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/

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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

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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.

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🇵🇹 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.

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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/

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🌍 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/

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

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

👉 Start your journey: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

Thinking about moving to Portugal? Whether you're looking to leave the US, UK, or anywhere else — this is your go-to resource.

This comprehensive guide covers every legal route to living in Portugal, tailored for retirees, digital nomads, students, EU citizens, and entrepreneurs alike.

Get expert insights from top Portugal-based immigration lawyers. Each visa option is clearly explained, including detailed income and savings requirements.

Visas Covered

• The D7
• The Digital Nomad Visa (often called D8)
• The Golden Visa
• The D2
• The Startup Visa
• The D3
• The Tech Visa
• The D1
• Routes for EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
• Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
• D6 Visa (Family Members of Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens)
• Student Visa (D4)

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In this exciting episode of the Portugalist podcast, we speak to Kathleen Lo of Bordr.io, a company that can help you get a NIF number and open a Portuguese bank account. Kathleen discusses a little bit about how she ended up in Portugal as well as answers your burning questions about the NIF.

If you'd like more info about the NIF, you may also like this article on Portugalist: 4 Ways to Get a Portuguese NIF (Including Online)

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