MOVING TO PORTUGAL: Real Estate, Residency & the Golden Visa with Erin Charlotte

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Erin Charlotte, an international real estate agent and Golden Visa advisor who’s helping Americans find their dream homes — and their freedom — in Portugal.

Originally from Minnesota, Erin shares the story of how a birthday trip to Porto sparked a full-on relocation journey and led to the creation of her thriving real estate business. From navigating cultural quirks and bureaucratic slowdowns to explaining Portugal’s updated Golden Visa program, Erin offers expert insight and candid advice for anyone dreaming of a slower, sunnier life abroad.

Whether you’re planning to buy property in Portugal, pursue European residency, or just want to understand the landscape, this episode is packed with value.

Topics We Cover:

• Erin’s path from Minnesota to Lisbon — and the lemon tree that started it all
• The realities of buying real estate in Portugal (and how it differs from the U.S.)
• What Americans need to know about property taxes, financing, and open listings
• Portugal’s 2025 Golden Visa: what’s changed and how it works now
• Why the North of Portugal and Costa da Caparica are emerging hotspots
• Cultural quirks: rule-following, relaxed customer service, and learning to slow down
• Starting a business in Portugal — and the services expats are craving
• Advice for building a location-independent business or personal brand abroad
• How to roll over your 401(k) into a qualifying Golden Visa investment
• Tips for anyone “on the fence” about making the move

CONNECT WITH ERIN

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EPISODE SPONSOR

Dreaming of your own place in the sun? Whether it’s a charming townhouse in Spain’s Pueblo Blancos, a gîte in the French countryside, or a beachside apartment on Portugal’s Algarve, Kyero helps you find it. With over 700,000 properties across Spain, Portugal, France and Italy – plus expert advice and curated emails full of dream homes and local insights – Kyero makes finding your perfect place abroad a breeze. Start your search today at Kyero.com

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

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