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Retiring in The Azores

A scenic view of lush green farmland on Pico, Azores, divided by hedgerows on a sloping landscape leading to a coastline with deep blue ocean waters. A few scattered houses and farm buildings are nestled amidst the patchwork of fields, with hills in the background and a partly cloudy sky overhead.

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 …

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 …

An open book lies on a blue desk in an empty classroom. The classroom features a large chalkboard at the front, slightly out of focus, and rows of unoccupied desks. The image conveys a quiet, studious atmosphere.

Parents moving to Portugal face many decisions, and one of the most crucial is choosing the right school for their children. This guide aims to help you navigate the Portuguese education system and make an informed choice. Overview of the Portuguese Education System The Ministry of Education (Direção-Geral da Educação – DGE) regulates the education system in Portugal, which consists of four main stages: There are three main types of schools, especially at a secondary level: There are also religious …

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 …

If you’ve spent any time looking for Portuguese-learning resources, you’ve probably already discovered one of the big frustrations: most of what’s out there is for Brazilian Portuguese, not European Portuguese. That’s exactly the gap that Mia Esmeriz has been filling since 2017. Through her website, YouTube channel, and a complete set of courses from A1 to B2, she’s helped thousands of students learn real, everyday European Portuguese—from pronunciation and listening skills to grammar and natural conversation. In this interview, Mia …

A man with dark hair and a beard is working on a laptop at a desk in a modern, open-plan office. He is wearing a blue shirt and a black smartwatch. In the background, another person is talking on the phone at a different desk.

The Startup Visa is a program run by IAPMEI in Portugal, designed for entrepreneurs from outside the EU/EEA/Swiss region. It’s an initiative to draw investment, talent, and innovation into Portugal’s growing startup scene. As well as dependent family members, up to five partners can be included on the application. With this residency visa, entrepreneurs not only get the chance to live in Portugal but also gain access to the wide array of supports and incentives offered by the StartUP Portugal …

A person stamps a passport at a wooden desk. Several stamps and ink pads are scattered on the desk, along with a few documents. The person is wearing a white shirt and a blue tie.

So you’ve heard the stories: the sunshine, the pace of life, the pastel de nata addiction—and the fact that Portugal is one of the easiest places in Europe to get residency. But if you’re not from the EU, the big question usually comes first: “Can I actually move to Portugal?” Yes. You can. If you’re British, American, Canadian, Indian—whatever. There are visa options available. In fact, Portugal has some of the most welcoming residency pathways in Europe. If you can …

A person is holding a Samsung smartphone, browsing an online shopping app displaying various black jackets. The person appears to be sitting indoors, looking at product images and details on the screen, with a wooden piece of furniture in the background.

Although Portugal has fantastic high-speed home internet, online shopping is not as popular in Portugal as it is in other countries. But it’s growing in popularity – both as a way of buying from Portuguese retailers and also as a way of buying (often cheaper) products from abroad. Read the guides Shopping at some sites – Amazon, for example – isn’t always straight-forward, but Portugalist’s guides help make things easy to understand. Amazon Amazon doesn’t officially have a presence in …

A white and red Rede Expressos bus is parked at a bus station on a sunny day in Portugal. The bus station has a shelter and a few people sitting on benches. In the background, there are trees, residential buildings, and a tall apartment complex.

Following on from the article about getting around Portugal by train, I’ve put together a guide to getting around Portugal by bus. I’ve travelled extensively by bus here – taking buses throughout the country and even into Spain as well. Portugal has an extensive bus network that is made up of two types of buses which I think of as “local buses” and “coaches.” The coaches are usually for trips lasting for several hours but can be as little as …

A metal serving dish filled with a hearty Portuguese stew of white beans, chunks of meat, and garnished with chopped fresh parsley. A spoon rests inside the dish, and it sits on a blue and white patterned plate.

People moving to Portugal tend to agonize over the same questions: Lisbon or Porto? Coast or city? Affordable or very affordable? Here’s one factor that doesn’t get enough attention: Porto has some of the best traditional Portuguese food in the country, and it’s food you can only really get in Porto. Yes, Porto has pizza, ramen, sushi, burgers, vegan cafés, brunch spots, and all the usual international options. You’ll also find Portuguese classics from across the country, including pastéis de …

Retiring in The Azores

How to Learn “Portuguese From the Azores”

Schools in Portugal: How to Choose The Right School For Your Children

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

Mia Esmeriz On Learning Portuguese in 6 Months

Portugal’s Startup Visa: A Golden Ticket for Global Entrepreneurs

Can I Move to Portugal If I’m Not an EU Citizen? (Yes — Here’s How)

Online Shopping in Portugal: Amazon, FNAC, Worten — What Expats Actually Use

Getting Around Portugal by Bus: How It Works and When to Use It

Porto’s Food Will Make You Want to Move Here. Start With These Dishes