Moving to Portugal - Page 6

Can You Apply for the D7 Visa With JUST Savings?

Two people are working together at a desk. An older man with gray hair and glasses is standing and operating a calculator while a woman with long hair in a yellow sweater is seated, holding a pen and looking at documents. A laptop and plant are on the desk.

Savings are typically required as part of a D7 visa application, but most people will be unsuccessful if they apply with savings alone. This is regardless of how much you have in savings. (Note: we say most people because, like many things, the situation isn’t black and white and there are exceptions to every rule). However, it is possible to convert a lump sum of savings into something that generates passive income such as an annuity, rental property, investment, etc. …

A bright red British-style telephone box stands on a cobblestone street corner, with a large historic white building featuring arched windows and unique chimneys in the background. The sky above is clear with a hint of clouds.

Every year, thousands of people move from the UK to Portugal, especially to the coastal Algarve region in the south. It’s easy to see why: Portugal has great weather, an interesting culture and history, English is widely spoken, and there’s already a large British expat community. Oh, and let’s not forget the affordable wine as well. Although most people do a lot of research about Portugal before moving here, and many will have spent a lot of time here on …

A person wearing green shorts sprays a substance onto their leg outdoors, possibly insect repellent or sunscreen. The background features green foliage, suggesting an outdoor setting like a garden or a park.

Mosquitoes are a part of life in Portugal, especially during the warmer months, and many people—particularly those living near still water—notice an increase in bites in summer. Traditionally, mosquitoes have been more of a nuisance than a genuine public health concern. However, recent monitoring by the health authorities shows that one invasive species, the Aedes albopictus mosquito (often called the “tiger mosquito”), is slowly expanding its range within Portugal. Important 2025 Update According to the Directorate-General of Health (DGS), the …

A close-up of a hand holding a black and gold pen, signing a document on a wooden surface. The document has text and a signature line visible.

While many companies and government departments will accept a utility bill or rental contract as proof of address, that’s not enough for some and they make ask for an Atestado De Residência. It may also be required if you don’t have a rental contract or if the contract isn’t in your name. An Atestado De Residência is a document that confirms you live where you say you do. Although you will typically need a document like a rental contract to …

An older man sits on a couch, using a laptop with a phone to his ear, while a woman stands nearby packing a suitcase. The room is bright, with light-colored furniture and a clock on the wall behind them.

When applying for a visa like the D7 or Digital Nomad Visa? What type of insurance do I need? Travel or health insurance? There’s a lot of conflicting information out there, and it doesn’t help that the rules constantly change—and differ from consulate to consulate. Until recently, most applicants did the following: However, things have changed. Some Consulates/VFS Offices Now Require 12 Months of Travel Insurance Several consulates and VFS offices—especially VFS San Francisco—are now requesting travel medical insurance valid …

Glasses of red wine and green grapes on a ledge, overlooking Portugal’s terraced vineyards and river in a lush, hilly setting.

If you’re thinking about moving to a European country but you’re not sure which one, you may have short-listed Portugal and Italy. Both are beautiful countries with fascinating histories, excellent food, and a million other reasons to move there. But while that may make both countries great to visit, which is the better country to move to? The answer is: it depends. Both have their pros and cons, which this article will take a look at. Residency Visas In short, …

Flags of Australia and Portugal are shown side by side, with the top half of the image featuring the Australian flag with its Union Jack and stars, and the bottom half displaying the Portuguese flag with its red and green sections and the national coat of arms.

If you’re an Australian looking for a gateway to Europe, a change of pace, or simply a different way of life, Portugal is increasingly worth considering. The country offers a mild climate, a slower pace of life, stunning coastlines, rich history, and generally lower day-to-day expenses compared to major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne. According to the Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2024 (published by AIMA, October 2025), there were 1,161 Australian citizens officially residing in Portugal as of …

A picturesque public square in Portugal with a large ornate fountain featuring statues, surrounded by historic buildings under a clear blue sky. Purple jacaranda trees are in bloom, and pedestrians walk leisurely on the intricate black and white cobblestone pattern.

As you learn about Portuguese visas and residency requirements, you’ll hear terms like temporary residency, permanent residency, and Portuguese citizenship used a lot. Trying to understand the differences can be confusing, particularly if it’s your first time moving abroad. In this article, we’ll break down one of those terms, permanent residency, and what it means to have it. Can I Get Permanent Residency Straight Away? One of the most common misconceptions is that you can obtain permanent residency in Portugal …

A bright and clear day view of a sprawling cityscape in Lisbon, Portugal, featuring numerous tightly packed buildings with red-tiled roofs. The city is set against a backdrop of rolling hills, with many clusters of buildings extending into the distance under a clear blue sky.

Are you dreaming of moving to Portugal but struggling to find suitable accommodation? Don’t worry: you’re not alone! For most residency visas (D7, Digital Nomad Visa, D2, D1, and D3), you’ll need proof of accommodation before you can even apply. Sounds a bit backwards, right? Well, that’s just how it works. But don’t fret – thousands of people do this every year. What Counts as “Suitable Accommodation”? Don’t worry, we’re here to help make the process a breeze! How to …

A picturesque scene of traditional, colorful houses with white walls and blue and yellow accents under a vibrant blue sky. Lush green plants and trees are in the foreground, and a cobblestone path leads to the houses, with a grassy field in the distance.

It might seem unusual to compare life in Mexico and Portugal, but it’s a common comparison for many Americans considering moving abroad, particularly for retirement. In the past, Mexico and other Latin American countries like Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador were where most Americans set their sights. Recently, however, more and more Americans have been looking for ways to move to Europe and Portugal has come into the limelight as a place Americans can easily move to. Both offering a …

Can You Apply for the D7 Visa With JUST Savings?

Living in Portugal VS the UK: What’s Different & What’s the Same?

Are Mosquitoes A Problem in Portugal?

What’s an Atestado De Residência?

What Insurance Do I Need for the D7 Visa?

Portugal VS Italy: Where Should Expats Choose to Live?

How to Move to Portugal from Australia

Portuguese Permanent Residency: What Actually Changes at the 5-Year Mark

What Are My Accommodation Options for the D7 Visa?

Portugal VS Mexico: Which is Better for Expats?