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Volunteers raising 35 thousand euros to fly Ukrainian refugees to Portugal

Lara Silva
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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.

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

Gasoline prices skyrocket to 2 euros in Portugal

Lara Silva
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0
Gasoline prices skyrocket to 2 euros in Portugal

During the weekend, lines of cars filled gas stations as drivers prepared to fill up their tanks in expectation of a rise in fuel prices. However, the increase was worse than expected as fuel prices in Portugal have risen to over 2 euros a liter on Monday. This is the sharpest fuel price increase in a week to ever happen in the country, according to CNN Portugal. This means that depending on your car, you might need 100 euros to fill your tank up, according to RTP.

Gasoline remains more expensive than diesel as usual, although experts predicted the opposite would happen. Gasoline prices increased by around 11 cents and diesel prices increased by 15,5 cents, depending on the gas station. Experts had predicted an increase of 8 and 11 cents for the respective fuel types.

The Portuguese government has implemented measures to help mitigate the increase in fuel prices. For example, Portuguese residents can make use of the government’s Autovoucher increase from 5 to 20 euros until the 30th of June for some relief. In January, the government had already temporarily decreased the tax on fuel (ISP) by 2 cents for gasoline and 1 center for diesel. This is in place until the end of April, according to the Diario de Noticias.

Parties from the center to the right are calling on the Prime Minister to reduce the ISP even further. Many are crossing the border to Spain to fill up their thanks as prices remain cheaper than in Portugal due to a lower fuel tax. The difference in price can be larger than 50 cents per liter, according to CNN Portugal. Portugal’s fuel tax remains higher than the EU average, but countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Italy have an even higher fuel tax.

The increase in prices comes as a result of the war in Ukraine. As the European Union sanctions Russia, countries lose access to the world’s third-largest petroleum producer.

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Portugal on Russia’s list of “hostile” countries

Lara Silva
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Portugal on Russia’s list of “hostile” countries

Portugal is on the Russian government’s list of hostile and unfriendly countries, along with all European Union member states, CNN Portugal and Interfax report. The list was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Monday and created at the request of President Vladimir Putin in response to the sanctions imposed against Russia.

Along with European Union (EU) countries, the list also includes Australia, Albania, Andorra, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Canada, Liechtenstein, Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, San Marino, North Macedonia, Singapore, the United States, Taiwan, Ukraine, Montenegro, Switzerland, and Japan.

The foreign countries on the Russian list have taken unfriendly actions against Russia, Russian companies, and Russian citizens. All EU countries are mentioned on the list due to the EU’s measures to make sure Russia cannot finance the war against Ukraine, measures to which Portugal voted in favor.

This includes an end to the sale of EU citizenship to Russians as Portugal is no longer allowing Russian citizens to apply for the Golden Visa. The Portuguese government has also announced that they will sanction any Russian citizen, even if they have Portuguese nationality that is part of an international sanction list by freezing their assets in Portugal. Other sanctions include a full asset freeze on three Russian banks and excluding key Russian banks from SWIFT.

Portugal is also welcoming all Ukrainians who want to seek asylum in Portugal, while other EU member states have imposed limits on the number of refugees allowed. The bureaucracy of applying for refugee status in Portugal has been eliminated for those fleeing Ukraine as the whole process has been fast-tracked. Ukrainian refugees will be given a national health service number, a social security number, and a VAT identification number (NIF) automatically.

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10 Best Things to Do in Madeira

Lara Silva
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2
10 Best Things to Do in Madeira

Madeira island was elected the  “World’s Leading Island Destination” from 2015 to 2021 by the World Travel Awards. With over 1 million tourists visiting every year, Madeira is filled with activities and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or a trip with your friends, Madeira will welcome you with open arms. Visitors can enjoy the summer climate, tropical beaches, and gorgeous landscapes that span the island. If you are looking to avoid the tourist traps and experience Madeira to its fullest, here are the 10 best things to do in Madeira.

1. Ride a cable car

Riding a cable car in Funchal, Madeira is the best way to get a view of Madeira and the blue ocean surrounding it. Funchal has two cable carr services, the Madeira Cable Car and the Botanical Garden Cable Car. Located in the Old Town, the Madeira Cable Car takes you from Funchal to Monte for 15 minutes, providing views of the mountains in Monte and a 360-view of Funchal. The Botanical Garden Cable rides from the Botanical Garden to Monte for 9 minutes, where you will get to see green hills and the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

Photo by Jose Manuel Garcia (Flickr)

Book cable car ticket

2. Sunbathe on some of the best beaches in the world

Madeira’s beaches are some of the best in the world, providing beautiful rock and mountain views. September is the best month for swimming and sunbathing on a beach in Madeira, but the Spring and Summer months are always great. Water temperatures are warm all year round, rating between 19°(66°F) in the winter and 24°C (75°F) in the summer. Take a look at the 13 best beaches in Madeira here.

Porto Santo Beach. Photo by Teresa Lopes IG @teresinhamarise

Our top three favorites are Praia do Porto do Seixal, Prainha Beach, and Porto Santo Beach. Praia do Porto do Seixal is a recently formed beach with black sand, located on the north coast of the island. A local spot, Prainha Beach is another beach with black sand but located on the east of Madeira and a lot more isolated. Porto Santo Beach is located on an inhabited island called Porto Santo, 43 kilometers from Madeira, and features golden sand and turquoise waters, perfect for a day trip. To get to Porto Santo Beach, 43 kilometers from Madeira island, we recommend booking this day trip from Funchal.

Book day trip to Porto Santo

3. Watch some magnificent sea creatures

You cannot visit Madeira without experiencing some dolphin and whale watching. The best time to see whales are between April and October, whereas you can see dolphins all year long. Sperm whales are usually around all year round, as well. To observe these magnificent sea creatures, you must book a dolphin and whale watching tour. Here are some affordable tours:

Photo by Marianne Bevis (Flickr)

Book a dolphin and whale watching experience

4. Taste Madeira cuisine

Madeirense food is known for its soups, seafood, and exotic fruit, as well as bread. You will find a variety of dishes all throughout the island so that you never have to eat the same thing twice. Our top 3 favorite restaurants on the island are O Celeiro, Il Gallo D’Oro, and Quinta do Furão. We recommend ordering the following:

  • Lapas (limpets, mollusks that are attached to rocks on the coast)
  • Prego no Bolo do Caco (grilled steak serve on local caco bread)
  • Bolo do caco (local wheat bread of Madeira that is flattened)

    Photo by Marco Verch Professional Photographer (Flickr)
  • Picado (meat cut into cubes with pepper and fries)
  • Wheat soup (soup with pork, vegetables, potato)
  • Filete de espada with banana (black swordfish with banana)
  • Trutas (trout grilled with butter sauce)
  • Espetada Madeirense (beef in a laurel skewer grilled on charcoal)
  • Cozido Madeirense (pork, sausages, vegetables cooked on a wood fire)
  • Tomato soup with poached egg
  • Chicarros fritos (small fish that is fried, grilled, or baked)

Book a food experience in Madeira

5. Experience the unique basket sledges

Photo by Javi Carretero (Flickr)

You will never see this anywhere else, but a unique transportation method in Madeira are basket sledges. With more than one hundred years of history, traditional basket sledges are made of wood and wicker and can take up to three people. Large basket cars go down two-kilometer hills with no mechanical breaks. But don’t worry, you are in safe hands as two specialists control the baskets so that no one is injured.

Book a tour with a traditional basket ride

6. Drink some Madeira wine

Photo by Joanne Goldby (Unsplash)

Madeira wine is a fortified wine that is made from a variety of grapes, such as Tinta Negra Mole, Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. Beware that Madeira wine has a higher alcohol level compared to the average wine, usually about 20%. You can find different types of Madeira wine, from dry to sweet wine. The best way to enjoy a range of Madeira wines is to book a wine tasting. We recommend booking this professional wine tasting a visit to vineyards in a 4×4. This half-day wine tour takes you to amazing wineries that date back to 1850 where you’ll get to learn about the wine-making process and try some local wine.

Book a wine tasting in Madeira

7. Hike to the island’s highest point at Pico Ruivo

Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on Madeira island, at 1,861 meters. You can reach the top by hiking from Pico do Arieiro, a harder hike, or from Achada do Teixeira, a more relaxed trail. You will get a panoramic view of Madeira, probably the best view on the island. The hike can be dangerous, predominantly if there’s bad weather so we recommend booking a private tour. The best time to hike is during the night to arrive at the top before sunrise. This private tour from Pico do Areeiro allows you to get to the top of Pico Ruivo before sunset with a guide.

Photo by Mark Huigen (Unsplash)

Book a hike to Pico Ruivo

8. See the traditional houses in Santana

Photo by Reiseuhu (Unsplash)

Located on the North coast, Santa is a picturesque town known for its triangle-shaped houses that have served for centuries as homes and stables. Santana houses are built straw from local cereal plantations and are usually painted in blue, red, and white.

Although most locals no longer live in these houses, you can find the most authentic at the Centre for Traditional Santana houses. Walking through these will make you feel like you are living in a Disney movie!

Book a tour in Santana

9. Enjoy a guided tour from a local’s perspective

There’s no better way to explore Madeira island than with a local. From the best restaurants to beaches, a day with a Madeirenese will entail an authentic island day out. This walking tour in Funchal with a local guide allows you to discover the food and culture of the island for a whole day for €70. This full-day Madeira northwest coast safari from Funchal takes a scenic route between Ribeira Brava and Porto Moniz in an open-top safari vehicle for €37. Another great tour is this private full-day tour to discover the wine culture in Madeira on an Open Top 4WD for €200 (price for 5 people).

Book a guided tour in Madeira

10. Enjoy the view from Miradouros

If you have been to Lisbon or the Azores, you’ve heard of a miradouro (viewpoint). Madeira is filled with miradouros that feature panoramic views of the island, contrasting with the dark blue ocean. The most famous viewpoints in Madeira are Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos in Funchal and in Porto Santo, Miradouro da Portela. If you have time, also stop by these miradouros: Balcoes, Veu da Noiva and Eira da Achada. To visit the best miradouros, you should definitely rent a car.

Photo by Dimitry B (Unsplash)

Take a look at our full guide to Madeira, from restaurants, hotels, to activities, we have everything you need to know about the archipelago.

Book tours & experiences in Madeira

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

Guide to Portuguese Visas: Types of Portugal Visas (Updated November 2024)

Lara Silva
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59
Guide to Portuguese Visas: Types of Portugal Visas (Updated November 2024)

Do I Need a Portuguese Visa to Visit Portugal?

EU/EFTA Nationals

If you are an EU/EFTA citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Portugal. You can stay in Portugal for three whole months. You have 90 days in a 180 day period to spend in Portugal, for tourism, visiting family, work, etc. Family members of EU/EFTA nationals are also allowed to travel without a visa for 90 days. However, if you want to stay for longer, you must request a registration certificate. You can also obtain permanent residency after five years.

Non-EU/EFTA Nationals

If you are a non-EU/EFTA national, you will need a visa to visit Portugal for less than three months. However, Portugal is one of the easiest countries to travel to as the country has diplomatic agreements with 61 countries. If your country is on the list, as is the case for the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, you do not need a visa for short stays. If you wish to stay for longer than three months, you will need to apply for a long-term visa before coming to Portugal.

Types of Portuguese Visas

There are three main types of Portuguese Visas: Short Stay visas, Temporary Stay National visas, and Long Stay National Visas. Let’s go through each type of visa.

1. Short Stay Visas (Schengen Visas)

Also known as a Schengen visa, a Short Stay visa applies for stays up to 90 days. EU/EFTA nationals do not need this visa to travel to Portugal for less than 90 days, as well as those from the 61 countries with visa-free travel agreements. This visa is given for tourism, visiting family, airport transit, as well as other temporary travel reasons and allows visa holders to travel through the Schengen area. There are different types of Portuguese Schengen visas: General Short Stay visa, Seasonal Work visa, and Airport Transit visa.

A Schengen visa usually costs €80, while children between 6 and 12 years old pay €40. Those from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine only pay €40. Children under six do not pay a fee.

2. Temporary Stay National Visas

If you are looking to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Temporary Stay visa that allows you to stay in Portugal for up to a year. You can enter the country whenever you want throughout that year. EU/EFTA nationals don’t need this visa, neither do their family members. However, even if you come from a country that has a visa-free travel agreement, you must still obtain a Temporary Stay visa to stay in Portugal for longer than 90 days. There are many types of Temporary Stay visas such as a temporary work visa, a study visa, professional training or internship visa, medical treatment visa, youth mobility visa, self-support visa, and a religious purposes visa. A Temporary Stay national visa costs €75, but children under six do not pay a fee.

3. Long Stay National Visas (Residency Visas)

A Long Stay National visa, also known as a Residency visa, allows stays of over a year long. Non-EU/EFTA nationals need to apply for this visa in order to stay in Portugal for over a year, even if their country has a visa-free travel agreement. To apply for this visa, you will have to apply for a residency permit with the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA). You’ll have to show proof that you can financially support yourself throughout your stay. There are multiple types of long-stay national visas including a work visa, study visa, professional training or internship visa, family reunion visa, Portugal Golden Visa, Portugal D7 Visa, and a D2 Entrepreneur Visa. We’ll go through these last three visas in more detail in the next section. A Long Stay national visa costs €90.

Long Stay Residency Visas: Which Portugal Visa Is Right for You?

The most famous Long Stay Residency visas in Portugal are the Golden Visa, D7 Visa, and D2 Visa. To be eligible for these, you need to be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national. All of these visas share similar benefits. From being able to travel freely within the Schengen area, being able to study and work in Portugal, family reunification, and eventually being eligible for Portuguese citizenship, the perks are too positive to ignore. We will go through the tax incentives of these visas in the final section.

Portugal Golden Visa

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Portugal shocked the world in February 2023 when the government announced an end to  Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme through real estate investment. While the purchase of real estate in Portugal is no longer an option to obtain a Portugal Golden Visa, this visa might be suitable for you if you have the funds to make an investment in the country. One of the most attractive Golden visas in the world, it allows non-EU citizens to get a long-term residency permit, and eventually citizenship. However, you do not need to live in Portugal to be eligible for this visa. All you need to do is to stay in the country for at least 7 days in the first year and 14 days in the subsequent years. This visa allows for family reunification where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you.

Guide to Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal Golden Visa: Investment Options

So, what type of investments can you make to still be eligible for a Portugal Golden Visa? There are 4 types of investments!

1. Investment Fund

  • You can spend a minimum of a €500,000 subscription in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund.
  • These are known as “fundos de capital de risco” and are investment funds that support Portuguese businesses.
  • The minimum amount used to be €350,000, but it has changed to €500,000 at the beginning of 2022.

2. Capital Transfer

  • This is the most expensive option, a €1.5 million capital transfer.
  • You must show proof of bank transfer deposits to Portugal from a foreign account that adds up to this amount.
  • The minimum amount used to be €1 million, but it has been increased to €1.5 million at the beginning of 2022.

3. Job Creation

  • Another investment option is creating jobs in Portugal. There are two options in this category:
  • Create a minimum of ten new full-time jobs in a Portuguese business that you own.
  • Or invest a minimum of €500,000 in an already existing Portuguese business and create a minimum of five new full-time jobs in that business within three years.

4. Donation

  • You can also make a donation in Portugal. There are two options in this category:
  • Invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving art or national heritage in Portugal.
  • Or invest a minimum of €500,000 in a research and development activity in Portugal.

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

Portugal D7 Visa

The D7 Visa is also known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa but is also suitable for remote workers and digital nomads. The Portugal D7 Visa was introduced in 2007 and requires no investment. This visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want residence in Portugal and have a reasonable passive income. This income can come from real estate, a retirement pension, a salary, etc.

The minimum passive income required is €9,840 per year for the main applicant. For a spouse, you must add 50% to this (€4,920) and for a dependent child, you must add 30% to this (€2,952). Therefore, for a couple with one child, you would need around €17,712 a year to be eligible for the D7 Visa.

For this visa, you must spend at least 16 months in Portugal during the first 2 years. Along with a clean criminal record, when applying you need to show that you have proof of address in Portugal (rental or purchase). This visa allows for family reunification where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you.

Guide to D7 Visa

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

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

Portugal D7 Visa vs Portugal Golden Visa

Wondering what the main differences are between the Portugal D7 Visa and the Golden Visa? The main difference is that the Golden Visa requires an investment of at least €350,000, while a D7 Visa requires zero investment. The application process for a D7 Visa is also much shorter as it only takes 3 to 4 months to obtain a visa, while with the Golden Visa this can take up to a year. However, with the Golden Visa, you only need to stay in Portugal for around one week, while with the D7 Visa you need to stay at least 6 months of a whole year. The D7 Visa does require proof of passive income, while the Portugal Golden Visa does not. The Golden Visa is more expensive not only in investment but because the professional service fees such as paying lawyers can cost more than €30,000, while the cost for a D7 Visa is less than €5,000.

These two visas also share some essential similarities. They both contain family reunification where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you. Both visas also pave the way for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 6 years. Moreover, they both make you eligible for the non-habitual tax regime, an attractive fiscal regime.

Portugal D2 Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa is not as well known as the Portugal D7 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa, but it could be the right path to take 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 D2 Visa if you want to start a business or startup in Portugal, transfer your existing one to Portugal, as well as invest in a business in Portugal. This visa is catered to small and medium-sized businesses to raise foreign investment to develop the Portuguese economy. To apply, you must put together a viable business plan that will be evaluated in terms of its economic, technological, and cultural impact. You can set up any business, from a restaurant to a tech startup.

In terms of cost, the D2 Visa would sit right in the middle between the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa. While with the Golden Visa you need at least a €350,000 investment and with the D7 Visa all you need is proof of passive income, the D2 Visa requires you to prove that your business is viable. You must invest in the company’s share capital, which immigration firms advise should be at least €50,000. In truth, the more you invest, the more likely you might be to get your visa. You must also show that you have the financial ability to sustain yourself while living in Portugal.

This visa allows for family reunification where your family members are granted the same residency rights as you. Like the D7 Visa and Golden Visa, you can apply for a permanent resident after 5 years and citizenship after 6 years. To be eligible for permanent residence, you must spend at least 6 consecutive months in Portugal within those 5 years.

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

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

Guide to D2 Visa

Portugal Residency Visas: Cryptocurrency in Portugal

Portugal is a crypto tax haven of sorts but not as much as it was before 2023. Portugal introduced a new crypto tax law in 2023 that applies a 28% capital gains tax on short-term crypto holdings (less than 365 days). Almost all crypto assets that you hold for over a year, except for certain tokens like securities and those from specific jurisdictions, are tax-free, except for certain tokens like securities and those from specific jurisdictions. 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.

What makes Portugal a crypto-friendly country goes beyond tax incentives alone. You can actually purchase real estate with bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through intermediaries. You can also qualify for any of the investment options with crypto visa cards.

Guide to Cryptocurrency in Portugal

why is portugal a crypto friendly country

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Portugal suspends Golden Visas for Russians

Lara Silva
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Portugal suspends Golden Visas for Russians

The Portuguese Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) has announced that Russian citizens can longer apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, according to CNN Portugal. Russian citizens who have already applied for the Golden Visa will have their applications suspended. This measure has come into place along with other economic sanctions decided by the European Union (EU) as a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Portugal will also sanction any Russian citizen, even if they have Portuguese nationality, that is part of an international sanction list by freezing their assets in Portugal.

In the last decade, Portugal has given over 400 Golden Visas to Russian citizens, resulting in an investment of over 250 million euros. SEF will not be releasing the names of the Russian citizens who have been granted a Golden Visa due to data privacy. Therefore, it is impossible to know whether any of these Russian citizens are on the EU sanction list.

While Russian citizens will not be given Golden Visas in Portugal, only those on the international sanction list will be economically sanctioned by having their assets frozen. Russian citizens that have already had their Golden Visa approved will not be affected if they are not on the sanction list.

Portugal is not the only country doing this. The EU, US, UK, and Canada have committed to limiting the sale of citizenship through Golden Visa programs to wealthy Russians connected to the Russian government.

EU Economic Sanctions Against Russia

Portugal voted in favor of the sanctions approved by the EU which is supposed to make sure Russia cannot finance the war. These sanctions will also damage the ability of Russian banks to conduct financial transactions worldwide in an efficient matter, as well as impose economic costs on Russia’s political elite.

Let’s go through some of the economic sanctions that Portugal will employ, along with other EU member states.

  • Prohibiting lending to and buying of securities issued by certain Russian banks and government
  • Full asset freeze and a ban on three Russian banks
  • Financing ban of certain state-owned companies
  • Banning large deposits by the Russian elite in EU banks
  • Excluding key Russian banks from SWIFT
  • No investing in projects co-financed by the Russian Direct Investment Fund

Not all EU countries have done so, but the Portuguese government has announced that all “Ukrainians are welcome in Portugal”. The government is set to create a task force that will focus on helping Ukrainian refugees with employment and housing, according to CNN Portugal. Ukrainian refugees will be automatically given a national health service number, a social security number, and a VAT identification number (NIF).

⬇️Please share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️

House prices increase by 13,8% in one year in Portugal

Lara Silva
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0
House prices increase by 13,8% in one year in Portugal

As expected, house prices grew exponentially post-COVID. In the past year, house prices have increased by 13,8% in Portugal. This is a large contrast to the growth seen last year of 5%. In January of 2022, the average selling price for a house reached over €2000/m2. Areas that had previously not seen much growth and were considered affordable have also seen a sharp increase.

Experts argue this price increase is due to an increase in people looking to purchase a house and a lack of houses available, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in house purchases has contributed to the rise in prices, as around 60,000 purchases were made between November and January, a 9% increase from the three months prior.

The councils that grew the most in their house valuations were Palmela, Mafra, and Sintra, reaching over 20% price increases. The areas of Aveiro, Braga, and Vila do Conde also saw a large increase, areas that were considered affordable.

It seems that purchasing real estate in Portugal remains a safe investment as homeowners face large returns on their investments in a growing market. Still, make sure to seek financial advice from a professional if you are looking to purchase property in Portugal. Buying a home could potentially even land you permanent residence or even citizenship if you are eligible to apply for a Portugal Golden Visa.

Most Expensive Places to Buy a House in Portugal

  1. Lisbon (€3,692/m2)
  2. Porto (€2,270/m2)
  3. Faro (€2,625/m2)
  4. Setubal (€1,960/m2)
  5. Madeira (€1,925/m2)

Cheapest Places to Buy a House in Portugal

  1. Portalegre (€604/m2)
  2. Guarda (€650/m2)
  3. Castelo Branco (€723/m2)
  4. Braganca (€780/m2)
  5. Beja (€840/m2)

Guide to Real Estate in Portugal

Rental prices have also increased, making it more expensive than ever to rent a house in Portugal. In the past month alone, rental prices increased by 0.7%, and by 1,8% in the last 3 months, according to Idealista. The largest monthly increase in rental prices occurred in Coimbra (6,4%), Braga (4,5%), Viseu (3,1%), Lisboa (1,7%), São Miguel island (1,1%), and Porto (0,5%).

Most Expensive Places to Rent a House in Portugal

  1. Lisbon (€13/m2)
  2. Porto (€10,1/m2)
  3. Faro (€9,8/m2)
  4. Madeira (€9,2/m2)
  5. Setubal (€9/m2)
  6. Coimbra (€7,5/m2)
  7. São Miguel (€7,1/m2)

Cheapest Places to Rent a House in Portugal

  1. Vila Real (€4,5/m2)
  2. Viseu (€5/m2)
  3. Santarem (€5,2/m2)
  4. Castelo Branco (€5,8/m2)
  5. Viana do Castelo (€6,2/m2)

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.

⬇️Please share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️

Black Portuguese citizens held at Ukraine-Poland border

Lara Silva
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0
Black Portuguese citizens held at Ukraine-Poland border

There have been reports on social media of young Black Portuguese refugees being held at the border with Poland by Ukrainian officers and not being allowed to evacuate the war zone. Ana Maria Costa, the mother of a Portuguese student in Ukraine revealed to RTP on Monday morning that her son has been held at the border for the last three days. Ukrainian officers are not letting her son and other Black and Asian individuals cross the border.

The hashtag #AfricansInUkraine has been trending on social media in the past few days, as many share their racist experiences at the border. Along with being held at the border, many describe having faced racial violence at the hands of Ukrainian officers. Refugees are facing dangerous conditions at the border, without access to food, water, and shelter under extremely cold temperatures. Shocking images have been shared on social media such as a video of Ukrainian officers pushing a young Black girl off the train, as seen below.

Trigger warning racial violence

A Black young man on Twitter still at the Polish border has said that Africans are not being allowed on trains to evacuate Lviv, Ukraine. He says that the priority to board trains is given in the following order: children first, women second, white men third, and only after Africans.

The PM of Portugal has yet to comment on the racist treatment of Black Portuguese citizens at the border. Costa announced on Thursday that any Ukrainians who have family, friends, and acquaintances in Portugal are welcome in the country.

Portugal could lift all COVID restrictions on April 3

Lara Silva
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Portugal could lift all COVID restrictions on April 3

The Directorate-General of Health of Portugal (DGS) has said that if Portugal reaches 20 deaths per one million inhabitants on April 3, all covid restrictions are likely to be lifted. This number is said to be a safe projection to lift restrictions, under the criteria of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). However, Graça Freitas the director of the DGS has said that the lifting of restrictions is not set in stone and the plan could be altered at any time.

The DGS is currently monitoring COVID variants to figure out if the plan to lift all restrictions in April will take place. Graça Freitas has also said that there might be a reduction of the isolation period for those infected with COVID, possibly to 5 days. However, this will depend on the infection rates and deaths in the next few weeks, as a subvariant of Omicron (BA.2) is becoming more dominant.

What are the COVID restrictions in Portugal?

For the time being, some covid restrictions have been lifted. High-risk contacts no longer need to quarantine, meaning you don’t have to quarantine after being in close contact with someone with COVID. The recommendation to work from home has been lifted. You also no longer need to provide an EU Covid Digital Certificate when entering a restaurant, club, or bar, meaning you no longer need a vaccine or test to enter these locations. However, you still need to show a certificate for traveling at border control, as well as when visiting a nursing home and ICU. You are still required to wear a face mask when traveling by public transport in Portugal as well as in indoor spaces such as concert halls and large shopping facilities.

We will be updating up-to-date COVID restrictions in Portugal as they are announced here. The Portuguese government also updates travel restrictions concerning covid here.

How many COVID cases are in Portugal?

There are 452,758 active covid infections as of Sunday, February 27. DGS registered 6,457 new infections and 38 deaths, as well as 102 people in the ICU.

Guide to Casinos, Gambling and Betting in Portugal

Lara Silva
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Guide to Casinos, Gambling and Betting in Portugal

Betting culture has always had a strong presence in Portugal and is a part of the daily lives of the Portuguese, as well as the lottery and gambling. From a young age, Portuguese kids are taken by the hand to “Casas da Apostas” (betting houses) and cafes to watch their parents and grandparents place a bet during their espresso break. Oftentimes, kids even pick the numbers and stars for their parents to play the Euromilhoes as a lucky charm. Since 2015, online betting has also become legal. However, you will find that many continue to prefer betting in person due to its cultural and traditional significance. From sports betting to playing roulette in the casino, the Portuguese are not afraid to play with their money. Despite its notoriety, the Portuguese are used to paying one of the highest tax rates for betting in the world at 44%.

Types of Betting & Gambling in Portugal

The Lottery in Portugal

Playing the lottery has always been a traditional thing for Portuguese people of all classes to do. The most famous lotteries in Portugal are Euromilhoes and Totoloto. You can play the Euromilhoes and Totoloto in cafes, gas stations, and stores, as well as online. See the physical locations where you can play here.

The Euromilhoes prize money can go up to €30,000,000. To play, you must pick 5 numbers and then 2 numbers to be your “stars”. This counts as one bet. It’s common practice in Portugal for people to pick numbers and letters that are meaningful for them. You can play the Euromilhoes online here. 

Totoloto’s prize money is much lower than Euromilhoes, usually under €2,000,000. To play, you must pick 5 numbers of the available options. Again, this counts as a single bet. You can play the Totoloto online here.

Sports Betting in Portugal

In a country that prides itself on football, sports betting is one of the most common types of betting. You can bet on thousands of different sports events. Whatever sport you are into, you can probably bet on it in Portugal, regardless of how famous it might be. However, the most sports to bet on in Portugal are football (obviously), basketball, futsal, and rink hockey. There are several sports betting companies, where you can bet both online or in physical locations like “tabacarias” (cigarette shops). The most famous sports betting websites in Portugal are Placard, Betclic, and Betano. Placard is the most famous betting company in Portugal and besides betting online, you can bet in stores such as gas stations and “tabacarias”.

Horse Race Betting in Portugal

Apart from traditional sports betting, the only other authorized form of betting is horse race betting. You can do this online or at a physical place like a “Casa de Apostas” (betting house), gas stations, and “tabacarias”. For online horse race betting, similarly to other sports betting, see Placard, Betclic, and Betano. However, make sure that you are betting legally. You can check out the legal list of horse race betting certified by the Portuguese National Authority for Animal Health.

Photo by Amol Tyagi (Unsplash)

Casinos in Portugal: The 4 Best Casinos in Portugal

1. Casino Estoril

A casino in the Portuguese Riviera, Casino Estoril is one of the biggest casinos in Europe. One of the inspirations for Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel Casino Royale, Casino Estoril has modernist architecture. The first stone of the build was placed in 1916, making it a cultural building with a rich history. During the Second World War, the casino was a gathering spot for spies and dispossessed royals.

The casino can take up to 1,000 people at a time. The casino features a gambling room with roulette, blackjack, and more, as well as the most advanced slot machines on the market. Casino Estoril also has an auditorium that regularly has music and theater shows and two restaurants.

2. Casino Lisboa

Casino Lisboa, located in Parque das Nações, Lisbon, gets over 2 million visitors a year and over 5,000 a day. This casino opened in 2006 and is recognized globally as one of the best casinos. The casino has over 700 slot machines. Casino Lisboa also offers 22 gambling tables with roulette, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, and “banca francesa”. Apart from gambling, the casino has a large auditorium, a famous space that hosts art, cultural and business events.

3. Casino Vilamoura

300 KM from Lisbon, Casino Vilamoura in Algarve is located inside a famous marina that attracts millions of tourists every year. A nightlife hotspot, this casino opened in 1996 and was more recently remodeled in 2018. Owned by the large hotel and casino company Solverde, this casino features a VIP lounge, 520 slot machines, and 10 gambling tables.

4. Casino Tróia

Casino Tróia, located an hour away from Lisbon, is known for its innovative design and modern rooms. With over 200 slot machines and 15 gambling tables with diverse games, it caters to every type of client. The Casino features the Estrathosphera Bar which has a bar and stage that often DJs come to play at.

Photo by the blowup (Unsplash)

Who Takes the Prize: Online vs Offline Betting in Portugal

Although offline betting is the traditional way in Portugal where you socialize with the staff at the betting shop and discuss your bets with locals, we can’t ignore the convenience of online betting. You can place a bet remotely from anywhere, via a computer, tablet, or phone. Online betting can also be safer as it allows you to look for reviews and find out whether a website is trustworthy. You can also more easily compare betting systems and odds from different companies in a more convenient matter.

Despite the cultural significance of offline betting in Portugal, this method has some disadvantages. You obviously cannot place a bet outside of the place’s working hours which might cost you to miss out on an important bet. Offline betting is also more time-consuming and at times, comes with additional expenses. However, many small “tabacarias” and “Casas de Apostas” rely on offline betting financially so it is always good to go to these.

Portugal Betting Laws: Can You Bet Online in Portugal?

Although betting has been around for hundreds of years in Portugal and is part of the country’s cultural history, the legalization of online betting is recent. Since 2015, online betting is legal in Portugal when its gambling laws were altered to adapt to the digital space. Online casinos and sports betting sites are completely legal and regulated by Portuguese entities. In 2020, online betting platforms reached a new record and made over €69 million in only three months.

The new online betting regulations follow important principles that the Portuguese government wants to follow. For example, it has regulations to avoid fraud, protect minors and vulnerable people, as well as guarantee the integrity of sport by fighting the manipulation of sports results.

Portuguese laws on online betting are quite simple. The following types of online gambling and betting are legal:

  • Fixed-odds sports betting.
  • Horse race betting (mutual and fixed-odds). Check the legal list of horse race betting with the Portuguese National Authority for Animal Health.
  • Games of chance like blackjack, bingo, slot machines, poker, and more.
  • You can also play the lottery online.

Taxes on Betting in Portugal

The taxes on betting in Portugal are high compared to the rest of the world. Portugal has one of the highest tax rates at 44%. When online betting became legal, economists believed this would make companies unsuccessful. Instead, this sector is growing and there are many companies out there regularly applying for the Portuguese online gaming license.

Photo by Amol Tyagi (Unsplash)
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