Living in Portugal

Can You Live in Portugal Without a Car? The Honest Answer Depends on Where

A lot of people that dream of moving to Portugal dream of ditching the car and relying on public transport instead. And you can do this with varying degrees of success, depending on where you live and how determined you are to make this work. Besides weighing up whether the place you’re moving to is car-friendly, the main thing you need to think about is the lifestyle you plan to have in Portugal. Do you plan to go to the …

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So you’re buying property in Portugal or applying for a NIF number — and someone mentions the phrase “fiscal representative.” Don’t panic. It sounds more complicated than it is, and by the end of this article you’ll know exactly whether you need one, how to get one, and what it’s actually going to cost you. Tip: Novomove offers fiscal representation for €79 Do you need a fiscal representative? Use the decision tree above to figure out where you stand. Here’s …

A narrow cobblestone street lined with whitewashed buildings in varying states of disrepair. The buildings have shuttered windows, and one at the end of the street features a blue door. A bright blue sky is visible overhead.

Portugal is an incredibly hilly country (Lisbon, like Rome, is said to be built on seven hills, for example) with lots of narrow, cobbled streets. While this can be charming to look at, it’s not particularly appealing for those who are older or who have mobility issues. Thankfully, there are a few places that are a little flatter and more suited to those that want to avoid the hills. You can also live in Lisbon and Porto if you choose …

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 …

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 large library in Portugal with shelves filled with books, a metal staircase leading to an upper level, and a white sculpture of a person riding a bicycle suspended in mid-air from the ceiling.

Buying books, especially foreign-language books, can be a challenge in Portugal. And, if you can find the book you want, it often costs a lot more than you’re used to paying for a book. Getting used to the higher prices for books is just a part of living in Portugal, but the bigger challenge is not being able to find the book you want at all. All of this wasn’t such a big issue prior to Brexit. However, now that …

A man in a white coat holding a tablet sits at a desk with office supplies, notebooks, and a computer. The background shows a bookshelf with various items. Text overlay reads, "Understanding the Portuguese Health System.

Portugal’s healthcare system, like many in Europe, offers a unique blend of public and private options. But how does it stack up against other countries, and what can newcomers expect? A WHO study from 2000 ranked Portugal 12th globally, outperforming the UK (18th) and the US (37th). However, given how much time has passed, this data is now outdated. More recent assessments paint a similar but varies picture: These rankings suggest Portugal’s healthcare is solid within Europe and impressive on …

A man and a woman are in an appliance store. They stand together examining a front-loading washing machine. The store is filled with various household appliances, including washing machines and other equipment displayed on shelves.

If you’re planning on moving to Portugal, you may be wondering where you buy electronics and appliances and what the cost is likely to be. For those coming from the UK or US, the cost may be more than you’re used to paying, but due to the cost of shipping, the challenges of getting your stuff through Portuguese customs, and the differences in power, it can often make more sense to sell your stuff and buy afresh once you move. …

A picturesque town in Portugal with a cluster of white and pastel-colored houses with orange-tiled roofs nestled among lush green hills under a clear blue sky. The vibrant, serene landscape features a mix of residential buildings and greenery.

With its warm weather, laid-back lifestyle, and great selection of fresh, locally-produced fruit and vegetables, Portugal is a popular destination for those seeking a greener, more conscious, eco-friendly lifestyle. You’ll find like-minded people all throughout the country, but there are a few spots that particularly stand out. If moving to an area where there’s already a large community of similar-minded people, then these should be at the top of your priority list. The Algarve When some people think of the Algarve, they …

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 …

Can You Live in Portugal Without a Car? The Honest Answer Depends on Where

Do You Need a Fiscal Representative in Portugal?

9 of the Flattest, Most Wheelchair Accessible Places in Portugal

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

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

Buying English Books in Portugal: Bookshops, Amazon, and What Actually Works

Portugal’s Healthcare System: What Expats Need to Know About Public and Private

Where to Buy Electronics & Appliances in Portugal

7 Places for Alternative Living in Portugal: Eco Villages, Communities, Off-Grid

Understanding Taxes in Portugal: What Expats Actually Need to Know