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Today I’m joined by Morgan and Louie Silva, and we dive into their story of moving to Portugal. Louie was able to get citizenship through his family roots, which made the move a little quicker, while Morgan is still on her own journey toward citizenship as a spouse. We talk about what it’s been like navigating the AIMA process, the little cultural adjustments along the way, and of course, those fun “pinch me” moments that remind them why they chose Portugal. They also share how the expat community has supported them and why, believe it or not, living in a place without constant Amazon deliveries can actually be a good thing.

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A dynamic, resource-intense site for people moving to and living in Portugal. We are deeply international organization and a top informational resource.

AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum

The AIMA website is the official online portal for Portugal’s Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). It provides information and services related to visas, residency permits, asylum requests, immigrant integration, and other migration-related matters in Portugal.

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My much-anticipated AIMA appointment has been postponed! Instead of August, I’ll now be waiting until the end of October. It’s also been moved to Porto, not Viana do Castelo. In this episode, I share what this delay means for me: expired visas, travel restrictions, healthcare, taxes, and even the risk of moving apartments before my residency card arrives.

It’s frustrating, sure, but it’s also part of the process here in Portugal. I talk about why hiring a consultant is so valuable, the patience this journey requires, and how I’m choosing to set it aside for now and just enjoy daily life in Porto.

My Consultant: Ei! Migration Agency

We take care of everything from day one. All the pre departure arrangements, visas, documentations, bank accounts, transportation, health services or schools. All you need to live in Portugal.

AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum

The AIMA website is the official online portal for Portugal’s Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). It provides information and services related to visas, residency permits, asylum requests, immigrant integration, and other migration-related matters in Portugal.

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AUGUST 2025

Getting ready for my AIMA appointment meant double-checking every detail—bank statements, proof of income, lease agreement, and even my boarding pass. Thankfully, my consultant caught a small address issue before it could become a big headache. The meeting’s in Viana do Castelo, about an hour from Porto, so I’m making it an overnight trip. Hopefully, I’ll be celebrating that my residency permit is on its way… and enjoying a little time in one of Portugal’s prettiest coastal towns.

My Consultant: Ei! Migration Agency

We take care of everything from day one. All the pre departure arrangements, visas, documentations, bank accounts, transportation, health services or schools. All you need to live in Portugal.

AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum

The AIMA website is the official online portal for Portugal’s Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). It provides information and services related to visas, residency permits, asylum requests, immigrant integration, and other migration-related matters in Portugal.

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JULY 2025

In this episode, I walk you through the next big step in my move to Portugal—the VFS appointment and how I got my D7 visa approved.

I’ll share exactly what the appointment was like, how I prepared, what documents I needed, and how long it took to get approved. Plus, I talk about the unexpected bonus I got with my visa—an AIMA appointment already scheduled for me, which is rare!

If you’re going through the Portugal D7 visa process or planning to move to Portugal, this episode gives you a realistic look at the steps, the waiting period, and some helpful tips from my experience.

My Consultant: Ei! Migration Agency

We take care of everything from day one. All the pre departure arrangements, visas, documentations, bank accounts, transportation, health services or schools. All you need to live in Portugal.

AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum

The AIMA website is the official online portal for Portugal’s Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). It provides information and services related to visas, residency permits, asylum requests, immigrant integration, and other migration-related matters in Portugal.

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JULY 2025

In this episode, I share the story of how I went from five years of nonstop travel to finally deciding to settle down in Portugal—specifically, in Porto. I talk about why I chose Portugal, what made Porto feel like home, and how I started the process of applying for the D7 passive income visa.

If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, curious about life in Porto, or want to understand what it takes to start the D7 visa process, this episode is for you.

My Consultant: Ei! Migration Agency

We take care of everything from day one. All the pre departure arrangements, visas, documentations, bank accounts, transportation, health services or schools. All you need to live in Portugal.

AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum

The AIMA website is the official online portal for Portugal’s Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). It provides information and services related to visas, residency permits, asylum requests, immigrant integration, and other migration-related matters in Portugal.

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APRIL 2025

After months of waiting, it finally happened — my Portuguese visa was approved! In this episode, I share the emotional highs and lows of April: flying back to the U.S. to finalize paperwork, returning to Portugal with visa in hand, and soaking up a few last memorable moments in Albania before leaving. From a powerful mural of Mother Teresa to a surprising statue of Woodrow Wilson, I reflect on the beauty of unexpected travel discoveries — and what it feels like to finally call Portugal home.

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In this episode:

• The moment my Portuguese visa was officially approved
• Why I had to fly back to the U.S. (again) to finish the process
• Returning to Portugal — and what this new chapter means to me
• A powerful mural of Mother Teresa in the heart of Tirana
• The surprising story behind Woodrow Wilson’s statue in Albania
• Launching www.filmmakingportugal.com and what’s ahead for my creative journey

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Mother Teresa and Albania

A quiet moment in Tirana: a mural of Mother Teresa stopped me in my tracks.
 Painted with grace and strength, her presence felt like peace in the middle of the city. No guidebook could’ve prepared me for that feeling. Just one of those travel moments that lingers.

President Woodrow Wilson

One of the most unexpected sights in Tirana is a statue of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson — top hat and all — standing proudly in the center of the city. It turns out that after World War I, Wilson played a key role in defending Albania’s independence at the Paris Peace Conference. The country never forgot. It's one of those fascinating travel moments that reminds you just how interconnected our histories really are.

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MARCH 2025

Hey everyone—checking in from Albania! This month’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I finally moved into my new place in Porto (which felt amazing), but then had to leave Portugal until my visa is approved. Cue the Great Travel Shuffle: Porto > Madrid > Tirana > Frankfurt > US > Frankfurt > Porto. So. Many. Flights.

But you know what? Tirana—and especially the Blloku neighborhood—continues to surprise me. It's my third time here and there's always more history to discover. From strong espressos and people-watching to powerful pieces of history tucked around every corner, it’s been a unique little chapter.

In this episode, I’m talking about the highs, the hectic moments, the history, and what it’s like living out of a suitcase while craving a little stillness. If you’ve ever felt that mix of wanderlust and wanting to just hang your clothes up for once—you’ll get it.

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In this episode:

• Moving into my Porto Apartment (for a quick minute)
• Pack, Unpack, Repack and back to Tirana
• Enver Hoxha's Home: 40 years of communist rule
• Postbllok Memorial
• Looking forward to my return to Porto

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Former Residence of Enver Hoxha

Right in the heart of Tirana is a quiet villa that once belonged to Enver Hoxha, Albania’s longtime communist leader. For decades, the entire area around it—now known as Blloku—was completely off-limits, guarded by police and secret agents. It was basically a wall-less fortress for the regime’s elite, hidden in plain sight. Today, it’s one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods, but that history still lingers.

Postbllok Memorial

One of the most powerful spots in Tirana is the Postbllok Memorial—a small but impactful installation created by former political prisoner Fatos Lubonja and artist Ardian Isufi. It features concrete beams from Spaç Prison, part of a military bunker, and a piece of the Berlin Wall gifted by the city of Berlin. Each element tells a story of Albania’s past under dictatorship and its long road to freedom.

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February 2025

This month was a whirlwind! I started in Portimão, soaking up the Algarve sun (when it wasn’t cloudy) before making a long trek back to the U.S. for my visa appointment. After trains, flights, and plenty of travel days, I finalized everything, spent time with family, and made it back to Porto—officially moving into my new apartment! Now, it’s all about getting settled before a quick trip back to Albania while I wait for my residency. The journey continues—join me for the adventure!

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In this episode:

• Last days in Portimão, Portugal
• Slow travel back to the U.S. for my visa appointment
• Finalizing my Portugal visa process and spending time with family
• Back to Porto, then onward to Albania
• Looking forward to expat life in Portugal

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JANUARY 2025

It’s a new year and a new season for the podcast! A big thanks to those of you who tune in regularly and those who drop by for an episode that catches your interest.

This year is shaping up to be different—probably less travel and more focus on settling into life in Porto, Portugal. But that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped exploring! I kicked off the year by heading south to the Algarve, trading Porto’s northern charm for the beach vibes of Portimão. And let me tell you—the contrast between the two couldn’t be more striking.

Being here has made me realize just how connected I feel to Porto. Portimão is beautiful, especially Praia da Rocha beach, and I can only imagine how packed it gets in the summer. But for me? It’s a great place to visit—not home.

This month wasn’t just about travel, though. I tackled some big visa-related tasks—getting fingerprints done at the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, opening a bank account, and moving through the process step by step. It’s exciting, a little nerve-wracking, but all part of the adventure.

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In this episode:

• Traveling the distance of Portugal
• Life in Portimão
• Museu de Portimão
• Praia da Rocha Beach

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Museu de Portimão
The Museu de Portimão brings the rich history of Portimão to life inside a restored sardine canning factory. From prehistoric artifacts and Roman trade routes to the rise of the fishing industry, the museum showcases the region’s past through immersive exhibits.

Praia da Rocha – Portugal’s Stunning Coastal Escape
Praia da Rocha is one of the Algarve’s most breathtaking beach destinations. With its endless golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, this spot is perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

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DECEMBER 2024

I’m back in Western Europe, and it feels great to be in Porto—a city that feels like home. This month, I’m reflecting on the cultural contrasts between Turkey’s authenticity, Albania’s Western touches, and the peaceful charm of Porto. From revisiting the Clérigos Tower and taking in breathtaking views from the cable car to finding creative energy in an improv class, it’s been an amazing end to this year.

I’m also sharing some big news about 2025: I’ve started the process to call Portugal my permanent home. After five years as a digital nomad, I’m ready to slow down, build deeper connections, and focus on doing meaningful work that I love. Tune in for my reflections, stories, and what’s next on this exciting journey.

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In this episode:

• Eastern Europe vs. Western Europe
• Loving Porto
• Clérigos Tower
• Gaia Cable Car Ride
• Improv Class on a Sunday afternoon
• Christmas in Porto, Portugal
• Moving to Porto, Portugal with a D7 Visa

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Clérigos Tower
There is no shortage of good reasons to visit the Tower, Museum and Church of the Clérigos! What is the Port seen from the sky? At the top of the Clérigos Tower you can admire the best and unforgettable 360o view of the undefeated. Get to know the Museum of Clérigos, which has a collection consisting of cultural assets of artistic value, and the Baroque-inspired Clérigos Church, by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni.

Gaia Cable Car Ride
Ride alongside the Douro, enjoying the serenity of the river, looking down on the emblematic beauty of the historic area of Porto and the characteristic roofs of the Port wine lodges in Gaia. Take this unique journey and enjoy the view over both banks and the Luís I Bridge.

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