Portugalist - The Moving to Portugal Podcast

Where should you actually live in Portugal?

It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning a move, and it’s also one of the main reasons people get stuck. With so many towns, cities, and opinions out there, it’s easy to go round in circles and never feel confident enough to choose.

A lot of people start by comparing individual places, but that’s usually not the best way to do it. Before you look at specific towns or cities, it helps to figure out which region of Portugal suits you best.

In this episode, we break down Portugal region by region, looking at the Algarve, Lisbon and nearby areas, Central Portugal, Northern Portugal, the Alentejo, Madeira, and the Azores. We talk through the lifestyle, typical costs, advantages, drawbacks, and the kinds of people each region tends to suit best.

Once you’ve narrowed down the right region, choosing the right town or city becomes much simpler.

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The EU Long-Term Residency Permit allows you to live and work in most EU countries after just 5 years of residency in Portugal, without needing Portuguese citizenship. For many people, this completely reshapes the long-term plan of moving to Portugal.

🔥 Why this matters

Most newcomers assume the path is simple: temporary residency → Portuguese permanent residency → Portuguese citizenship. But there’s a lesser-known third option that grants access to much of the European Union in half the time.

The EU long-term residence permit (also known as EU long-stay status) offers many of the practical benefits associated with EU citizenship—freedom to live, work, and relocate across Europe—while you continue working toward Portuguese citizenship in the background.

📍 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The difference between Portuguese permanent residency and EU long-term residency
✅ How the EU long-term permit lets you access most EU countries after 5 years
✅ Why this option may be more useful than citizenship for some expats
✅ Which EU countries don’t participate
✅ How you can use this permit to move freely in the EU and still become a Portuguese citizen later

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Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

Portugal has just doubled its citizenship residency requirement—from 5 years to 10. So what does this actually mean for you? And is Portugal still worth considering as a place to live, retire, or base yourself in Europe?

In October 2025, Portugal’s parliament approved an increase in the residency requirement for citizenship: 10 years for most applicants, and 7 years for those from Portuguese-speaking countries (and the EU). It’s a major shift, but the real impact depends entirely on your circumstances.

In this episode, we break down what the changes mean for:

 ✅ Full-time residents on D7 or Digital Nomad visas
 ✅ Anyone whose main goal was an EU passport
 ✅ Workers planning to eventually move to higher-wage EU countries
 ✅ Families relocating with children
 ✅ Golden Visa investors

The bottom line? If you're moving to Portugal because you genuinely want to live there, not much has changed. But if you were relying on Portugal’s previous 5-year path to EU citizenship, you may need to rethink your strategy—especially since other countries with faster citizenship timelines may not offer residency visas that are as accessible or realistic as Portugal’s.

Like our content?

Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

Your Portugal scouting trip could be the most important trip you take this year—so let's make sure you do it right.

In this comprehensive episode, James Cave from Portugalist.com breaks down exactly how to plan a successful scouting trip to Portugal. This isn't tourist advice—this is a strategic reconnaissance mission for aspiring expats who want to figure out if Portugal is right for them, where they should live, and how to secure housing.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• The three critical questions your scouting trip must answer
• Why "near the coast" isn't specific enough (and how to narrow down your location list)
• How to create an efficient itinerary when Portugal has so many options
• What to research before you go versus what requires boots on the ground
• The biggest mistakes people make on their first scouting trip
• Why you should look at properties even if you're not ready to commit
• The truth about opening bank accounts and getting your NIF during your trip
• How to experience daily life (not just tourist life) in Portugal
• Whether you should drive or rely on public transport
• Why visiting during different seasons matters
• Real talk about what you can accomplish in one trip versus multiple visits

Perfect for: Anyone seriously considering a move to Portugal, whether you're a family looking for great schools, a retiree seeking affordable European living, a digital nomad wanting a home base, or anyone dreaming of a lifestyle change.

Like our content?

Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

What’s it really like to live in Silves — a medieval Algarve town with cobblestone streets, citrus groves, and a red sandstone castle overlooking it all? In this episode, Portugalist takes you on a virtual scouting trip to Silves, Portugal — a place where history meets sunshine, and expats are finding their dream lifestyle.

You’ll hear about the pros and cons of life in Silves, the cost of housing, what families and retirees can expect, and how daily life compares to Portugal’s busier coastal towns. From schools and healthcare to markets and restaurants, this episode will give you the insider’s perspective so you can decide if Silves could be your perfect home abroad.

Whether you’re considering retirement, raising a family overseas, or just dreaming about moving to Portugal, this episode paints a picture of life in one of the Algarve’s most charming and authentic towns.

For more info on living in Silves: https://www.portugalist.com/place/algarve/silves/ 

Like our content?

Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

Thinking about Portugal for your remote-work base? In this episode, we go beyond the Instagram reels to break down the real day-to-day—rents that bite, houses without heating, slow-moving bureaucracy, integration hurdles, language realities, taxes, and mixed local attitudes—alongside the reasons so many nomads still choose Portugal: lifestyle, safety, community, beaches, and a clear residency pathway.

What you’ll learn

• The Digital Nomad (D8) Visa in plain English—who it’s for and why it’s so popular
• The real cost of living (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira vs cheaper regions) and why your choices (flat whites, co-working, international restaurants) move the needle
• Housing realities: insulation, heating/AC, mould, noise—and how to spot liveable apartments
• Bureaucracy 101: why timelines slip, AIMA delays, renewals limbo, and when lawyers are worth it
• Taxes after NHR: what changed, why Portugal isn’t a tax haven, and the trade-offs for EU life
• Food & lifestyle: simple, tasty Portuguese staples vs. limited spice/variety—and where Lisbon/Porto shine
• Integration & language: why Portuguese is hard, why immersion is tricky for WFH nomads, and how to actually progress
• Local sentiment: housing pressures, bubbles vs. belonging, and how to be a good guest
• The upside: world-class nomad community, safety, family-friendly culture, beaches, surf, and the EU citizenship pathway

Who this episode is for

• Freelancers, founders, and remote employees weighing Portugal against Spain, Bali, Mexico, or Dubai
• Digital nomads looking to settle down
• Anyone eyeing the D8 (digital nomad) or D7 route and wanting the unvarnished picture
• Lisbon/Porto/Algarve/Madeira curious listeners who want lifestyle and logistics

Like our content?

Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

Thinking about moving to Portugal? In this episode of the Portugalist Virtual Scouting Trip series, James (creator of Portugalist.com
and author of Moving to Portugal Made Simple) takes you on an in-depth tour of Armação de Pêra, a small but lively coastal town in Portugal’s Algarve region.

You'll discover:

• What day-to-day life feels like in Armação de Pêra
• Why it’s more affordable (and more Portuguese) than nearby tourist hotspots
• Pros and cons of renting or buying property here
• What the weather's really like year-round
• The expat and local communities you’ll find
• Access to supermarkets, restaurants, healthcare, public transport, and international schools

James shares honest insights about the town's charm—and its shortcomings—so you can decide if this sun-drenched beach town could be your new home.

Whether you’re a retiree, expat family, or beach-loving remote worker, this episode gives you all the context you need to consider Armação de Pêra as your potential new hometown in Portugal.

Like our content?

Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

🇵🇹 Thinking about moving to Portugal and following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle? Choosing the right city can make a big difference.

We explore some of the most plant-based-friendly places in the country — from major cities to coastal towns — where it's easier to find vegan and vegetarian options in restaurants, shops, and everyday life.

Here are the top locations for vegans and vegetarians in Portugal:

🥗 Lisbon – The capital city offers a vibrant vegan scene, with countless restaurants, organic markets, and community events.
🥦 Porto – Portugal’s second-largest city has a growing plant-based culture and great access to vegan food, especially in the city center.
🌿 Braga – Known for its youthful energy and historical charm, Braga is increasingly catering to vegetarians and vegans.
🍅 Matosinhos – Just outside Porto, this coastal town offers a quieter lifestyle with easy access to vegan-friendly options.
🌱 Portimão – A sunny Algarve destination that’s becoming more welcoming to plant-based eaters.
🍋 Bonus: Coimbra – A university city with an emerging vegan scene and affordable living.

Like our content?

Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

→ Free Moving to Portugal Consultation: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

💰 No Passive Income? You Can Still Move to Portugal on the D7 Visa! 🇵🇹
In this episode, we uncover the truth about using savings (instead of passive income) for your D7 visa application — and what your options are if you don’t qualify.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

✅ The real likelihood of approval using only savings — with real-world examples
✅ How different consulates interpret financial requirements
✅ Smart alternatives that could be a perfect fit for your situation

Don’t risk getting rejected! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visa options for moving to Portugal without passive income.

→ Complete D7 Visa Guide: https://www.portugalist.com/d7-visa-residency/

Like our content?

Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

🌍 Planning a move to Portugal? You’ll need a Portuguese tax number (otherwise known as a NIF)! 🇵🇹

 👉 Let me save you some time...here's a list of all the different companies, how much they charge, and their delivery timeframes: https://www.portugalist.com/compare/nif-numbers/

If you’re thinking of living, working, opening a bank account, or renting a home in Portugal, your first step is getting a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — your Portuguese tax ID.

In this video, you’ll learn:

✅ What a NIF is and why it’s essential
✅ Three different ways to apply for one
✅ How to get your NIF online
✅ Answers to the most common NIF questions
✅ How to avoid paying for ongoing fiscal representation (if you don’t need it)

...and plenty more helpful tips along the way!

More info about the NIF can be found here: https://www.portugalist.com/nif-number-portugal/

Like our content?

Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat