See on Twitter / X

"Sorting chaos in health; teachers/ police pay disputes immediate priorities. Portugal’s new centre-right government – due to be sworn in this afternoon – is expected to ‘hit the ground running’: a 60-day timeline given to enacting measures (like addressing teachers/ police pay disputes and the chaos in the health system) that will ‘keep the wolves at bay’: wolves being the combined forces of the left, radical left and radical right."

Waves of concern and anxiety are rippling through Portugal’s expat and immigrant community, following the emergence of rumours about a compulsory Portuguese language and culture policy for foreigners.

Thought to be one of the first policies to emerge from the new coalition government, it’s understood that all migrants will be encouraged to learn to speak Portuguese and understand the national culture at a much faster rate than has been previously acceptable.

A key initiative that has already ruffled foreigners’ feathers is the idea that all conversations that take place on Sundays must be in Portuguese and that only Portuguese food will be consumed across the country as well as in the two autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores.

As news of the idea spread across X, formerly Twitter, sometimes now known as ‘TwiX’, in the last week, a delegation of troubled foreign ambassadors were thought to be seeking an audience with the President, ‘Marcelo’, and new Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, to question the unfairness and sudden nature of the idea.

“I complained immediately to my embassy,” said John Smith, a Manchester United fan who preferred that his original nationality remain off the record, especially in light of the anticipated and mandatory ‘support a Portuguese football club’ scheme. “I can’t go from refusing to speak Portuguese all the time, to having to speak this very difficult language for a whole day, every week, even in my own home!”

“What’s more, if I am forced to eat bacalhau instead of roast beef and drink coffee instead of tea, as well as driving closer to other road users on Sundays, I may have to think about moving to Spain or France, where shouting in English has always got me through.”

Architect of the new and radical proposals Nuno Wei, a government advisor of mixed Portuguese and Chinese heritage responded by saying: “It’s time foreigners made a bit more of an effort and bit the bullet, or ‘bit the bacalhau’, as we prefer to say at our cultural and creative think-tank and co-working, digital nomad hub - Luso Takes it All.

“Our team has worked long and hard on this and have been paid a lot of EU money, which comes with certain expectations. We feel the Sunday ‘DominGO Portuguese’ native-language-only initiative will be hard at first, but will have great benefits for all involved in the long run, particularly with the sardine grill training skills and Fado appreciation courses that are also in the pipeline.”

“If successful, we can look forward to further days of the week being entirely Portuguese,” he added, “with incomers learning how to eat and stay up later in the evenings. Although being catholic will remain a grey area, in line with national norms and expectations.  

As sales of Portuguese language books and courses up and down the country seem to be going through the roof, (or if you are reading this on Sunday: “através do telhado”), it’s understood that even CHEGA! insiders have been surprised by the idea and have called it “extreme”.

Anyone wishing to ‘bite the bacalhau’ ahead of the expected rush and learn more about Portuguese language and culture, because it’s the right thing to do, can find out more at www.dominGOportuguese.com

"'It’s not about compulsory service on the old Colonial War model (…) There is a war of aggression being waged by the Russian Federation, which threatens us. We have to be more imaginative, as a result of two trends that are getting worse', Gouveia e Melo explains.

One of these trends is the 'real conventional war campaign in Europe, where the number of soldiers is crucial'. Another, which has to do with the problems of younger generations, 'is a youth alienated from obligations to its State and territory, and which has 23% unemployment between the ages of 16 and 24'."

"Travellers are reported to have queued for over three hours to get through customs due to a lack of staff and faulty e-gates.

Easter weekend was a frustrating experience for travellers at Faro Airport as they encountered extensive lines due to a lack of available staff. Passengers reported delays of up to three hours due to e-Gate malfunctions and inadequate airline communication."

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"The roads crossing the central Serra da Estrela massif are closed to traffic this morning due to snowfall, a Civil Protection source told Lusa agency."

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The prime minister-designate, Luís Montenegro, takes this Thursday to the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the composition of the coalition government with the CDS , following the recent legislative elections . With no time for states of grace and with a very short parliamentary majority , the new executive will govern in a horizon of some instability, so no one risks saying whether it will reach the end, but there are many who foresee difficulties. This Wednesday, the still Prime Minister, António Costa, noted this when he left a warning to Luís Montenegro before the transition meeting he held at the end of the afternoon: “The new Government has many problems to solve.”

Translated from this Público article

"Solidariedade Imigrante fears policies to come from ‘the right’.

The president of the Solidariedade Imigrante (Immigrant Solidarity) association – the largest of its kind in Portugal – has today rejected any changes to legislation that may come with the new ‘government of the right’, pledging the commitment of its members to oppose any initiative that diminishes the rights of those arriving in Portugal."

"We are fighting on all fronts, corruption, the programmed inflation of the globalists, the destruction of education, pedophilia, the destruction of the family, the destruction of our heritage and our history. If you see yourself in these struggles that are decimating society as we have always known it, join us on social media."

"BlaBlaCar, a shared travel platform, is launching five new bus routes that will connect Portuguese cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Aveiro, Sintra, Cascais, Lagos, Albufeira and Faro with different locations in Spain, France and Luxembourg."

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"Guia serves slices of a giant Folar every year on Easter Sunday

Thousands of people are expected for the 20th edition of ‘Prova do Folar da Guia’ (Tasting of the Guia Folar), the village’s popular Easter event held on Easter Sunday (March 31) at 4pm.

The biggest attraction of the event is the giant Folar Easter cake, which weighs over 250 kilos and is cut into slices which are handed out for free to everyone in attendance."

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"The natural spectacle of cherry trees in blossom, combined with a series of events and promotions is leading to tourists flocking to the area of Fundão, in Castelo Branco.

According to the vice-president of the Council, Miguel Gavinhos, “there is a very high demand for this region at this time of the year”, and the economic impact of the influx of tourists to the area represents €2 million."

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Initiated and hosted by GuMPer Suse, this new meetup debuts on Saturday, March 23rd - gather at 13.00.

RSVP direct to O Figo Preto: Tel. 939 091 591 or casadopisao@outlook.com

PM Suse at The Portugal Club

First rule of Portuguese Club: "Só falamos português"

Second rule of Portuguese Club?: Wear the T-shirt!

Iolanda will represent Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Grito, after winning Festival da Canção in Portugal.

This performance from Festival da Canção appears courtesy of participating broadcaster RTP.

Read more about Iolanda here

With CHEGA's rapid rise to popularity in the election, and the fear foreigners may have about the party's position and policies on immigration, here's an opportunity to talk direct to a party member and local politician - Miguel Nunes Silva.

Let's take a look beyond the soundbite hype and superficial name-calling, let's see if the 'far right' and 'extreme' labels are justified and bring a conversation where there may be conflict and discussion where there could be division. 

Much more coverage, analysis and discussion here

Here's a useful guide from The Portugal News, in case you want to interpret the results:

"The main opposition to the current government, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) has formed an alliance with the Popular Party (CDS-PP) and the Monarchical Popular Party (PPM), calling it the Democratic Alliance (AD) and is led by Luís Montenegro, a party member of the PSD.

For these elections, eight parties stand out, competing to elect as many deputies as possible. Among the various proposals, parties, both on the left and on the right, agree that it is necessary to reform the National Health Service (SNS), as well as reform teachers' service time and career progression."

Read more 

"Portugal will choose the representative for Eurovision.

Portugal chooses today, at the 60th Song Festival, the song that will represent the country in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest."

Read more

"PS leader labelled “emotionally unstable”; CHEGA campaign branded “ridiculous”

Portugal’s exhausted political leaders are showing the strain of the intense campaign that is being plugged by media stations day and night as the country approaches ‘election day’ on Sunday, March 10."

Read more

 Here's Bruce Hawker, owner of Open Media and The Portugal Resident with his thoughts about the Portuguese 'Legislative Election, 2024'

Natasha Donn article mentioned

"Wide-open campaign has seen leaders fail to convince floating voters.

The race to Portugal’s election touchline on Sunday, March 10 has been full-on frantic for weeks, with all parties represented in parliament galvanized by the fact that floating voters this time round are key."

Read more

"The last week of the campaign for the legislative elections began this Monday 4 March with opinion polls showing that the two major parties are neck and neck."

Read more

Hosted by GuMPer Suse Kosola, please find out more/RSVP via www.facebook.com/suse.kosola

What's the first rule of 'Portuguese Club'?

Só falamos Português!

Ready to stop making excuses and start one of these in your village, town or city?

To be off-grid or not be off-grid? That is the question, this week!

"Whilst the global trend I suspect is toward more ‘messed up’, I put it to you that, by some serendipitous quirk of history and culture, Portugal can snatch social victory from the jaws of international defeat. And it can do so by remembering and embracing its great communitarian, collaborative and conflict-resolving qualities and capabilities. For fulfilment in a flaky future, I suggest you get with that programme, coded as it is in Portuguese DNA and society."

There are 800,000 foreign residents living in Portugal, almost twice as many as 10 years ago, according to data from the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation.

Read more 

Thanks to GuMPers Michael & Cat in the Algarve for this seasonal heads-up and thoughtful veterinary tip...

More about these toxic critters

"The Tax Authority (AT) has extended the deadline for validating invoices relating to 2023 on the e-fatura portal by two days, until Wednesday, after constraints on the last day of the initial deadline."

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From Tom Smith at the Portugal Club: "For those who are curious about what the positions of the major parties are, RTP put together a handy guide that breaks down their positions on healthcare, education, taxation, social security, crime and justice, the environment and housing. The guide is at https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/eleicoes-legislativas-2024/as-propostas-dos-partidos_i1547282 and is in Portuguese, but it can be translated."

This initiative comes after the “need to respond to the increase in the number of migrants who are living and/or working in the parishes closest to the headquarters of the municipality”, which rose from 278 to 607 between 2011 and 2021, according to CENSUS 2021 provisional results. Most migrants coming to the region are from countries which are not part of the European Union. 

Read more

Do you run, or are you thinking of starting a business in Portugal?

Don't!

Only kidding!!

Kind of.

It's not easy having a business here, but it's still the best way to create independence and freedom, so SO worth it, if you can keep your head above water, and eventually thrive.

It's also a great way to contribute to the culture we love and that has welcomed us so warmly.

As I've said before, this is a great place to live, but a terrible place to run a business! (See - https://www.portugalresident.com/portugal-great-place-to... )

News like this - https://www.portugalresident.com/crackdown-on-false-self... - confirms PT's anti-enterprise culture. The crackdown on pseudo-self-employed workers is understandable, but the proposed alternative and current structure kills businesses and discourages entrepreneurs.

This all needs to change for Portugal to boom, healthily and dynamically.

However, let's not just hope for change, let's BE the change.

Let's help each other to grow, make loads of money, pay loads of tax AND eventually lobby for better treatment...

"Taking into account the volume of passengers disembarked and boarded on international flights between January and November 2023, the United Kingdom was the main country of origin and destination for flights."

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Ei! will be sharing the latest information as well as their insider knowledge in the field. With their finger firmly on the pulse of Portugal's immigration processes and laws, Ei! has been invaluable in answering your questions and keeping our community updated. We're delighted to welcome them back to bring you the latest information on Portugal's (D8) Digital Nomad & D7 Visas, including new legislation for residence permits

Portugal's D7 and D8 visa programs offer residency with the possibility of citizenship, encompassing those with passive income, retirees, digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers.

Discover the newest regulations, requirements, and opportunities available for those seeking to live, work, and enjoy one of Europe's most desirable destinations. 

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Date for your diary: Property Networking Event in Sao Martinho Do Porto, Silver Coast with Steven Whyte - May 29th, 2024.

More than 10.8 million voters residing in the country and abroad will be called to vote and choose the party they believe should form the next Government, or which they think best represents them, electing the 230 seats of deputies in the Assembly of the Republic for the next legislature. 

Read more

Jorge Branco's latest news, via his substack, is out now, including "even a 55% jump in the number of houses advertised for rent hasn’t been enough to stop the biggest increase to rents in 30 years".

Read / subscribe / buy him a tosta mista!

Government admits drought may demand more serious measures in Algarve

Portugal’s government has admitted that it may need to declare a State of Calamity in the Algarve if the region’s drought situation does not improve by June.

In a resolution published in the state gazette Diário da República on Tuesday, the government recognised it may need to implement “additional, more serious measures” to guarantee the minimum reserves needed to supply water for priority uses in the Algarve should the current reserves prove insufficient.

According to the cabinet resolution, the possible additional measures, which provide for a “higher degree of contingency”, may be implemented after a reassessment of the drought situation in the region, which will take place in June.

Read more

An oldie but goodie, with ten brief profiles on Portuguese places of interest.

Read more...

Find out more

Here’s the deal if you’re reading this via the internet back in the U.S. of A. – you’ve already missed the sweet spot. Prices are going up everywhere you turn. Lisbon airport is already too small. Pretty soon, if not already, the locals will begin to resent the newcomers who speak a bit louder, are more demanding and less patient, while flashing credit cards that reflect a different economic standard. Residents, the very people who read the leading English-language newspaper in the Algarve, have already noticed. 

"Dawn of a new era," cites Steffan Black, a leading tech expert from ZenShield, as he expresses his admiration for the phenomenal growth of Lisbon as a global destination for tech development. 

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The first strategic plan for teaching Portuguese to foreigners goes into public consultation from Friday, with new models of training and recognition of skills. 

Over to Mrs M for a moment: "You worked REALLY hard to create your community, and were unafraid to start over, when it didn't feel right. You tirelessly think of ways to help people feel connected. Am so proud of you. Who would have thought, those first shows recorded from Aroeira in 2018, would lead you here xxx"

Please subscribe here if you haven't already 🤩

According to one of our Portugal Club members: "This would explain why Chega is growing in relative popularity. I know I've seen some Chega billboards around Lisbon that say, 'Portugal needs a cleaning'". 

When Carl interviewed a Chega guy.

Geographer Jorge Malheiros, a migration specialist, has stated that the expectations for the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) are still to be fulfilled following the end of SEF.

“I can't say that things didn't work at all, but in relation to expectations, these first hundred days can't make me overcome the doubts I had” following the procedure that led to the creation of AIMA, said the researcher. 

There are 254 municipalities with house prices lower than the country's median.

Should we rename 2024: 20-20-furore?

Not unlike many other European countries, it seems, Portugal is experiencing a tension between the limitations of political ideology and the real lives of ordinary people.

Election campaigning begins in earnest today with TV debates, the country's farmers have mobilised to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with domestic and EU treatment, and two of Portugal's three police forces have taken action with disturbing results for society.

Let's look at a few of the news articles relating to this growing unease and discuss solutions both personal and societal...

Message the livestream, or call in, on (00 351) 913 590 303 

The GMP! Wine club, that has tasted over 60 wines since we started in 2020.

On Monday 5th February, we are urging you to purchase a bottle of wine from the Alentejo region, and taste it with us online (-: You most likely won't regret it!

Please join us with whatever you have for fun, facts and friendship...

Planning a move to Portugal? Join Ana for key insights and tips to ensure a smooth relocation.

Whether you're an expat or considering a move to Portugal, this video aims to clarify misconceptions and mistakes often made during the process, providing you with essential information to navigate the transition seamlessly. In this video she'll go over topics like:

• How to adjust to local timelines effectively?

• What's the key to navigating the real estate market in Portugal?

• How to understand house pricing when considering a move?

• Is Portugal a cost-effective destination?

•  Do you need to learn Portuguese before moving?

• What are the transportation options available in Portugal?

• The importance of determining your 'why' for relocating

"Whether you're a seasoned property enthusiast or just starting to dip your toes into the Portuguese real estate waters, our video is your key to making confident decisions for your future home!"

Download the Portugal Relocation Workbook

Farmers latest: https://www.portugalresident.com/farmers-at-gates-of-lisbon-blocking-access-to-vasco-da-gama-bridge/

Police action: https://www.portugalresident.com/further-police-protests-in-porto/

"Environmental Impact Declaration (DIA) of Montijo Airport" not renewed.

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"An undisclosed number of Portuguese lorries have been stranded across France for a week due to the French farmers’ blockades, the spokesman for the National Association of Public Road Hauliers (ANTRAM) has told Lusa.

“We can’t quantify it, but there are many Portuguese lorry drivers stranded due to the farmers’ blockade in France. 

“At the moment the situation is very worrying, not just because it’s been going on for several days, but because there’s no visibility as to when it might end,” said André Matias de Almeida."

Read more

"TAP and easyJet were the airlines operating in Portugal that had the worst performance in terms of punctuality last year, according to AirHelp, which also adds Lisbon Airport as another of the worst examples at national level in terms of flight punctuality. "

Read more

"Because there is crime in Portugal (it's not a paradise...), I'll place some occasional news about the subject here. "

The Portugal Club has had a bit of a re-brand to bring the 'GMP!VIP' and 'Learn about Portugal' concepts together in one place - an "exclusive platform with WHAT you need to know and WHO you need to know for a GREAT life in Portugal."

Sign up here

Log in here

“Long-term rentals in the Algarve can prove tricky to find!!!”…

There’s something of an art to finding long-term rentals in the Algarve. This post suggests some good places to begin your search, with thanks to our 'Man in The Minho' Antonio Barbosa.

"Explore the latest developments in Portugal's real estate landscape with Savvy Cat Ana's new YouTube video! 

Join Ana as she delves into the implications of Simplex 2024 and new habitation regulations." 

Contact Ana

Reports of a fireball over the skies of the Elvas region were shared at around 8pm on Sunday, 21 January. 

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António Barbosa: "Last year, home sales prices in mainland Portugal rose 11.8%. In this context, the price rise in 2023 is lower than that recorded in 2022, which was 18.7%. This is the data collected by Confidencial Imobiliário, within the scope of the Residential Price Index.

Ricardo Guimarães, Director of Confidencial Imobiliário, states that 'There is a softening in the price rise that was already expected, and the market is coming from a cycle of strong valuations even in the cheapest geographies, so, naturally, there is less scope for sharp growth'."

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As seen in São Martinho Do Porto, last Summer and now for sale!

More details

"2,800 more deaths than normal in just four weeks

Portugal is no longer just one of the European countries registering higher than normal levels of mortality, it is the country registering the most elevated rate of deaths since at least the last week of December."

Read more

Read the CNN Travel article

"Tourist activity has maintained its growth trajectory but was showing signs of slowing down in November 2023, according to data released by INE."

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The Algarve is facing its worst ever drought, with dams at just 25%, prompting a likely tightening of water restrictions and warnings from some sectors, Diário de Notícias reports. 

Farmers and golf course owners say they’re already parched and can’t take any more reductions. The Confederation of Portuguese Farmers say the sector, which consumes about 60% of the region’s water, is heading for...

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From the makers of 'Love Portugal', comes a new local website resource for Portugal's Silver Coast...

"Welcome, bem-vindo, to the celebration of my home-town and happy place, where I am delighted to share with you the many marvellous features and attractions of this beautiful, Portuguese Silver Coast town.

Here, you'll find my ongoing blog about local life, as well as sections showcasing community & networking, real estate, food, drink and accommodation. So please have fun finding out more about visiting or moving to SMdP and do let me know if you need help here or if something is missing."

See  for yourself at www.lovesmdp.com

The IVA rate of 5% may be applied to housing repair and renovation works as long as the homes are actually used as housing, the European Court of Justice ruled this past Thursday.

According to the Court, only final consumers who actually reside in the property subject to the works and who do not have the right to deduct input IVA can benefit from a reduced IVA rate on repair or renovation services. This allows you to...

More at GMP!VIP

We have a great admiration for Steven White of Home Miners, who's currently looking for investment partners.

If interested, talk with Steven. 

AND do your due diligence!

From Antonio Barbosa on our GMP!VIP Platform: Based on recent data, there has been a notable rise in the immigrant population in Portugal, showcasing both the influx of immigrant individuals and their significant contribution to Portuguese Social Security. 

In 2023, the Observatory for Migrations reported 977,611 immigrants in Portugal who contributed 1,861 million euros to social security while receiving 257 thousand euros in social support, resulting in a positive balance of 1,604 million euros.

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New research has revealed the hardest and easiest countries to gain citizenship, with Portugal being the fourth easiest in Europe.

The research by Canadian immigration agency CanadaCIS studied the latest Eurostat immigration data from 2009 to 2021 to see which countries have the highest and lowest percentages of non-EU residents becoming citizens.

The ten easiest countries to become a national are less clustered than the hardest countries, with four in Northern and Western Europe and one each in Southern and Southeast Europe. At least one in 20 (5%) non-EU residents become citizens yearly in each country.

Sweden is the easiest, with almost one in ten (9.3%) non-EU residents acquiring citizenship, over double the EU average. Sweden has the highest acceptance rates for both men and women compared to other countries. Women have an advantage with a 10.02% acceptance rate compared to 8.66% for men. 

Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Iceland are the second-to-fifth easiest countries to become citizens of, with acquisition rates above one in 25 (4%). 

Most Northern European countries were the easiest to become nationals of, with Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland having among the highest citizenship rates. Denmark is the only Northern country not included. 

In Southern Europe, Portugal was the easiest; the Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom were the easiest Western states to become members of. The United Kingdom ranks eighth, with around three out of 50 (3.2%) residents granted citizenship.

Poland and Croatia are the easiest countries to change nationality in Central Europe, with rates of 4% and 3.9%, respectively. 

North and West Europe are the easiest regions to change nationality, with a 5.9% acceptance rate compared to 1.9% in Central Europe and 3.6% in the South.

The analysis revealed that the top nine most difficult countries to become nationals of are in Central Europe.

Estonia ranks as the hardest country for non-EU residents to become citizens of. It has the lowest average percentage of residents who gain citizenship, at around one in 200 (0.6%). Men are less likely to be accepted, with a lower acquisition rate of 0.58% compared to 0.69% for women. 

Latvia, Czechia, and Lithuania are the next three hardest countries to become citizens of, with less than 1% of its non-EU residents gaining citizenship, compared to the European average of 3.56%. 

The nations ranked fifth through ninth - Austria, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Germany - grant less than one in fifty (2%) non-EU residents citizenship.

 Denmark is the hardest country outside Central Europe to get citizenship, with a 2% acquisition rate.

 Over the last ten years, six in ten of the hardest countries granted a higher percentage of residents citizenship year-on-year, with Denmark’s rate increasing the fastest. Germany’s rate remained stable. Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia declined. 

Bryan Brooks, Immigration Expert from CanadaCIS, commented: “As well as having some of the strongest passports, Europe has among the highest quality of life indicators, including high career prospects, living conditions, and healthcare.

Analysis reveals Central Europe is the most challenging region to get citizenship, with Northern and Western Europe the easiest. 

In nearly nine in ten countries, the naturalization rate was higher for women. It could be that women are more eligible, likely to emigrate, or commonly carry the required skills to fill shortages.”

George Reis' full letter

Agostinho Da Silva:  "Loving others and wanting their good has been the reason of much oppression and much death; essentially, you must not love in others anything but freedom, theirs and yours. They must, for love, cease being slaves, as must we, for love, cease being slave owners."

"Man was not born to work, but to create."

"Não me interessa ser original: interessa-me ser verdadeiro."

It was great to catch up with Lisa this morning and hear her story, and hopes for the regeneration of rural life in Portugal.

Book with Lisa here

Or call - 00 351 926 179 255

A cross-border project, to be developed over five years, in the districts of Castelo Branco, Guarda and the province of Cáceres, in Spain, aims to create conditions for the recovery of the Iberian wolf and lynx in this area .  

Antonio Barbosa: The Annual Global Retirement Index report is a list compiled yearly by International Living, and it is based upon the following categories: Housing; Cost of Living; Visa / Benefits; Affinity Rating; Climate; Development and Healthcare.

Will 2024 be the year you discover Portugal and immerse in the culture and sampling its gastronomic and wine culture, as well as learning about it’s real estate opportunities, and selling real estate in Portugal?

Announcing: #TRADEMISSIONPORTUGAL 2024...

Full All-Inclusive 8 Day Itinerary exploring Porto / The Northern Minho Region and Galícia in Spain from May 30th through June 6th… (Full details of itinerary in late January / early February).

View highlights of our last event

The Munson family witnessed the legendary São Martinho Do Porto New Year's Eve fireworks display last night. It was certainly impressive, but didnt engage the whole family as organisers may have hoped.

"I hate fireworks," said Solomon Munson, aged 5. "It was too much."

See for yourself a short burst on the attached YouTube video.

She may well be "boots on the ground" in Portugal, but it looks like Kevin Airola has swept our very own Heather Binder's feet off that same ground, now literally Just Married!

"Yay for technology and Utah Zoom weddings in Portugal," said Heather, announcing the lovely news on Facebook, dateline: 31st December, 2023.

"No one was invited except Kevin's mom and sister, so don't feel left out," she added, and social media friends can now see a clip of the giggly proceedings online. 

Parabens from the GMP! community, you two X

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Starting this year, Portugal will provide a salary bonus to residents under 35 who complete bachelor's and master's degrees, with the bonus lasting for the same duration as their respective study cycles.

• The initiative, officially confirmed by the Portuguese government, also extends to individuals who earned degrees prior to 2023, as long as the elapsed time does not exceed the duration of their degrees.

Read more

Despite a slowdown in inflation rates, prices are to rise in some key areas in Portugal in 2024, including bread, electricity, gas, rents, tolls, transport and telecommunications.

Read more

Festa and Bar Douro founder Max Graham talks about the diversity and dynamism of Portugal’s wine scene and why he is so passionate about introducing people to the food and drink of his country. Plus: we head to a winery in Alentejo that dates back to the 1700s to meet the young entrepreneurs using ancient techniques to make natural wine.  

Listen

Monthly GMP! correspondent and helper to post-Brexit Brits in Portugal - Tig James - has been awarded an MBE in the 2024 King’s New Year’s Honours list for her unfailing and sterling service to British foreigners. 

We send our congratulations to Tig and take this opportunity to thank her again for the wonderful work she does for Brits in Portugal struggling with the messy aftermath of the UK leaving the EU back in 2020, ensuring withdrawal rights are respected.

GMP!VIPs Wayne & Annette with some lovely footage and commentary here...

"House and pet sitting on the Silver Coast in Portugal offers a unique blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and the joy of forming genuine connections. It's a chance to step off the beaten path, experience life as a local, and create lasting memories in a region where every sunset paints a masterpiece on the horizon. So, if you're ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary, the Silver Coast eagerly awaits your arrival, promising an unforgettable journey filled with the simple joys of house and pet sitting."

Historically low number of bullfights in Portugal

Portugal’s bullrings hosted 166 bullfights in 2023 – the lowest number ever registered in a single year apart from the pandemic years. The data has been revealed by Portugal’s Board of Cultural Activities (IGAC).

The number of bullfights in Portugal has been steadily decreasing since 2014, when the country hosted 221 bullfighting events.

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"Turismo do Porto and Norte de Portugal want to be an 'organisation of international expression' following the approval of an activity plan worth €14 million for the next seven years."

“The new vision of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal will be to insert itself as an organisation of international expression, which aims to promote the destination Porto and Norte de Portugal in an innovative and competitive way, contributing value to the region’s economy, following measures of sustainability and exceptional service to visitors”, reads a statement from TPNP. 

Read more

“The price of houses in Bulgaria, Spain, Lithuania, Portugal, and Slovenia are overvalued” – EU report

"This is according to the European Union, which has again warned Portugal over a overheated housing market, and says that the market is one of those in the European Union that faces a risk of a 'strong correction' at a time when significant interest rate increases have already put the real estate market in negative terrain in several countries.

The latest report published by Brussels warns of macroeconomic imbalances within the EU and says ..." READ ON

Recently, the government has implemented measures to limit the number of houses exclusively dedicated to short-term rentals, making more local lodging establishments available for residential purposes. These measures are included in the Mais Habitação package, and also in Law No. 56/2023 which was published on the 6th of October.

Owners of local accommodation establishments will have an extraordinary contribution to make, which operates like an extraordinary tax. This contribution applies to all local accommodation units with the appropriate licence and paperwork. However, there are some exceptions to this general measure for local accommodation establishments. The contribution is only applicable to apartments, and exceptions include:

1. Local accommodations located in territories in the interior of Portugal;

2. Local accommodations that are used as permanent accommodation. In this case, the proprietors must prove that the short-term accommodation does not exceed 120 days per year.

3. Residential houses that are not autonomous parts or fractions suitable for independent use.

Read more from Antonio Barbosa, Infinite Solutions, here

CNN Portugal: “Farfetch cannot close. There are hundreds of jobs, billions of purchases from national suppliers. A flag on Wall Street, in a strategic sector such as online luxury goods trading. Only fanatics of the Liberal Initiative would let it fail.

The Portuguese Economy Minister has already said that he is 'closely monitoring what is happening' at Farfetch, which 'was one of our great unicorns'. António Costa Silva maintains that companies have 'ups and downs', hoping that 'this situation can be stabilized and Farfetch can return to what it was before'."

Read more in ECO

Financial Times: "The most innocuous bit of the email got me into trouble. I had tapped out my usual signature in a hurry without thinking. The Portuguese official’s reprimand was swift and stern. 'Please, don’t say ‘saludos’. It is a very Spanish word.' 

Indeed it is. It’s Spanish for 'regards' and my sign-off had hit a nerve, pulling me into the realm of Portugal-Spain psychodrama wrought by history, pride and the odd acerbic stereotype. 

Sweeping generalisations about adjacent countries can be futile, if not offensive, but the Iberian neighbours? They almost invite you to lump them together..."

Read on

"Augusto Santos Silva said that we are currently living in 'very difficult circumstances'.

The president of parliament also said that the origin of the current crisis 'is not political', and that the Government resigned 'not because it has lost the confidence of parliament, the institutional solidarity of the President or the support of the population or the party'."

In the comments: "The fear mongering that the 'Far Right' might take control of the country are ridiculous. If the 'Right' do take over, it's because the voters are tired of the way the 'Left' have run the country. This is happening world wide. The Left never consider themselves 'Far', but to many they are."

Read more

"But it is not a ‘happy picture’ of seamless integration

The number of foreign nationals living in Portugal in 2022 was 800,000 – double the figure of 10 years ago – with one in three living at risk of poverty and half a million having been granted Portuguese nationality in the last 15 years, according to the statistical database of the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation.

In a portrait of the 'foreign population and migratory flows in Portugal' on the occasion of International Migration Day today, the database, dubbed Pordata, has sought to assess the number and living conditions of immigrants and developments in the granting of nationality and residence permits."

Read more

"It's sometimes a bit difficult to pin down precisely what we mean by 'love of Portugal' because I hear a lot of moaning too.

I've mentioned those who might be fleeing what they deem to be unpalatable politics on their home turf in a previous Portugal News article. However, plenty of expats won't claim they understand Lisbon politics either. I certainly don't know if Portugal’s domestic politics are actually any more palatable than what goes on in the UK. Does anyone, including the politicians themselves really grasp what’s actually going on behind the rhetoric?"

Read on...

Contact Doug on our GMP!VIP platform

Hear what Sarah Davie has to say about the world of currency and foreign exchange in 2024.

Get your own free currency exchange account here.

Listen to this on Spotify

Breaking news: a new force in Portuguese politics has emerged - The PVP.

Maybe it's time people stopped whining for change, and started wine-ing instead for the country's future! 

More about TOY

Vitor and Maria Costa: *** NEW WEEK, NEW MARKET UPDATE!***

"It seems like the Christmas season is upon us and we are blessed with an increase of both houses and apartments for sale in the Viana do Castelo District. 

On the other hand, fewer new rentals are available compared to the week before.

Personally, what stood out to me were the new listings in the 100k-50k range which looked very lovely but do require some enhancements.  

Are you interested in more in-depth updates?

Not only for rentals and houses, but for unique properties, land, and commercial real estate?

If you are, subscribe to our mailing list to receive extra information on the real estate market every Monday." 

Click here to subscribe

portugalbusinessesnews.com: "Portuguese economy news – Portugal’s economic forecast for 2024 is extremely positive since the country’s rating has just been upgraded to an A by three major ratings agencies, namely Moody's, Fitch and DBRS.

Portugal’s economy is growing at unprecedented levels and has just jumped 2 levels according to Moody’s new rating assessment. Portugal is now rated A3 with a stable outlook by Moody’s, that is its best record since 2011. Moody’s forecasts that the Portuguese economy will grow at an average rate of 2% over the next 5 years.

Portugal’s impeccable credit rating will make it possible for the country to have access to lower interest rates and to a larger number of international investors. This is supported by Moody’s assessment of the Portuguese economy that highlights the positive medium-term effects of 'a series of economic and budgetary reforms, the deleveraging of the private sector and the continued strengthening of the banking sector'."

More

UrHomePortugal, Legal Legacy International Law firm and accountant’s and tax consultants have joined forces to provide a one stop solution offering a comprehensive, professional service for people looking to gain Portuguese residency via the D2, D7 or Golden Visa solutions.

In this video Bobby O'Reilly of UrHome and Adriana Spanholi of Legal Legacy address:

• How to apply for a D2 visa in Portugal?

• How long does it take to get a D2 visa?

• How much does a D2 visa cost?

• What are the main differences between the Golden Visa and the D2 Visa?

• What are the differences between the D2 and D7 visa?

• What are the main requirements?

• How long does the Portuguese D2 visa last?

• Do I need to live in Portugal to keep my D2 visa?

• What is the minimum investment for D2 visa Portugal?

• What kind of investments choices are there and what are the levels of risk?

Find out more at - https://d2visaportugal.com

Beautiful images and video here from our dear friend and mentor Filomena Pascoal, who met the Portuguese legend Genuino Madgruga whilst there too.

See also her interview with Senhor Genuino

Contact Filomena about here tuition, translation and tour services - trips4brits@gmail.com

More about Genuino Madruga

Our man Antonio 'Tony Time' Barbosa has been busy putting Portuguese pen to paper, covering a wonderful and very helpful selection of topics...

1. “Polvo a La Tony” 

2. Pick This Wine up at Continente for Only 1,99€ While it Lasts🍷 

3. Legend of the Rooster of Barcelos

4. What You Should Know Before Buying Property in Portugal

5. The 24 Must Things To Do in Portugal in 2024

6. Living in Madeira - One of Portugal’s Most Exciting Hidden Gems

7. Pearl Harbor Day - A Day to Remember US

8. The Elusive Dream: Why Affordable Housing Seems Impossible

9. Comporta - A Paradise Between Ocean and Rice Paddies

10. In Portugal “Bacalhau”… Salted Cod is King

Contact Tony here

"Research project finds 'no scientific evidence' in favour 

A research project in Coimbra has concluded that there is no significant difference in fire behaviour between managed and unmanaged areas next to infrastructure.

In other words, the agony landowners have been put through in recent years in which they were forced to cut back much-loved trees may have been completely unnecessary."

More

GMP! Fire Safety guides and information

"Lisbon has been awarded the prestigious title of Capital of Innovation in Europe by the European Commission. This award recognizes cities that promote innovation and development in their local communities. The prize comes with a monetary award of 1 million euros and the official name of the prize is iCapital."

More on this from GMP!VIP top contributor Antoinio Barbosa here

Contact Tony here

From the Azores, born in 1950, Genuino is a "fisherman, businessman and navigator, best known for being the first Portuguese who, sailing alone around the world , crossed Cape Horn on 24 January 2008, sailing from the Atlantic to the Pacific".

Senhor Madruga

The restaurant and museum

Contact Filomena - trips4brits@gmail.com