Bruno Arcos

Amidst all the bureaucracy, travel expenses, tuition fees and visa arrangements, studying abroad can be a nerve-wracking decision. Luckily, Porto is a very friendly city for both international students and professionals alike, and we've compiled a full article with everything you need to know about studying in the city!

First of all, you should know that it was actually the local university (Universidade do Porto) that inspired J. K. Rowling's worldwide success — Harry Potter! In fact, the famous Hogwarts garments are based on the real-life Traje Académico (Academic Attire), the black-caped clothes which are worn by Porto students to this day! Still curious about Porto's academic traditions? We are here to clue you in!

Porto is one of the top destinations in Portugal for many expats, thanks to its beautiful architecture, rich history, friendly locals and waterfront setting. As the second-largest city in Portugal, there are many employment opportunities to be found in Porto.

In the last decade, Portugal has become an important destination for culture and investment in Southern Europe. While a lot of attention is focused on the country's capital, Lisbon, Porto has emerged as a dynamic and highly promising alternative.

Considered Portugal's second-largest city, after the capital of Lisbon, Porto is home to over 230.000 people within the city and 1.7 million within its wider metropolitan region. Furthermore, with its growing popularity as a tourist destination, apartment hunting in Porto can take some effort — and you should be prepared to invest quite a bit of time until you find your perfect home.

Enjoying a fairly recent and quite efficient metro system that reaches most of the city's outskirt districts, there are very few reasons for you to feel like you will need a car in Porto. That remark is particularly accurate if you will be living or working in the city center, where the area's steep, narrow streets and limited parking spots make it quite difficult to navigate.

Welcome to Lisbon, one of the hippest capitals in Europe and a place that has been making headlines all over the Web. Unsurprisingly, we must say, there aren't that many cities in the “Old Continent” with such an affordable cost of living. Buckle up, as we're about to disclose 10 random (yet important) facts about Lisbon.

Before embarking on a journey to a new country and completely uprooting yourself towards a new life and a new geographical and cultural location, it's wise to understand the nuances behind diversity and inclusion, as well as better understand the political scene awaiting you. With that in mind, this brief guide will explore different aspects of Portugal's recent data and statistics on safety, diversity, inclusion and the current political parties and movements and their trends.  

So, you are finally in Lisbon! You have a flat, a job, and your life is moving forward quickly. Well done! Here are a few tips to help you adjust to the Portuguese lifestyle, and avoid any predictable faux pas. You're welcome!

Congratulations - you've made it to Lisbon, the city you will now call home! If you've managed to land your first job in the Portuguese capital, here are a few extra tips for you to know how to deal with the cultural differences you may come across when it comes to business and networking.

A thriving destination for tourists and expats alike, Lisbon's labor market is the best it has been in years, with a low unemployment percentage and plenty of offers in key areas. However, while the relatively tame cost of living and great quality of life attract more and more expats looking for sunshine and great food, the Portuguese economy is famous for running on low wages, making it increasingly difficult for the average Portuguese worker to afford to live in the capital.

Congratulations! You moved to Lisbon, and you've also landed your first job in the Portuguese capital. Whether you're taking your first steps as a digital nomad, a TEFL teacher, or an office worker, your first day might bring some excitement and anxiety… There's no need to be nervous, though! We are here to guide you through the Portuguese working environment.

Lisbon is a vibrant city where you are not likely to get bored. Leisure activities are plenty, and there's something for all ages and tastes. That being said, here's a non-exhaustive list of things to do so that you can make your stay a memorable one.

After a couple of weeks of dining on delicious Portuguese food, sipping vinho verde and snacking on pastel de nata and other sweet treats, your body may start asking for some action. From gyms to hiking, Lisbon can provide you with something that's sure to tickle your fancy, no matter your preferences.

So, you have found the perfect university in Lisbon and got accepted. Congratulations! It's time to start packing, budgeting and preparing for what will undoubtedly turn out to be the best time of your life. That's what universities are for, right? Well, that and studying and getting a degree as well, of course.

Wishing to move to Portugal to pursue your studies? Lisbon alone offers 27 different universities, both private and public, with a wide range of options regarding BAs, MAs and PhDs - some of the courses are even taught in English.

Though not as efficient as it could be, Lisbon has a wide range of transportation options, making it convenient for new arrivals to get around the city. Below is an overview of the city's transportation options, which can help expats find their way around town, plan their work commutes and make the most of the city.

With a population of nearly 3 million within the metropolitan area and an ever-rising tourism popularity, Lisbon attracts both Portuguese and international workers – who are looking for education and employment – digital nomads and tourists. As a result, there is currently a shortage of rental listings in the city, making it extremely difficult (and at times frustrating) to find a decent place to live in Lisbon.

Welcome to Lisbon! You have finally moved to the Portuguese capital, and it's time to pick one of the lovely, tile-decorated neighborhoods to call home. Freguesia is the official name in Portuguese to delimitate each council area, and bairros are unofficial denominations for neighborhoods, though they might not necessarily correspond to the freguesia areas. Confused? We explain!

Any expat about to settle in Lisbon will have heard about the staple Portuguese delicacies: pastel de nata (custard tarts), of course, and bacalhau (salted cod), ubiquitous in restaurants and bakeries all over the city, all year round. Despite a lot of influences from colonies across the Atlantic and in the Indian Oceans, Portuguese gastronomy has managed to keep true to its simple but delicious flavors.

Lisbon is one of Europe's most historic capitals, offering a wealth of history, culture, entertainment and places to explore. It offers many things to see and do, no matter what your interests are. Here's an overview of things to do in Lisbon to assist expats who are relocating to the city.

Lisbon is Portugal's capital and also the largest city in the country. Furthermore, it is the richest metropolitan area in the country and the main center of business, manufacturing, trade and other economic activities. If you're trying to find a job in Portugal, you won't have it easier than in Lisbon!

So, you are finally in Lisbon! You have a flat, a job and your life is moving forward quickly. Well done! But if you plan to settle in the city for long, then you might be looking into buying property here. And this is where this post comes in — below, we've summed up some tips to help you plan your property purchase in Lisbon.

With a thriving expat community, a rising yet still manageable cost of living (for Western standards) and a brand-new digital nomad visa providing a fiscally advantageous tax system, Lisbon is an extremely popular city among the digital nomad community. However, its popularity sometimes doubles down as its downfall, as accommodation in Lisbon is increasingly more challenging to find. 

As you are planning your move to Portugal, one of the key things that you will need to decide is where you are going to live. You have two main options: renting or buying. In this article, we will give you a quick overview of the Portuguese real estate market so you can make an informed decision.

If you've lived in Portugal for a while and plan to build a future in this country, you may want to explore options beyond rent and look into buying property. You may also be pleased to learn that buying property in Portugal can be a great investment opportunity. This article looks into the process of buying property in Portugal, real estate investment opportunities, property prices, and more.

Geographically somewhat isolated from the rest of Europe, Portugal is a space of unique culture, traditions and architecture and home to some of Europe's most spectacular natural sights. Moreover, the country's illustrious history, welcoming people, and delicious food leave nobody indifferent.

Expats moving to Portugal may wish to open a bank account in their new country of residence. Having a local account is very useful for making and receiving payments and receiving wages from your employer and will allow you to avoid international transaction fees from your home bank.

Portugal can be a great place to live in. This Southern European country is known for its great weather, beautiful beaches, friendly people, delicious food, and more. However, Portugal is more than just a place to retire and enjoy life since it can also offer interesting opportunities to kick-start or further your career.

Known for its perennial sunshine, stunning coastline and great cultural sights, Portugal welcomes over 20 million visitors every year. As such, if you are traveling to Portugal (either for a short visit or a long stay), it is important to be aware of the entry requirements and visa options before planning your trip or relocation.

If you are planning to move to Portugal, it is important to get to know your transportation options throughout the country. Portugal has a modern and well-developed highway and road network and is also serviced by a decent bus network, though the rail is seriously lacking when compared to its southern European counterparts.

Portugal can be a great place to live, as the country boasts a favorable climate, a stunning coastline, a developed infrastructure and a very beneficial location. However, although the country has a relatively lower cost of living (compared to neighboring countries in Europe) and a handful of tax/visa schemes with favorable tax brackets, the government has been scraping these policies in favor of a fairer atmosphere for locals.

Portugal attracts thousands of Portuguese-speaking students every year since local universities offer high-quality education in a country rich in culture and history.

From stunning beaches on the Atlantic coast and a mild Mediterranean climate to fabulous food and rich history and culture, Portugal is a popular destination for both tourists and expats. However, the country's growing economy and the security of being an EU member state attract lots of investment from international companies, meaning Portugal is far from being all about leisure. These and other factors make it a somewhat favorable environment for new entrepreneurs and startup founders.

Over the past few years, Portugal has become quite the popular destination for retirement, much due to its low tax rates, affordable cost of living and modern and attractive lifestyle, along with a mild climate. It's also an EU country, an attractive destination for other EU residents looking to relocate. If you are considering retirement in Portugal, there are a few things you should take into account.

Whether or not you are a tech-savvy person, this is still quite an important part of everyday life – and it is no different in Portugal! Access to high-speed internet and mobile communication is essential for expats and a great way to keep in touch with friends and family back home.

If you are relocating to Portugal and you want to bring your pet with you, there are a few steps that must be followed. There are different steps for pets coming from inside or outside the EU, but generally, if your pet is vaccinated, including a vaccine for rabies and microchipped, then the process should be straightforward.

Moving to a new country means you will be discovering a new culture and exploring different habits, as well as a new lifestyle. You may find many familiar ways of life in Portugal, but there may also be some differences. Here's an introduction to the Portuguese way of life.

Many students and young professionals dream of acquiring professional experience in a foreign country, which can be of great benefit to your professional career.

If you're relocating to Portugal as an expat and plan on driving, it is important to be aware of the administrative requirements for driving and obtaining a license. Portugal has invested massively in its road system over the past few decades, making the country a surprisingly good destination to drive.

When moving to a new country, healthcare might very well be one of the most important factors to consider. This is especially true if you are relocating with your family, have small children or are retired. So, if you are thinking about settling in Portugal, it's definitely a good idea to do some research into the country's healthcare system.

Portugal is a popular destination for retirement for Europeans, in general, but also retirees from other countries. Factors such as a mild sunny climate, a lower cost of living compared to most other Western European countries, and relatively affordable real estate (now everchanging) make it a go-to location for a comfortable and relaxing retirement. With that said, before making any long-term plans, it's equally important to look into the local healthcare system.

If you are planning to visit or relocate to Portugal, it is important to be aware of visa and entry requirements. Portugal is a member of the European Union and of the Schengen space, meaning EU passport holders and residents of certain countries who have a visa-waiver program with Portugal are able to enter the country for up to 90 days with no visa required. Non-EU passport holders may require a visa to enter Portugal.

If it's true that dating in general can be tricky and present its challenges, even more so when we talk about dating in a foreign country! In addition to the language barrier, you will be dealing with cultural differences, a new, unfamiliar environment, and different habits. With that said, when it comes to dating in Portugal, you shouldn't be afraid of putting yourself out there for fear of making a faux pas.

Portugal is a generally safe country to visit and settle in, showcasing low crime rates, a developed infrastructure and accessible healthcare. Thus, your stay in Portugal should (no matter how long) be comfortable, enjoyable and safe.

If you plan to have a baby while in Portugal, you will probably be happy to learn that the country has quality healthcare and a reliable social security system. Additionally, depending on your residency status, you may also have access to a number of childcare benefits. This article will give you an overview of what having a baby in Portugal is like.

Moving to Portugal means adapting to a new lifestyle and a new working environment, but there are many opportunities to be found for expats in the country. Here is an overview of the country's labour market.

Moving to Portugal requires appropriate planning, especially if you are moving an entire household. It is recommended to start planning as soon as possible and to allow extra time, in case of delays. Here are some guidelines to help you to prepare for your move.

Now that Portugal has reopened its borders, foreign travellers are allowed to enter the country for essential reasons such as work, studies or family reunification. However, they have to meet certain conditions and fill in specific formalities upon arrival. If you're planning to relocate to Portugal after the COVID-19 crisis, learn about the changes relating to entry and visa requirements, work, real estate, lifestyle, etc.

So you've taken the leap, left the comfort of the familiar and decided to relocate to one of Europe's most up-and-coming capitals: Lisbon, in Portugal. Chances are you've bagged yourself a job, found somewhere to live and got your metro pass. All that's left to do now is figure out what there is to do in this bustling, lively city. Perhaps you work for the weekend, or maybe you find yourself a few pockets of freedom through the week- Whatever your situation, there's plenty to fill your time, and always something going on.