Your move · Living here
We’re here. How do we make the most of it?
Keep on top of the dates that matter, make the most of each season, renew your residence permit on time, and protect what you’ve built.
Your dates
Every renewal, in one place
Your residence permit, UK passport, lease, car inspection, insurance and car tax, and Portuguese tax return. Add the dates you know and we’ll show what needs doing first, and when to start.
Make the most of it
6 guidesHow do we cope with, and enjoy, a Portuguese summer?
IPMA heat warnings, wildfire rules on burning and barbecues, Civil Protection SMS alerts, beach flags and rip currents, the Portuguese man o’ war, and the long school holiday.What are the cooler months like, and how do we make the most of them?
Cold, damp houses and heating, winter storms and IPMA warnings, snow in Serra da Estrela, big waves at Nazaré, and São Martinho, Christmas and Carnival.How do public holidays and school holidays work?
The 13 national holidays for 2026 and 2027, municipal holidays in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal, Coimbra and Braga, Madeira’s regional days, Carnival, the Santos Populares and the 2026–27 school calendar.Work and money
5 guidesHow do I change jobs in Portugal?
What your residence permit allows, telling AIMA, notice periods (aviso prévio), final pay, unemployment benefit and its effect on your permit, and where the labour reform stands.Can I freelance or start a side business?
Your permit first, then opening activity at Finanças, green receipts (recibos verdes), the simplified regime, the €15,000 VAT exemption, social security for the self-employed, and setting up a Unipessoal Lda.What are my rights at work?
Hours, holiday, public holidays, sick pay, parental leave, dismissal and compensation, the right to disconnect and the labour inspectorate.Articles coming soon:Asking for a pay riseSaving and investing from PortugalEmail me when they’re out →
Family and home
8 guidesShould we renew our lease or move?
Automatic renewal under the Civil Code and NRAU, the 2026 and 2027 rent updates, the landlord’s notice not to renew, your notice to leave, the Mais Habitação rules, getting your caução back and rent support.+ calculatorCan we buy a home in Portugal?
NIF and fiscal representative, lawyer, the CPCV deposit, IMT and stamp duty for 2026, the under-35 exemption, mortgages, IMI and AIMI, condominium fees and short-term letting.How do we change schools in Portugal?
Transfers on the Portal das Matrículas, mid-year moves, the national priority rules, equivalence for UK schooling, Portuguese support (PLNM) and international schools.Protect what you’ve built
6 guidesHow do we get permanent residence and citizenship?
Permanent residence and EU long-term residence after 5 years, time abroad, the basic Portuguese requirement, citizenship after 10 years under the 2026 law, and keeping your British passport.What should we check when our insurance renews?
Health insurance price rises, age limits and pre-existing conditions, home insurance (multirriscos) and compulsory fire cover, car insurance and proof of cover, cancelling on time, and complaints to the ASF.Do we need a Portuguese will?
Notary wills, choosing UK law under the EU Succession Regulation, forced heirship (legítima), 10% stamp duty and who is exempt, sorting out an estate, and UK inheritance tax.Calculators and tools for this step
Your budgetCost of living€3,752 a month for your householdWeighing up an offer?UK pay vs Portuguese payCompare take-home pay after income tax and social securityStaying for good?Residency and citizenshipThe routes, the timeline and what it unlocksThinking of leaving?Leaving in the right orderNotice, your lease, your residence card and tax