So, now you want to buy property in Portugal!
That’s when we discovered Pictours Lisbon, run by the fantastic duo Miguel Rodrigues and Maya Attinello. They offer photography and guided tours, and they beautifully captured our first days in Portugal.
Praia Adraga, Portugal
Image shot near Sintra, Portugal
Photo by Miguel Rodrigues
Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'! —Audrey Hepburn
My husband, Paul, and I exchanged vows on a beach in Portugal—completely unplanned! We had already booked the trip, and then, on a whim, we decided, “Why not get married while we’re there?” After a little research (for anyone considering the same), we learned that the best approach was to handle the legal paperwork in the U.S. first and then say our vows in Portugal. So, we planned an elopement!
That’s when we discovered Pictours Lisbon, run by the fantastic duo Miguel Rodrigues and Maya Attinello. They offer photography and guided tours, and they beautifully captured our first days in Portugal. Not only did we enjoy a great tour, but Miguel and Maya also photographed our vows on Praia da Adraga, just outside Sintra. They definitely photograph elopements! That moment kicked off our love affair with Portugal! (By the way, I’m not getting paid to mention any of the people in this post—I just love sharing when I find folks who excel at what they do!)
We currently live in Colorado. Let’s just say that at certain times of the year, we crave warmth. While Portugal is in southern Europe, it isn't warm in the winter! We knew this going in, so we wrapped up our first trip to the Algarve, which only deepened our love for this little gem of a country. The Algarve is located in the southernmost part of the country and is definitely warmer. We loved it so much that we returned the very next year! This time, we spent most of our time in the Algarve and began looking at properties. We met Mike Casey during our first trip. He is a fantastic realtor from Casas do Sotavento Realty in Vila Real de Santo Antonio. He has been incredibly helpful, guiding us through the home-buying process in Portugal. He is now helping us buy a property; more on that later.
Many Americans are moving to Portugal, each for their own reasons. My advice? Make a move based on your dreams and goals, not just as a reaction to U.S. politics. Trust me, I have plenty of frustrations with what’s happening in the U.S., but my decisions are shaped by research and a clear sense of why we’re doing this. For us, it’s about lifestyle, healthcare, food safety, a vibrant social culture, and the chance to learn new languages. Most importantly, we want to live well, stay healthy, and keep our wanderlust alive.
The hard truth? We can’t afford to retire in the U.S. We can’t rely on Social Security—it might not even be available when we need it. Therefore, we’re charting our own course, and for us, that course leads to Portugal.
What should you consider once you know why you want to move to Portugal? Should you buy or rent? Do you plan to learn the language? Where in Portugal do you wish to live? Have you thought about the pros and cons of renting? What about the pros and cons of buying? Have you considered the legal issues involved in purchasing property? Do you have pets to relocate? You need to address these factors before buying property in any foreign country.
1. Rent versus buy: Renting in Portugal has its perks! The laws favor renters more than in the U.S.—for example, rent increases are capped at 2% until December 1, 2029, and landlords must give 30 days’ notice before raising rent. That said, a few years ago, rents jumped over 6%, so things can change.
Owning has its advantages as well. Prices are still lower than in the U.S., but they’re rising quickly—we’ve seen prime properties increase by 30% in just three years! If you buy inland, it’s more affordable, but that could impact rental potential if you’re considering short-term rentals.
My best advice? Visit first! Explore different regions, check out the weather, and choose based on the lifestyle you want.
2. Learning to speak Portuguese: Learning Portuguese is a must if you plan to move to Portugal! Yes, many people speak English, but knowing the language makes a huge difference. You get to meet and get to know some of the kindest, warmest, and most accepting people anywhere! Make language learning a priority. It’s also good for your brain to keep learning new things!
I tried Duolingo, but it felt more like a game than genuine learning. Additionally, it teaches Brazilian Portuguese, which differs significantly from European Portuguese. My advice? Find a program that encourages you to speak right away and also teaches grammar.
I already knew Spanish and understood how languages are taught, but I needed real interaction with native speakers. That’s when I found Talk the Streets, a YouTube channel by Liz Sharma. She’s an excellent teacher who’s built a solid system for learning Portuguese. Her program is an investment, but you get lifetime access to lessons and live classes. As a former teacher, I can say her approach is top-notch! Here is the link for the Talk the Streets website.
If you’re serious about moving to Portugal, learning Portuguese is essential—and Liz and her team can help you get there.
3. Where in Portugal do you want to live? First, decide: mainland Portugal or island life in the Azores or Madeira?
Next, pick a region—north, central, or south. The north has vibrant cities like Braga, rich in culture, history, and job opportunities. Porto and the Douro Valley are breathtaking (honestly, the whole country is!), with world-class wine and a lower cost of living than many European cities.
Between Porto and Lisbon, the Silver Coast is gaining popularity for its stunning coastline, affordable homes, proximity to both cities—not to mention world-class surfing. Lisbon is a great option, with beautiful weather, a thriving start-up scene, and a still-affordable cost of living.
We chose the Algarve for its endless coastline, warm climate, and easy access to Spain. It has the best year-round weather, hands down!
4. Legal considerations: Do your research before buying property in Portugal—it’s very different from buying in the U.S.
First, you need a lawyer. Some say you don’t, but Portuguese property laws have complexities you won’t catch on your own. A good lawyer will verify the seller’s ownership, check for hidden liabilities, review property conditions, and handle the legal paperwork. They’ll also help you open a Portuguese bank account required to buy property.
You’ll also need a way to transfer money from the U.S. to Portugal. We use the Wise Card for better exchange rates and have also worked with currency brokers like SpartanFX—Michael Hart has been great!
5. Pets: We have an older Labrador named Gibby. He is very healthy but is slowing down. One thing we won’t do is put him in the cargo hold. That is our biggest concern regarding the timing of our move to Portugal. We also have two cats, which can travel in the cabin with you when flying internationally. There are requirements, such as the pet must be microchipped at least 21 days before arriving in Portugal, vaccinated against rabies, and you must obtain a USDA pet certificate from a certified veterinarian within 10 days before travel. So, what will we do about Gibby? Unless we can figure out a way for him to travel in the cabin with us, which is increasingly difficult, Gibby will live his best life in Colorado.
There’s much more to consider, and we’re excited to share what we learn. If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, take the time to define why and make a plan that will set you up for success. Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more soon!
