We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

Portugal Taxes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=@WMTEurope

Moving to Portugal as a US citizen? Your biggest surprise might not be the visa, it’s the taxes.
From double taxation myths to retirement income traps, this episode explains what Americans really need to know.

In this episode, Casey Kelly speaks with Pedro Gaudêncio, a chartered accountant and CEO of Portugal Taxes, to break down how the Portuguese tax system works for US expats living in Portugal.

They unpack common misconceptions that often circulate online, explain how the Portugal–US double taxation agreement actually works in practice, and why many Americans misunderstand their tax obligations after moving abroad. Pedro also explains how different types of income are treated, including US retirement income, and what digital nomads and remote workers need to be aware of when becoming tax resident in Portugal.

The conversation also explores tax benefits and incentives for younger expats, why early planning matters, and why working with qualified tax professionals is essential for staying compliant with both US and Portuguese tax authorities.

Whether you are planning a move to Portugal, already living there, or researching US expat tax planning, this episode offers clear, practical insight to help you avoid costly mistakes.

00:00 – The tax mistake that shocks most Americans in Portugal
01:13 – The tax expert Americans wish they’d talked to sooner
04:26 – Why the US makes expat taxes so much harder
05:52 – The biggest tax myths Americans believe about Portugal
06:45 – Selling a US home? Here’s the Portugal tax trap
09:04 – Will you really be taxed twice?
13:56 – Two tax strategies every US expat should understand
15:58 – Why Google gives terrible tax advice for expats
19:38 – How Portugal taxes Social Security and 401(k)s
23:16 – Digital nomads: where your income is really taxed
26:24 – “They won’t know I’m abroad” is a risky bet
28:39 – Hidden tax perks for younger expats (NHR 2.0)

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

Cornerstone Health

RJ Pesigan on LinkedIn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=@WMTEurope

American physician Dr. RJ Pesigan joins We’re Moving to Europe to explain how the Dutch healthcare system really works. From finding a GP and getting insurance to understanding cultural differences, medications, and trans-inclusive care, this episode helps expats navigate healthcare in the Netherlands with confidence.

00:00 Dutch directness and healthcare culture
01:00 Welcome to We’re Moving to Europe
01:30 Meet Dr. RJ Pesigan, founder of Cornerstone Health
01:55 Moving to the Netherlands during COVID
03:00 From medicine to MBA to entrepreneurship
04:00 Understanding Dutch vs US healthcare systems
06:20 Cultural differences in doctor-patient communication
07:20 How to prepare for a GP visit in the Netherlands
08:47 Appeals and patient rights
09:50 Self-care and ownership in Dutch healthcare
11:20 Preventive healthcare and checkups
12:30 How to register with a Dutch GP and pharmacy
14:40 Health insurance requirements for expats
15:10 Membership community: We’re Moving to Europe
16:03 Medication availability (e.g., Adderall) and records
18:02 Access to transgender healthcare in the Netherlands
20:47 Managing chronic conditions as an expat
22:00 Bringing and digitizing your medical records
22:40 Budgeting for medications and transition period
23:30 Finding expat-friendly healthcare professionals
24:10 Vision, dental, and alternative care coverage
25:06 Closing and credits

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

Useful Resources:

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

https://serenity-portugal.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-averbukh-md-mha-7b935a44/

Episode Description

Thinking about moving to Portugal and wondering how healthcare works? In this episode of We’re Moving to Europe, host Casey Kelly talks with Dr. Michael Averbukh, CEO and Managing Partner at Serenity, a healthcare concierge service for expats and immigrants in Portugal. They discuss how Portugal’s public and private systems compare to the US, what Americans should prepare for, managing medications, navigating bureaucracy, and access to care for trans people.

Whether you’re planning a relocation or already settling in, this conversation will help you understand how to prepare for your medical needs and make the most of Portugal’s healthcare system.

0:00 Introduction & guest intro

1:30 Dr. Averbukh’s journey to Portugal

2:55 Founding Serenity and its mission

4:24 Comparing US and Portuguese healthcare

6:19 Public vs private systems explained

9:20 Insurance and access differences

12:07 Medication availability & preparation

14:10 Navigating Portugal’s healthcare bureaucracy

19:15 Healthcare access for trans people

22:03 Tips for preparing medical care before moving

27:10 How to manage care after arrival

35:24 Final advice: Be prepared

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

B-Roll
Additional royalty-free footage curated via Pixabay and Pexels