Recycling in Portugal: how the new Volta system works
The mechanism is easy to explain: for every plastic bottle returned, consumers receive money, in this case ten cents. We are talking about the Deposit and Refund System (DRS), known as Volta, a program launched by the Government that encourages people to recycle. It is one of the largest environmental projects in Portugal, as referred to by the Minister of the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho. We explain everything about this topic in this week's Deco Alerta article.
Key documents you need to file your tax return in Portugal
For most residents who file their tax return in Portugal, the Tax Authority already holds much of the information needed for the automatic IRS return, based on invoices and data reported by employers, banks and other entities. However, some types of income and deductions are not filled in autom
IRS in Portugal 2026: dates, rules and who has to file their tax return
In Portugal, the 2026 IRS season for income earned in 2025 runs from 1st April to 30th June, when residents must file their annual personal income tax return online.During this window, taxpayers who are resident in Portugal must submit their annual IRS return online via the Portal das Finanças, eith
How Portugal's average salary compares with the rest of Europe
Average salaries across Europe in 2024 draw a stark map of wage inequality.
Moving to Portugal Show highlights strong UK interest in relocation
The latest Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars in London drew a sizeable crowd of prospective movers on 26th March 2026.Held by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, the event is billed as the country’s longest‑established show dedicated specifically to moving to Portugal and investing ther
Best supermarkets in Portugal
If you’re settling into life in Portugal, one of the first things you’ll notice is how central supermarkets are to daily routine.
Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa 2026: complete guide to income, tax & residency rules
Portugal continues to rank among the best countries in Europe for remote workers.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Portugal?
Dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle? If you're finally in the position where you can actually make the move, then Portugal might be calling for you.But before you pack your bags and book that one-way ticket, it's crucial to have
Is Portugal Europe’s most liveable country in 2026?
With rising living costs, political uncertainty and fast-paced urban life across much of Europe, more people are asking the same question in 2026: has Portugal quietly become the continent’s most liveable country?
Portuguese Government launches task force for affordable housing
The Portuguese Government has set up a task force to focus on affordable housing, aiming to “define guiding principles for investments supported under Portugal 2030” in this sector, according to a decree published in the Diário da República.Dated 3 March, the decree explains that the group will also
From London to Lisbon: 6 top tips for a seamless move
Heading abroad for a better quality of life doesn’t have to be complicated.
Clock change 2026 in Portugal: when does daylight saving time start?
Spring is nearly here, and in Portugal, that means it’s time to adjust the clocks for daylight saving time. After a long winter, the shift forward brings longer evenings, more sunlight, and a sense that summer is on the way.
Portugal launches new phase of Porto–Lisbon high-speed rail
Portugal has launched the tender for the second public-private partnership (PPP) of the Porto–Lisbon high-speed rail line, covering the Oiã to Soure section.
Best places to live in southern Portugal
Southern Portugal, and the Algarve in particular, keeps popping up on relocation lists for good reason. The weather is kind, daily life is fairly straightforward, and there’s a well-worn path for foreigners who want a slower pace without feeling cut off.
Coastal vs inland: where to retire in Portugal for better value in 2026
Portugal keeps coming up in conversations about slowing down, stretching a pension, and finding a place that still feels liveable year‑round.
New Portugal-Spain bridge will slash travel time by 85 km
A brand-new international bridge over the Sever River is set to transform travel between Portugal and Spain, cutting the road journey between Montalvão and Cedillo by 85 km and boosting the local economy.The €19.5 million bridge, funded through Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), was agre
Best places to live in the Azores
Living here isn’t one single experience, which is why pinning down the best places to live in the Azores often trips people up. Each island runs at its own pace, with different levels of infrastructure, housing pressure and social life.
Living in Guimarães: everyday life in Portugal’s birthplace
Living in Guimarães means settling into a northern Portuguese town where daily life still runs very much on local terms.
Living in Vilamoura: organised Algarve living by the marina
Living in Vilamoura often feels very different from the rest of the Algarve.
Living in the Azores: pros, cons, costs and best places to live
Life in the Azores feels a bit like stepping sideways out of mainland Europe and landing somewhere quieter, greener and far more slow-paced.
How to get a NIF in Portugal: a complete guide for expats and foreigners
If you’re planning to live, work, or invest in Portugal, one of the first things you’ll need is a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), Portugal’s tax identification number. Whether you’re buying property, opening a bank account, or signing up for utilities, the NIF is essential.
The best places to live in Portugal
Thinking about swapping your current life for sunshine, seafood and slower evenings by the sea?
Where do most expats live in the Algarve? 7 best places to live
Moving to the Algarve isn’t just about sun and sea. The exact town you choose will shape your daily life more than the country itself.
Safest places to live in Portugal
With safety rankings that regularly place it among the world’s calmest countries, looking for the safest places to live in Portugal tends to be about finding the calmest neighbourhoods and towns within an already safe country.
Portugal ranked among the world’s best and safest places to retire
Portugal has quietly climbed to the top of the tables for retirees, ranking number 1 as the world’s safest place to retire and number 7 globally for peace and stability.