Happy Sunday, friends 🌞
Welcome to our Hustle Lite edition. This is the slightly lighter, travel-filled, back-to-basics version of The Expat Hustle. It’s the one where we pause the serious stuff to share stories, discoveries, and a few gems to make expat life in Portugal just a little easier (and more fun).
⚠️ Heads-up: this one’s a long read, again. If your inbox chops it off halfway, just click below to read it online. There’s too much good stuff to miss.
Now, if I thought last weekend’s hospital adventure was the end of our medical drama… life had other plans. My husband landed back in Coimbra University Hospital for another emergency surgery… same VP shunt, same complications. This time, it wasn’t smooth sailing: he spent 41 hours waiting in the ER before finally getting into surgery.
And yes, in case you’re wondering, hospital food in Portugal does include soup. Every. Single. Day. 🍲
Once again, I’ve been blown away by this community’s kindness. From heartfelt messages and surprise meal drop-offs to countless gestures of support that carried us through another rough week. Thank you, thank you. 💝
One special shout-out goes to our most generous host in Coimbra, where my daughter and I decided to stay so we could be close to the hospital for a few days. If you ever need a stay within walking distance of everything (including the hospital, should you ever need it), check out https://www.facebook.com/skyaccommodations/
Here’s what’s inside today’s edition:
🏖 A hidden Algarve gem to add to your travel list
💳 A no-nonsense deep dive into Portugal’s famous NIF
🗣️ A fun update in our Language Corner
Grab a coffee (or a bowl of soup) and let’s dive in, shall we?
Cacela Velha Beach is a hidden treasure in the eastern Algarve, celebrated for its pristine golden sands, crystalline waters, and serene atmosphere. This beach is unique because its sandbars and shoreline continually shift with the tides and winds, creating new natural pools and lagoons that make every visit a bit different. Set at the edge of the tranquil Ria Formosa Natural Park, and with the picturesque village of Cacela Velha perched on a nearby hill, visitors can enjoy not only sun and sea but also panoramic views of marshlands dotted with rare birds and the remnants of centuries-old fortifications and whitewashed houses. Whether arriving by boat or on foot at low tide, exploring the gentle, unspoiled shores of Cacela Velha feels like discovering a part of Portugal untouched by time and mass tourism, making it one of the country's most enchanting beach experiences.
Today’s travel article by Marga from Discover Portugal unpacks the raw and stunning beauty of Cacela Vehla. Learn more about this charming place in the article coming up below.
📰 What’s Happening - Policy Update: Portugal Approves New Draft of the Foreigners Law
Big news for anyone navigating residence permits and immigration paperwork in Portugal: on 30 September 2025, the Portuguese Government approved a new draft of the Foreigners Law, introducing key updates to entry, stay, and digital application procedures.
Our friends at Fresh Portugal broke down the main points clearly in their LinkedIn post, which I’m sharing below:
Portugal Approves New Draft of the Foreigners Law (Not Nationality Law) – September 30, 2025
On 30 September 2025, the Portuguese Government approved a new draft of the Foreigners Law, introducing significant changes to entry, stay, and immigration procedures.
Key Points
Entry and Exit System
Biometric data will now be collected from third-country nationals, whether visa-exempt or visa-required.
In cases of illegal stay, individuals will be granted 10 to 20 days to voluntarily leave Portugal.
Digital Procedures
AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) has launched online services via the AIMA Portal, allowing the submission, receipt, and payment of Residence Permit applications without the need for in-person appointments.
Measures Maintained from July
- Restrictions remain on CPLP residence permits.
- The job-seeker visa is abolished, except for highly qualified professionals.
- The “transitional regime” remains ended.
Family Reunification and Deadlines
- The general two-year waiting period for family reunification remains, although a wide range of exceptions now apply.
- AIMA retains an extended nine-month deadline to decide on applications (with limited exceptions).
- Integration measures continue: Portuguese language, culture, and constitutional values training, as well as mandatory schooling for minors.
Next Steps
Although the law could still be challenged, this is unlikely. Unlike in July, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa does not appear inclined to refer the draft to the Constitutional Court.
For the full original post and ongoing expert commentary, visit Fresh Portugal on LinkedIn.
N PARTNERSHIP WITH: DISCOVER PORTUGAL
🌴Lifestyle: Local Travel Tips 🧳
Today’s local travel tip is brought to you by Marga from Discover Portugal. Last time, she gave us the inside scoop on Praia da Ursa, a wild, rugged beach just beyond Cabo da Roca.
This week, she’s taking us all the way to the eastern Algarve to uncover a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the usual Algarve hotspots: Cacela Velha.
Perched above the shimmering Ria Formosa lagoon, this tiny whitewashed village offers breathtaking views, tranquil beaches, and some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere on the coast. Marga shares everything you need to know about visiting, from tide tips to local eats — and if it isn’t already on your travel list, it will be after reading this.
You’ll find her full article just below, and for even more inspiration, head over to Discover Portugal for guides, hidden corners, and stunning travel photography.
*This article has been lightly edited for clarity and style.
Lagos and Albufeira tend to grab the spotlight in the Algarve, but there's a quieter treasure waiting in the east: Cacela Velha. This small, whitewashed village sits on a clifftop overlooking the Ria Formosa Natural Park and some of Portugal's most stunning beaches!
The Ria Formosa is a protected lagoon system known for its diverse birdlife, tidal flats, and salt marshes — a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike
Why Visit Now
Autumn is the perfect time to discover this part of the Algarve. The summer crowds have gone, yet the days remain pleasantly warm. It's ideal for a long beach walk, a quiet stroll through the village, or even a refreshing dip in the Atlantic.
What to Expect
The beauty of Cacela Velha lies in its simplicity. You'll find cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, a 16th-century church, and stunning views from the fortress. Just below, Praia de Cacela Velha and Praia da Fábrica stretch as far as the eye can see. At low tide, you can walk across the lagoon to the beach; at high tide, hop on a small local fishing boat for just a few euros.
Praia da Fábrica is a remote beach on the Ria Formosa, accessible by boat or at low tide on foot. Known for its long, golden sand, warm waters, and peaceful atmosphere, it is located on the Cabanas barrier island and offers fine, deserted stretches of sand within the Ria Formosa Natural Park. There are no facilities like lifeguards or restaurants, and it's often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
Tips for Visiting
There are no facilities on the beach, so be sure to bring water, snacks, and plenty of sunscreen.
Watch the tides if you plan to cross on foot.
Stay for seafood! Local restaurants, such as Casa da Igreja, serve excellent oysters and clams, freshly harvested from the nearby lagoon.
Is Cacela Velha Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! If you're looking for serene beaches, postcard-perfect views, and a slower pace than the western Algarve, Cacela Velha is a must. It’s one of those rare places that feels both authentic and breathtaking.
Getting There
Cacela Velha is located between Faro and Vila Real de Santo António, about a 50-minute drive from Faro. By train, hop off at Vila Nova de Cacela and walk for around 30 minutes to the village.
👉 For a full guide to Cacela Velha and the Ria Formosa, head over to Marga’s blog: https://www.discover-portugal.com/cacela-velha/
🌴
With thanks to our collaborator for today’s travel article. Marga is a Dutch travel writer, photographer, and Portugal expert who founded Discover Portugal after falling in love with the country during a 2019 visit and relocating to Lisbon permanently in 2021. With over 25 years of travel experience and a background in tourism, aviation, and tech—including nearly eight years as an international flight attendant—Marga combines her storytelling skills, local insights, and photography expertise to help travelers discover both Portugal's famous sights and hidden gems. Through her website and personalized services, she offers travel planning assistance, Lisbon photography sessions, and authentic stories from her ongoing exploration of every corner of Portugal, helping curious travelers experience the country like a local rather than a tourist.
📚 Back to Basics: The Bureaucracy Edition
If you’ve spent more than five minutes researching a move to Portugal, you’ve already come across those three letters that seem to pop up everywhere: NIF.
It sounds mysterious and a little bureaucratic, and most newcomers quickly learn that without it, life here comes to a standstill.
You’ll need it to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or set up your internet. Once you’re settled, you’ll be asked for it in the most unexpected places: at the hairdresser, the coffee shop, or even the doggy parlour.
But what exactly is the NIF? Why do you need it for everything, and what actually happens when you hand it over at the supermarket?
I’ve been here a while, and even I’ll admit I didn’t fully understand
it either, so I went digging. The good news: Finanças doesn’t see what you buy, just where and how much you spent. The even better news: it can actually help you with your annual tax deductions.
So let’s strip away the mystery, explore what your NIF really does, and clear up a few myths along the way.
NIF in Portugal: the plain-English guide (for newcomers and old hands)
What the NIF actually is
NIF = Número de Identificação Fiscal: your unique, 9-digit tax ID used by the Tax & Customs Authority (AT). It identifies you in almost any legal/financial interaction (contracts, utilities, bank, etc.).
It’s used for tax administration and e-invoicing (e-Fatura)—it is not a credit score or identity card.
Why you’re asked for it everywhere (even at the supermarket)
When you say your NIF at checkout, the shop’s invoice is electronically reported to AT and lands in your e-Fatura account. That’s how your annual IRS deductions are calculated. (No NIF? The invoice is logged to “consumer final/sem contribuinte,” and you get no personal deduction.)
Privacy note: AT doesn’t receive line-by-line item descriptions—only the invoice metadata (vendor, date, totals, VAT and sector/CAE).
What you get back: the two common deductions tied to invoices
General family expenses (Despesas Gerais Familiares)
35% of eligible household spending, capped at €250 per taxpayer (or €500 for a couple filing jointly). Supermarket invoices count here, that’s why they ask for your NIF.
“Deduction for requiring an invoice” (Dedução pela exigência da fatura)
15% of the VAT you paid in specific sectors (capped at €250 per household), such as restaurants & accommodation, hairdressers/beauty, auto & motorbike repair, veterinary, public transport passes, and gyms (rolling additions over the years).
Timing to watch: you (or the system) must validate/classify invoices in e-Fatura by late February for the prior tax year.
How to get a NIF (quick)
Who needs one?
All residents and non‑residents conducting taxable or contractual acts in Portugal. Kids can (and should) have one for health/education deductions.
Where/how:
In person at Finanças / Loja do Cidadão; or
Online via e-Balcão (where a legal representative can request it for foreign citizens).
e-Fatura in practice (the day-to-day bit)
Say your NIF at checkout; invoices auto-flow into your portal/app.
Most invoices auto-classify based on the merchant’s CAE code; a few will sit “pending”, and you just pick the right category.
Myths expats repeat (and the facts)
Myth: “Giving my NIF means the government sees everything I buy.”
Fact: AT does not receive item descriptions, only totals and merchant/sector info.
🙈
Myth: “NIF = tax residency.”
Fact: Residency is a separate legal test (e.g., >183 days or habitual home). You can hold a NIF and still be non-resident for tax if you don’t meet the criteria and have registered the correct status/address.
🙉
Myth: “You’re legally obliged to give your NIF for every purchase.”
Fact: Businesses must issue an invoice; you only give NIF if you want it tied to your deductions. If you don’t want that, say “sem contribuinte.”
🙊
Myth: “Once an invoice is issued without NIF, it’s useless.”
Fact: If an invoice was transmitted to AT without a NIF (as “unidentified”), it can sometimes appear in your e‑Fatura list of unidentified expenses. You may then associate it with your NIF. However, if the merchant never submitted the invoice data, you cannot upload or add it manually yourself; it is irretrievably anonymous for tax purposes.
🙅
Myth: “Portugal has a US-style credit score linked to my NIF.”
Fact: There’s no single FICO-style score. Banks check your Banco de Portugal “Mapa de Responsabilidades de Crédito” (loans linked to your NIF) and use their own scoring.
🤷
Myth: “Non-EU expats must always keep a fiscal representative forever.”
Fact: Since July 2022, some non-residents can opt into electronic notifications and dispense with a representative (when they have no tax obligations in PT). Practice varies; check your local Finanças.
“Why does the cashier keep asking?”
Because asking for your NIF creates an e-invoice that helps:
the State fight the grey economy, and
you capture deductions (general expenses + 15% of VAT in specific sectors). That’s why you hear “com contribuinte?” multiple times a day
Tiny glossary & phrases
“Com contribuinte?” — “With taxpayer number (on the invoice)?”
“Sem contribuinte.” — “No taxpayer number.”
“Fatura com contribuinte, por favor: [say your nine digits].” — “Invoice with taxpayer number, please.”
e-Fatura — The AT portal/app where your invoices and deductions live
Pro tips
Make a NIF card (or keep it in your phone wallet) to show at checkout—less anxiety, fewer errors. (AT offers a printable option (image below): log in to e-fatura, click on billing/purchaser, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click to print your e-invoice card).
Do a 2-minute check each month: open e-Fatura → “Pendentes” → classify. It’s way easier than a February scramble. (Deadlines around 25 Feb; sometimes extended—like 28 Feb 2025.)
Log in to e-fatura, then find billing/purchaser and print your NIF “card”
Disclaimer:
This article was put together using the most up-to-date information available at the time of writing. I’m not a tax expert, just an expat doing my best to make sense of it all. Please double-check any details with your accountant or a qualified professional before making decisions.
Sources & Further Reading
Here are full URLs for the sources I cited (or referred to) in the NIF deep dive:
🤝 Community & Expat Life
📌 The Hustler’s Bulletin Board – Submit your question, event, business, service, item for sale, or request for help, and I’ll publish a handful each month in the Hustle Lite newsletter edition.
🗣 Lost in Lingo just got an upgrade! ✨
We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new collaboration with Mia from the Mia Esmeriz Academy at learn-portuguese.org! 🎉
Mia is joining The Expat Hustle to take the reins of our language corner, Lost in Lingo, bringing her fun, practical, and oh-so-useful Portuguese lessons straight to your inbox.
Stay tuned, the next issue will feature her first lesson! ✨
…And That’s All Folks
Thanks for reading! 💌
Hustle on!
Angelique🧞♀️
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