Living in Portugal Josh Gets Emotional About This

[@globalretirementus]

Josh’s emotional response to living in Portugal is so touching-it really makes me wonder what specific experiences moved him the most. Was it the warm hospitality, the relaxed lifestyle, or maybe the stunning landscapes? For those already living there or who have visited, what do you think makes Portugal so uniquely special?

[@Devyn_Caldwell]

Thanks for posting this four year update. It warms my heart to hear that at four years, you are still in love with Porto. 
We have been living in Porto for only four months, and honestly we are, so far, very happy with our new life (even with the difficult things) and are looking forward to many years to come. 
Moving to a new country is possibly the most difficult thing I have ever done, but I have zero regrets and at nearly 60 years old, look forward to new challenges and new adventures. (BTW, Kalie, We met with you a couple of years ago, your advice was helpful and helped us get the ball rolling to make our move possible.)

[@BocaJoeKay]

Ola, Meus Amigos. I too am completing my 4th year in Portugal this coming April 2025. I left the greater Miami/Southeastern Florida area in search of an adventure after I retired from a wonderful career. I started out living in Caldas De Rainha since I had friends there and secured my immigration and legal advisors for my residency process. But I learned that Caldas was way too cold for this Floridian so I explored the Algarve as an alternative local. And that was where I grew roots - and began my assimilation into Portuguese and Expat culture. Have watched your videos of years and wish to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude for your great content and perspective sharing.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much for reaching out, Joe! We really appreciate you continuing to follow our content. Wayta take agency to find the place in PT that works best for you. - Josh & Kalie

[@quoiquedon7002]

it is really nice to hear that you have found good balance in your life in Portugal!

[@lga908]

Thank you for showing us Portugal through the videos through the years and glad you've found that Portugal is the place to be, this is encouraging for people like us who are about to land. Have a good life and be happy!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for watching! You're very welcome. It's not for everyone but it is for us and many others that we know and we've become friends with. - Josh & Kalie

[@kathyw9439]

Heartfelt and genuine…so happy that life is good for the 3 of you. I totally get the emotion when reflecting on the gift of being a truly global citizen to Cia ❤

[@flavOG]

We love watching Cia growing! Thanks for sharing!

[@seawall5585]

You are so skilled at articulating the reality and also the joy of facing challenges and seeing opportunities and not just obstacles. I loved your comment about finding the distinction and personality of various neighborhoods and then matching them to our own personality. I’m looking forward to meeting you in January. Jerry

[@teddydavis2339]

Well, you guys are learning the language, which really makes a difference. Some Americans are refusing to learn the language. They just want to stay there, get Portugal residency, and citizenship but not learn anything about the culture. Learning the language is a sign of respect. I am so proud of you guys. Parabens!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Teddy! ❤️ We know very, very few of those kind of Americans. Most everyone we know that's been in Portugal one or more years have either taken a course, are taking a course, or are learning online. - Josh & Kalie

[@Stopit77]

You guys are great and open to all different types of people. Expat or immigrant, the word is just a word, it’s about the people and real connections you make.

[@veronicadcf]

Super relate with the feeling of having multicultural children who belong to different cultures, speak both languages, and have more than one place to call home. Grateful for that!

[@Philix22]

I'm so glad you've found you're place among us and you got adapted to our way of living. It's not difficult usually, but people like make it easier. You are both very nice and I love your family! We need more people like you adding value to our country. So, stay close and be happy!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much! We know that we'll never fully "get it", but that's okay. We love it and have love for Portugal. Thank you for the encouragement. - Josh & Kalie

[@shurlatrestrail8283]

Thanks for sharing guys, I am trying to move to Portugal with my family, so the information that you guys share is truly beneficial and helps to answer a lot of questions and concerns that I have/has 👍

[@bobbyedelson901]

I absolutely loved watching this video. Touch me in so many ways! Watching Cia, of course, hearing about your process and that this year is the best one, relating to your language challenges, Kalie, and not feeling quite as isolated and alone, seeing your willingness to tear up, Josh, finances, food, the list goes on ❤️‍🩹

[@Mr.S65]

I have been living in Portugal for two and a half years but in different regions. I’m now in Vilamoura spending my winter before I head back to my native Boston in the spring. The more I’m away the more I like Boston. It’s a college town full of international students and diversity. This going back and forth and traveling in between to different places as well, it’s working out really well for me. Have you found out how long can you be outside Portugal during the renewal of the residency permit?

[@GeraldFigal]

Lovely and inspiring reflections. I’m so happy that things are coming together positively for you! As always, I’m envious and ever anxious to retire somewhere abroad that resonates with me.

[@edbarnard7157]

Greetings from Aveiro. Another great video Josh and Kalie with honest heartfelt assessment. Your universe is expanding greatly as we run into many ex-pats here in Aveiro that know you and speak very highly of you. Keep evolving and enjoying the ride.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks so much! It's always great to see and read your comments, Ed. They're very edifying (no pun intended). We appreciate the love from those that are saying kind thing in Aveiro about us. We will certainly enjoy the ride. - Josh & Kalie

[@DamionLouisInPortugal]

Awesome, I love this progression in Portugal. I love the advice of giving a place at least a year, you really have to give a place an opportunity to grow on you or for you to know for sure that it's not the right place.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the feedback, Damion. We've felt that sense of "this isn't it" in both Spain and South Korea during year 2. Year 1, it was still feeling good. Saudi got off to a rough start and then we settled in but it was always a short-term gig. - Josh & Kalie

[@rexolaires956]

I love this vid so much! Thank you for sharing :)

[@louisrios5546]

We're completing our "year 1" in a few days, and it's nice to use the opportunity to reflect and compare. Can't wait for year 2.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Congrats, Louis! It's been a really nice exercise for us to do this each year. - Josh & Kalie

[@melg1838]

It must be fascinating watching Sia spend such crucial developmental years immersed in Portuguese culture and going to Portuguese schools. What an education! I’m encouraged to know that you all are feeling more settled in year 4.😊

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the comment, Mel! Cia is really impressing us with her ability to accept linguistic differences quickly. We're in France right now and she's asked how to say a few words, we've told her, and she's adapted them to songs that she's made up or using them in public! It's wild. - Josh & Kalie

[@TheSimArchitect]

Thanks for the update! Glad everything is going well! Parabéns pelo aprendizado!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much! We love getting your words of affirmation. - Josh & Kalie

[@IngridBerg-t9p]

Great video, very positive vibes, I am glad you are adjusting so well, you have not been discouraged from all bureaucracy, cultural differences, as you have travelled and lived in different places you have an open mind. Your little girl is very cute, it is nice to see her in the videos

[@Dinom-tt5wz]

❤Great, heartfelt video. Still working on Citizenship.. hope we can catch up in February when we return for a visit.. Thanks for laying it all out for us to see… it helps and we LOVE seeing you fall in love with my ancestral home. Se veye contigue!

[@dmwnomadista]

Great video, very insightful! Nice to see all your work has been rewarded for yourselves and Sia!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you so much. We appreciate the comment. - Josh & Kalie

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

This was a very good episode. Just kind of laying out your thoughts on the journey over the past year.

[@franciscoarroyo7498]

Time flies; finally, 2025 is going to be the year for us. I have been watching your videos since the beginning and have used your resources like Rafael. I am finally starting part-time and eventually full-time. Also, all this time I have been practicing Portuguese. It has been hard, especially since I speak Spanish all the time, but phonetics and grammar are incomparable. I can identify the words and context, but it is not enough to speak it. I use as many Portuguese KZbin channels as possible, at least to hone my ear to the accent.

[@tral403Hrytw]

Wow I was here everywhere in Porto, and this is so reminiscent of my time there.

[@johnnybermudez]

You guys rock... Love the advice, tips and sharing! Lauren sends her love!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hey Johnny and Lauren! Much love to you guys! Thanks for the comment. - Josh & Kalie

[@LtW00dy]

I've been considering moving to Porto and your videos are helping a lot. Any thoughts on Maia? They seem to have some really nice new apartments and houses while not being so expensive as central Porto.

[@landonrecker8830]

Thanks for all you do with the great content. And, congrats on 4 years in Portugal! Can you please share a link to the online language class you took for certification for citizenship. Thanks!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hey, Landon! Thanks for the comment. Kalie's got the link. I don't. Sorry. Would you mind emailing her at [e-mail] and asking her? - Josh & Kalie

[@Hello_PE]

How wonderful that you’ve found home in Porto. Love hearing about Cia’s experience too!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much. Cia's growth has blown us away. - Josh & Kalie

[@mariacorreia8362]

Love u guys 🥰 u always so helpful when I send u a message. I can’t wait to meet in person hopefully next year 😁 u guys are amazing

[@SueIsRetiringToFrance]

Congrats on 4 years/one year closer to citizenship!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! - Josh & Kalie

[@chuckmurray1825]

Great video! Would you guys mind sharing the name/online location of the course you are taking? As I still have 10 months to go before my move, I'm putting post-its on my objects in my condo and a list of verbs and connectors on the wall so I can learn the Portuguese words for each object and how to put them together in sentences. I'm also going to be be starting satellite learning by taking the 10 most popular American/English phrases and finding the matching phrases in Portugal. Hopefully, by the time I move, I should have about thirty phrases ready. There is so much to do. I never realized how much STUFF I have. I'm purging! My friends living in Faro were here in Atlanta for Thanksgiving and to pack a 40 ft shipping container for Portugal. They just left to go back to Portugal. I'm looking forward to having them as neighbors again. :)

[@JenShea]

Happy for you guys! I can’t believe it’s been 4 years. I think the first video I remember seeing of yours, you were in the car, I believe driving in Florida… talking about possibly moving to Portugal. Sia was a tiny baby then. Great video 😊

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Jen! You're right those were the pre-move vlogs. We had gotten "stuck" in Florida between moving from Singapore and Europe. We appreciate you sticking with us! - Josh & Kalie

[@dianabusjrabrown]

What was the intensive Portuguese course you took and can the times be adjusted?

[@57momoka]

Good morning Josh & Kalie, my husband and I moved to Portugal in 2020 and are now thinking about applying for citizenship. We are also very interested in the online course you took. Is there a difference with other online courses and how does it move you closer to citizenship as far as the language goes? Grateful for your replies

[@terrisokolow7796]

Very cool video. Looks like you’ve found your place! For now, right?!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you. ;-) You never know. - Josh & Kalie

[@marthajohnson4335]

Can you tell me the answer to this? Can I use an International bank that has a partnership with Portugal? There is access in Lisbon for Citibank.

[@flavOG]

Josh is it true that now an expat would have to pay 45% income tax on our US pension and everything else? Are there any deductions allowed like in the US?

[@RoadrunnersOfCA]

Cia looks like you both ❤

[@jonmaher2531]

Seems like your home build channel went away. Can you give us an update in your next vid or make a post ab out it?

[@toddboothbee1361]

Thanks for these videos. I love Portugal, but what is it with the public toilets at Oriente Station? What is the philosophy of their use or abuse? What time of day does most of the damage occur? Cheers!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hey Todd, your guess is as good as ours. We avoid them like the plague. - Josh & Kalie

[@johnzales]

Congrats on completing the language requirements to become a citizen of Portugal. How do the locals react, when you are trying to speak Portuguese to them? My girlfriend and I were in Porto , the last 2 years in October and we are trying to learn and use some basic Portuguese, especially when ordering food. Very basic Portuguese, I admit. We don't always get a good reaction if we say it wrong, but we keep trying. Some locals, simply tell us to talk in English and some just give an annoyed reaction, but overall it is pretty good. What reaction does everyone else get? Here's a good story. My girlfriend and I went to a small cafe and there was only one person there, so they were not busy. Debbie, walked up to the counter and tried to order in Portuguese. I was standing 10 feet away, because I wasn't hungry, but I was watching the cashier. After Debbie ordered, the cashier made an annoyed expression and looked away, then gave her change and the reciept. I slowly walked to the counter and said with a smile and friendly voice. "We are always trying to practice and learn Portuguese." She looked up and smiled and said in a friendly voice, "Well, you said it wrong", and repeated how to say it correctly. It was wonderful. She was really friendly and we ended up having a nice visit with her. (in English) To me, our incidences like this should be expected, so we don't get upset, and they happen very far apart from each other. The Portuguese people are so incredibly friendly to us. I have 100 times more positive stories and the Portuguese people are one of many reasons we are moving to Porto in a year plus, after I retire.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi, thanks for the comment. We've actually never experienced negativity when practicing Portuguese. We've had some awkward interactions but nothing overtly negative. We did have a funny incident in a restaurant in Coimbra recently when a wrong ending on an adjective was used and I auto-corrected, but the seemingly socially awkward waitress corrected me with not so stellar (fluent) English so that was pretty ironic, but no worries. We've had a much easier time in Porto sticking to Portuguese with interaction, whereas in Lisbon and Algarve people switch to English and stay in English for longer but funny enough, we'll just stay in Portuguese if we can. HAHA So they're speaking our language and we're speaking theirs. - Josh

[@johnzales]

@@ExpatsEverywhere My mom goes to Mexico and wants to practice her Spanish, because we don't speak it at home. When she is in Mexico, The locals want to practice their English so she gives in. I love how you stay with the Portuguese. Someday, I'll learn Spanish and Portuguese. Thanks Josh. Cheers

[@rabukan5842]

What was the online course that you took that the government accepts for citizenship? Congratulations with that!

[@robinpeppin]

you guys are so fun to watch. you are so full of great info. i can't wait to get there. i'm trying to keep in mind that it's not a utopia, that it is like any other place, just a normal place, good & bad. & the economy is not what it was, but still an improvement from the u.s. & it will get worse with trump in power. but housing is a little better cost-wise. i'm retired with decent pensions. i'm happy to hear i can still earn some money on the d-7, i really want to work on a farm, like help take care of animals, maybe while people go on a vacation. i don't know if that's a thing there. i haven't seen animal farms there yet, but i'm hoping. your little girl is a cutie. i hope my granddaughters will come & visit me. the baby is three. i'd love to see any christmas videos of there.

[@user-vn9id5gw3e]

Hi Guys, What happened to your Let's Get Building Channel? Can't find anything?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We'll be back online shortly and explain more down the road. Thanks for asking. - Josh & Kalie

[@user-vn9id5gw3e]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Thank you.

[@BrMg01]

Considering paying $250k donation to get the golden visa since i'm not able to get D7. i cant leave the states just yet to spend 6 months per year in portugal and $250k requires only 7 days a year...

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

If you need references on GV agents, Kalie's been keeping a list. You can email her at [e-mail] if you'd like. - Josh & Kalie

[@musa-too]

I love Porto too ❤️

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Love for the love! Porto is great. - Josh & Kalie

[@leahhart8484]

Hi, son, Hubbs & I are so loving your videos, enjoying all the information. Son & Hubbs will be in Porto, surrounding areas in February. They would love to connect, maybe through meet up?? Would you help us navigate to your meet up group?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi Leah! Nice to hear from you. Are you on Kalie's newsletter. She always gives advance notice on time, day and location of meetups. Email her at [e-mail] to get on it. The next one is Dec. 7th at SO Coffee Roasters. - Josh & Kalie

[@leahhart8484]

@@ExpatsEverywhere th as is so much , I’ll make sure we’re getting Kaylie’s newsletter:)

[@jadedjhypsi]

You have done better than me on the local networking. I have been here almost 8 years and only have 2 Portuguese friends... =( and no expats. I wish I could have some friends but it is hard when you do not have the money to go out and socialize like so many other expats like to do.... I would like to start doing diner parties at my house but who would come??BTW, was the language course online one that is set up by the Portuguese government to did you pay for it privately?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi Jade, where do you live? It shouldn't take money to go out and socialize. Have you been to a meetup yet? Are you outgoing? How can we help? You're right about the dinner parties. All you need is a couple of friends and you'll be flying. It sounds like you have the right attitude. Let's make it happen. The course we took was a paid course. - Josh & Kalie

[@jadedjhypsi]

@@ExpatsEverywhere I live right south of Vila Nova de Gaia. I have not tried meetup yet only because in the past it seemed when I checked in the past there was never anything free going on. Also I do not own a cellphone anymore. I am a very outgoing person but have been pretty isolated due to finances for about 7 years now and admit it has me a bit disheartened... It is very kind of you to offer to help =) I will be honest and say the best help I could get right now is some work and a couple friends to get me socializing again. Maybe you can recommend a meetup group and I can check it out on my husbands phone? 😊

[@jaylinn416]

I lived in Portugal for a while. But you know what? I like Vietnam better. Yes, it can get hot here weatherwise. But Vietnamese people are great.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Nice! Where are you in Vietnam? - Josh & Kalie

[@jaylinn416]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Da Nang. It is the only city in Vietnam I have been in. But it is good enough for me. I like it here. Very inexpensive. Possibly 1/10 of Paris price? And this city vaguely reminds me of Paris! LOL

it'll be fine. your kids will think, and feel, as portuguese. educated as one too so nothing to worry about. give yourselves some slack and start preparing your daughters dowry instead. portuguese women like to be prepared for every eventuality and they are hard to please! 😜 stay strong 🤠😎

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

HAHA! Thanks for the advice! :-) - Josh & Kalie

[@tral403Hrytw]

You should a do video on how much you guys make a month, both of you, and how much you save etc., and how much you invest. hope you are investing since you are young.

[@duosiris34]

What i see some british people doing his substitute gradually some common words for the Portuguese one and stick with that

[@pedrocarvalho5416]

It's unbeliveble that I am listening to you speaking Brazilian Portuguese and I not being able to change it!!! Goodbye.

[@milacebrian666]

La IA traduce muy bien

[@Wrongweatherstore]

❤

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

❤️ - Josh & Kalie

[@jeffinphoenix]

Awesome. Do you have any LGBT friends?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Yes, a few of them appeared in this video and have been on the channel over the years. - Josh & Kalie

[@jeffinphoenix]

@ 🙌

[@cfatal3290]

Why do you call yourselves " expats " and not immigrants? I am 69 years old and have never heard that word in my life. I am a portuguese born person living in another country and I am an immigrant and not an expat. Please goggle the difference difference expats and immigrants. I am sorry, you living 4 years in Portugal.......you an immigrant and not an expat. Anyone out there agree with me ?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We've lived in 5 countries outside of our birth nation in 15 years and we interview people who live around the world. While you're Googling, google Hemingway and expat. If you want to call us immigrants, by all means, go ahead. If you want to call yourself an expat, also go ahead. Be free. But most important, stop being silly. :-) - Josh

[@cfatal3290]

Honestly not the reply I was expecting.if you are able to look at your stats, I have probably watched 90% of your videos and the reason is because I enjoy watching them. Now because I give you some feedback you turn around and call me " silly ". I find that a little rude and if anyone is " silly " , perhaps would be an immigrant calling himself " expat ". You been living there 5 years, you bought yourself a building, learning the language, etc .....that is an immigrant. I think it would have been more polite if you had not replied. I am sorry, I am only one subscriber and maybe have not made you a lot of more, but now you have 80.6k minus one subscriber. Please have a good day and maybe dont call many of your subscribers " silly " ......all i was doing is making a suggestion and giving you some Feedback. Please enjoy your stay in that GREAT country my dear immigrant.​@@ExpatsEverywhere

[@LTRaider]

@@cfatal3290wow! I understand your question, but you should know that you opened yourself up to being teased when you started nitpicking. Semantics, is it worth burning a bridge? Maybe try not to be so easily offended & walk a lighter path. You don’t have to agree with every single thing to enjoy other people. If you continue to live this way, you’re going to be a very lonely person.

[@cfatal3290]

Me offended? He's the one that got offended by being called an immigrant. There's absolutely nothing wrong in being an immigrant.... I am one myself. If you agreeing with him, please answer me this question. After how many years in a Country does one move from being an expat to an immigrant ?​@@LTRaider

[@LTRaider]

Btw, it didn’t read that he was offended. Maybe people see the word “silly” differently. Not sure. I wouldn’t get upset about it. I hope you won’t stop viewing them. They’re a sweet family. Btw, have you read any of Hemingway’s books? Expat is a label commonly used among Americans living outside their own country. Maybe now that they’re seeking citizenship they’ll call themselves something else, but in the end, it’s silly to get stuck, & upset enough to stop watching their experiences. And I do not mean that in an offensive way.

[@jonv570]

no one is interested in what Americans consider culture, trust me you have no idea

[@pkmuhammedhisan]

Since you have lived in both Spain and Portugal..which country do you think is more racist ?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We have personally witnessed more in Spain and have spoken about it with friends that have experience in both Portugal and Spain. - Josh

[@pkmuhammedhisan]

@ExpatsEverywhere Thank you Josh..you are the best

[@NunoFerreiraX]

❤

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

❤️ Thanks for the love, Nuno. - Josh & Kalie