Is Portugal LGBTQ Friendly?

A rainbow next to a Portuguese flag

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 …

Read more

Will Portugal Pay You to Move There?

Medieval hilltop castle of Arraiolos

Medieval hilltop castle of Arraiolos

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? Will this sunny slice of southern Europe actually pay you to make it your home? Let’s dive …

Read more

Bring Your Pets to Portugal on the Queen Mary 2

A large cruise ship named Queen Mary 2 is docked in a harbor. The ship has a sleek black hull with a white superstructure, and multiple decks are visible. The city skyline and several buildings are in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Not keen on putting your furry family members in a plane’s cargo hold? Looking for a more comfortable way to bring your pets to Portugal? The Queen Mary 2 ocean liner might be your answer. As the only pet-friendly ocean liner crossing the Atlantic, the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) has become increasingly popular among pet owners making the move to Europe. While we’ve previously written about moving pets to Portugal via chartered private jets, today we’re exploring the cruise ship …

Read more

10 Years for Portuguese Citizenship: Is Portugal Still A Good Deal?

balloons showing the number 10

Portugal’s parliament has recently voted to increase the residency requirement for Portuguese citizenship from five years to ten years, leaving many prospective expats wondering whether the country remains an attractive destination. The short answer? It depends entirely on why you wanted to move there in the first place. What’s Changed The Portuguese parliament has approved legislation extending the residency period required for naturalization from five to ten years. This change is currently awaiting presidential approval, which many observers consider a …

Read more

How to Open a Portuguese Bank Account (As A Non-Resident)

Photograph of the entrance to a Millennium bcp bank branch. The facade features a prominent red and white sign with the bank's logo above the doorway. The building exterior is made of stone, and there's a plaque next to the door. Cobbled stone pavement is in front.

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 …

Read more

How to Get a Portuguese NIF Number (Fast & Cheap)

A blue rectangular sign with the word "finanças" in white letters and an abstract logo mounted on the exterior wall of a yellow and white building. The text beneath the word reads "autoridade tributária e aduaneira." The sky is clear with a few clouds.

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 …

Read more

How to Move to Portugal From Turkey

woman looking out over Lisbon

If you’re in Turkey and thinking about starting a new life abroad, Portugal is probably high on your list — and you’re far from alone. Whether it’s families looking for stability, professionals seeking better opportunities, or investors building a long-term EU plan, Portugal has become an increasingly attractive destination for Turkish citizens. The reasons are easy to understand: safety, political stability, a calm pace of life, strong public services, EU residency rights, and a warm, welcoming culture. Add sunshine, beautiful …

Read more

Moving to Portugal from The Netherlands

A close-up of the flags of the Netherlands and Portugal, showing a portion of each flag overlapping. The Dutch flag displays horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue. The Portuguese flag features red and green sections with the national coat of arms.

For the past few decades, Portugal has been an incredibly popular destination for those looking to escape the dark and colder climes of The Netherlands in favour of somewhere warmer. As well as its climate and beautiful beaches, Portugal also offers a more laid-back lifestyle and lower cost of living. If you have a Dutch, EU, EEA, or Swiss passport, moving to Portugal is relatively easy. You will need to show you have the means of supporting yourself, whether that’s …

Read more

Moving to Portugal from Singapore

Two flags are waving in the breeze against a background of a partly cloudy sky. The left flag features Portugal's flag with red, green, and the national coat of arms. The right flag features Singapore's flag with red, white, a crescent moon, and five stars.

More and more people are moving from Singapore to Portugal. While Singapore offers fantastic job opportunities, conveniences, and a good quality of life, Portugal offers a more laid-back lifestyle that is less work-orientated and more family-focused. Like Singapore, Portugal is relatively safe. It has a lower cost of living, beautiful beaches, and year-round warm weather. It also has thousands of years of history and culture, which are reflected in its beautiful buildings, historical sites, and enticing cuisine. As well as …

Read more

How To Move to Portugal From the USA

A small American flag on a stick is planted in the sand on a beach, with a blue sky and ocean waves visible in the background.

Thinking about trading the Stars and Stripes for the Portuguese flag? You’re not alone. More and more Americans are eyeing Portugal as their next home sweet home. So, why Portugal? Picture this: over 300 days of sunshine a year, breathtaking beaches, and cities steeped in history. Sounds like a vacation, right? But you could get that in Italy, Mexico, Panama, or many other places around the world. So why Portugal? Here are just a few reasons: safety, cost of living, …

Read more