Cost of Living in the Algarve: The Breakdown
Portugal’s minimum wage is €920 per month in 2026, and that number matters because it is also the baseline many people use when they first look at moving to Portugal. In some cases, if you have at least that amount in passive income, such as a pension or US Social Security, you may potentially qualify to move here on the D7 Visa. But that figure does not tell you what it actually costs to live well in a place like …
Where Are the Cheapest Places to live in Portugal?
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 guide to using ATMs in Portugal
At some point or other, you’ll probably need to withdraw money from an ATM in Portugal. While card payments are becoming more common, particularly in more modern or touristy establishments, cash is still preferred. In many cafés and restaurants and in places where cards are accepted, foreign bank cards are not (often the machine is “broken”). It’s also a good idea to carry some change for tips to ensure the money goes to the server. Normally, you can withdraw up …
Understanding Taxes in Portugal
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 …
Understanding Wills in Portugal
Let’s talk about something that might not be the most exciting part of your Portuguese adventure, but it’s definitely worth getting right: estate planning. Whether you’ve got a lovely villa in the Algarve or a bank account in Porto, having a clear plan for your assets can save your loved ones a lot of headaches down the road. Do You Need a Portuguese Will? While there’s no legal requirement to have a Portuguese will, here’s the deal: if you own …
Does Portugal Still Have An NHR Tax Regime?
Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme has been a topic of significant interest and controversy in recent years. Although the NHR program officially ended in 2023, the Portuguese government has since introduced NHR 2.0 (often called TISRI or the scientific and innovation regime, among other things). In July 2024, the new government announced plans to bring back the NHR regime – but crucially the new regime will exclude dividends, capital gains and pensions or social security. This article examines the …
Portugal’s Cost of Living: How Much Does it Really Cost to Live Here?
Portugal has long been marketed as a cheap place to live, or somewhere with a low cost of living, but is that really the case? Yes and no. In Portugal, it’s possible to find a 3-course lunch menu for €10 or less (sometimes with wine and coffee included) but when it comes to other costs like cars (new and second-hand), electricity, fuel, and toiletries, Portugal is more expensive than many other European countries. Many people who visit Portugal as tourists …
How Much Income Do You Need to Live in Portugal?
If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, you are probably wondering how much money you need to have in order to live there. This is quite a difficult question to answer, but it can be broken down into two parts: Income Requirements for Residency Moving to Portugal long-term involves obtaining residency there. There are different processes depending on whether you hold EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship (e.g. you have a French or Irish passport) or whether you hold a citizenship from the rest …