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.

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The Pros & Cons of Living in Lisbon

A charming street scene in Lisbon, Portugal, with a vintage yellow tram labeled "28" traveling along cobblestone tracks. The backdrop features colorful buildings, including a red one, trees with autumn foliage, parked vehicles, and a quaint urban atmosphere.

Thinking about making Portugal’s capital your new home? From stunning views to startup culture, ancient trams to artisanal coffee shops, Lisbon has a lot to offer. But is it right for you? I’ve spent years helping people relocate to Portugal, and Lisbon remains one of the most popular choices – especially for young professionals and digital nomads. But like any city, it’s got its quirks, charms, and challenges. Let’s dive into what makes Lisbon tick – and whether it might …

Portugal VS Greece: Where Should Expats Choose to Live?

Living in Portugal and Greece offers a chance to immerse oneself in two distinct yet equally enchanting Southern European lifestyles. These two countries share certain commonalities, such as a delightful climate, beautiful beaches, a laid-back culture, and a strong emphasis on family bonds. However, they also possess unique attributes that make them stand out. Greece, for instance, is renowned worldwide for its illustrious historical and cultural heritage, while Portugal boasts its own captivating history and an emerging reputation as a …

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 brown decorative wallet lies partly open on a white surface, displaying various Euro banknotes and several scattered Euro coins in different denominations. The wallet features a colorful and intricate pattern with a small metal zipper pull.

Living in Lisbon is no longer as cheap as it once was, particularly when it comes to rental costs. Although there are more expensive restaurants and coffee shops than there were a few years ago, most of the other living costs have risen in a much less dramatic fashion. It’s still possible to find a lunch menu for less than €10 if you look hard, a glass of wine for €1-2, a coffee for 50-60 cents, and to keep your …

If you’re from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you have the right to move to Portugal under EU freedom of movement rules. There’s no visa, no sponsorship, and no embassy process. You can simply move to Portugal and begin living here. However, once you decide to live here (rather than just visit), you need to register that residence and obtain the CRUE: Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia (EU Citizen Registration Certificate) This is the document that formally recognises your residency …

Portugal flag with a coat of arms on the left, blending into a close-up of Euro banknotes on the right, predominantly showing the 200 and 100 Euro notes.

Moving to Portugal means getting familiar with a new tax system. Whether you’re retiring here, working remotely, or starting a business, understanding your tax obligations is crucial. The good news? While Portuguese taxes aren’t the lowest in Europe, they’re often more manageable than many assume. Plus, with Portugal’s lower living costs and various tax deductions available, many newcomers find their overall expenses quite reasonable – especially compared to countries like the US, where healthcare and property taxes can take a …

A man and a woman lying in bed under white blankets appear disturbed. The man, on the right, covers his ears with a pillow, while the woman, on the left, looks annoyed and is holding her head. A lamp on a nightstand is in the background.

Apartments and houses in Portugal lack insulation. This means that not only can they be absolutely freezing during the winter months, but noise travels between apartments very easily as well. And while there are things you can do to stay warm in Portuguese apartments, it’s very hard to solve noise problems. For many people, this won’t be an issue. For those that are sensitive to noise, wake up easily, or are going to be working from home a lot, it …

A blue and red Commuter train labeled "2295" rides on a double-track railway under clear skies. The train, belonging to Comboios de Portugal (CP), is moving through a rural area with power lines and a bridge visible in the background, showcasing the scenic beauty of Portugal.

If you don’t drive, or just don’t want to drive, you can easily get around mainland Portugal by public transport (Madeira and The Azores can be a little trickier). Public transport in Portugal is good, particularly if you’re going to large towns or cities. Some of the smaller towns and villages are a little harder to get to, and usually have fewer services, but it’s almost always doable, although sometimes you’ll have to rely on taxis as well. Cities like …

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 person wearing green shorts sprays a substance onto their leg outdoors, possibly insect repellent or sunscreen. The background features green foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting like a garden or a park.

Mosquitoes are a part of life in Portugal, especially during the warmer months, and many people—particularly those living near still water—notice an increase in bites in summer. Traditionally, mosquitoes have been more of a nuisance than a genuine public health concern. However, recent monitoring by the health authorities shows that one invasive species, the Aedes albopictus mosquito (often called the “tiger mosquito”), is slowly expanding its range within Portugal. Important 2025 Update According to the Directorate-General of Health (DGS), the …

James Cave

The Pros & Cons of Living in Lisbon

Portugal VS Greece: Where Should Expats Choose to Live?

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

Cost of Living in Lisbon: The Breakdown

How to Get Your CRUE as an EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen

Understanding Taxes in Portugal

Dealing with Noisy Houses & Apartments in Portugal

Getting Around Portugal By Public Transport

Buses in Portugal: How To Get Around Portugal By Bus

Are Mosquitoes A Problem in Portugal?