Your personal map to Portugal

Your Portugal adventure starts here.

I've made the move myself. Now I help you make yours.

VisasSchoolsHomesPaperwork

Find your Portugal match Read my story

Launch day

08/2024

The month our own Portugal adventure began.

Four ways I can help
Temiza, founder of Via Lusa
TemizaYour guide in Portugal

I've been through every step myself. You bring the adventure, and I'll help with everything else.

Why we moved

A nossa história · Our story

August 2024. We went for it.

WhyMy son's education
AndA better quality of life
HowAs a family

We moved in August 2024 for my son's education and a better quality of life.

What I learned
Every step, firsthand: visas, schools, neighbourhoods, the NIF, the bank, the utilities.
What I bring
Twenty years leading strategy and change on three continents. Five languages. At ease with people from all walks of life.
Who I help
Families, retirees and anyone starting a new chapter in Portugal.

“You bring the adventure. I'll bring the map.”

Temiza, founder

Serviços · How I help

Everything you need to land well.

Choose the help you need, from a single introduction to support through your whole move.

Visas & legal

Vistos e advogados

Lawyers I trust, and your documents ready before the first meeting.

  • D7 passive-income visa
  • D8 digital nomad visa
  • Family reunification
  • Residence permits

Via Lusa is not a law firm. Legal advice comes from licensed Portuguese lawyers.

Schools

Escolas

Which schools serve which areas, and when to apply.

  • Public, private & international
  • British, American & IB
  • Enrolment timing
  • School visits

Neighbourhoods & homes

Bairros e casas

The commute, the school run and how each area feels after dark.

  • Area tours
  • Rent or buy
  • Listing checks
  • Agent introductions

Concierge

Apoio no dia a dia

The practical tasks, and a familiar face at every appointment.

  • NIF & bank account
  • Utilities & internet
  • Health registration (SNS)
  • Driving licence exchange
  • Airport arrival
  • Translation

Start free. Pay only for what you need.

  1. Adventure Match FreeOne minute, anonymous, and you get your region match and first three steps.
  2. Introductory call FreeA no-obligation conversation about your family and your plans.
  3. Pick your supportChoose one service or the whole journey. You agree the cost before anything starts.

O caminho · The first year

Your first year, step by step.

Every family's order is a little different, but these are the milestones I help you through.

Beforeyou arrive

Preparation

  1. Choose your visa routeWith a lawyer, based on your income and work.
  2. Get your NIFYour Portuguese tax number, needed for almost everything.
  3. Shortlist schools & areasChoose them together, because one shapes the other.
Weeks1 to 8

Arrival

  1. Open a bank accountNeeded for your lease and utilities.
  2. Visit schools & enrolInterviews, paperwork and placement.
  3. Residence appointmentWith AIMA, Portugal's immigration agency.
Months2 to 12

Settling in

  1. Sign a lease or buyWith someone checking the contract.
  2. Register with the SNSGet your national health number and family doctor.
  3. Find your communityClubs, language classes and other families.

Onde viver · Where to live

Lisbon or Cascais? Two great bases for your adventure.

I focus on the two areas I know best. They're less than an hour apart by train, but each has a very different feel.

Lisbon

A capital with a village feel in many of its neighbourhoods. Good transport and the widest choice of schools and jobs.

Suits: city life and short commutes 38.72° N · 9.14° W

Sabia que? · Did you know?

Think you know Lisbon and Cascais?

Five quick questions, no sign-up, nothing recorded. See how much inside knowledge you already have.

Your score

0 / 5

Tap an answer to see the inside story.

1 of 5

Guias e notícias · Guides & News

Your map, one step at a time.

Practical guides written from experience, and updates on the rules and the market as they change.

Free guide · Printable checklist

Your first 30 days in Portugal

19 steps in the right order. The list I wish I'd had.

Get the free checklist

Guide · PDFComing soon

Choosing a school in Lisbon & Cascais

Public, private and international schools compared, with deadlines.

  • How public school catchments work
  • International curricula side by side
  • A month-by-month enrolment calendar

€29

Tell me when it's ready

Guide · PDFComing soon

Renting your first home in Portugal

What landlords ask for, and how to spot a good contract.

  • Documents to have ready
  • Deposits, guarantors and fiadores
  • A viewing checklist for families

€24

Tell me when it's ready

BespokeBy appointment

Want this done with you?

Guides give you the map. I can walk it with you.

  • A free 20-minute first call
  • A plan built around your family
  • Introductions to people I trust
Start with the Adventure Match

AIMA & visa updates

What changed, and what it means for you.

First update arrives in the newsletter

Housing market notes

Rent and price trends by area, from Idealista's reports.

First update arrives in the newsletter

Cartas de Lisboa · The newsletter

Letters from Lisbon.

One short letter a month: rule changes, housing trends and places I love.

Free, one letter a month, on Substack. Unsubscribe any time.

Get the free checklist Read past letters

Adventure Match · Free

What kind of Portugal adventure are you?

Six quick taps, about a minute. You'll get the region that fits your family and your first three steps.

  • Anonymous by defaultNo name or email needed to play.
  • Useful straight awayLeave with a plan, whether you work with me or not.
  • A call only if you askAt the end, you choose: stay anonymous or have me get in touch.

Ready for your Portugal match?

6 questionsAbout 60 secondsAnonymous

Tap an answer, or press 1 to 4 on your keyboard. There are no wrong answers, only different adventures.

Your answers are shared with me anonymously, so I can see what families need most. Your name and contact details are only sent if you choose to add them at the end.