eat? The following are five of the most popular regional dishes that you should try in Braga. Bacalhau à Braga Portugal has lots of different recipes for its national dish. Some say there are more than 365, while others say that there are more than 1,000. Either way, that’s a lot of dishes. …

A historical town square with a central statue atop a tall pedestal surrounded by a circular garden with yellow flowers. The background features colorful multi-story buildings, outdoor café seating, and people walking under a bright blue sky.

If you’re visiting Coimbra, or lucky enough to live there, the big question you’ll be asking yourself is: what should I eat? You’ll find all the most common Portuguese dishes in Portugal, for example, caldo verde soup, bacalhau dishes like bacalhau com natas and bacalhau à bras, and grilled fish. But those are dishes that you’ll find all over Portugal and you may have tried them plenty of times before. So, instead, look out for a few local dishes that …

A couple sits at a table with a man in a suit. The man from the couple is signing a document while the woman, smiling, rests her hand on his shoulder. The suited man watches attentively. The table has papers and a cup on it.

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 picturesque town in Portugal with a cluster of white and pastel-colored houses with orange-tiled roofs nestled among lush green hills under a clear blue sky. The vibrant, serene landscape features a mix of residential buildings and greenery.

With its warm weather, laid-back lifestyle, and great selection of fresh, locally-produced fruit and vegetables, Portugal is a popular destination for those seeking a greener, more conscious, eco-friendly lifestyle. You’ll find like-minded people all throughout the country, but there are a few spots that particularly stand out. If moving to an area where there’s already a large community of similar-minded people, then these should be at the top of your priority list. The Algarve When some people think of the Algarve, they …

A symmetrical facade of a building covered in blue and white tiles with 15 windows in a grid pattern. Each window has a blue wrought-iron balcony railing. The design is consistent across the entire surface, creating a harmonious and repetitive visual effect.

Buying Property in Portugal · 2026 How to buy property in Portugal, step by step A practical 14-step walkthrough for first-time foreign buyers. From your first market research to keys in the door — what to do, in what order, and where to be careful. By James Cave, founder of Portugalist· Thinking about buying? I want to buy a property in Portugal Tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll come back with next steps — no obligation, no hard sell. …

A person in a pink shirt is using a laptop on a white desk. The laptop screen displays a photo of an outdoor patio with greenery. Also on the desk are a glass of water, a pen, a notepad, a calculator, and a rotary phone.

If you’re familiar with Zillow or Realtor.com in the US—or Rightmove and Zoopla in the UK—your instinct is probably to look for “the one big website” that lists every property for sale. In Portugal, that doesn’t exist. There is no MLS system, and that means two things: Think of Portugal as a patchwork: different agents upload to different portals, some post only on their agency website, and a surprising number of rural owners still list only on classifieds. Below is …

Do They Speak English in Portugal? An Honest Region-by-Region Answer

Portuguese Permanent Residency: What Actually Changes at the 5-Year Mark

7 Books About Moving to Portugal

Chartering A Flight to Bring Your Pets to Portugal

Braga Food: Six Regional Dishes That Make the City Worth Moving To For Lunch Alone

Coimbra Food: The Best Typical Foods To Try in Coimbra

Signing the Deeds (Escritura) in Portugal

7 Places for Alternative Living in Portugal: Eco Villages, Communities, Off-Grid

Buying Property in Portugal: The Real Process, Not the Brochure Version

Property Websites in Portugal: The Rightmove, Zillow and Realtor Equivalents