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12 Best Things to do In Porto

Lara Silva
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12 Best Things to do In Porto

The second-largest city in Portugal, over 1 million tourists visit Porto every year. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Porto is both a historically rich and cosmopolitan city that lies along the Douro River. Home to Port wine, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and the stunning Ribeira district, Porto is not lacking in activities to experience. But like any major European city, if you’re looking for a once in a lifetime trip, you need to know how to avoid the “tourist trap” attractions. Luckily, we have selected the 12 best things to do in Porto so that you know exactly where to go on your next trip to Northern Portugal.

1. Explore the world’s most iconic bookstore in the world

One of the oldest bookstores in the world, founded in 1906, Lello bookstore is part of the historical heritage of Porto. Many would argue this is the most iconic bookstore in the world, with huge literary figures finding refuge in its walls. The Guardian has ranked Lello as the third best bookstore in the world. The bookstore’s exterior has Neo-Gothic and Art Noveau elements and the two-story interior reflects Art Deco elements.

The ample staircase takes center stage, as well as the stained glass window on the ceiling. Around 300,000 books are sold from this book shop each year. Visitors would be able to enter the Lello bookstore for free, but of around 4,000 visits a day, less than 5% would purchase a book. Since then, you must buy a ticket to enter that costs €5.

Photo by Marina SCISSOR (Flickr)

2. Visit Palácio da Bolsa – the Stock Exchange Palace

Built in the nineteenth century by Porto’s Commercial Association, the Palácio da Bolsa used to function as a stock exchange. Located in the historical center of Porto, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, today it’s open to the public and hosts important visitors such as Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. The inside of the palace features furniture by the architect  José Marques da Silva and sculptures by the famous sculptor Teixeira Lopes. The most famous room is the “Arab Room” built between 1862 and 1880 and decorated in the Moorish Revival style. Today, this room is used as a hall for prestigious visitors to Porto like heads of state. Buy an entry ticket to visit the place for €10.

Buy tickets to the Palacio da Bolsa

3. Take a day trip to the World Heritage Site of the Douro Valley

Home to the Douro River, the third largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro Valley was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the early 2000s. Departing from Porto and ending in Spain, the Douro river flows in the middle of the Douro Valley, a cultural landscape of vineyards where Douro wines are grown and produced. A once in a lifetime experience, the Douro Valley is the location of romantic getaways, weddings, and unforgettable family vacations.

Visiting the Douro Valley is quite expensive by Portuguese standards, but it’s worth it if you do it right. The best way to visit the Douro Valley is by hiring a private car transfer or renting a car as transportation is scarce in the area, especially if you want to visit multiple vineyards for wine tastings. Alternatively, we recommend booking a Douro vineyard “hopping” tour so that you can experience a variety of locations.

Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi (Unsplash)

For a unique experience, book this river cruise from Porto where you will get to stop at various wineries for tastings, with lunch included. Our favorite vineyards to visit are Quinta da Roêda (Pinhão), Quinta do Crasto (Sabrosa), and Quinta do Seixo (Valença do Douro).

Quinta da Roêda does not just offer Port wine tastings, but also, visits to the vineyards, picnics, workshops, and more. You can explore the gorgeous vineyard with a guided tour and have a tasting of three wines for only €12 per person. Their packages go up to €44 per person for a larger number and variety of wines.

Quinta do Crasto is included in the Top 20 of the World’s Best Vineyards, winning 16th place in 2021. The wine tasting here lasts around 90 minutes where you get to taste 5 of their wines, visit the wine cellars, and more for €29 per person.

Quinta do Seixo has over 100 hectares and is one of the most traditional wine-producing estates in the region. Their cheapest visit is €15 for a 40-minute tour of the winery and tasting of 2 port wines. Their most luxurious option is a 3-hour picnic in the vineyard where you can taste their wines and enjoy Douro cuisine for €40 per person (only available from March to October).

Book a Douro vineyard experience

4. Swim in the Matosinhos beach

Only 8 kilometers from the city center, Matosinhos is a fishing town, perfect for a sunny day at the beach. Only a 20-minute drive from Porto, Praia de Matosinhos is the largest beach close to Porto. From surfing to relaxing at a beach bar, as well as lifeguards on-site, the facilities at this beach are great for a family day at the beach. The best time to go is between June and August during the week. Avoid the weekends as it will be overly crowded during this time.

Photo by Pedro Menezes (Unsplash)

After a dip in the sea, you must explore the seafood culture in this fishing town. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Matosinhos are TITO 2 (around €40 for two people), A Marisqueira de Matosinhos (around €50 for two people), and Marisqueria A Antiga (around €70 for two people).

Book Matosinhos surf experience

5. Picnic in the Crystal Palace Gardens

Inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, the Crystal Palace in Porto was inaugurated in 1865 but later demolished in 1951 to build a sports pavilion. Set on a hilltop, the Crystal Palace gardens remain on-site, with about 8 hectares of green space with views of the River Douro.

Only a 15-minute walk from the center, you will find the gorgeous landscaped gardens with walking paths, fountains, sculptures, and trees. Landscaped by German Émille David in the nineteenth century, the Crystal Palace Gardens are the best spot in the city for a picnic, as well as a short stroll. Buy some wine and cheese from a closeby grocery store and enjoy the view of the river from the gardens.

6. Enjoy the architecture of the Casa da Musica

Designed by the architect Rem Koolhaas, Casa da Musica is an iconic concert hall in the historical center of Porto built in 2005. The building was constructed to mark the festive year of 2001 when Porto was designated the European Capital of Culture. Casa da Musica hosts exciting events with concerts by the Symphony Orchestra and more, from every music genre. Although a tour of the inside costs €10, the best part of this place is the exterior. You can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant on the top floor, providing a view of the center. We also recommend booking a ticket for a concert, as this is a unique experience in such a remarkable building.

Photo by Catarina Monteiro (Unsplash)

7. Taste traditional Porto cuisine

You can’t go to Porto without experiencing the traditional cuisine of Porto. With more affordable prices than Lisbon, Porto is the perfect place for a foodie looking to experience authentic Portuense restaurants. There are a few dishes that are definite must-tries. The top dish is a francesinha, a ham, sausage, and steak sandwich with melted cheese and spiced tomato and beer-based sauce, as well as fries on the side. Our favorite spots for a francesinha are Casa Guedes and the Tasquinha Ze Povinho.

Francesinha. Photo by Siegfy (Flickr)

We recommend also trying the following dishes:

  • Tripas à moda do Porto: A century-old heavy meat-based dish with beans, carrots, steak, veal, and pork stomach
  • Sandes de pernil: a roast pork butt sandwich with mountain cheese
  • Bacalhau à brás: shredded codfish with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and onions
  • Caldo verde: green vegetable soup with sausage
  • Alheira: sausage made from chicken, turkey, or duck

    Bacalhau à brás. Photo by MollySVH (Flickr)
  • Broa de Avintes: brown bread from Porto
  • Tarde de amendoa: almond tart from Douro
  • Sardinhas assadas: sardines paired with potatoes, peppers, and salad
  • Cachorrinho: Porto style hot dog with spicy sauce
  • Cozido à Portuguesa: heavy meat stew with carrots, cabbage, onions, and potatoes

Book a food experience in Porto

8. Climb the Clérigos Tower

Built in 1763 by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, the Clérigos Tower offers a panoramic view of the historical center of Porto. At 75 meters high, visitors can climb 225 steps to the top of the tower which is worth the workout. We recommend going at night when there are fewer tourists and you get a glittering light view of the buildings, as the tower is open until 11 PM. The tower is built on a Roman Catholic church with baroque motifs from the seventeenth century which you can visit for free. To visit the Clérigos Tower, book this entrance ticket to skip the line through a separate entrance.

Book a ticket to skip the line at Clerigos Tower

9. Try some Port wine

Port wine is a Porto classic. Also known as vinho do Porto, Port wine is a sweet red wine produced in the Douro Valley that is usually served with dessert, at the end of a meal. You’ll find many spots for a Port wine tasting in Porto, as well as Vila Nova de Gaia, a 10-minute drive from Porto.

Photo by L E (Unsplash)

It’s important to know where to go as with Port wine, you must focus on quality over quantity. We recommend booking this experience where along with a Port wine tasting, you will get to enjoy an intimate acoustic performance of traditional Fado in the center of Porto.

Book a Port wine tasting

10. Walk the Dom Luis I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia

The iconic Dom Luis I bridge connects the Ribeira distinct of Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro river. This metal arch bridge was built in 1886 by designer Théophile Seyrig who cofounded the Eiffel company and one was the longest of its type at the time. You can walk across the bridge which is 60 meters high, on the upper level of the bridge on the pedestrian walkway. Walking through the 1-kilometer bridge, you will have one of the best views of the Douro river, as well as easy access to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Photo by Marco Varisco (Flickr)

Vila Nova de Gaia is known for its port wine cellars, as well as a cable car that opened in 2011 and rides up and down the south bank of the Douro. You should also visit the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a sixteenth-century monastery with sculptures of the saints Augustine, Apollonia, and Eulalia. For a Port wine tasting, visit Caves Ferreira or Ramos Pinto, some of the most popular in the area.

Book an experience in Vila Nova de Gaia

11. Explore the Ribeira district

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ribeira is a picturesque neighborhood in Porto, situated on the riverbank of the Douro. The riverfront district of Ribeira is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll during the day. At night, Ribeira comes alive with lively bars and restaurants overlooking the river, as well as Dom Luis I bridge and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Photo by Pedro (Flickr)

We recommend having some Portuguese tapas by the river at Jimão Tapas e Vinhos. For one of the best views in Ribeira, ride the Elevator of Ribeira that connects the port to a part of the neighborhood called Barredo.

Book a private tour of Ribeira

12. Take some shots of Insta-worthy azulejo tiles

Azulejo tiles are an iconic part of Porto‘s cultural heritage and let’s be honest, are a great backdrop for a selfie. There are plenty of places across the city where you can find azulejo tiles. Our favorite place is at Porto’s cathedral from the eighteenth century where inside the cloisters you will find stunning white and blue ajulezo tiles. You will also find over 20,000 ajulezo tiles at São Bento Railway Station, made by Jorge Colaço. His tiles cover an area of over 500 square meters in the interior of the station, depicting moments of Portuguese history such as the Discoveries.

Photo by Ray in Manila (Flickr)

You will also find Colaço’s tiles at the Church of Saint Ildefonso built in 1739, with over 11,000 white and blue tiles decorating the exterior. Other great places to find Portuguese ajulezo tiles in Porto are Casa da Musica and Ribeira Negra panel.

⬇️Please share your favorite activities and things to do in Porto in the comments below ⬇️

More than 10,000 Ukrainian refugees arrive in Portugal in the last three weeks

Lara Silva
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More than 10,000 Ukrainian refugees arrive in Portugal in the last three weeks

In the last three weeks, over 10,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Portugal. Publico reported that this amount is almost equal to the number of refugees, of all countries, that Portugal welcomed since 2015. In the last seven years, 10,927 refugees from different countries arrived to find refuge in Portugal. In the last 3 weeks, 10,068 Ukrainian refugees arrived to flee the Russian invasion.

Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced at the beginning of the invasion that all Ukrainians with family, friends, and acquaintances in Portugal were welcome. Ukrainian refugees have made use of the measures implemented by the government to fast-track the asylum process.

The Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) launched an online platform on Monday to simplify the processing of bringing Ukrainians to safety in Portugal under a temporary protection regime. A task force has been created to help Ukrainian refugees find employment and housing and children have been allocated schools to attend. Ukrainian refugees are automatically given a national health service number, a social security number, and a VAT identification number (NIF).

Donate to the ICRC to help Ukraine

Portugal D2 Visa: Portugal’s Entrepreneur Visa

Lara Silva
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Portugal D2 Visa: Portugal’s Entrepreneur Visa

What is the Portugal D2 Visa?

The Portugal D2 Visa allows entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent service providers to reside in Portugal. The Portuguese government started this visa in order to raise external resources and investments to grow the Portuguese economy. This visa only applies to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to start a business or relocate their existing business to Portugal. You can also choose to invest in an existing business in Portugal. The Portugal D2 Visa is less known than the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa but can be a viable route to permanent residency and citizenship for those looking to work for themselves in Portugal.

Guide to Portugal Visas

Portugal D2 Visa Requirements

If you are an entrepreneur, freelancer, or independent service provider from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland looking to reside in Portugal, you might be eligible for a Portugal D2 Visa. You must show that you either have set up a company operating in Portuguese territory or that you have the financial resources in Portugal that demonstrate you can set up a company in Portugal. You can obtain these financial resources through a proof of loan from a Portuguese bank. There is no official amount that you need, but the recommended amount is at least €5,000.

You will also need to show that you have enough money to sustain yourself. For yourself as the main applicant, you must have 100% of the minimum salary which is €8,460 per year. For a spouse, you must add 50% to this (€4,230) and for a dependent child, you must add 30% to this (€2,538). Therefore, for a couple with one child, you would need around €15,300 a year to be eligible for the D2 visa.

Applicants must also produce a solid business plan that will be reviewed for its social, economic, and cultural impact. This plan should prove that your business will thrive and lead to economic growth.

Lastly, applicants must explain in their application why they have chosen Portugal as their business location. Rather than just focusing on the cost of living and climate, essentially why the country would be positive for you, also focus on how your company will impact Portugal and satisfy the needs of the population. It might be that you will be creating multiple jobs in Portugal or solving a particular issue that has not yet been addressed in the country.

What are the Benefits of the Portugal D2 Visa?

1. Visa Exemption

The Portugal D2 Visa allows you to enter Portugal and the Schengen area (26 EU countries). You can circulate freely without a visa. The D2 visa essentially grants you the travel rights of all European Union citizens. This is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to travel through Europe to network and build corporate connections.

2. Family Perks

You don’t need to leave your family behind with the D2 Visa. This visa allows for family reunification where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you. This means that a partner, children under 18, dependent children over 18 that are studying, parents, and minor siblings. From getting permanent residence to tax incentives, family reunification grants all the same rights to your family. You will have to prove your relationship to any family members included in the program.

3. Permanent Residence: Does the Portugal D2 Visa Lead to Residence?

Yes! Right after receiving your D2 Visa, you have to book an appointment with the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) to obtain a residency permit. Your D2 Visa is only valid for 120 days, but if you carry proof that you have booked this appointment, you are good to go. You will renew your residency until the 5-year mark when you can apply for permanent residency.

4. Citizenship: Does the Portugal D2 Visa Lead to Citizenship?

You can become a Portuguese citizen after 5 years of legal residency. To do so, you need to learn Portuguese and obtain an A2 Portuguese language certificate, have a clean criminal record, and provide documents such as proof of a Portuguese bank account.

5. Tax Incentives: Non-Habitual Tax Regime

Guide to NHR Tax Regime

With a Portugal Golden Visa, Portugal D7 Visa, and Portugal D2 Visa, you can become a non-habitual resident (NHR) and enjoy the incentives of this fiscal regime. This tax regime allows you to transfer your tax residency to the country. To be eligible, you cannot have been taxed in Portugal during the five years before the application. However, this does not apply to corporate tax.

Here are the benefits of this tax regime:

  • You can be eligible to not pay ANY tax on pensions, rental income, real estate gains, and income from non-Portuguese sources if your country has a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with Portugal. You would instead pay taxes in your country of origin. The UK, USA, and many more countries have a DTA with Portugal where this is the case.
  • If your pension income is taxed in Portugal, it will be at a flat rate of 10%, including retirement savings and insurance.
  • Income from “high value-added activities” in Portugal is taxed at 20%. This includes employment and self-employment income from activities of scientific, artistic, or technical character performed in Portugal. Still, you will pay the same income tax as ordinary tax residents for other types of domestic income.
  • You will only be taxed on your worldwide income after the first 10 years of residence.
  • Foreign interest, dividends, rents, and property capital gains can be exempted from taxation.
  • You will not pay an inheritance or wealth tax.

Corporate Tax & Social Security Tax in Portugal

HOWEVER, this will apply to you as a resident, but not a registered company and you will have to pay the regular corporate tax (IRC) in Portugal. The corporate tax in the Portuguese mainland is 21%, while the first €25,000 of taxable profit for small and medium-sized companies is taxed at 17%. The corporate tax rate is lower for Madeira (20%) and the Azores (16.8%). You will also need to pay the social security tax (TSU) for your employees when you pay their salary. Companies pay 23.75% TSU for each monthly wage, while an extra 11% comes directly from the employee’s salary. Therefore, for a €2,000 monthly salary, your company will pay €475 a month for social security, while the employee will pay €220.

Who can get a Portugal D2 Visa?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent services providers can apply for a Portugal D2 Visa. An applicant must show that they either have set up a company operating in Portuguese territory or that they have the financial resources in Portugal that demonstrate they can set up a company in Portugal.

Life After Brexit: Why Should UK Nationals Apply for a Portugal D2 Visa?

UK entrepreneurs who can longer access the European market are in luck with the Portugal D2 Visa. You can apply for permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 5 years, effectively gaining back the rights lost after Brexit. From traveling through the Schengen area and being able to reside and work in any EU country, the D2 Visa will make your post-Brexit life much easier.

Portugal D2 Visa: Cryptocurrency

Many crypto traders are making use of Portuguese residency visas such as the Portugal D2 Visa due to the crypto laws in Portugal, or lack thereof. Portugal is a crypto tax haven, one of the last ones in Europe. While in countries like the US, anyone who sells cryptocurrency must pay a capital gains tax of up to 37%, this is nonexistent in Portugal. Moving to Portugal signified maximizing your crypto gains with 0 percent taxation. You will pay zero capital gains tax and income tax, as well as no VAT on crypto when exchanging it to fiat currency. While many were unsure about these regulations, the Portuguese Tax & Customs Authority (PTA) officially announced in 2019 that buying or selling cryptocurrency in Portugal is tax-free. This is because crypto is viewed as a form of payment, rather than an asset. However, businesses that provide services related to cryptocurrency are taxed on their gains between 28% and 25%. If you trade crypto as your primary income source, as your main profession, you will also need to pay this tax. It can get quite tricky to determine whether this is the case so be sure to contact a tax advisor in Portugal. A professional will look at your profit and frequency of trade to determine if this is the case.

Take a look at our guide to cryptocurrency in Portugal here.

why is portugal a crypto friendly country

Portugal D2 Visa: Healthcare in Portugal

When applying for the D2 Visa, you will need to purchase health insurance for your stay in Portugal. Once you become a resident, you can access the Public Health Care System (SNS) without insurance by registering with your local health care center. Established in 1979, all Portuguese citizens and foreign residents have access to the SNS and it is mostly free. It has improved massively in the last decade, making the 13th spot for the best healthcare in Europe in 2018 under the Euro Health Consumer Index. Almost all services are free in the SNS, but you might still need to pay for specific exams, no more than €5 to €20. However, children under 18 and those over 65 do not pay any fees, as all services are completely free. From maternity care to psychiatric care, the SNS provides a wide range of services.

You can also choose to purchase private insurance and access the private system.  Health insurance prices range from €300 to €1,000 a year, depending on the company and other personal factors such as your age. The SNS does not offer dental care so having private insurance could be beneficial.

Portugal D2 Visa Steps & Application Process: How to Get a D2 Visa

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Galp will increase electricity and natural gas prices

Lara Silva
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Galp will increase electricity and natural gas prices

The multinational energy corporation Galp, headquartered in Portugal, will raise its electricity and natural gas prices on April 15. Natural gas could rise by 3 euros and electricity could rise by 2 euros, according to CNN Portugal. Galp told CNN that the new prices reflect the cost to acquire energy in line with the price increases in the international market.

Energy prices are at an all-time high as governments face an energy crisis. The increase in prices is linked to the war in Ukraine, leading to prices ten times higher than those at the beginning of 2021, according to Publico.

The war in Ukraine and the economic sanctions in Russia have also led countries to the brink of a food crisis, including Portugal. Wheat prices have increased massively as Russia and Ukraine account for 30% of wheat exports globally. The price of bread is set to continue to rise exponentially in Portugal. Fertilizer prices are also at an all-time high without Russian exports, as well as due to the increase in natural gas price, an ingredient necessary to produce nitrogen-based fertilizers. Vehicle fuel continues to rise as well, as gasoline prices have already reached over 2 euros a liter in Portugal. 

Donate to the ICRC to help Ukraine

⬇️Please share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️

Lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in Portugal now unlikely to happen in April

Lara Silva
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Lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in Portugal now unlikely to happen in April

While Portugal was set to lift all Covid-19 restrictions on April 3, this is likely to be postponed as cases continue to rise. Researcher Miguel Castanho told CNN Portugal on Friday that the government should postpone lifting Covid-19 restrictions in order to avoid a sixth wave in the winter.

He says that not only is this postponement “inevitable” but a worsening of the situation could lead to reinstating older measures that the country has now abandoned. The researcher states that controlling the pandemic and making sure the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths is very low during the spring and summer is necessary so that the virus is circulating at a low level during autumn.

The Covid-19 pandemic is worsening due to the new BA.2 variant of Omicron that is dominant in Portugal. Researcher Miguel Castanho has said that Omicron BA.2 is not necessarily more severe than Omicron BA.1 but that it can lead to the inefficiency of antibodies, even for those vaccinated or who have tested positive previously.

The transmissibility index (Rt) reached 1,09, as of the end of last week. The Rt indicates how many people an individual can infect in a given time, which is rising under the new variant and could potentially result in a sixth wave, according to the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST).

The Directorate-General of Health of Portugal has decided to no longer publish daily COVID-19 cases and deaths. Rather, they will be publishing the data on a weekly basis. An “open house” strategy for vaccination has also been established. Those over 18 without a COVID-19 booster, those over 12 without the first COVID-19 dose, and those over 50 without a booster against the flu can get vaccinated without an appointment.

Entering Portugal: Covid Restrictions & Current Measures

Socialist Party’s proposal approved in Lisbon: Free reusable period products provided to public school students

Lara Silva
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Socialist Party’s proposal approved in Lisbon: Free reusable period products provided to public school students

The Municipal Assembly of Lisbon approved on Tuesday a proposal by the Socialist Party (PS) to distribute free reusable period products in public schools to students. This measure is meant to combat period poverty, as well as promote sustainable practices. Reusable pads and cups will be distributed to over 100 public schools in Lisbon. In addition, the proposal passed urges for the start of campaigns that combat disinformation and stigma surrounding menstruation. Lisbon is the first city in Portugal to enact such a measure to combat period poverty.

The far-right party Enough (Chega) and the center-right party Liberal Initiative (IL) voted against the measure, along with a member of the Christian center-right party CDS-PP. The following parties voted in favor of the measure: the Socialist Party (PS), the Left Bloc (BE), the Communist Party (PCP), People-Animals-Nature (PAN), Free (Livre), and two independents of the PS/Free coalition in Lisbon.

CDS-PP, Enough (Chega), and the Liberal Initiative (IL) believe this proposal is discriminatory, a response that has angered many on social media. A member of the Liberal Initiative (IL), Angelique de Teresa told TSF that this measure creates an “apartheid” within the public sector, discriminating against students in private schools. She believes period products should be accessible to all by reducing prices in supermarkets. A member of the far-right party Enough (Chega), Patricia Branco also believes the measure is discriminatory by excluding private school students and even stated that it excludes men who need to purchase shaving products.

The party Free (Livre) who votes in favor hopes that the distribution of period products will be conducted inclusively by including transgender students. The party is also urging for an improvement in education surrounding menstruation to combat period stigma. People-Animals-Nature (PAN), another party that voted in favor of the measure hopes that this measure will be extended to other sections of the population, such as women who are facing homelessness.

Take a look at our article on the Portuguese Political System to find out about the democratic process in Portugal.

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Douro Wine

Goncalo Costa
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Douro Wine

The Douro Wine Region is located surrounding the Douro River, passing through the regions of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro.

The region is a very mountainous one, with the vineyards being located on the margins of the river, on very steep hills that have been prepared for this production. The mountains protect its climate from the influence of the coastal weather, with its rain and winds, creating a good climate for wine production.

The region produces the world-renowned Port wine, Queen’s Elizabeth digestif, but we may not disregard the table wine produced here, known simply as “Douro wines”, and are considered of really excellent quality.

As the Vinho Verde region, the Douro is considered a DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada or Controlled Origin Denomination), the highest classification for a region of wine in Portugal. Besides this, it is a Protected Designation of Origin both under EU and UK law and it is a Geographical Indication in several other countries which have signed agreements with Portugal.

As for the wine style produced here, it ranges from light, Bordeaux-style claret to rich Burgundian-style wines aged in new oak. The red wines are considered the most elegant of Portugal.

If you are looking for a good fortified wine for a digestif or for a good meal wine, a Douro wine is always a great option.

Portuguese Wine

History of Douro Wine

It is thought that wine has been made in the region for a while, with grape seeds being found in ancient archaeological sites in the Douro region, but the oldest archaeological evidence for the production of wine there dates back to the 3rd and 4th centuries, at the time of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

This continued to the Medieval Ages, with the Order of Cistercians, a Catholic religious order, in the 12th century, having a big influence on the region’s winemaking, since they produced it in their monasteries.

500 years later, the region’s vineyards were much bigger and we find the first known mention of Port wine, dating back to 1675. A few years later, the famous Methuen Treaty between Portugal and England happened, leading to the creation of several British Port wine companies in Porto. Port wine, thus, became a primary product of the region and increasingly important to the economy of Portugal.

In 1756, a royal charter defined the region for the production of Port wine, as a part of the production and trade regulation of this important part of the economy. This way, it became the third wine region in the world to have a formal legal demarcation zone, after the Tokaj-Hegyalja region in Hungary, created in 1730, and Chianti, in Italy, in 1716. At the time, the region only included the western part of the current region and it progressively expanded to the east.

In the 19th century, some vine diseases attacked the area, like powdery mildew (oidium), in 1852, and Phylloxera, in 1863.

As for table wine, it was always produced in the region, but for a long time, it was mainly sold inside it. The farms in the region were focused on the production and export of only Port wine since it was the unique regional product for the external buyers and these had little interest in the other wines produced there. Even though the wines were of good quality, this discouraged the producers from using their grapes to produce table wine of better quality.

This was until Fernando Nicolau de Almeida, an oenologist of the Ferreira Port house, decided to create his own table wine. For this, he visited Bordeaux during World War II to gain inspiration. Finally, in 1952, the wine Barca Velha was first produced on the Quinta do Vale de Meão in the Douro Superior sub-region.

At first, it was hard getting people to buy it outside of Portugal since most Port houses continued to produce Port wine. But in the 70s, some Douro table wines started to appear, and finally, in the 90s there was a boom, mainly due to Portugal entering the EEC (European Economic Community, now the European Union) and the Port houses monopoly losing their monopoly on the Douro valley. This made so that new producers started to invest in the region and make their own wines and the Port houses started to have table wines on their shelves.

In 2001, this region became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Grapes of Douro

Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi on Unsplash

The main grape varieties in this region are:

  • Red Grapes: Bastardo, Mourisco tinto, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão, Tinta Roriz (the same as Spain’s Tempranillo), Touriga Francesa and Touriga Nacional
  • White Grapes: Donzelinho branco, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, and Viosinho

In the old days, the grape varieties were not that well studied, with the norm being mixed varieties plantations since the farmers didn’t know which grape varieties they were growing.

However, in the 1970s, the Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Cão, and Tinta Barroca were identified as the best red wine grape varieties. This was very important since the producers now knew what type of grapes to use to get better quality wines. This gave rise to better Douro wines, including the very well-known Port wines. Nowadays, most of the great quality productions cultivate single-variety vineyards and focus on specific varieties, as to be specialized in those. But you can still find mixed production in the old vineyards, which still continue to produce.

The Region and Climate of Douro

The Douro region is, as the name implies, around the Douro river valley, as well as on the valleys of the Douro tributaries of Varosa, Corgo, Távora, Torto, and Pinhão.

It is divided into 3 subregions:

  • Baixo Corgo (Below Corgo): this region has a mild climate and is rainier. It has 14.000 hectares of vineyards (around 35.000 acres) and besides being the subregion that was planted first, it is considered the one that has fewer quality wines.
  • Cima Corgo (Above Corgo): it’s the largest one, with around 19.000 hectares (47.000 acres) of vineyards. Its main city is the town of Pinhão and its famous for being the home to the famous vineyards of Port wine on the river banks.
  • Douro Superior (“Upper Douro”): with around 8.700 hectares (21.000 acres) of cultivated wine fields, it’s the one with less cultivated space, but the largest subzone in overall area. This is probably because it was the region that was most recently planted and is still in the process of being expanded. However, it is considered to have one of the best quality wines, especially its red wines. It has the hottest and driest climate and goes all the way until the Spanish border.

Overall, the region has a continental climate, with hot and dry summers and cold winters, since it is sheltered from the winds coming from the Ocean by the Marão and Montemuro mountains.

The view is packed with terraced vineyards with many of them being dedicated to the production of Port wine, these ones are usually planted on schist-based soils while the table wine production is usually on granite.

Port Wine

Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash

We can’t talk about Douro wine without talking about Port wine. This is probably the most famous Portuguese wine, and it’s not even a table wine!

It’s a fortified wine, usually sweet and served in small glasses. It is much heavier than a normal wine and it has an alcohol percentage of around 19-20% (this being the reason it is served in small glasses).

It’s very famous all around the world, especially in Britain, and with many countries having their own Port-inspired wine. Normally, it’s served as a digestif, this is, after meals, but if it’s a tawny or white port it can be served as an aperitif, meaning ‘before meals’.

Port wine was the main production of the Douro region until very recently when many Port houses decided to invest in professionally made table Douro wine, so it is a wine dilled with history, besides its already unique flavor.

Douro Wine Suggestions: Best Wines in Douro 

If you are looking for Port wine, these are the brands that you can confidently look for knowing you will get a good one:

  • Graham’s
  • Ferreira
  • Dow
  • Quinta do Vallado
  • Taylor’s
  • Quinta da Pacheca
  • Offley
  • Niepoort
  • Sandeman

If what you are looking for is a nice Douro table wine, these are some of the brands that you can look for:

  • Burmester
  • Porca de Murça
  • Gaivosa
  • Casa Amarela
  • Quinta da Pacheca
  • Barca Velha
  • Papa Figos
  • Vinhas Velhas
  • Quinta do Romeu
  • And many many others

According to Vivino, a website for wine review, in 2021 these were the top 25 Douro wines:

  • Quinta Do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2017
  • Casa Ferreirinha Castas Escondidas Douro 2018
  • Brites Aguiar Bafarela Grande Reserva 2019
  • Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Grainha Reserva 2019
  • Roquette & Cazes Douro 2018
  • Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Douro Tinto (Colheita Unoaked) 2019
  • Quinta Do Vale Meão Meandro Douro Tinto 2019
  • Prats & Symington (P+S) Post Scriptum (De Chryseia) Douro 2019
  • Quinta Do Vesuvio Pombal Do Vesuvio Douro 2018
  • Quinta Do Crasto Crasto Superior Red 2017
  • Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Reserva Terroir Blend 2018
  • Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas Tinto 2018
  • CARM Douro Tinto 2018
  • Quinta Do Noval Cedro Do Noval 2018
  • 100 Hectares Touriga Nacional 2019
  • Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos Douro 2019
  • Brites Aguiar Bafarela Reserva 2019
  • Pacheca Raizes Velhas 2019
  • Symington Vale Do Bomfim 2019
  • Quinta Do Vallado Tinto 2020
  • Lavradores De Feitoria Estrada Reserva 2018
  • Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva Tinto 2019
  • Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Pomares Tinto 2019
  • Monte Da Ravasqueira Terraços De Xisto Tinto 2019
  • Vila Real Cancellus Premium Tinto 2017

3 Best Douro Wine Tasting Tours

Photo by Rach Sam on Unsplash

1. Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch, and Option

This tour allows you to enjoy a wine tasting, visit 2 wine estates, try traditional specialties at a renowned local restaurant, sightsee the UNESCO World Heritage Douro region and go on a boat cruise on a traditional ‘rabelo’ boat, all in a one day tour from Porto.

Book Douro Valley Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch

2. Porto: Full-Day Douro Valley Wine Tour

By visiting the beautiful towns of Amarante, Régua, and Pinhão, you will discover all the history of the Douro Valley and of Port Wine. You will see the incredible vineyards on the hills and visit a wine estate to taste Port wine.

Book Douro Valley Wine Tour

3. Douro Valley: Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise

Experience the magic scenery of the Douro Valley on a day trip to Porto. You will taste three wine types as you go through two different wine estates and have a wonderful lunch on one of them with a view of the vineyards. After that, you will be able to relax on a River Cruise in Pinhão through the wonderful Douro River.

Book Douro Valley Wine Tour with River Cruise

10 Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Lara Silva
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0
10 Best Things to Do in Lisbon

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon gets over 4 million tourists a year for a reason. One of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon is a cosmopolitan city filled with historical heritage, culture, and architecture that will leave a mark to remember. From the iconic calçada Portuguesa (cobbled streets) to the lively streets of Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s environment provides a comforting experience that will make you feel at home. If you’re planning your next visit to the Portuguese capital and wanting to avoid the “tourist traps”, we have got you covered. Lisbon has a variety of activities for tourists to enjoy, from monuments to wine tastings in a range of prices to accommodate all visitors. Here are the 10 best things to do in Lisbon.

1. Try some of the best wines in the world

Photo by Kevin Kelly (Unsplash)

Portugal is home to one of the first wine-producing regions of the world and has some of the highest quality wines in the world. Lisbon has wine bars at every corner with incredibly affordable prices where you can try out unique flavors, from port wine to red wine. This is the perfect activity for an afternoon, where you can have wines paired with regional cheeses and bread. We recommend booking this 3-hour tasting where you’ll get to try Portuguese pastries, cheese, and wines from the Alentejo. For a premium experience, book this tasting where you’ll get to taste five different artisanal kinds of cheese, sausages, and ham, as well as five Portuguese wines. For a super cheap option, visit the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room in Terreiro do Paço. This is a large modern tasting room with shared tables and wine starting at €1.

Book a wine tasting in Lisbon

2. Visit the medieval São Jorge castle

The São Jorge Castle is located at the top of the city in Santa Maria Maior. A part of the castle was built in the fifth century by the Visigoths which was made larger by the Moors in the eleventh century. It was then officially made into the Royal Palace in the twelfth century during the reign of Afonso I of Portugal. The palace was later on restored in 1938 by the dictatorship of Salazar to look the way it is presented now. Tourists can visit the castle complex which consists of the castle itself, the ruins of the royal palace, gardens, and a terraced square with panoramic views of the city. A ticket to visit costs between €5 and €10. You can also pay a little extra to skip the line.

3. Taste traditional Portuguese cuisine

Sardines. Photo by Alex Teixeira (Unsplash)

Lisbon’s food scene is renowned all over Europe. If you visit the capital, you must explore traditional restaurants called tascas (taverns). These provide a relaxing environment where you can try out some cheap traditional Portuguese food for anywhere between €10 and €15. Our favorite tascas are Zé dos Cornos, 1 de Maio, and Alfaia.

We recommend ordering the following:

  • Pastel de Nata. Photo by Samantha Gollnick (Unsplash)

    Bifana (pork sandwich)

  • Sardinhas (sardines)
  • Frango de churrasco piri-piri (piri-piri chicken)
  • Bacalhau (codfish)
  • Polvo à la lagareiro (octopus)
  • Bitoque (thin steak)
  • Secretos de porco preto (Iberico pig)
  • Caldo verde (green soup)
  • Cozido à portuguesa (meat stew)
  • Pastel de nata (custard tart)
  • Baba de camelo (camel drool or condensed milk mousse)
  • Arroz doce (rice pudding)
  • Bolo de bolacha (portuguese biscuit cake)

Also, make sure to stop by Pastéis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented. The recipe from this place is a secret. You´ll have to wait in line, but it is so worth it.

4. Ride the Santa Justa lift

Santa Justa Lift. Photo by Lucie Capkova (Unsplash)

The Elevador de Santa Justa is located in the center of Lisbon and was completed in 1902 by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an architecture student of the man who built the Eiffel Tower. 45 meters tall, the lift has a similar design to the Eiffel Tower and was built to connect the lower streets of Baixa to the Carmo Square for locals to have an easier passage. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lisbon as visitors can ride the elevator to enjoy the view of the Baixa Pombalina. The Santa Justa Lift is decorated in a Neo-Gothic style in dark iron which represents a construction style of the 1900s. At the time, elevators such as these were considered largely innovative and reflective of the modern age.

5. Take a day trip to Sintra and Cascais

Sintra

Pena Palace. Photo by Julia Solonina (Unsplash)

Do not Lisbon’s location go to waste. The capital is close to stunning towns and cities that are perfect for a day trip such as Cascais and Sintra. We recommend visiting Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site close to Lisbon. Sintra is only a 30-minute drive from Lisbon or a 45-minute train from Oriente station (around €2). One of the most iconic palaces in Portugal, Pena Palance is located in Sintra. The palace is designed in a romanticist style, painted in multiple colors to make you feel like you are witnessing a fairytale. Purchase your entrance ticket here to skip the line, with a free cancellation option.

Another historical building you must visit in Sintra is the Castle of the Moors, only a ten-minute walk from Pena Palace. This castle was built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries and provides a stunning 360 view of Sintra. Buy your ticket here to skip the line at the entrance.

Castle of the Moors. Photo by Mark Lawson (Unsplash)

The Quinta da Regaleira is another great spot to visit, a farm designed in the early 1900s with overgrown gardens, caves, and romantic architecture.

Book a tour in Sintra

Cascais

Cascais. Photo by CALIN STAN (Unsplash)

A 40-minute train ride from Cais do Sodré (around €2), Cascais is located on the Portuguese Riviera and is one of the most well-funded and richest municipalities in Portugal. Cascais is known for its luxurious restaurants, hotels, and nice beaches. Although you can drive to Cascais, taking the train along the riviera provides gorgeous sea views. We recommend visiting Estoril, home to the largest casino in Europe, one station before Cascais. After that, get back on the train to Cascais for 5 more minutes. Then, walk for a minute toward “Frederico Arouca” street. This is essentially the high street with the major stores, as well as smaller vendors selling Portuguese souvenirs. You should also explore the City Hall of Cascais in  “Praça 5 de Outubro” that overlooks a small beach called “Praia da Baía de Cascais”. The Citadel of Cascais is also a few minutes away, a set of fortifications built between the fifteenth and seventeenth-century to defend the Cascais coastline and protect Lisbon.

Book a Sintra & Cascais tour

6. Experience the Lisbon nightlife

The city of Lisbon’s nightlife is some of the best in all of Europe. However, for a good night out, it’s important to avoid the tourist traps and know the best places to go. But first, let’s go through the nightlife culture in Lisbon. In all of Portugal really, you start at a few bars until at least 1 to 2 am. Only then do you go to your favorite club for some dancing! If you’re looking for an early night and want to enter a club earlier, it will be empty. Clubs usually close anywhere between 7 and 8 am. Also, be prepared to smell like an ashtray the morning after. Although smoking inside indoor public spaces is forbidden, this is not enforced.

Our favorite bar in Lisbon is O Palheta in Cais do Sodré for some traditional outdoor drinking the “Lisboeta” way. You can expect good music, cool vinyl records, and cheap drinks. You can always choose to have a drink inside, but it is common for Portuguese people to enjoy their beer outside and the streets are usually filled with people. If you’re looking to bar hop, just head on to the main streets of Bairro alto and you´ll see hundreds of people drinking outside cheap bars. If you stick to beer, any of these are good options.

If you’re looking for something trendy and a bit more expensive, head to Park bar in Bairro Alto, a rooftop bar at the top of a regular parking garage. You’ll be surprised to see one of the best views of Lisbon and a terrace filled with greenery and wooden tables.

Bar in Lisbon. Photo by Kawasaki Toshihiro (Unsplash)

If you’re ready to head out to a club, our favorites are Lux Fragil, Lust in Rio, and Trumps. Lux Fragil in Santa Apolónia, opened in 1991 and has a view of the Tagus river from its rooftop terrace. Major DJs from all over Europe play in Lux every week and the club mostly plays techno, especially downstairs.

Lust in Rio is known for its “Swag On” night every Wednesday where hip-hop is played. In the summer, this club is completely outdoors and overlooks the river. The club offers a VIP section that often is filled with football players and celebrities.

Trumps in Príncipe Real is one of the largest gay clubs in Portugal and has been open since the 1980s.  The club is mostly full on Saturday nights and plays house and dance music, as well as pop. They also have drag queen nights. The club is also very popular with straight women. The club also hosts art exhibitions showcasing queer art during the day.

Book a pub crawl in Lisbon

7. Take a swim on a close-by beach

It is rare to find a cosmopolitan city that is so close to the beach. Lisbon is only 15 minutes away from the sea and you can get there by public transportation. And you won’t be going to just any beaches, Lisbon has some of the best beaches in Europe, perfect for a city break. Costa da Caparica is only 20 minutes away, an area with some of the best beaches in Greater Lisbon. Another alternative is going to Cascais or Sintra, where there are fewer busy beaches with loads of space.

Praia do Guincho, Cascais. Photo by Manuel Inglez (Unsplash)

Here are our favorite beaches near Lisbon:

  • Praia da Cornélia (Costa da Caparica)
  • Praia da Mata (Costa da Caparica)
  • Praia do Guincho (Cascais)
  • Praia da Adraga (Sintra)
  • Praia do Magoito (Sintra)

Book a beach experience near Lisboa

8. Explore the largest aquarium in Europe

The Oceanário de Lisboa in Parque das Nações, the city ‘s aquarium, is one of the largest in Europe. This place has over 8,000 creatures from 500 species, making it the perfect activity for a date or family day. Over 17 million visitors from 140 countries have visited the aquarium since it opened in 1998. Every year, over 1 million people visit the aquarium.

Fish at Oceanario de Lisboa. Photo by Bobo Boom (Flickr)

The Oceanário de Lisboa is divided into 4 separate bodies of water, representing the North Atlantic, Antarctic, Temperate Pacific, and Tropical Indian Ocean. From cute otters to sharks, this aquarium has every animal you want to see. Buy your ticket here to skip the line at the entrance and enjoy free cancellation.

9. Enjoy the view from a miradouro

They say the best things in life are free and Lisbon’s miradouros agree. Miradouros are city lookout points where you get beautiful panoramic views of Lisbon. You’ll always find people listening to music and drinking beer on the hundreds of miradouros in the city. Grab a bottle of wine and some cheese to enjoy the sunset. You’ll also find some small kiosks that sell drinks and coffee next to miradouros. Wondering which miradouros have the best views and environment? Our favorite lookout spots are Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina.

Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Photo by Theo Crazzolara (Flickr)

10. Discover fado culture in Alfama

Alfama. Photo by Veronika Jorjobert (Unsplash)

Have you ever heard of fado? Fado is a traditional music style that became known in the old neighborhoods of Lisbon such as Alfama. This style of music was sung in taverns, beginning in the 19th century. The most famous fado singer is Lisbon born Amália Rodrigues, one of the largest names in fado, becoming known all over the world in the 1950s. Today, tourists can discover the world of fado in various areas of Lisbon, but the best “fado houses” are located in Alfama. Visitors can enjoy a nice dinner while listening to a fado singer. Book this guided tour in Alfama to learn about the origins of fado and experience an iconic fado house. This live fado show in Chiado, Lisbon is also a great option, a 50-minute performance featuring 2 fado singers and 2 guitarists. There are also many great options including Fado in Chiado, Clube de Fado and Parreirinha de Alfama. You can always also ask the locals where to go.

Take a look at our full guide on the city of Lisbon, from restaurants, hotels, to activities, we have everything you need to know about the Portuguese capital.

Book tours & experiences in Lisbon

⬇️Please share your favorite activities and things to do in Lisbon in the comments below ⬇️

Portugal D7 Visa: The Ultimate Guide to Portugal’s D7 Visa 2022

Lara Silva
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Portugal D7 Visa: The Ultimate Guide to Portugal’s D7 Visa 2022

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

Also known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa, the D7 Visa is a long-term residency visa that was introduced in 2007 and unlike the Portugal Golden Visa requires no investment. Along with retirees, this visa is suitable for some remote workers and digital nomads. This visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want residence in Portugal and have a reasonable passive income. This income can be from a retirement pension, as well as a financial investment, and real estate.

The minimum passive income required is €8,460 per year for the main applicant. For a spouse, you must add 50% to this (€4,230) and for a dependent child, you must add 30% to this (€2,538). Therefore, for a couple with one child, you would need around €15,300 a year to be eligible for the D7 Visa.

Guide to Portugal Visas

Portugal D7 Visa Requirements

The requirements to be eligible for a D7 Visa in Portugal are pretty straightforward. Here are the main eligibility criteria for the Portugal D7 Visa.

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
  • Minimum passive income of €8,460 per year (+ 50% for spouse and + 30% for dependent child)
  • Clean criminal record
  • Proof of residence address in Portugal (rental or purchase)
  • You need to spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first 2 years.

What are the Benefits of the Portugal D7 Visa?

1. Visa Exemption

The Portugal D7 Visa allows you to enter Portugal and the Schengen area (26 EU countries). You can circulate freely without a visa. The D7 visa essentially grants you to the travel rights of all European Union citizens.

2. Family Perks

The Portugal D7 Visa allows you to request family reunification once you have your visa. This is where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you. You will have to prove your relationship to any family members that you would like to include in the program. The following qualify for family reunification: partner, children under 18, dependent children over 18 that are studying, your parents, your partner’s parents, and minor siblings. These can all live and work in Portugal and travel freely within the Schengen area, as well as enjoy all the visas’ benefits.

3. Permanent Residence: Does the Portugal D7 Visa Lead to Residence?

The Portugal D7 Visa allows you to obtain permanent residence, eventually. You can obtain legal residency in the first year. You can then renew your residency for two years successively. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency.

4. Citizenship: Does the Portugal D7 Visa Lead to Citizenship?

The Portugal D7 Visa can lead to citizenship. After six years of legal residency, you can apply to become a Portuguese citizen. To become a citizen, you must obtain an A2 Portuguese language certificate, provide documents such as proof of a Portuguese bank, and have no criminal record.

5. Tax Incentives: Non-Habitual Tax Regime

Guide to NHR Tax Regime

You can become a non-habitual resident (NHR) and enjoy the incentives of this fiscal regime. This tax regime allows you to transfer your tax residency to the country. Here are the benefits of this tax regime:

  • You can be eligible to not pay ANY tax on pensions, rental income, real estate gains, and income from non-Portuguese sources if your country has a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with Portugal. You would instead pay taxes in your country of origin. The UK, USA, and many more countries have a DTA with Portugal where this is the case.
  • If your pension income is taxed in Portugal, it will be at a flat rate of 10%, including retirement savings and insurance.
  • Income from “high value-added activities” in Portugal is taxed at 20%. This includes employment and self-employment income from activities of scientific, artistic, or technical character performed in Portugal. Still, you will pay the same income tax as ordinary tax residents for other types of domestic income.
  • You will only be taxed on your worldwide income after the first 10 years of residence.
  • Foreign interest, dividends, rents, and property capital gains can be exempted from taxation.
  • You will not pay an inheritance or wealth tax.

Here are the conditions to follow the non-habitual residency program:

  • You cannot have been taxed in Portugal during the five years before the application.
  • You must request a tax residence certificate which means you must live in Portugal for more than 183 days (doesn’t need to be consecutive) for 12 months, lived in Portugal for less than 183 days, but has bought property during those 12 months, or performs public functions in the name of the Portuguese state.
  • You must have the right to be in Portugal through a work visa, Portugal Golden Visa, Portugal D7 Visa, or by being an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

Who can get a Portugal D7 Visa?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who have a passive income can apply for a Portugal D7 Visa. Although this visa is also known as the retirement visa, if you can work remotely for an employer outside of Portugal, you might also be eligible. Therefore, freelancers and digital nomads who meet the requirements can still apply for the D7 Visa.

Life After Brexit: Why Should UK Nationals Apply for a Portugal D7 Visa?

If you’re a British national who cannot afford the investment necessary for the Portugal Golden Visa, the D7 Visa is the right route for you. You will enjoy permanent residency and possibly citizenship after 6 years, allowing you to get back your EU rights lost after Brexit. As a UK national with a D7 Visa, you’ll be able to travel freely through the Schengen area, as well as have the right to work, study, and live in any EU country.

Portugal D7 Visa: Cryptocurrency

Portugal is one of the last European crypto havens. The Portuguese Tax & Customs Authority (PTA) officially announced in 2019 that buying or selling cryptocurrency in Portugal is tax-free. You will not be charged VAT or Personal Income Tax (IRS) on any crypto transaction. The country does not view cryptocurrencies as an asset, but rather as a form of payment so they do not tax it as the former. However, businesses that provide services related to cryptocurrency are taxed on their gains. There are many factors that determine whether this is the case like your profit and the frequency of your trade. To be sure, contact a tax advisor in Portugal.

Take a look at our guide to cryptocurrency in Portugal here.

why is portugal a crypto friendly country

Portugal D7 Visa: Healthcare in Portugal

You will need to purchase health insurance for the four-month duration of your D7 Visa, which should cost between €20 and €50 a month. After this period, you will obtain your residency and can then access the Public Health Care system (SNS). The Portuguese health system is world-renowned, taking the 17th spot on the World Index of Healthcare Innovation. You will have to register with the SNS in your local health care center. Most services with the SNS are free, but you will have to pay for particular services such as specific exams. However, these prices won’t cost more than €5 to €20. Dental is not included in the SNS.

You can also just access private hospitals if you wish. Yearly health insurance prices range from €300 to €1,000 depending on the company and other personal factors such as your age.

Portugal D7 Visa Steps & Application Process: How to Get a D7 Visa

While the application process for the Portugal Golden Visa can take 9 to 12 months, you can get a Portugal D7 Visa in less than 4 months! Take a look at the full application process, step-by-step.

Portuguese Embassies in the US, UK and Canada

Join our FB group Portugal Travel & Living for all things Portugal and visa updates

Volunteers raising 35 thousand euros to fly Ukrainian refugees to Portugal

Lara Silva
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0
Volunteers raising 35 thousand euros to fly Ukrainian refugees to Portugal

The Mundo dos Sonhos association is raising the 35 thousand euros left to cover the flight costs of bringing Ukrainian family members of those already safe in Portugal. The EuroAtlantic flight will take 262 refugees from the city of Lublin in Poland to Lisbon.

The plane to Poland will not go empty, containing over 50 tons of donations, including food and health products. The founder of Mundo dos Sonhos, Carina Freire told CNN Portugal that with the number of requests for refuge in Portugal, she could fill a second plane.

The association has also sorted out accommodation in an inactive hotel for the arrival of the 262 Ukrainian refugees, as many family members do not have the conditions to house them. This project is in collaboration with the Ukrainian Association in Portugal, the Ukrainian embassy in Portugal, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will deal with the necessary documents.

Donate

IBAN: PT50 0079 0000 722 447291 010 8
NIB: 0079 0000 722 447291 0108
SWIFT: BPNPPTPL
MBWAY: 913834242

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