Portuguese estate agents must be licensed and qualified, so ask to see their INCI certificate and AMI licence. With typical agent fees of more than 5%, private sales are common – look out for boards saying vende-se or para venda. By Christopher Nye Among Portugal’s largest online property portals are casa.sapo.pt and imovirtual.com, or a...

Portuguese mortgages follow different rules to those you may be used to in the UK or in the US. Here Mortgage Direct, a leading mortgage broker in Portugal, provide answers to the frequently asked questions from expats looking to take out a Portuguese mortgage. Written for Expat Network by Mortgage Direct ...

Now the UK has left the EU, work permits in Spain are more difficult to obtain and if you plan to retire to Spain you have to get a visa and demonstrate that you can financially support yourself. These more onerous requirements have ended the dreams of those who had planned to move or retire...

New data from overseas property portal Kyero.com has outlined the latest changes in the European overseas property market during Q2 2021, as the company highlights growing potential in France. Kyero’s European Overseas Property Market Tracker for Q2 2021 shows that: The south of France is particularly in demand with Alpes-Maritimes,...

Non-EU citizens who have not been granted residence in an EU country, who are planning to enter the EU (and other member countries) for a short visit will need a Schengen Visa. What are the options available and how do you apply? A Schengen visa allows you to enter any of...

Portugal is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most visited countries, thanks mainly to its affordability, ideal holiday weather, and unique attractions. Located on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal’s geography differs from green farmlands and ancient towns to gorgeous vineyards and mountains in the north to the Algarve’s sensational beaches in the south. Portugal’s...

In their annual report on house purchase and rental prices in Portugal Imovirtual have seen increases in the price of buying property in many areas but a reduction in rental prices. Here they set out the results for each area. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Imovirtual House Prices in Portugal House prices in...

How does your perfect day in retirement look? What about a morning spent exploring the local market, a lazy afternoon in the sun at the beach – just a short walk from home – and then sitting out in the balmy evening temperatures with good food and wine? For Brits who retire to Portugal, every...

As the Brexit debate in the UK continues to rage, with little clarity as to the practical implications of the country’s departure from the EU, many people simply want to understand what this means in terms of the everyday aspects of their lives. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Luis da Silva, Managing Director of...

Access to the Portuguese health system is based on residence. Everyone who’s registered as a resident can also register to access the Portuguese national health service (SNS) on the same basis as a Portuguese citizen. This is the same if you’re employed, self-employed or not working. Here we outline how expats can access healthcare in...

Portuguese customs require that the owner of goods be present in Portugal before your the shipment arrives for inspection, and that the shipment arrive no later than 90 days from the date of the owner’s arrival. All household effects and furniture belonging to those relocating to Portugal are admitted duty-free, if proof can be presented...

There are many financial issues that face those who are looking to move to Portugal. Many of these issues can be dealt with easily, provided you take advice from an expert in both Portuguese tax and tax law in your home country. Something that can save you tax in at home can have the opposite...