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

Reviews: Practice Portuguese – An Engaging Podcast & Interactive Language Learning Platform

A language site for moving to Portugal displays a Portuguese dialogue transcript, plus options for downloads, vocabulary, and a quiz.

Ever dreamed of effortlessly chatting with locals in a Lisbon café, or confidently navigating life as an expat in the Algarve? If you’re nodding your head, then learning European Portuguese is probably high on your to-do list. But let’s face it – tackling a new language can feel like climbing a linguistic Everest, especially when it’s not as widely taught as its Brazilian counterpart. Enter Practice Portuguese, the online learning platform that’s revolutionizing the way people learn Portuguese as it’s …

A vintage black-and-white photo of four individuals. Three men and one woman pose outside in front of a house. One man sits in a chair wearing a suit, while the two other men, one in a suit and one in a military uniform, and the woman stand behind him.

Fall River, Massachusetts, has long been known as one of the most Portuguese towns in America. In this interview, we sit down with Tom, a lifelong Fall River resident with deep roots in the city’s Portuguese community. Born to second-generation immigrants, Tom shares his firsthand experiences of growing up in a family that held tight to their Azorean heritage while making a new life in America. From stories about his grandmother’s cooking to memories of life in the city’s tenements, …

A man in a camouflage uniform and dog tags sits indoors using a laptop, with an American flag nearby; shelves are in the background.

Yes — for many veterans, VA disability compensation can be a solid fit for Portugal’s D7 visa, because it’s stable, recurring, and not tied to working in Portugal. The key is simple: So the real question isn’t “Does Portugal accept VA disability?” It’s: does your monthly VA amount (plus any other passive income you have) meet the D7 minimum for your household? The D7 minimum income requirement in Portugal’s official visa documentation ties “means of subsistence” to the minimum monthly …

Three elderly women walk along a beach shoreline on a sunny day. They are casually dressed in light jackets and pants, and they seem to be enjoying their time together. The ocean waves gently touch their bare feet, and the background features greenery and distant trees.

For many people, retirement isn’t just about leaving work behind. It’s about choosing how — and where — you want to live the next chapter of your life. Portugal has become one of the most popular retirement destinations in Europe for Americans, Canadians, and Britons alike. A mild climate, excellent food, walkable towns, strong safety ratings, and a slower pace of life all make it deeply appealing. In many cases, daily living costs remain lower than in North America or …

A white pickup truck loaded with boxes and miscellaneous items is parked in front of a rustic, stone-walled building with a red-tiled roof. The building has several small windows and a wooden door. Steps lead up to the door, and the sky above is clear and blue.

Portugal is still a very affordable country by Western European standards, but the cost of living has increased over the past few years — in particular, the cost of renting and buying a property. This is especially true in Lisbon, which has become one of the most desirable places to live in Portugal, but those increasing costs are also increasing all over the rest of the country, particularly in Porto and the Algarve. Looking at the cheapest places to rent …

A group of adults sit in a classroom, writing on notepads. The man in the foreground is focused on his work, while a diverse group of individuals behind him are also engaged in writing. The classroom has wooden desks and a neutral-colored wall.

At some point in your Portuguese-learning journey, you’ll need to actually sit the exam. Whether you’re doing this for Portuguese citizenship, residency, work, or personal satisfaction, the process is fairly straightforward once you know how it works. Most people take the A2 exam (CIPLE), but it’s not the only option — and it’s not always the best one for everyone. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to booking a CAPLE exam, what to expect, and how to prepare. Decide Which …

A person with long hair, wearing headphones and a light blue shirt, sits at a desk and uses a laptop. The desk is cluttered with notebooks, highlighters, and pens. A bookshelf with various books and folders is in the background.

Forget stuffy classrooms, outdated textbooks, and mind-numbing printouts. These modern courses are a far cry from traditional language classes. They’re flexible, engaging, and designed to fit around real life (work, kids, moving paperwork, and the occasional existential spiral about Portuguese pronunciation). Whether you’re planning to retire in the Algarve, study in Coimbra, or just want to pass that all-important A2 exam for citizenship, there’s a course out there for you. The trick is picking the right one—because “best” depends on …

A happy family swings a child between them while strolling down a sunlit, old Portuguese cobblestone street in Lisbon with plants and historic buildings.

Moving country as an adult is a big decision. Moving country with children — or while planning a family — is something else entirely. Suddenly you’re not just thinking about visas and rent. You’re thinking about schools, doctors, playgrounds, safety, language barriers, teenage boredom, whether your toddler will nap in a new time zone, and whether you’re accidentally ruining your child’s future by choosing the wrong country. If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. Portugal has become one …

A historic stone fortress with intricately patterned walls and multiple levels, surrounded by green trees under a clear blue sky. Visitors are exploring the site, and the ancient ruins are spread across the foreground.

Picture yourself waking up to the sound of church bells, strolling along cobblestone streets, and admiring the quaint architecture of centuries past. These captivating places offer a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history and culture, allowing you to experience a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. If you’re seeking an escape from the modern world and yearn for a more genuine and timeless lifestyle, these medieval towns are the perfect destination. Far from the high-rises of the …

A European Union border sign with the word "España" in the center, surrounded by yellow stars on a blue background. Graffiti at the bottom reads "OLIVENÇA É NOSSA, É PORTUGAL" in white paint. The sign is positioned in a rural area with trees and grass.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich cultures of both Portugal and Spain, living in a Portuguese town near the Spanish border might be the perfect choice for you. From the northern regions to the sunny Algarve, there are several charming towns that offer easy access to Spain, allowing you to regularly experience the best of both countries. Let’s explore some of these border towns and what makes them unique. Northern Portugal Chaves Situated about 10 km from …

James Cave

Reviews: Practice Portuguese – An Engaging Podcast & Interactive Language Learning Platform

Growing up in Fall River: An Interview with Thomas Silvia

Can I Move to Portugal on VA Disability Compensation?

The Complete Guide to Retiring in Portugal

Where Are the Cheapest Places to live in Portugal?

How to Book A CAPLE Language Exam (e.g. the A2)

15+ European Portuguese Courses (With Reviews)

How to Move to Portugal As A Family

9 Medieval Portuguese Towns You Could Move To

The Best of Both Worlds: Living in Portugal Near the Spanish Border