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

Portugal Looks to Sweeten Golden Visa Incentives — But Will Promises Be Delivered?

A person in a beige sweater pours sugar from a packet into a green cup and saucer on a wooden table. The person's face is partially out of frame.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program, long seen as one of Europe’s most appealing residency-by-investment options, may soon become even more attractive. According to a Bloomberg report, the Portuguese government is considering reforms to streamline the application process and introduce improved financial incentives — potentially aligning the Golden Visa more closely with Portugal’s favourable tax regime. In short, Portugal’s new centre-right government appears determined to reinforce its commitment to international investors, talent, and entrepreneurs. Portugalist Insight: A Timely Boost for Golden Visa …

A comparison image divided diagonally. The left side shows Madeira's scenic coastline with rocky cliffs and lush greenery. The right side displays the Azores with an expansive view of blue water, islands, and mountainous terrain. Both sections are labeled.

Thinking about a little slice of island paradise? Forget Hawaii or The Caribbean. If you move to Portugal, you have your pick of the Azores or Madeira. Whether you’re considering a move, planning an extended stay, or simply curious about life in the Azores and Madeira, this article will help you understand the unique characteristics of each destination. Join us as we explore living in the Azores and Madeira, two island paradises that offer a glimpse into a different way …

Split-screen image comparing two cities: Braga on the left, showcasing its historic cathedral with a clear blue sky overhead, and Coimbra on the right, featuring a scenic view of its hillside buildings and the Mondego River. Text overlay reads "Braga vs Coimbra.

Thinking about settling down in Coimbra or Braga? You’re in for a treat either way, but let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of these two charming cities to help you find your perfect Portuguese home. A Stroll Through History Both Coimbra and Braga are like walking history books. Coimbra, home to one of the world’s oldest universities (founded in 1290!), oozes academic charm. Picture yourself wandering through medieval streets where scholars have trodden for centuries. Braga, on the other hand, is …

Moving to Portugal is an exciting adventure, but it often comes with a crucial decision: whether to buy a car. While Portugal boasts charming cities with decent public transportation, having your own set of wheels can open up a world of possibilities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a car in Portugal, from assessing your needs to navigating the purchase process. Do You Really Need a Car in Portugal? It’s a question …

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 …

A person wearing a white shirt and a watch is holding and pointing at a large, detailed city map with yellow highlighted areas. The person is standing outdoors near a wall, with part of a car visible in the background.

Lisbon, the ever-popular capital of Portugal, has long been a magnet for those seeking a blend of historic charm, vibrant culture, and a laid-back lifestyle. However, as the city centre burgeons with popularity, it’s becoming increasingly expensive and competitive to secure a home within its narrow, cobbled streets. For many, the allure of Lisbon isn’t confined to its central districts. In fact, the towns near Lisbon and neighbourhoods on the outskirts offer a fantastic alternative for those wishing to be …

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.

If you’re looking to live in a large Portuguese city, there are really only two options, Lisbon and Porto. Both cities offer a unique blend of tradition and modernity but come with their own distinct characteristics. So which should you pick? Lisbon, the larger of the two, is the political, economic, and cultural centre of Portugal. Situated along the Tagus River, it offers a mix of historic neighbourhoods and new developments, providing a broad range of living options. The city …

A picturesque scene of traditional, colorful houses with white walls and blue and yellow accents under a vibrant blue sky. Lush green plants and trees are in the foreground, and a cobblestone path leads to the houses, with a grassy field in the distance.

It might seem unusual to compare life in Mexico and Portugal, but it’s a common comparison for many Americans considering moving abroad, particularly for retirement. In the past, Mexico and other Latin American countries like Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador were where most Americans set their sights. Recently, however, more and more Americans have been looking for ways to move to Europe and Portugal has come into the limelight as a place Americans can easily move to. Both offering a …

A blue Walmart shopping cart is positioned in an empty parking lot in front of a large Walmart store. The sky is clear and sunny, and a tree is partially visible on the left side of the image.

If you’re moving to Portugal from the US, you may be used to certain supermarkets like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Target, and Whole Foods. Generally speaking, most of these stores don’t have outlets in Europe and that includes Walmart – although there are Costco stores in Spain. Is there a Portuguese equivalent of Walmart? Not really. The nearest is probably one of the larger Continente stores, one of the main supermarket chains in Portugal, as the larger stores tend to have …

A woman and a man wearing face masks are in a kitchen. The man, dressed in work attire and holding a spray canister, is inspecting the area under the cabinetry. The woman, wearing a purple top, is crouched beside him, observing the inspection process.

In short, not really. You will see cockroaches every now and then, usually on the street and sometimes inside an apartment, but it is quite rare. Live in Portugal for long enough and you should only see a cockroach one or twice a year. However, it does depend on where you’re living, including the property you live in. This is in contrast to Spain, particularly the south of Spain, where cockroaches are a much more common occurrence. Here, you will …

James Cave

Portugal Looks to Sweeten Golden Visa Incentives — But Will Promises Be Delivered?

Portuguese Island Life: Living in Madeira vs the Azores

Living in Braga vs Coimbra: A Portuguese Tale of Two Cities

Cruising Through Bureaucracy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Car in Portugal

How to Learn “Portuguese From the Azores”

15 Of the Best Places to Live Near Lisbon

Lisbon VS Porto: Where Should Expats Choose to Live?

Portugal VS Mexico: Which is Better for Expats?

Is there Walmart in Portugal?

Are Cockroaches Common in Portugal?