Editorial policy

Last updated: 26 October 2026

Obrigado-ish exists to make your first months in Portugal easier. That only works if you can trust what you read, so this page explains how we write, check and update it.

1. Who writes

Articles and guides are written by Luis Sousa, a native European Portuguese speaker living in Lisbon. Every Portuguese phrase and every pronunciation is checked by him before it's published.

2. European Portuguese only

We teach the Portuguese spoken in Portugal. When a word or habit is different in Brazil, we say so. We cross-check phrases against European Portuguese reference books and dictionaries, but where a reference and everyday usage disagree, we go with what people actually say, and tell you if a phrase is informal, old-fashioned or regional.

3. Pronunciation

Every phrase has a respelling written for the reader's language: English readers get an English system, French readers a French one and German readers a German one. Capitals mark the stressed syllable. It's an approximation to get you understood, not phonetic notation.

4. Facts and official information

• Anything about rules, rights or procedures is checked against the official source: ePortugal and gov.pt, Portal das Finanças, AIMA, Segurança Social, SNS 24, or consumer bodies such as DECO PROteste. We link the source in the article.
• We don't print fees, prices set by law or yearly deadlines that change. We explain how the process works and send you to the official page for the current figure.
• Every article shows when it was published and when it was last checked.
• This is practical information, not legal, tax or medical advice. For important decisions, check with the official body or a professional. In an emergency in Portugal, call 112.

5. Four languages, written for each reader

Articles appear in English, Portuguese, French and German. Each version is written for its own readers rather than translated word for word, so examples, explanations and even the length can differ. The Portuguese phrases and the facts stay the same in every language.

6. Tone

We keep it friendly, practical and neutral. We don't make jokes at the expense of any nationality, profession or group, and we stay out of politics and religion.

7. Independence

We don't publish sponsored articles or use affiliate links. The only products we recommend are our own guides, and we say so when an article links to one. No company pays to appear on this site.

8. Corrections

Spotted a mistake, an outdated rule or a phrase that sounds wrong? Email [email protected]. We check every report, fix confirmed errors as quickly as we can and update the "last checked" date. Significant corrections are noted at the end of the article.