U C HOMES

  Dear Friends, I’m pleased to inform you that I currently have the following properties available for rent : “BRAGA” – May 2025 🏠 Studio Apartment (T0) Fully furnished and equipped, located on Rua do Souto, Braga. Monthly Rent: €800 🏠 3-Bedroom Apartment (T3) Fully furnished and equipped, with parking space. Located in Parretas (next to Mercadona), Braga. Monthly Rent: €1,000 🏠 2-Bedroom Apartment (T2) Fully furnished and equipped, located in Senhora-a-Branca, Braga. Monthly Rent: €1,300 🏢 Commercial Space For commerce or services, located in Senhora-a-Branca, Braga. Monthly Rent: €750 🏠 1-Bedroom Apartment (T1) Fully furnished and equipped, located on Av. Central, S. Lázaro, Braga. Monthly Rent: €1,200 🏠 Studio Apartments (T0) Fully furnished and equipped, located on Rua de S. Marcos, Braga. Monthly Rent: €1,100 / €1,300 🏡 Detached 4-Bedroom Villa (T4) Corner house, fully furnished and equipped, with swimming pool, mini gym, sauna, barbecue are...

If an American expat already holds a Portuguese residence permit, bringing a parent to Portugal in 2025 can happen mainly through these paths: Option 1: Family Reunification (Reagrupamento Familiar) Available if the parent is financially dependent on the resident expat. Requires strong evidence of financial dependency before and after moving to Portugal (bank records, tax returns, proof of regular money transfers). The process must be initiated by the resident child at AIMA (Immigration and Asylum Agency). Not an easy or fast process — requires solid documentation and sufficient income to support the parent. Option 2: Independent Residence via D7 Visa (Retirees or Passive Income Holders) For parents who have independent financial means (pensions, investments, savings). Requirements: Stable monthly income above the Portuguese minimum wage (€820/month minimum in 2025, ideally more). Portuguese bank account. Long-term rental contract or proof of accommoda...

  If you're a citizen of the European Union (EU) and planning to live in Portugal, you're in luck! Applying for residency as an EU national is straightforward, but there are important steps to keep in mind to ensure your stay is fully legal. Who Needs to Apply for Residency? As an EU citizen, you don't need a visa to move to Portugal. However, if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you're required to register your residence with the Portuguese authorities. Steps to Apply for Residency in Portugal as an EU Citizen: Register Your Residence: If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you need to register your residence at the local Câmara Municipal. This should be done within 90 days of arrival in Portugal. Required Documents: Valid passport or national ID card Proof of address in Portugal (e.g., rental contract or utility bill) Proof of sufficient income to support yourself and any dependents, or proof of employment or self-employment Health ins...

  Braga is experiencing significant growth — which brings both challenges and opportunities, especially for the international community that has made this city their home. 🏠 Housing: Population Growth and Real Estate Challenges Braga's population has reached a record 201,583 residents, up from 193,333 in the 2021 Census. This increase — also driven by the large student population from the University of Minho — is putting pressure on the housing market, making it harder to find affordable homes. Proposed solutions include: Public-private partnerships to increase housing availability Tax incentives to promote affordable housing development Supporting housing cooperatives and alternative ownership models 🚗 Mobility: A Need for Smarter, Sustainable Solutions Urban growth hasn’t been matched by smart mobility infrastructure. Braga leads European cities in daily car usage: 70% of residents use their car, while only 27% use public transport ( Expresso article ). Ideas ...

    We have a saying... "Quem te avisa, teu amigo é!" – Meaning: only a real friend tells you the hard truth. Consider this your heads-up — from someone who lives here, works here, and cares about how you land. Over the past few years, Portugal has been portrayed as a dream destination — beautiful, affordable, welcoming. But behind the scenes, a major policy shift is unfolding that every expat, or would-be expat, needs to be aware of. 1. The End of the “Manifestação de Interesse” This mechanism once allowed undocumented migrants to regularize their status over time. It’s now gone. There’s no more post-facto legalisation for those who enter without proper documentation or contracts. From now on, it’s by-the-book, or nothing. 2. SEF is Dead. AIMA is Here — and Stricter. Portugal’s immigration authority, SEF, has been officially dismantled. Its replacement, AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), is already operating with tighter controls. Expect: - S...

Checklist for Application 1. Eligibility: The applicant is the son/daughter of a Portuguese citizen of origin. The applicant can be born abroad. No requirement to prove ties to the Portuguese community. Citizenship is acquired by attribution (not naturalization). --- 2. Required Documents (translated and apostilled if necessary): Applicant’s full birth certificate (long-form version, apostilled and translated if not in Portuguese). Portuguese parent’s birth certificate (can be requested from Portugal’s Civil Registry). Copy of applicant’s passport or valid identification. Parent’s marriage certificate (only if relevant to prove paternity/maternity). Declaration requesting Portuguese nationality under Article 1.º, n.º 1, c) of the Nationality Law . --- 3. Application Submission: Submit in person at a Portuguese Civil Registry or through a lawyer in Portugal. Legal representation is possible with a Power of Attorney. --- 4. Estimated Processing Time: Typically 6 to 12 months. --- Sample ...

  Ultimamente, tenho lido comentários chocantes em alguns grupos de expats — inclusive por administradores — desvalorizando Portugal como país pobre, caro e mal gerido. Lately, I’ve seen some shocking comments in expat groups — even from admins — dismissing Portugal as poor, expensive and dysfunctional. ❌ Vamos repor a verdade. ❌ Let’s set the record straight. 📌 Nos últimos 15 anos, Portugal modernizou-se como poucos: 📌 Over the past 15 years, Portugal has undergone a quiet but profound transformation: ✅ Simplex : sistema de desburocratização que digitalizou os serviços públicos. ✅ Simplex : streamlined bureaucracy and digitized public services long before others. ✅ Multibanco : sistema ATM único no mundo — onde se pagam contas, impostos, passes, tudo. ✅ Multibanco : Portugal’s world-leading ATM system — bills, taxes, transport passes... all from a single machine. ✅ Via Verde : pioneiro sistema automático de portagens — modelo para outros países. ✅ Via Verde : an early ...

 --- Large T2 2nd floor with lift, fully restored, furnished and furbished in the beautiful Senhora a Branca. Completely central, close to everything, services, utilities and the historic  centre.  No garage. Long term rental €1300 per month Please enquire for further information.

  As the world watches the political drama unfold in the United States, I feel it's time to speak directly — and from the heart — to those of you who have chosen to build a life here in Portugal. Many of you are here not just for the sunshine or the quality of life, but because you’ve grown disillusioned — even outraged — by what’s been happening back home. And I want you to know: I stand with you. Let me be absolutely clear. I am completely opposed to Trump’s agenda — not just for its authoritarian tendencies, but for its broader implications on a global scale. What we’re witnessing is not simply a domestic power struggle or a cultural backlash. It is a deliberate, calculated retreat from democratic leadership on the world stage. This is not the end of America as a superpower — it is its rebranding as “just another power” , willing to play the great game of spheres of influence, resource control, and silent expansion. The rhetoric around places like Greenland , the hints ab...

Moving to Portugal? If you're used to an Anglo-Saxon legal system (like in the US or UK), you might be surprised by how things work here. Portugal follows the civil law tradition, which means laws are codified and judges interpret them based on statutes rather than past rulings. Here are some key differences to keep in mind: ✅ No Legal Precedents: Unlike in common law systems, past court decisions don’t set binding precedents. Each case is judged mainly on the written law. ✅ Notaries Are a Big Deal: In Portugal, many legal transactions (buying property, business contracts, wills) must go through an official notary , who certifies and registers documents. This can add bureaucracy but also provides security. ✅ Landlord-Tenant Laws Favor Tenants: Evicting a tenant in Portugal is much harder than in the US. Rental agreements have strong legal protections for tenants, which is great for long-term renters but tricky for landlords. ✅ Fewer Lawsuits & Million-Dollar Settlement...

If you hold a valid residence permit in Portugal and are a EU national, you may be eligible to apply for family reunification (Reagrupamento Familiar), allowing your spouse, children, parents, or even dependent siblings to join you. 📌 Key points to consider: ✅ The process applies to residence permit holders, including work visas, D7, D8 (digital nomad), and others. ✅ Family members will receive a residence permit with similar rights to yours. ✅ Required documents include proof of income, accommodation, and relationship to the family member. ✅ Applications can be submitted through AIMA (former SEF), and processing times may vary. Navigating Portuguese bureaucracy can be tricky, but having the right guidance makes all the difference. Have questions? Drop them in the comments! Sources: - https://www.servicopublico.pt/certificado-registo-cidadao-ue-crue/ - https://aima.gov.pt/pt/nacionais-ue-e-familiares/familiares-de-nacionais-ue/cartao-de-residencia-para-familiares-de-na...

  If you're a retired expat living in Portugal , the new NHR 2.0 regime introduces important changes that might affect your pension taxation . Here’s what you need to know: Key Changes for Retirees in 2025 ✔ No More 10% Flat Tax on Foreign Pensions Previously, retirees benefited from a 10% flat tax rate on foreign pension income under the NHR regime. This is no longer available in NHR 2.0. ✔ Standard Progressive Taxation Pension income is now subject to Portugal’s standard income tax brackets , ranging from 14.5% to 48% , depending on the amount received. This means that some retirees will pay higher taxes than before. ✔ Who Can Still Benefit from the Old NHR Rules? If you applied for NHR before the end of 2023 and met the residency requirements (such as having a rental contract or house purchase), you may still qualify for the old rules, including the 10% tax rate for up to 10 years . Mandatory Reporting at the AT Portal As a tax resident in Portugal, you must comply...

If you’re an expat parent in Portugal, even with private health insurance , it’s crucial to register your child with the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) and have a family doctor ( médico de família ). Why? ✅ Free Vaccinations – Portugal has a National Vaccination Plan (PNV) , covering essential vaccines at no cost through the public health system. These include protection against diseases like measles, polio, and hepatitis B. ✅ Access to Pediatric Care – Even if you primarily use private healthcare, having an SNS record ensures access to urgent care and follow-ups when needed. ✅ Smooth School Enrollment – Many schools (both public and private) require proof of vaccination following the national schedule. To register, visit your local Centro de Saúde with your child’s residency documents. Don’t wait—ensure they’re fully protected! https://www.sns24.gov.pt/tema/vacinas/programa-nacional-de-vacinacao/ ℹ️ More info: www.sns.gov.pt   📍 U C Homes - AMI 24449 📧 ulisses.uchom...

Relocating to Portugal has become an attractive option for many Americans, thanks to our rich culture, favorable climate, and high quality of life. However, the visa application process can seem daunting, especially with numerous agencies offering their services at substantial fees. In reality, with the right information, the process is straightforward and can often be pretty much managed independently. Understanding the Key Visa Options: D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa): Who is it for? Individuals with a stable passive income, such as retirees or remote workers. Requirements: Proof of sufficient passive income or salary. Obtaining a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF). Opening a Portuguese bank account. Securing accommodation in Portugal. Process: Gather necessary documentation, including proof of income, accommodation, and personal identification. Apply at the Portuguese Consulate in the U.S. or through VFS Global. Attend an interview if required. Upon appro...

If you're considering relocating to Portugal but want to avoid the hustle and high costs of Lisbon or Porto, let me introduce you to Braga , a city that perfectly balances modern living with rich cultural heritage. Here's why Braga might just be the ideal place for you: 1️⃣ Quality of Life Affordable Living : Enjoy a high standard of living without breaking the bank. Braga offers a lower cost of living compared to larger Portuguese cities. movingto.io Safety : Experience peace of mind in one of Portugal's safest cities. 2️⃣ Natural Beauty Close to Nature : Nestled near the Peneda-Gerês National Park , Braga provides easy access to lush mountains and scenic hiking trails. Beaches Nearby : With the Atlantic coast just a 30 to 45-minute drive away, you can enjoy sun-soaked beaches and fresh seafood anytime. 3️⃣ Urban Planning & Green Spaces Well-Designed City : Braga boasts thoughtful urban planning, making it easy to navigate and pleasant to live in. City of Flowers : Kno...