The districts of Vila Real, Bragança, and Guarda are under yellow art on Monday and Tuesday due to the extremely cold weather, according to the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA). The yellow alert ends at 9 am on Tuesday for the three districts. These districts have reached negative temperatures, with Saturday having been the coldest day with temperatures reaching -2ºC.
The IPMA told CNN that the cold temperatures are a result of a polar air mass arriving in Portugal, as well as other European countries. The cities of Lisbon and Porto are not heavily affected as temperatures in these cities remain mild.
A yellow alert has also been applied to Faro until Tuesday at 3 pm due to rough waters. Waves of 2 to 3 meters are predicted in the district.
The North coast of Madeira and Porto Santo are also expecting waves of 4.5 meters and are under yellow alert until Monday at 6 pm. The more mountainous regions of Madeira were on yellow alert until today at 12 pm due to winds of 95 kilometers an hour.
A Yellow Alert means that the weather conditions represent a risk for certain activities. Essentially, it means residents need to be careful during the alert period.
Portugal is one of the best places in the world to retire, according to the International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index and Forbes. With a low cost of living and tax incentives, retirees come from all over the world to settle down in Portugal. Retirees can make use of the NHR regime, a quality healthcare system, and an all-around high standard of living. Portugal is also one of the safest countries in the EU, according to the Global Peace Index.
While in countries like the US and UK, life is fast-paced and at times stressful, Portuguese life allows retirees to put their feet up and enjoy every day without worry. With over 300 days of sun, can enjoy the climate in Portugal, offering warm summers and moderate winters.
Rich in cultural heritage, Portugal has some of the most iconic architecture, art, and music in Europe. You’ll also find that the country has high-quality cuisine that features Portuguese dishes such as seafood and meat dishes at affordable prices. In fact, all aspects of everyday life are affordable in Portugal, from rent to the price of groceries.
The country has a mix of cosmopolitan cities and isolated towns with stunning nature views, perfect for those who want a little bit of everything. From the vibrant culture in Lisbon to the slow-paced life in Algarve, retirees of every lifestyle will find their home in Portugal.
How to Retire in Portugal: Retirement Visa Requirements
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can retire to Portugal without needing to apply for a visa. All they need to do is register their stay with the Portuguese authorities. However, others must go through the bureaucratic process to reside and retire in Portugal. The two visas that non-EU/EEA/Swiss internationals can apply to so that they can retire in Portugal are the Portugal Golden Visa and the Portugal D7 Visa.
If you are not an EU citizen, the Portugal Golden Visa is a way to be able to retire in Portugal. Created in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa allows non-EU citizens to qualify for a residency permit and eventually a passport in the country through investments. With a Portugal Golden Visa, you can live in Portugal and travel within most European countries without an issue. You are eligible for a Portugal Golden visa if you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national. You need to be at least 18 years old and have no criminal record.
The most important part is to engage in an investment. There are five types of investments you can make to qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa: a real estate acquisition, an investment fund, a capital transfer, job creation, or making a donation. An investment will cost you at least between €350,000 and €500,000. Not only will this visa allow you to retire in Portugal, but the Golden Visa also comes with tax incentives and allows you to travel around the Schengen area without any restrictions. The visa also offers family reunification, meaning your family members get all the same rights as you.
You can take a look at our Portugal Golden Visa guide that goes through each investment and all the details you need to know. Wondering how the process of applying to a Golden Visa works?
The D7 Visa was introduced in 2007 and is also known as the Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa. 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, real estate, and more. 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.
Beyond being able to reside and retire in Portugal, there are many benefits to the D7 Visa. You will be able to travel through Schengen Zone without a visa, access the health care system in Portugal, as well as put your kids in a public school. Moreover, the D7 Visa is a path to citizenship. Once you get your visa, you will have residence for a year. You can renew this every 2 years, and after 5 years, you may apply for permanent residency. If you pass a Portuguese language test, you can then also become a citizen.
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.
Let’s go through the step-by-step process of applying for a D7 Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visa Requirements for Retiring in Portugal
Can I retire to Portugal as an EU citizen?
If you are an EU citizen, as well as an EEA or Swiss citizen you can retire in Portugal without a visa. However, you will have to get a Registration Certificate from the Portuguese authorities. After residing in Portugal for five years, you can apply for long-term residency with SEF. You will need to renew this every 10 years. You can also apply for Portuguese citizenship after living in Portugal for six years.
Can I retire to Portugal as a US citizen?
There are plenty of American retirees in Portugal so yes, you can retire to Portugal as an American citizen. As a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you will have o apply for either a Portugal D7 Visa or a Portugal Golden Visa. The most affordable visa is a Portugal D7 Visa where you only need a minimum passive income of €8,460 per year (+ 50% for spouse and + 30% for dependent child). For a Portugal Golden Visa, you need to make an investment of at least between €350,000 and €500,000. Take a look at our full guide for the Portugal Golden Visa here. These visas also allow you to get permanent residence after 5 years and eventually become a Portuguese citizen after 6 years once you pass a Portuguese language test.
Can I retire to Portugal as a UK citizen after Brexit?
UK citizens can retire to Portugal, even after Brexit, by applying for a Portugal Golden Visa or a Portugal D7 Visa, similarly to Americans. In fact, all non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can do so. The most affordable visa is a Portugal D7 Visa where you only need a minimum passive income of €8,460 per year (+ 50% for spouse and + 30% for dependent child). For a Portugal Golden Visa, you need to make an investment of at least between €350,000 and €500,000. Take a look at our full guide for the Portugal Golden Visa here. These visas also allow you to get permanent residence after 5 years and eventually become a Portuguese citizen after 6 years once you pass a Portuguese language test.
If you have a Golden Visa, a D7 Visa or are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you can retire in Portugal and follow the non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime where you transfer your tax residency to the country.
Your pension income is taxed at a flat rate of 10%, including retirement savings and life 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 also 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 or by being an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Photo by Amol Tyagi (Unsplash)
Does Portugal Tax Retirement Pensions?
Under the non-Habitual Residence tax regime, your pension income might be taxed at a flat rate of 10%, including retirement savings and life insurance. This applies if your pension comes outside of Portugal. However, if your pension comes from a country that has a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with Portugal, your pension is fully exempt from the income tax rate (IRS). Therefore, the collection of your taxes on your pension income would fall to the country where your pension comes from.
The following countries have a DTA with Portugal: Algeria, Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, East-Timor, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, San Marino, São Tomé and Principe, Saudia Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America,United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
The Algarve was selected as the #1 place in the world to retire by Forbes. This region is located on Portugal’s south-western tip and is surrounded by the Atlantic ocean from two sides. The Algarve has the best weather in the country due to its location in the South, as well as some of the best beaches in the country. The cities of Tavira, Faro, and Lagos are some of our top favorites for retiring, each highlighting a unique area of the Algarve, while all having stunning long stretches of golden sandy beaches. The Algarve has a huge retiree community, with people from all over the globe. During most of the year, the Algarve has a slow-paced environment without overpopulation. However, the Algarve does get quite busy in July and August, as the Portuguese travel South for vacation, as well as international tourists. Take a look at our guide to Algarve here.
On the way to Algarve from Lisbon, the region of Alentejo is where many spend their summers. From gorgeous beaches, golden plains, and rolling hills, this region provides locals with both the farm life experience and beach vacation. The Alentejo is known for its production of regional tapestries, leather, cork, as well as of local wine, making it one of Portugal’s top wine destinations. A great place to retire in Alentejo isthe city of Evora. This small city might not be an expat hotspot, but it is the perfect place for a countryside life that is affordable. Evora has an incredible cultural heritage, with its historical center being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the presence of 400 historical buildings in the city. The typical Portuguese sidewalk (“Calçada Portuguesa”) fills the narrow streets of Evora and makes it a beautiful city to live in. If you prefer the beach life to the country life, we recommend Zambujeira do Mar or Vila Nova de Milfontes. Take a look at our guide to Alentejo here.
Between Lisbon and New York lies an archipelago called the Azores, made up of 9 islands. The Azores are a part of Portugal and are located 850 miles west of what the Portuguese call the “mainland”. Millions from all around the globe travel to the Azores every year to discover the beautiful landscapes and unique cultural heritage of each island. However, the Azores is also the perfect place to retire if you are looking to live surrounded by nature. The Azores is a top place for American retirees in particular, as the archipelago is actually the birthplace of many Americans. About a million North Americans were born or descend from the Azores, four times the current population of the islands! Our favorite islands in the Azores are Pico, Flores, and Faial, as well as São Miguel for a more cosmopolitan island. Take a look at our guide to the Azores here.
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, 400 kilometers to the north of the Canary Islands. The archipelago includes the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Desertas. Around 250,000 people live on the island and the capital is Funchal, one of the best cities for retiring in Madeira. The retirement community in Madeira is quite large, with expats coming from all over the world, but mostly from the US and UK. Madeirenses enjoy some of the best weather in Portugal as it is located in the African Plate, making Madeira the perfect place to retire for a slow-paced island life. Madeira is also a great place to purchase a house in terms of pricing. Take a look at our guide to Madeira here.
Lisbon, the capital, is the city with the most expats in Portugal. Although it’s not a retirement hotspot like the Algarve, not everyone wants to retire in a small town, surrounded by nature. If you are looking to retire in a major city, while still being close to nature such as quality beaches and mountain trails, Lisbon is a great option. The birthplace of Amália Rodrigues, the iconic Fado singer, Lisbon is rich in culture, history, and striking views. The city has heavily invested in public infrastructure and has quality schools, transportation, and hospitals. The capital has a thriving nightlife scene, with affordable bars and clubs. Lisbon is also only 20 minutes away from beaches, and 30 minutes away from the picturesque towns of Cascais and Sintra.
Porto is the second-largest city in the country after Lisbon, 280 kilometers north of the capital. Porto’s beauty is in the fact that the cosmopolitan city lies along the Douro river. The city is home to the best wine in the country, street art and gorgeous architecture. Porto is one of the world’s top 100 cities with the most international visitors and over 1 million tourists visit Porto every year. If you are looking to retire in a cosmopolitan city that is less populated than Lisbon, Porto could be your next home. You will also be close to the Douro Valley, a landscape of vineyards that has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, as well as the beautiful Peneda-Gerês National Park, the only national park in Portugal. The beach in Matosinhos is also just a 20-minute drive away.
Photo by Simon Brissette (Unsplash)
Cost of Living in Portugal: Is it Expensive to Retire in Portugal?
Retiring in Portugal is not expensive as it has one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe. In fact, moving to Portugal to retire is one of the most affordable options, rather than moving for work as the average annual salary is under €20,000. With a low tax on retirement pensions and various tax incentives, a low cost of living comes as an added bonus. You’ll spend around €1,300 – €1,750 a month in smaller towns and around €1,750 – €1,925 in larger cities. Let’s go through the average cost of living in the two most populated cities, Lisbon and Porto, as well as the common regions for retirement of Alentejo and Algarve. The islands of the Azores and Madeira are also a great place to retire.
According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four in Lisbon are €2,024.31 without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are €579.70 without rent.
Three-course meal for 2 people at mid-range restaurant €35
McMeal at Mcdonalds €7
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) €2
Water €1.12
Marlboro cigarettes (20) €5
Monthly transportation pass €40
Gym membership €35
International primary school €8,995.47 yearly (anywhere from €5,000 to €15,000)
Rent for 1 bedroom in city center €865.95
Rent for 3 bedrooms in city center €1,091.41
Buying a house, price per square meter in city center €4,728.21
According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €1,938.31 without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are €552.88 without rent.
Three-course meal for 2 people at mid-range restaurant €34
McMeal at Mcdonalds €6.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) €2
Water €0.90
Marlboro cigarettes (20) €5
Monthly transportation pass €30
Gym membership €30
International primary school €6,277.57 yearly (anywhere from €4,200 to €7,500)
Rent for 1 bedroom in city center €670.59
Rent for 3 bedrooms in city center €1,184.06
Buying a house, price per square meter in city center €2,935.25
Funchal is around 5% cheaper than Lisbon and rent is around 35% cheaper. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €1,886.40 without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are €529.0 without rent.
Three-course meal for 2 people at mid-range restaurant €32
McMeal at Mcdonalds €6
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) €2.50
Water €1.08
Marlboro cigarettes (20) €5
Monthly transportation pass €35
Gym membership €40
International primary school €6,000 yearly (anywhere from €2,400 to €13,000)
Rent for 1 bedroom in city center €617.86
Rent for 3 bedrooms in city center €1,066.67
Buying a house, price per square meter in city center €2,125
Photo by Reinaldo Photography (Unsplash)
Is it Cheaper to Retire in Portugal or Spain?
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon is cheaper than in the Spanish capital Madrid. You would need around €3,060 in Lisbon to have the same standard of life that you can have with €3,400 in Madrid (with rent). A 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs €1,109 in Madrid and €1,087 in Lisbon. Restaurant and grocery prices in Lisbon are around 20% lower than in Madrid.
If you’re over 30 and want to buy a house in Portugal through a mortgage loan, we have bad news. On Friday, April 1, 2022, the Bank of Portugal’s recommendation to limit the maximum duration of new mortgage loans comes into place. Only those 30 and below are now eligible for a 40-year mortgage loan.
This means that those over 30 in Portugal, including residents and non-residents, will not be able to enjoy more affordable monthly mortgage payments and will have to pay off their property in a shorter time.
Clients over 35 years old can receive a mortgage loan of a maximum of 35 years. Clients between the ages of 31 and 35 can receive a mortgage loan of a maximum of 37 years. Only those 30 or below can get a mortgage loan of a maximum of 40 years.
Let’s go through some numbers. If you are looking to buy a €200,000 property, a 30-year mortgage loan would cost you €643,28 a month, while a 40-year mortgage loan would cost you €505,71, a difference of €137,57 (with a 1% interest rate).
This new limit will not change existing mortgage loans but only apply to new ones starting on Friday. The average age for accessing a mortgage loan in Portugal is 33,2 years old. Portuguese banks offer mortgages to both residents and non-residents, making it easy for internationals to purchase property through a mortgage loan. However, non-residents must pay a minimum deposit for a mortgage of 30%, while for residents this stands at 10% – 15%, depending on the situation.
Did you know that the southernmost region of Portugal, besides having wonderful beaches, weather, golf courses, and landscapes, is also part of the Portuguese wine country? Even though tourism is the region’s main industry, there is a small space for wine production in the region’s economy in the far south of the country in Algarve.
The region is filled with history, being the one region in Portugal that stayed longer under Moorish control. Now, it’s known as the tourism capital of Portugal and now, to you, as a very unique wine region!
The Algarve wines are predominantly red, although some fresh white wines are produced, and made from both the Portuguese and international variety grapes. They are produced usually by co-operatives, but there are also some independent producers who are catching on.
These wines are traditionally high on alcohol volume, due to the region’s warm and maritime climate. The same climate that attracts tourists from all over the world is the one that makes these vines be more productive and have the alcohol volume it has.
So why not enjoy your vacation here, enjoy the incredible beaches and weather accompanied by a wonderful glass of Algarve wine?
Even though it is not so known, the history of the Algarve wine is as old as the history of Portugal itself. It dates back to the Phoenicians and Greek settlers in the region, who brought Greek wine to the region.
Later, they started to cultivate a native variety of a wild grape and this tradition stayed until the Romans came. These people decided to expand the production enormously, something that can be found, for example, on the ruins of Milreu (or Estói), which would have produced approximately 20.000 liters of wine per year!
When the Roman Empire fell, it’s believed that grape production fell immensely, but it carried on, with archaeological evidence and several texts from the Islamic period referring to the importance of grapes, raisins, and wine to the region.
After the conquest of the region by the Portuguese, grapes, and wine became once more one of the main parts of the Algarve economy.
From those days until ours, there have been many changes. Wine production has faced lots of bad times. However, in the 1940s, wine cooperatives were created. These companies played a huge role in modernizing the wine production in the region and elevated its standards.
In the 1960s, the government also started a huge expansion of infrastructure. This new infrastructure, in the Algarve region, created a boom in tourism, making the region what it is now, and this, in turn, created an interest in wine production there.
All of this created the perfect conditions for the Algarve to be recognized as a Vinho de Indicação Geográfica Protegida (I.G.P) or Protected Geographic Indication and, in the 1990s, for the creation of the 4 DOCs.
Today, there are over 2.000 vineyards and 30 producers in the region, all dedicated to making this unique wine.
The Algarve wine region is separated, in its easternmost part, by just 200km from Tangiers and is right on the border with the Alentejo, being protected by the Monchique Mountains. This means that the region has a warmer climate, which is perfect for fruit production since it makes the fruit juicier and sweeter. It does the same for wine production, but this makes the wine have a higher alcoholic volume.
This is because the climate accelerates the vine growing season, which makes the grapes juicier and sweeter before they achieved their full flavor potential. The grapes juice is, thus, filled with sugar, which will eventually turn into alcohol, at the end of the season. The wine becomes high in alcohol, but low in acidity (which would be perfect to have in this type of wine), tasting kind of baked, due to the vines staying all day and night in the hot climate.
As for the soil, it’s very diverse. It’s usually sandier near the coastline, there are also clays rich in limestone and even soils rich in schist. These last ones are the best, even though they are rarer since these regions also receive rain coming from the ocean and have a higher temperature variation.
Grape and Wine Types
The Algarve region is divided into four subregions: the DOC Lagos, DOC Portimão, DOC Lagoa, and DOC Tavira, all of them with their own unique wines.
DOC Lagos
Geographical Area: Parts of the municipalities of Aljezur, Vila do Bispo and Lagos.
Grape Types
Red Wines: Negra Mole, Trincadeira, and Castelão (either together or separate, with at least 70% of the vines being of these grapes), plus Alicante-Bouschet, Aragonez, Bastardo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Monvedro, and Touriga Nacional.
White Wines: Arinto, Malvasia Fina, and Síria (either together or separate, with at least 70% of the vines being of these grapes), plus Manteúdo, Moscatel Graúdo and Perrum.
Wine Characteristics
Red Wines: Velvety, light-bodied wines, with a fruity aroma and a low acidity. They age well, starting with a ruby color and acquiring a topaz hue.
White Wines: With a color between the citrine and straw, these wines are very delicate and smooth, with a characteristic aftertaste of warm area wine.
DOC Portimão
Geographical Area: Parts of the municipality of Portimão
Grape Types
Red Wines: Negra Mole, Trincadeira, and Castelão (either together or separate, with at least 70% of the vines being of these grapes), plus Alicante-Bouschet, Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon, Monvedro, Syrah and Touriga Nacional.
White Wines: Siria (Roupeiro) and Arinto (with at least 70% of the vines being from these grapes), plus Manteúdo, Moscatel-Graúdo, Perrum and Rabo-de-Ovelha.
Wine Characteristics: Extremely similar to the Lagos red wines, with all the same characteristics.
DOC Lagoa
Geographical Area: Parts of the municipalities of Albufeira, Lagoa, Loulé and Silves.
Grape Types
Red Wines: Negra Mole and Trincadeira (either together or separate, with at least 70% of the vines being of these grapes), plus Alicante-Bouschet, Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon, Monvedro, Castelão, Syrah, Moreto, Touriga-Franca, and Touriga Nacional.
White Wines: Siria (Roupeiro) and Arinto (with at least 70% of the vines being from these grapes), plus Manteúdo, Moscatel-Graúdo, Perrum, Sauvignon and Rabo-de-Ovelha.
Wine Characteristics
Red Wines: They are velvety, warm, and fruity wines that evolve really well and can last a long time. Just like the other two DOCs, these red wines also age well, starting with a ruby color and, with time, gaining a topaz tone.
White Wines: More of a citrine color, compared to the other wines, being robust and smooth. They have a good body and are capable of evolving really well.
DOC Tavira
Geographical Area: It encompasses parts of the municipalities of Faro, Olhão, Sao rás de Alportel, Castro Marim, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.
Grape Types
Red Wines: Negra Mole, Castelão, and Trincadeira (either together or separate, with at least 70% of the vines being of these grapes) plus Alicante-Bouschet, Aragonez, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah and Touriga Nacional.
White Wines: Síria and Arinto (with at least 70% of the vines being from these grapes), plus Diagalves, Manteúdo, Moscatel-Graúdo e Tamarez.
Wine Characteristics: Similar to the first 2 DOC wines.
Algarve Wine Suggestions: Best Algarve Wine
On the XIII Concurso de Vinhos do Algarve (13th Algarve Wines Contest), in 2021, these were some of the highest ranked wines, considered of outstanding quality:
Try the authentic Algarve wine on this family farm! You will have access to the farm’s pool with a view to the amazing vineyards, where you can enjoy the taste of this high quality (and high in alcohol volume) wines. You can try all the different wines they produce there while making the most of your trip to the Portuguese holiday capital, in a calm, familiar, and sharing environment.
This is a full trip around Algarve in a minivan, where you will visit the countryside of the region and the ancient Moorish village of Silves. See the amazing Algarve oranges, ancient Cork trees, and of course, the vineyards, where you will be able to try the wines from the different farms you will visit, as well as the production and wooden barrel rooms to understand the whole process.
António Costa has been sworn in as Prime Minister of the XXIII Constitutional government by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Wednesday at Palacio Nacional da Ajuda.
The new socialist-majority government includes 17 ministers and 28 secretaries of state. For the first time ever in the history of Portugal, the majority of ministers are women, 9 out of 17. The cabinet is 20% smaller than usual.
António Costa has been sworn in as Prime Minister of the XXIII Constitutional government by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Wednesday at Palacio Nacional da Ajuda.
The new socialist-majority government includes 17 ministers and 28 secretaries of state. For the first time ever in the history of Portugal, the majority of ministers are women, 9 out of 17. The cabinet is 20% smaller than usual.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa’s speech stated that the state budget is ready to once again be voted in parliament, one that did not pass and led to the January 2022 General Election. If the Socialist Party had not won a majority, it would be close to impossible to pass their proposed state budget since all other parties were against it. Now, with a majority, the same state budget that was once rejected is likely to pass.
The Prime Minister also thanked the former government for reducing the deficit below 3%, for their work to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, for responding to the climate crisis, increasing the investment in research and investigation, as well as increasing the number of undergraduate students, and much more.
He said: “Today we are a more qualified country, more sustainable, more innovative, and less unequal”. He also reminded those watching that the European Commission found that Portugal is the most qualified to reach carbon neutrality.
In the 20-minute speech, PM Antonio Costa also stated:
“We have a duty to innovate, to modernize, to guarantee decent employment and create wealth, to progress together, with inclusion… Only by committing ourselves to social dialogue, mobilizing civil society, and welcoming the positive contributions of other political parties can continue to advance”.
Tomou hoje posse o XXIII Governo Constitucional. Um dia emotivo e de enorme responsabilidade. Numa altura em que estamos ainda a enfrentar a pandemia, já temos de combater os efeitos da guerra desencadeada pela #Rússia com a invasão da #Ucrânia. #xxiiigovernopic.twitter.com/p6OOFOCCAr
The earthquake was registered at 9:56 PM local time on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. According to CNN Portugal, the earthquake was also felt in Terceira, Pico, and Faial. CIVISA recorded the earthquake with a magnitude of 3,8 on the Richter scale, making it the largest earthquake since the beginning of the crisis on March 19. The epicenter of the earthquake was in the ocean, one kilometer away from Velas.
According to the scale of Richter, a 3,8 earthquake is still considered “minor”. Beforehand, the largest earthquake since the crisis began had been on March 19 with a magnitude of 3,3.
The number of total earthquakes is over double of all earthquakes recorded in the whole of the Azores in 2021.
The island’s volcanic alert has been raised to level 4 of 5, meaning there is a threat of a volcanic eruption. The last volcano eruption was in 1808 in Velas, São Jorge.
Birthplace of the great Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, who “discovered” the peppery treasures of India, Sines is a fishing town in Alentejo, where you can indulge in Portugal’s briny charm and take pleasure in its unique architecture and cultural traditions. What is more, here you can explore not only the region’s unique cultural heritage but also have a nice swim on Sines’s alluring beaches or munch on the delectable Alentejano food.
8 Best Things to Do in Sines
1. Head to the Sines castle
One of the best places to go in Sines is the 15th century Sines Castle perched on a hilltop. From its fortified walls, you can see the gob-smacking panorama of the Atlantic, and sense the allure of far-off lands beyond the horizon. The fortress’ prime function was to defend the scenic Sines harbor, emphasizing the utmost significance of sea and sea trade for Portugal.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
2. Go to the Vasco da Gama Statue
Travel to Sines to pay homage to its most famous inhabitant and explorer, Vasco de Gama. Here you can find a somewhat squarish sculpture of his, facing the sea next to the western tower of the castle. Take a selfie with the intrepid traveler who pioneered the expansion to the East, first commercially then territorially, making himself a de-facto father of the cosmopolitan highly globalized present, we are all finding ourselves in.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
3. Pay a visit to the Sinese Museum
Housed in the ancient Sines castle, right in the downtown, the Sines Museum is a must-visit to sense the soul of the place. Make your way to the Museum of Sines for you to participate in the multimedia experience narrating the unique trajectory of Vasco de Gama’s life. The art-house’s stunning exhibits feature a necklace and earrings of a woman buried as long back as in the 3rd century BC and the Visigothic masonry unearthed at the site.
4. Visit the Porto of Sines
One of the best places to go to see in Sines is Sines Fishing Port. Known for their abundant catch, the fishermen of Sines are veritable local heroes. It is thanks to them that your mouth-watering dourada at a cozy local restaurant tastes so well.
5. Head to Porto Covo
Sines is located not far away from Porto Covo, a picture-perfect small seaside town known for its tranquil ambiance and cheerful locals. Here you can find a pretty city square, surrounded by gridded streets of whitewashed one-storeyed houses. The locale also boasts some of Alentejo’s best beaches like Praia Grande de Porto Covo.
Photo by Pedro Farto (Unsplash)
6. Go to Praia do Buizinhos
One of the best places to go in Sines is Praia de Buizinhos, a great place to bask in the sun and splash in the water. The beautiful cove, known for its pellucid waters is hemmed by cliffs and is one of the most snap-worthy locales in Portugal. It is a great place to take delight in sunsets with your significant other.
7. Make a trip to Forte do Pessegueiro
Forte de Pessegueiro is a great spot to see what ancient Sines and its environs were like. The ramshackle fortifications date back to the rule of the Philippine dynasty when Portugal was under Spanish control. Surrounded by a moat, you need to get through a tunnel to arrive here. Below, is a sun-lit beach while across the channel can be found the ruins of Forte do Santo Alberto, put up in the same period. Head here for a unique Medievalish vibe and delight in the tangy sea breeze of the Atlantic.
Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
8. Swim on the Praia de São Torpes
Head to Praia de São Torpes, where you can splash around in the Atlantic without feeling the chill of it. Close by the beach’s sun-lit sand, and rolling waves are the lush foliage of the South-West Alentejo Natural Park, one of the best places in Alentejo for hiking.
What Makes Sines Special
Apart from its maritime heritage, Sines is one of the best towns in Portugal to take a stroll. The town is split into two parts. In its upper part, you can walk around the beautiful Sines castle and lose yourself in the maze of scenic narrow lanes lined with white-washed uniquely Alentejano buildings. In the lower part lies the town’s beauteous harbor known as Praia de Vasco de Gama, and the embankment where you can see the mind-blowing panorama. Look around the fishing port of Sines to gaze at the vessels soon heading for a new catch, bobbing serenely on the waves.
Best Time to Visit Sines
The best time to visit Sines is between March-April and August-September. In late spring Sines is one of the best places to go on a hiking trip, for example in South-West Alentejo National Park. You can also walk around the town itself to marvel at its beautiful edifices. If you’re a swimming lover, head to Sines in late summer and early autumn. August to September is the nicest for swimming and profiting from the never-ending sunshine and the town’s unique siestas.
Where to Eat in Sines
One of the best places to eat in Sines is the hillside part of the town where the warren of narrow lanes harbors some of the town’s best eateries. Head here for a non-pareil dinner in Restaurante O Castelo, or go down to the ocean board to eat the delectable Portuguese fare at O Bejinha, one of the best places in Alentejo to delight in its mouth-watering seafood.
3 Best Hotels in Sines: Where to Stay in Sines
The scenic downtown of Sines offers quality and affordable accommodation to all kinds of travelers. Keep in mind that if you opt for the properties located close to the harbor you can always walk to the ocean and take not only its gob-smacking vistas but also the luring smell of briny. Here are the three best hotels in Sines, only a few minutes away from the beach.
A two-minute walk from the beach, Hotel Veleiro overlooks the bay of Sines. Most rooms have a balcony so that guests can enjoy the views, as well as private bathrooms. You can also enjoy the breakfast buffet overlooking the bay. Hotel Veleiro offers a 24-hour front desk, as well as laundry and cleaning services.
A one-minute walk from the beach, Casa do Medico has a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, and even private parking. Guests can enjoy a well-rated buffet breakfast from the terrace, as well as a 24-front desk and room service.
A seven-minute walk from the beach in a residential area of Sines, Hotel Dom Vasco features a large swimming pool, a gym, and a green garden. Each room has a video games console, satellite TV, and a private balcony. You can enjoy a daily breakfast buffet with a complimentary drink.
Conclusion
Sines is one of the best places to indulge in the maritime charm of Portugal and fall in love with the Portuguese beaches, architecture, and people. Head to the birthplace of Vasco de Gama and prepare for your own adventure of a lifetime.
Bruno Fernandes scored the 2 goals against North Macedonia on Tuesday night in Porto’s Estadio do Dragao, ensuring Portugal a 2022 FIFA World Cup spot. The Portuguese player scored at 32′ in the first half and at 65′ in the second half, defeating North Macedonia 2-0.
This will be the eighth time Portugal makes it to a World Cup and the sixth in a row. Portugal played in 1966, 1986, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018.
Portugal’s manager Fernando Santos told the press in Porto:
“I have already won two competitions and I dream a lot of winning a third. I have to congratulate the players for the fantastic attitude they had. In the first 10 minutes, we couldn’t get it right, I said that this North Macedonia team knew how to play. It was not what was thought of them.”
Bruno Fernandes said:
“This game will stay in our memory because we made it to the World Cup. It was a very important match, the fans were impeccable. The atmosphere was spectacular today – people realized what we needed”.
Last week, Portugal eliminated Turkey in the UEFA World Cup playoff seminal final defeating them 3-1 in Porto on Thursday. Otavio, Diogo Jota, and Matheus Nunes score the three goals.
So, who has already qualified for the World Cup 2022, along with Portugal?
Qatar, Germany, Denmark, Brazil, France, Belgium, Croatia, Spain, Serbia, England, Switzerland, Netherlands, Argentina, Iran, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Canada, Ghana, Senegal, Poland, Morocco, Tunisia, and Cameroon.
⬇️Please share your thoughts on the game in the comments below ⬇️
The head of the Portuguese Ordem dos Médicos (Order of Physicians) Miguel Guimarães stated on Monday that the government should end the mandatory face mask measure within two weeks. Guimarães told TSF radio that masks are no longer necessary in both outdoor spaces and close areas like shopping malls and public transport. This would mean children and young people would be able to return to school, after Easter break, without having to wear a mask.
Back in February 2022, Guimarães stated that the COVID-19 pandemic should be over by Spring, on March 20.
Representing the Ordem dos Médicos (Order of Physicians) Guimarães also told TSF on Monday that Ukrainian doctors are authorized to work in Portugal without speaking Portuguese. This must still be negotiated with the government, but a diploma has been published by the Order that recognizes the professional abilities of Ukrainian doctors.
Guimarães says that this is an “exceptional” measure in order to integrate Ukrainian professionals and that Ukrainian doctors should learn Portuguese. He urges the government to provide Portuguese courses to these doctors.
Jorge Roque da Cunha, the Secretary-General of the Independent Union of Doctors has supported this initiative.
The Ordem dos Médicos (Order of Physicians) is a public entity that serves as the regulatory body for medical fractionates in Portugal, established in 1898.
Lisbon is the most expensive place to rent a house in Portugal, as well as purchase property. As of February 2022, the price of renting in Lisbon is €13/m2, according to Idealista. A 75m2 apartment could cost around €975 in the Lisbon district. However, in comparison to cities like London and Amsterdam where such an apartment would cost double, Lisbon is a lot more affordable than most European cities. Lisbon is also home to the most expats, in comparison to other Portuguese cities. With 87 different nationalities in Lisbon, the capital is a diverse city that provides a high quality of life for those coming from abroad.
Although prices are rising in Lisbon, the capital still boasts a variety of housing options from penthouses to studios and apartments. You will mostly only find furnished apartments and landlords will not want to take the furniture out for you. To find a place to rent, you can choose to enlist a rental agent from a well-regarded agency. Here are some of the most popular property portals and real estate agencies in Portugal that can help you find a home in Lisbon:
ReMax
Spotahome
Custojusto
Century21
Imovirtual
Idealista
There are many factors to consider when finding a place to live in Lisbon. Will you be looking for a house to rent in the center of Lisbon or Greater Lisbon, such as Cascais and Sintra. If you live in the center of Lisbon, you will have access to affordable public transportation which might be helpful if you work in the city. If you choose to live outside of the city, having a car will be a must. Will you be renting an apartment for yourself or are you looking to live with roommates? You should also consider whether you are okay with living in a noisy area of Lisbon, as it’s not uncommon to hear neighbors arguing and people drinking outside busy streets.
When looking for an apartment to rent in Lisbon, it’s important to consider what area you are going to spend the next months or years living in. The vibrant city center is perfect for young professionals, but the closer to the center, the more expensive it is. The area of Greater Lisbon includes other municipalities to live in rather than the Lisbon metropolitan area, such as Cascais, Sintra, and Oeiras. Let’s go through our favorite places to live in Lisbon.
1. Baixa
The historic old town of Lisbon, Baixa is one of the most visited neighborhoods in the capital. If you rent an apartment in Baixa, you’ll be living in the heart of the city, surrounded by eighteenth-century architecture. Transportation is no issue here with plenty of bus and tram spots, as well as metro stations. From markets to restaurants and shops, everything will be a few minutes away. However, Baixa can get incredibly busy with tourists and locals, particularly at night. If you’re a student or a young person who loves the vibrant environment and nightlife Baixa could be perfect for you, but it might not be suitable for families looking for a quiet life.
Photo by @thewonderlandalice (Unsplash)
2. Príncipe Real
One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Lisbon, Principe Real has the best restaurant, bars, and art galleries in the city. Principe Real has a multicultural population, boasting a diversity of restaurants. However, the neighborhood is still quite peaceful with nineteenth-century buildings and plenty of green spaces. Principe Real is one of the most sought out areas to live in Lisbon, so apartments are not as affordable as in other areas of the capital.
Photo by Dário Gomes (Unsplash)
3. Alfama
Known for its picturesque streets, fado music, and the best views of the city, Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. Many live in this neighborhood, including elderly people who have been there for decades, as well as young professionals and families. However, bear in mind that driving a car in Alfama is almost impossible in its narrow streets. Alfama is also a hilltop neighborhood, so you will have to get used to walking up steep streets.
Cascais is a dream place to live in. A 30-minute drive from Lisbon, many live in Cascais and commute to work in the capital. Cascais is a coastal town on the Portuguese Riviera, known for its stunning bays, luxurious hotels, and golden beaches. Cascais was once a fishermen’s village, still boasting incredible seafood markets, as well as local shops and restaurants. Cascais is also one of the wealthiest areas in Portugal, so homes tend to be more expensive.
A 30-minute train journey from Lisbon, Sintra‘s mountainside is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also located on the Portuguese Riviera, Sintra is known for its beautiful palaces and mansions, nineteenth-century gardens, and some of the best beaches in Portugal. Sintra is less saturated by tourism than Cascais and has a lot more affordable apartments for rent. However, it is still an exclusive vacation location, where certain real estate can often go for millions.
Photo by Miguel Bernardo (Unsplash)
House Rental Culture in Portugal
Adverts
It can feel daunting to navigate the rental culture in Portugal, particularly Lisbon. When you’re looking for a rental online, you might be shocked to find that most adverts include little information. Many might just say “T1 available in Lisbon” without the price. You will have to contact the person, usually via telephone rather than email to get more information.
Can you negotiate rent prices in Portugal?
The good thing about rental culture in Portugal is that prices are often negotiable, but this is not always the case in Lisbon. However, it never hurts to try! You might be successful at negotiating the price, particularly during winter in Lisbon, as during the months of February and October, many landlords are set on short-term rentals for tourists.
Lack of Contracts
An unusual factor about renting in Lisbon is that you might not get a contract which is not advisable. Many landlords choose not to declare their rental income in order to not pay the tax for non-tourism properties set at 28%. This is obviously illegal. What’s even worse is that as a tenant you will have no protection against rent increases, security of your deposit, and will waver all your tenant rights essentially. If you need a rental contract for a residency permit, this is also a huge issue. If landlords do choose to declare it and provide you with a contract, they will most likely add this 28% to your rent. The extra money seems to be worth the safety (and ethics).
Tenant Rights
Again, having an official contract is crucial to ensure your tenancy rights are protected under Portuguese law. If this is the case, Portugal is one of the best countries to live in terms of tenant rights. Tenancy laws in Portugal tend to favor tenants as it can be hard for landlords to evict tenants on long-term contracts. In fact, Portugal’s laws protect people living at a place for over 15 years that are over 65 years old or people living with disabilities from getting evicted. Landlords need to renovate contracts in these cases. There are also laws to protect tenants from harassment and discrimination so if a landlord is harassing you at your home or engaging in offensive behavior, this is illegal. Also, if a landlord needs to renovate a home and the tenant needs to leave the space to do so, the landlord must find temporary accommodation for the tenant in the same region. The tenant also has the right to be refunded for any paid renovations that are necessary. While in cities like Amsterdam there are rules about the number of people who can live in a home, tenants in Portugal have the right to live in a rental with their family up to the third degree and their partners. Tenants can also have three extra guests at any time.
To rent an apartment in Portugal you will need your Individual Tax Identification Number, also known as a NIF, as well as your identification documents. Only then can you sign a rental contract, known as a Contrato de Arrendamento. A rental contract in Portugal is the same as anywhere else, a document that establishes the duties and rights of the landlord and tenant. A rental contract will include the following:
The identification of the landlord and tenant, including date of birth, nationality, and civil status
The address of the house
The number and date of the house’s license
The rent amount and when it must be paid. It might also include whether the rent can be altered. If not, the rent will be altered in accordance with inflation rates.
The date of the contract
Keep in mind that while real estate agents can provide translators, rental contracts are usually in Portuguese. We recommend hiring a translator.
You will have to pay a rental deposit to the landlord as a security deposit, usually amounting to two months rent. There is no set scheme for how long your landlord can hold your deposit, like in most countries in Europe. Some tenants agree to hold the deposit in an escrow account which cannot be touched by the landlord or tenant. You could even share the earned interest on the deposit in the escrow account.
However, for many landlords in Lisbon a deposit isn’t enough and they will require a guarantor, also known as a fiador. If you can’t provide a fiador, you might be asked to many a lot more rent upfront, usually 6 to 12 months. A guarantor is someone who will be legally obliged to pay your rent if you are unable to pay the landlord. The guarantor must be Portuguese, which can be tough if you are new to the country. They must also prove that they have the financial means, usually by submitting tax returns or payment slips. However, a bank can also be your guarantor for a fee through a service called Garantia Bancária. If you still cannot find a fiador, you will need to pay those 6 to 12 months upfront. For a €975 apartment, this would amount to almost €12,000.
Want to move out of a rented apartment in Portugal?
This is uncommon in Europe, but many rental contracts in Portugal allow you to leave a third of the way through the contract. However, you still need to go through the legal steps of moving out, going through the inventory and giving notice.
If you have more than a year left on your contract, you must give 120 days notice. If you have less than a year left, usually 60 days is enough. But if your landlord has breached your contract in any way, you can end the tenancy earlier, like by not conducting important renovations. Keep in mind that your landlord can also serve notice if, for example, they want to move in themselves. The landlord would need to notify you six months in advance. If you have an open-ended contract, the landlord would need to notify you two years in advance.
You’ll also need to go through the rental’s inventory. Before you move in, you would have signed an inventory document that lists any items in the property. When you want to move, you will have to go through this with your landlord to make sure nothing is gone or massively damaged. If everything is well, you will have your deposit returned. However, once again, there is no strict date on when this must be done.
Housing Benefits in Portugal
Portugal offers a program called Porta 65, a financial support system to help pay rent for young people, people who are isolated, in one-person households or cohabitating. You can only apply for Porta 65 if you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and the support only lasts for a maximum of 12 months. Other housing benefits are available for people living under extreme poverty, including access to social housing.
If you can afford to buy a house in Lisbon, this is a better investment than renting as homes continue to increase in value. No one can know for sure if this will be the case for the next decade, but post-COVID the market value is supposed to grow even further.
You also do not need to live in Portugal or be a resident to purchase a house in Portugal. All you need is an Individual Tax Identification Number which you can obtain by opening a Portuguese bank account. Buying a house in Portugal can also make you eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa, allowing you to obtain permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 6 years. However, expect to have to purchase a house of €500,000 or at least €350,000 under certain conditions.
For more information on how to buy a house in Portugal, take a look at our International Guide to Real Estate in Portugal. From an overview of the property market, to where to buy a house, property taxes, and obtaining Portuguese residency, our guide goes into every single detail.
If you’re considering moving to Lisbon, the cost of living is something to consider. Lisbon has the highest cost of living in the country. However, it is still cheaper than most European capitals. Lisbon is 35% cheaper than Amsterdam and 40% cheaper than London. According to Numbeo, the monthly costs for a family of four in Lisbon are around €2,000 without rent. A single person’s monthly costs are less than €600 without rent.
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