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From energy savings to consequences for our health and lifestyle. The practice of changing clocks twice a year — Daylight Saving Time (DST) / Standard Time — may seem like a relic of the industrial era, yet it persists in Europe, including in Portugal. In this post we’ll explore what lies behind this measure, what studies say about its effects, and why it matters for those living in Portugal (and for expats). 1. Origin and historical motive The clock changes gained prominence during wars (e.g., World War I) with the official goal of saving fuel (coal, lighting). Diário de Notícias +3 Wikipédia +3 euronews +3 In Portugal the first adjustment of clocks occurred in 1916. Diário de Notícias +1 Within the EU, the directive regulating the biannual clock change was introduced to harmonize markets, transport and avoid divergent timekeeping across member states. euronews +1 2. Official reasons vs. actual outcomes Officially: more daylight in the evening → less artificial light...

A double-edged reform Portugal’s fast-moving immigration overhaul has two very different consequences that matter: it pushes vulnerable migrants toward precariousness and it erodes the confidence of high-net-worth expats who sustain quality demand in the mid-to-upper property market. What changed — and why it matters Parliament has approved a revised foreigners’ law after constitutional revision. The government now demands tighter entry, pre-screening abroad, narrower family reunification, and ends the in-country “manifestação de interesse” process. Critics say the humanistic Portuguese approach is giving way to administrative control. “Portugal abdicates the humanist model that once distinguished it in Europe,” — Expresso , 23 Oct 2025 Meanwhile, the Lisbon Administrative Court holds more than 133,000 pending immigration cases against AIMA, signalling severe institutional congestion. Even AIMA’s own data admit that roughly 15 % of daily appointments end as no-shows due...

What Expats Need to Know (October 2025 Update) The Portuguese government has officially ended the automatic validity extension of expired residence permits and visas that had been in place since the pandemic period. This marks a significant change for non-EU residents living in Portugal. 🔍 What Changed For several years, residence permits that had expired during or after the pandemic were still considered valid under Decree-Law 10-A/2020 , later extended by Decree-Law 41-A/2024 and most recently by Decree-Law 85-B/2025 . Those decrees automatically extended the validity of residence documents until 15 October 2025 . After that date, however, expired documents will no longer be accepted as valid by Portuguese or European authorities. From now on, holders of expired documents must either: renew their residence permit through AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) ; or prove they have already started the renewal process by presenting the payment receipt , wh...

  Portugal’s Parliament has just approved a proposal originally introduced by Chega and supported by the governing AD coalition (PSD + CDS) — a measure requiring immigrants to contribute to the Portuguese Social Security system for five full years before they can access any form of social support. At first glance, this may seem like a technical reform. In truth, it’s a profound breach of the constitutional principle of equality and an attack on the very idea of a social state. ⚖️ Two classes of residents — one set of taxes Under this law, two parallel realities will emerge: Portuguese citizens and long-term residents who pay taxes and enjoy protection; Immigrants who pay exactly the same taxes — income, VAT, contributions — yet are denied equal rights to social assistance. In plain terms: “contribution without protection.” It undermines decades of progress and solidarity in Portuguese social policy, creating an underclass of workers and residents with limited...

  Who really benefits? The Portuguese Government announced that rents up to €2,300/month will be classified as “moderate.” Landlords charging up to this amount will benefit from a sharp reduction in tax on rental income (from 25% down to 10%). But what does this really mean for the rental market? 📊 The numbers in context Median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment (2024): • Portugal (overall): ~€600 • Lisbon: ~€980 Average gross monthly salary in Portugal: €1,640–€1,740 Tenants in Portugal: ~22–26% of households Cost burden: Around 30% of tenants already spend ≥40% of their income on rent 👉 For a €2,300 monthly rent to be “affordable” (≤30% of income), a household would need over €7,600/month in stable income . ⚖️ Impact on each side Tenants The vast majority of Portuguese tenants are nowhere near this level of rent. The measure does not address affordability where the pressure is highest (rents €600–€1,200). There is no guarantee that the tax ...

  Taxes and Costs When Buying Property in Portugal for Expats Buying property in Portugal as an expat involves several taxes and associated costs. Understanding them upfront can help you plan your budget accurately. 1. IMT – Property Transfer Tax A one-time tax paid when purchasing a property. Calculated on the purchase price or the tax-assessed value (VPT), whichever is higher . Progressive rates (2025) for urban residential properties, main residence: Property Value (€) IMT Rate Up to 92,407 0% 92,407.01 – 126,403 2% on the amount above 92,407 126,403.01 – 172,348 5% on the amount above 126,403 172,348.01 – 287,213 7% on the amount above 172,348 287,213.01 – 574,323 8% on the amount above 287,213 plus fixed sum Above 574,323 Check current table for residents/non-residents ⚠️ Note: IMT is slightly higher for secondary homes or non-residents . Check official rates here . 2. Stamp Duty (Imposto de Selo) A flat 0.8% of the property price...

  In recent months, many expatriates in Portugal have faced increasing uncertainty regarding their residence permits and renewals. Social media channels are full of stories, rumors, and sometimes outright misinformation, leaving expats anxious about their legal status. What’s Really Happening? Several trends have become clear: Delays and repeated convocations : It is not uncommon for applicants to be called for a second or even third interview, sometimes long after their initial submission. These delays can be caused by administrative capacity constraints and evolving requirements, rather than any deliberate attempt to block residency. Documentation challenges : Some expats have been asked for documents such as the Mod. 2 rental form . In some cases, landlords have not submitted these forms to the Portuguese Tax Authority, making it impossible for expats to comply fully. Changing procedural requirements : AIMA now requires proof of residence in the form of a notarized o...

There’s a pattern we see again and again with new expats: the belief that buying a home abroad is just like back home. That you can “figure it out” without guidance, skip the professionals, and still end up with a good deal. Here’s the truth: this mindset is a trap. And it costs people dearly. Common Biases Expats Bring With Them 1. Overconfidence “I’ve done this before in my country, I can handle it here too.” Portugal has its own rules, paperwork, taxes, and procedures. Assuming it’s the same is a recipe for disaster. 2. Google Translate Syndrome Contracts, legal clauses, and bureaucratic language don’t translate cleanly. Misunderstand one sentence, and you’re legally bound to obligations you never intended. 3. Confirmation Bias Many only listen to opinions that reassure them: “Yes, you can do it all by yourself.” They ignore the red flags until it’s too late. 4. The “no intermediaries” fantasy Avoiding agents, lawyers, and inspectors to “save money.” In reality, it ofte...

  Moving to Portugal is exciting, but the legal side of buying or renting property can be confusing for expats — especially Americans. That’s because Portugal’s legal system is civil law, rooted in Roman traditions, while the U.S. follows common law, inherited from England. These differences have a big impact on contracts, property rights, rentals, and even how disputes are resolved. Let’s break it down. 1. Civil Law vs. Common Law Portugal (Civil Law): Laws are codified in statutes. Judges apply the law as written, with less room for interpretation. Past court decisions don’t have the same “binding precedent” effect as in the U.S. U.S. (Common Law): Judges play a bigger role in shaping law. Court precedents are often as important as written statutes, and can directly influence future rulings. For expats, this means you cannot argue your case in Portugal simply by pointing to “what happened before in court.” The law itself is what counts. 2. The CPCV (Contrato-Promessa...

If you’re coming from the US, you're probably used to working with a Title Agent when buying property. In Portugal, we don’t have that figure. Instead, the process is managed mainly through a Notary , a legal authority with powers far beyond what the term means in the US so, please, don't even attempt to make comparisons yourself and trust guidance from an expert, your Realtor or a Lawyer. Here’s a simplified comparison and overview: 🇵🇹 The Portuguese Process What is a "CPCV"? Understanding the Promissory Contract in Portugal In Portugal, there is often a legally binding step before the Deed : it’s called the "Contrato-Promessa de Compra e Venda" (CPCV) — or Promissory Contract of Purchase and Sale . Here’s how it works and why it matters: 🔐 What Is It? The CPCV is a formal contract between buyer and seller that: Locks in the terms of the deal Sets a final date for the deed (or "closing") Is legally binding , and Usual...