27+ Tips, Rules, & Safety Pointers for Driving in Portugal
A lot of people are nervous about driving in Portugal for the first time, but it’s actually not that bad. Sure, indicating isn’t all that common, people do drive bumper-to-bumper, and Portugal does have one of the highest accident rates in Western Europe, but it’s actually alright. In fact, Portugal can be a very enjoyable place to drive. A lot depends on what you’re used to. If you normally drive in the UK, Germany, or the USA, you may find …
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 …
Health Insurance in Portugal: Get A Quote Today
Feeling lost in the maze of Portuguese healthcare? Trying to get health insurance quotes but ending up with a headache instead of answers? We get it – it’s confusing! Health insurance isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a must-have for many visas (hello, D7 and Digital Nomad Visa!) and increasingly recommended for, well, just about everyone else. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got your back! At Portugalist, we’ve been the trusty sidekicks for folks moving to Portugal since 2016. …
Understanding the Portuguese Healthcare 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 However, given how much time has passed, this data is now outdated.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 …
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 …
How to Move to Portugal From Russia
Are you a Russian citizen contemplating a move to Portugal? This European gem, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking coastlines, and warm, inviting people, has become one of the most popular destinations for Russians to immigrate to. Thanks to its attainable residency visa, Portugal is a sought-after destination for those without an EU, EEA, or Swiss passport who are aiming to establish residency in the European Union. Whether you’re pursuing retirement in the sun, a new chapter in your …
Mia Esmeriz On Learning Portuguese in 6 Months
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 …
How To Get a Número de Utente (SNS Number) in Portugal
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 …
Online Shopping in Portugal
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 …
How To Shop At Amazon from Portugal
Yes, you can shop at Amazon from Portugal. Amazon doesn’t have a warehouse in Portugal so you’ll have to shop at one of the Amazon stores in another country (for example Amazon UK, Spain, or Germany). Which Amazon should you shop at? Generally speaking, Amazon.es (Amazon Spain) is the best option for several reasons: The second best option is Amazon.de (Amazon Germany). The products are sometimes cheaper here, but you will typically need to pay for postage and, due to …