Entries by Luis Teixeira da Silva

Live Like a King for Less

Live Like A King For Less – Budget Comparisons The cost to live in Portugal is generally among the lowest in Western Europe. Some items, such as fuel (around €1.30/ liter or about US$5/gallon), electricity, second hand cars (Ford Focus 2012 diesel between €12,000 and €20,000, Audi A4 Avant diesel starting at €40,000) and electronic […]

Post-Brexit solutions to retention of EU rights

POST-BREXIT SOLUTIONS TO RETENTION OF EU RIGHTS: HEALTH, TRAVEL AND PENSION   As the Brexit discussion and debate in the UK continues to rage, with little clarity as to the practical implications of the country’s departure from the EU, many people simply want to understand what this means in terms of the everyday aspects of […]

Planning for the Golden Years

Planning for the Golden Years: the modern-day “Gold” rush in the California of Europe   Anyone who is nearing or at retirement age wants to protect his or her hard-earned pension. Many want to do this in a safe country with a warm climate, friendly people and a great lifestyle. Equally, many people from outside […]

Annuity Failing You? FIXED-INCOME Care Suites

IS YOUR ANNUITY FAILING YOU? CONSIDER INVESTING IN FIXED-INCOME CARE SUITES   It was the day after the referendum of June 23rd 2016 that I realised that my British Pounds would not buy me as much as the day before. In fact, about 20% less, although that has now “recovered” to 15%! Suddenly, travelling to […]

Making The Right Property Choice

Making The Right Property Choice Start With A Rental The Algarve is a popular summer rental market. A range of options exist in both municipalities. Long-term rentals represent a small percentage of the total rental market and private apartment and villa rentals, whose owners often only place properties on the market as an afterthought following […]

The World’s Most Stable Climate

The World’s Most Stable Climate World Weather Online states that the “Algarve enjoys one of the most stable climates in the world” with its moderate weather influenced by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas and its proximity to North Africa. Portugal has 3,300 hours of sunshine per year, one of the highest in Europe. The […]

Low-Cost Universal-Access Healthcare Culture & Citizenship

Low-Cost, Universal-Access Healthcare Portugal’s healthcare system is broadly based on a universal franchise, which will not turn anyone away. Most hospitals will put patient before price (one of the reasons that the health system runs a deficit, but also the reason the country is generally known for its personalized and humane treatment of patients). With […]

PORTUGAL: TAX HEAVEN TO TAX HELL?

PORTUGAL: TAX HEAVEN TO TAX HELL? What a difference a week makes! A month, well that is life-changing. Three months, an eternity for tax. As recently as six months ago, it was unquestionable that Portugal was among Europe’s best investment destinations. For seniors or retirees, it was the uncontested number 1: a growing economy; falling […]