How to Stay Warm in Portuguese Houses During Winter
Parts of Portugal like the Algarve, the Alentejo, and Lisbon are blessed with some of the mildest winters that Europe has to offer. Outside, that is. Inside a Portuguese house is another story altogether. Old Portuguese houses and apartments are typically poorly insulated and almost never have central heating of any kind, although some may have an air conditioning unit with a heat function. Newer properties tend to be better insulated, and some may even have a heating system of some …
Portugal Mortgage Calculator: Check How Much You Could Borrow
Are you thinking about purchasing a property in Portugal but are confused about how much you’re able to borrow? Buying a property in Portugal can be confusing, but don’t worry: Portugalist is here to help. Use our mortgage calculator below to estimate: *This part of the process requires more information. A mortgage broker will get in touch to discuss your income and expenses in order to calculate how much you’re able to borrow. Why We Created This Calculator There are …
Internet in Portugal: Get Your Home Connected to Fibre Broadband
Wondering if you’ll be able to binge-watch your favorite shows or video call your friends back home without buffering nightmares? Well, get ready for some good news – Portugal is home to some wonderful high-speed internet. BUT…(and this is a big but) not everywhere in Portugal has fibre-optic internet. While fibre optic broadband (called internet fixa or banda larga) is available throughout Portugal, and according to our own research, 76% of Portugalist readers have been able to get it at …
Getting a Mortgage in Portugal: A Complete Guide for Foreign Buyers
Dreaming of owning a little slice of Portugal — maybe a sunny apartment overlooking the Algarve coast, a stone cottage in the Alentejo, or a city apartment in Lisbon? The good news is that getting a mortgage in Portugal is absolutely possible for foreigners. The process is more straightforward than you might think — as long as you understand how Portuguese banks work, what paperwork you’ll need, and what kind of deposit to expect. Since 2016, Portugalist has helped countless …
What is a Fiador and How Do I Get one?
If you’re applying for Portugal’s D7 or Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll almost certainly need a rental contract as part of your application. Most consulates want to see a 12-month contract in your name; a few will accept six months, but 12 months is the safer assumption. That means you can’t just book an Airbnb and hope for the best – you usually need a proper long-term lease that’s registered with Finanças. And this is where many people hit a very …
How to Open a Portuguese Bank Account (As A Non-Resident)
Moving to Portugal? You’ll need a Portuguese bank account for most visa applications (like the D7, Digital Nomad Visa, or Golden Visa). You’re also likely to need one if you’re buying a property in Portugal. However, it isn’t as simple as going to a Portuguese bank’s website and clicking ‘open new account.’ As a non-resident (someone who isn’t resident in Portugal yet), you won’t be able to easily open an account online—and, as of 2025, opening an account in-person isn’t …
How to Get a Portuguese NIF Number (Fast & Cheap)
If you’re planning on moving to Portugal, buying property, or even just opening a bank account, you’ll very quickly hear about the NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). This 9-digit tax identification number, issued by the Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária), is required for almost any financial or legal interaction in Portugal. It’s one of the very first things you’ll need, but the process can feel confusing. This guide answers all of those questions (and more) so you know exactly what …
Will My Phone Work in Portugal? Should I Buy a New One Before Moving?
If you’re planning a move to Portugal one thing you might be wondering is, “Will my mobile phone (or cell phone) work over there?” Your phone is such an important part of daily life nowadays. Whether it’s keeping in touch with family and friends, getting directions with maps, or quickly looking something up – your phone is likely always by your side. So of course you’ll want to be able to take it along during this big move. The good …
Is Starlink A Solution For Internet in Rural Portugal?
Portugal has great internet coverage, but there are definitely some parts of the country that aren’t covered – not just by fibre broadband but by mobile internet as well. If that’s the case, you may be looking at other options and wondering whether Elon Musk’s Spacex Starlink could be the answer to your problems. With a monthly cost of €40 (and, as of August 2024, a hardware setup cost of between €249 and €349), getting internet through Starlink isn’t as …
Can Foreigners Buy Property In Portugal?
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Portugal — whether as a vacation base, an investment, or somewhere to live full-time — there’s good news: foreigners can buy property in Portugal with almost no restrictions. It doesn’t matter if you’re from the US, UK, Canada, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Brazil, or anywhere else. You have the same property-buying rights as locals, and the process is straightforward, well-established, and protected by a transparent legal system. However… buying property in Portugal …