Moving to Portugal

Will Portugal Pay You to Move There? Kind Of.

Ever heard those stories about European countries paying people to move there? They’re true! Sardinia’s offering €15,000 to populate its rural villages with populations of 3,000 or less, Spain’s Rubia’s dishing out monthly payments of €150 per month while Ponga is offering €3,000 to young couples willing to stay for five years, plus an additional €3,000 for each child. But what about Portugal? Portugal won’t pay you to move there. Sorry. At least, if you’re living in the US, UK, …

Ariel view of the Dom Luis bridge in Porto and the Douro River

Already living in the EU with a long-term residence permit but aren’t an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen? Dreaming of making Portugal your next home? Article 116 of Portugal’s immigration code might be your ticket to Portuguese residency. Let’s dive into what this means for you and how you can make that move to Portugal happen. Overview of Article 116 Think of Article 116 as the EU’s way of saying “Mi casa es su casa” – if you’ve already proven yourself as a …

Picture this: It’s 2010, and Portugal has just become one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. While Portugal might not have been first to the party (the Netherlands claimed that honor in 2001, followed by Spain in 2005), it did beat several other progressive nations to the punch, including France, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and Germany. And it was just one of several progressive bills. But let’s get to the question you’re really …

A smiling couple stands in a modern living room as a woman hands them a set of keys. The couple is dressed casually and showing excitement. The woman is holding a clipboard, suggesting a house or apartment agreement signing. The setting is bright and welcoming.

Let’s talk about the D7 visa – it’s one of the most popular options for moving to Portugal, and for good reason. The main draw? You only need to show a regular passive income equivalent to the Portuguese minimum wage. As of , the amount needed for a single applicant is per month. To put this in perspective, the Digital Nomad Visa (aimed at remote workers and freelancers) requires four times that amount – per month. This makes the D7 …

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 …

A close-up of a partially folded French flag, with its blue, white, and red vertical stripes, overlaying a Portuguese flag featuring a complex coat of arms with a shield and seven castles over a red and green background.

You may be considering whether to move to France or Portugal (or even Spain or Portugal, Italy or Portugal, or Greece or Portugal) and you’re wondering which one is best? Well, it depends. While you may be more familiar with France, French culture, and maybe even the French language, there are lots of reasons that Portugal has become one of the main destinations for expats to move to. In fact, a lot of French people have also moved to Portugal, …

A hand in a green sweater is extended against a light blue background. Floating above the palm are three large, yellow question marks.

Thinking about moving to Portugal but worried your minor criminal record might be a problem? Concerned about the clean criminal record requirement for visas like the D7, Digital Nomad Visa, and golden visa? You’re not alone, and this is a common question that comes up in Portugalist webinars. The good news is that Portugal might be more welcoming than you think. Let’s break down some expert advice from Lisbon-based lawyer Sandra Gomes Pinto in a way that’s easy to understand …

For those who’ve taken the leap and secured residency through AIMA (previously known as SEF), the time will inevitably come to renew your visa. Previously, this would take place after just one year of residency in Portugal but, these days, it more commonly takes place after two years. According to Sandra Gomes Pinto, a Lisbon-based lawyer and seasoned immigration expert, this process is significantly more straightforward than the initial application for a residence permit. The AIMA Visa Renewal Process: A …

A cracked concrete surface displays the juxtaposition of the Union Jack flag on the left and the flag of the European Union with yellow stars on a blue background on the right, symbolizing the divide between the UK and the EU.

Thinking about swapping drizzle for sunshine? You’re not alone. According to the Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2024 report (AIMA, published October 2025), more than 48,000 British citizens now call Portugal home — a number that continues to grow every year, despite Brexit, bureaucracy, and the occasional cold, damp house. Portugal’s appeal is easy to understand: reliable sunshine, beautiful beaches, safe cities, and a slower, more sociable pace of life. It’s not perfect — no country is — but it’s …

A person wearing a safari hat and khaki clothing stands in front of a jungle-like backdrop, gazing intently at the camera. They have a serious expression, with a determined look on their face. The background is lush and green, giving a sense of exploration.

Planning a scouting trip to Portugal takes serious preparation. This isn’t just a vacation—you’re on a reconnaissance mission to figure out if Portugal is right for you, where you want to live, and potentially even secure a property. This comprehensive guide will help you make the most of every precious moment of your time in Portugal. The Three Critical Questions Your Scouting Trip Must Answer When you arrive in Portugal, you’re here to determine three fundamental things: 1. Do I …

Will Portugal Pay You to Move There? Kind Of.

Can I Move to Portugal Through If I Have Permanent Residency in Another EU Country?

Is Portugal LGBTQ Friendly?

How to Apply for the D7 With Rental Income (And Get Approved)

Portugal VS Greece: Where Should Expats Choose to Live?

Living in Portugal VS France: Which is Better for Expats?

Can I Move to Portugal If I Have a Criminal Record?

What Happens At My AIMA Visa Renewal?

Moving to Portugal from the UK: Everything That’s Changed Since Brexit

How to Plan a Portugal Scouting Trip That Actually Tells You What You Need to Know