Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,

The #1 most frequently asked question I’ve received over the more than 30 years that I’ve been covering the live and invest overseas beat has been this one:

Where is the best place in the world to live?

For decades, my response was the same…

“I have no idea,” I’d explain…

Because, I’d continue, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all overseas haven… no one place that’s ideal for everyone.

Only you can identify the destination that’s best for you, I’d say to everyone who asked.

Then, eight years ago, I traveled to a corner of the world where I’d never been before… to a place I’d somehow overlooked in decades of travel… even though I’d been just next-door many times.

This place is beautiful, affordable, welcoming, friendly, and safe.

It serves up 3,300 hours of sunshine annually and a mild climate year-round.

It boasts some of the world’s best beaches… and best golf courses…

Plus one of the world’s best cities that nobody talks about.

This is a place with a long and interesting history where you can indulge any interest you could imagine… from boating, diving, and hiking to regular nights out at the theater and museum and gallery afternoons…

The infrastructure is top-notch. This is not the developing world.

The health care is world-class… and a fraction the cost of care in North America. Become a resident, and it’s free (no kidding).

English is widely spoken. You would not have to learn a new language if you didn’t want to.

Residency is easy and cheap… for anyone of any age.

Legal residents can enjoy special tax benefits… property can be an absolute bargain… both to buy and to rent…

Indeed, the cost of everything here is better than affordable… as good as it gets for bona-fide First World living…

Now, Finally, I Have
An Answer To The Question…
Where Is The Best Place
In The World To Live…

It’s one of the world’s best-kept secrets… a place that will captivate you… and also allow you to preserve your nest egg.

This is the best of the Old World… with history, culture, vineyards, mouthwatering cuisine… all the makings of very good living.

Where in the world am I talking about?

Portugal Is #1

That’s a distinction not easily earned.

As you may know, every year my editorial team and I rate all of our well-researched, tantalizing, life-changing overseas living destinations on 13 specific criteria.

While all our featured destinations manage to ace at least several of the categories, it’s uncommon for one haven to earn top scores across the board.

But that’s what Portugal did… for seven years in a row through 2022…

In fact, this country is several top retirement and lifestyle havens all rolled into one… from its gorgeous Algarve region and treasure of a capital city to its northwestern coastal towns and dazzling Douro River Valley and vineyards.

This country is an eye-candy explosion across over 1,800 kilometers of ocean shoreline, fruit orchards, world-class golf courses, and museum-class cities…

Offering a lifestyle that only feels expensive… with…

• Sizzling real estate bargains for living or investing—or both—that will have friends back home packing to follow your lead…
• Affordable, simple gourmet food and wine—rivalling Europe’s finest—as direct from the earth and sea as it gets…
• A home where you can barely remember the last time you had to turn on a heater or air conditioner…
• Simple and easy residency procedures and easy access to Europe…
• Head-shaking disbelief at the Old World charm all around you…
• World-class health care whenever you need it… and without worrying about the cost…
• Open arms—and hearts—to expats…
• Affordable trendsetting lifestyle options for seniors… like nothing else available anywhere in the world…

It’s Your Overseas Retirement Wish
List Coming To Life Before Your Eyes…

We pride ourselves on being straight with our readers.

When we tell you about life in some appealing corner of the world, we give you the full story—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

We call it our “warts-and-all” approach.

The better we’ve gotten to know Portugal over the past seven years, the more we like it. Honestly, this is one time when the “warts” have proven few indeed.

Really… you might be hard pressed to come up with a reason not to make this move. I know we have been.

And my team and I are not alone in recognizing the potential of this little David taking on all the Goliaths of global retirement havens…

International publications rank Portugal at or near the top of the world’s best travel and retirement destinations.

Named as Travel+Liesure’s Destination of the Year, part of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Top Countries lists, ranked highly in multiple InterNations Expat Insider surveys, as well as one of Fodor’s Go List destinations, Portugal—specifically the Algarve—has recently emerged to reach much-deserved celebrity status.

In fact… even actual celebrities are clamoring to get in on the action. Madonna purchased a home in the Algarve in 2017 and is living there part-time with her children, her son attending the local, famed soccer academy, much to the excitement of locals.

Huffington Post called it “the country everybody will be visiting,” and it seems they were spot on. The word’s definitely out—on all fronts.

And now it’s time for a “road map” for how to get there… which is exactly what my team and I—with our usual overseas-haven exuberance—have been working on…

Indeed, there’s no time to lose on this one…

So I’m writing to you today about how you can quickly get your foot in the door—and not miss out on…

A Rare Opportunity Right Now…
For A Fast-Track To Affordable
Quality Living
In The First World

You could, of course, just put this thought on the back burner…

But I believe that would be a mistake.

You owe it to yourself to take a good, up-close look at all this charming, welcoming, safe, sun-filled, affordable corner of Europe has to offer.

When you do, you won’t be alone.

Europeans and North Americans are quickly catching on to this conveniently located paradise—with a cost of living that’s up to 30% less than the rest of Western Europe!

What’s more, thanks to the tens of thousands of British expats who have retired to Portugal over the years, this is one of the easiest places to settle in Europe. The locals wholeheartedly welcome foreign retirees, and you can get by easily on speaking English alone.

It’s everything you’re looking for in an overseas retirement haven…

AND the lowest prices you’ll likely ever see for this standard of living.

No wonder it’s being called Europe’s best-kept secret. But not for long…

Not with a growing number of its visitors coming back—to stay.

I simply can’t let you miss out on this one.

But, whatever you do, you must be prepared before you spend a single penny or minute here…

You Need To Hear From The Experts—
And You Need The Truth, Warts And All…

You can’t determine whether or not Portugal makes sense for you as a place until you hear from those who have gone before you…

Until you get the real-deal, honest feedback without the marketing hype.

Better yet, instead of being told everything, you’ll want to ask your own questions so that you get not only the right information, but the relevant advice as well.

You don’t want to run around from banker to attorney… from developer to owner… from agent to broker… from tax advisor to insurance salesman… from visa specialist to customs agent… back to the banker… back to the attorney…

You don’t want to stand in lines… struggle with cultural differences… wait hours for appointments with the wrong people…

You don’t want to wonder if you’re getting a good price… if you’re being presented with all the options…

No, there’s no reason at all to subject yourself to that torture.

Especially when you have a far superior alternative… presenting:

Reserve My Place

Have All Your Questions Answered

Attend this 2023 Live And Invest In Portugal Conference and have every one of your Portugal questions answered…

And by people who know from firsthand experience what they’re talking about…   

• What are the downsides of living in Portugal?
• What’s the best way to move money to Europe and into the euro currency?
• What are the benefits of the Golden Visa residency program? What’s required to qualify?
• How can an expat buy into the local free health care system?
• Drugs are legal in Portugal—is that safe?
• What would life here really be like… in the Algarve region, in big cities like Lisbon and Porto, in the vineyard region?
• Is there a developed expat community to look to for support?
• What’s required to open a bank account?
• Where does it make sense today to buy for investment?
• How much to build a home?
• Where are the best beaches in the country?
• Can I really get the things I need? I mean… how would I live without Walmart and Home Depot?

Every question you have—if there’s an answer for it, we can give it to you.

Portugal’s top experts will be on hand to discuss it all…

Reserve My Place

Reserve My Place

A Truly Magical Corner Of Europe

What exactly is it that thousands of expats there have taken a chance on—and now can’t live without?In short… just about everything.Picture yourself waking up every day in a setting and lifestyle that feel like the best vacation you ever took or even imagined.

You can’t explain why, but you feel energized yet relaxed, pampered and serene yet eager to engage with life and people around you. Occasionally, you can’t help but stop to scan the inviting coves, vineyards, Roman castles, and nature trails around you. And you close your eyes to let your other senses take in the salt air, the fresh bread, the orange blossoms—a world unlike anything you’ve known. And you feel… at home.

This is that place… where people come and don’t want to leave.

Who wouldn’t enjoy the variety of landscapes and seascapes… of historical and cultural influences… of local and cosmopolitan flavor… of nature—any way you choose to enjoy it?

And, what’s more, it’s all at your disposal in…

The World’s Most Stable Climate—
With Over 300 Days Of Sunshine A Year

That’s right. More sunshine than anywhere else in Europe.

The Algarve is situated to take the absolute best advantage of currents and temperatures from the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. Talk about Mother Nature’s prize-winning recipe for a climate that’s as close to perfection as it gets.

Sitting in the shade or putting on a sweater will feel good on some days, but those are likely the biggest weather worries you’ll face there.

No rainy season… or hurricane season… or snow season… or scorching-hot season.

There’s just weather that makes you smile the moment you open your eyes every morning.

Perfect for coffee and oven-fresh rolls on your balcony—overlooking a river, the ocean, cobblestone streets, or groves of orange trees.

And also perfect for heading out the door to connect with nature and the relaxed yet vibrant buzz of other happy people around you. This is the way it is…

If All These Folks Could Do It,
You Can Do It Too!

Who else will you meet at our Live And Invest In Portugal Conference?

Others just like you who’ve already made the move:

Expats already living, investing, or doing business in this country.

In fact, these introductions alone are worth the price of admission. They could be the most important benefit of the entire event.

These people have no agenda. They’ve agreed to participate in the event for no reason other than they’d like to help out fellow expats considering following in their footsteps. They receive nothing in return… have no ties to anyone (including me or Live and Invest Overseas)… and are hindered by no conflict of interest.

Our only request of them is that they tell it like it is. What you hear from these Portugal expats won’t be all good. Maybe it won’t even be mostly good. But it will be the real deal.

No place is perfect, and we understand that a rose-colored view does you no favors…

There’s a reason these folks are in Portugal. They’re fans, but they’re not fools. They know the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly of day-to-day life and of trying to do day-to-day business in this place. They’re enjoying the advantages… and they know how to manage to the downsides.

An important part of our agenda during this event is to show you these downsides… so you can decide whether you can live with them, too.

To this end, our expat speakers will be there to tell you about life in Portugal as it really is…

This event truly is a one-of-a-kind experience…

And we guarantee it’ll save you time, hassle, and money down the road…

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Where The Atlantic Feels
Like The Mediterranean

In just about every way you can imagine, the Algarve looks and feels much more like the flawless beaches and dramatic coastlines of the French Riviera, Dubrovnik, Santorini, and Majorca than it does any other stretch of coastline along any part of the Atlantic—anywhere.   

It’s as if the Algarve never took note of—or took seriously—which side of the Straits of Gibraltar it had been assigned to.

Or maybe it was the locals’ belief in Fado… the traditional acceptance of divine will: “It is what it is.”

Though, the balmy climate couldn’t have been too hard a pill to swallow.

In any case—and lucky for retirement-haven seekers like you and me—it’s likely partly its location that’s kept the Algarve’s gifts a secret for so long.

Laid-Back Landscapes And Lifestyle

Breathe deep, relax, and reinvent life on your own terms—one day at a time—enjoying the treasures that both nature and civilization have to offer.

It’s hard to say what’s most breathtaking to behold throughout the Algarve—the blue-green waters, natural grottos, windswept dunes, ocher cliffs, piney hills, and tidal pools… or the citrus and nut tree orchards… or the serene hills overlooking it all.

Fortunately… you don’t have to choose. You can enjoy any or all of those wonders of nature… by car, bicycle, foot, sail, paddle, swimming, or surfboard…

Or by just watching the sun set over them—wine glass in hand—as fishing boats return and beachcombers harvest shellfish along the shore.

Unique Historical And Cultural Twists

You’ll find Portugal’s footprints of civilization—structures, landmarks, and artisan products—just as impressive as the natural ones. But, even more, they are reminders of a rich and blended past and present…

From the Enchanted Mouros—folkloric giants, warriors, maidens, and elves who lived underground while protecting the sites and people above… to the ancient Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Crusaders… to a modern European identity.

From white-washed and blue-trimmed cubist-looking fishing villages with spacious roof terraces that used to be for drying figs and almonds and collecting water… to the same terraces that today are the perfect place to take in the panoramas, sounds, and smells of dawn and dusk—or any time in-between.

From the cobblestone streets—some like narrow alleys—with their unique cone-shaped and filigreed chimneys… to all the wicker and especially the terra cotta and painted ceramic tiles—azulejos—some still handmade as they were in Roman times.

From stone bridges and castles to eco-friendly luxury hotels and villas and world-class golf courses.

From open markets where time seems to have stood still to designer boutiques and Michelin-star restaurants.

And—speaking of food and traditions—what better place to step into…

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A Mediterranean Diet—Without
Even Trying…

Eating for a healthy body and mind couldn’t be any easier than it is in the Algarve. Algarvians lead the Portuguese in eating more fish and other seafood per capita than other Europeans. Add the locally grown grains, vegetables (including olives), fruits (including wine!), and outdoor activity—that just comes naturally—and you might just blissfully eat your way into a long and healthy life there.

Imagine yourself seated in a scenic cliff-perched seaside restaurant, feasting on a shrimp or tuna lunch, with salad and wine for about US$25 for a couple.

Or how about giant grilled sardines sprinkled with coarse salt and washed down with vinho verde—Portugal’s well-known green wine. So many ways that healthy eating just comes naturally—and inexpensively—in the Algarve.

Of course, you can have it both ways… and also indulge in the region’s abundant and equally tasty meat, dairy, and sweets. Enjoy specialties such as mouthwatering suckling pig, roast lamb, and carob tart—without breaking the bank.

And enjoying food is only part of the adventure of life in Portugal. You’ll also be quite impressed with what’s…

All In A Day’s Play In Paradise

In a perfect climate like the Algarve’s…

Everyone is an outdoor person—even those who weren’t before moving there. You’re drawn outdoors… with no shortage of options for enjoying it.

The ocean, rivers, and marinas offer an endless variety of water sports and other diversions.

Beaches abound—sandy, rocky, long open stretches, isolated coves—even some that you descend a long stairway to access. As a matter of fact, a surprising number of the Algarve’s beaches can be found on Europe’s esteemed Blue Flag beach list.

But they’re not the only places to enjoy the ocean views.

The Algarve’s dramatic cliffs—especially those at the extreme southwest corner of Portugal (and Europe, for that matter)—are an excellent vantage point to watch daredevil surfers, or to study the same horizon Columbus once nervously eyed, or just to simply be mesmerized.

And if you turn your gaze inland, lush groves of fruit trees and tranquil hill country are only a short drive away… where a ride or hike reminds you of how tranquil and simple life can be. And why not pick some almonds, figs, and carobs while you’re at it?

Even the fishing villages and cities themselves are entertaining… for relaxing strolls, enjoying the abundance of open-air cafés and restaurants, ancient and modern landmarks, and artisan treasures. The summer adds frequent festivals and celebrations to the mix—as well as free outdoor classical and jazz concerts and strolling groups of Charolas sharing folkloric music.

And Then There’s Golf—
Over 800 Holes’ Worth