Free Seminars about healthcare, residency, taxation, legal issues

CEO - Open Media / event host

Bruce has lived in the Algarve most of his life, having moved to Portugal from the UK as a child when his family relocated in the late 1970’s. His career has been mostly in publishing, as founder and CEO of the Open Media Group; publishers of the Portugal Resident newspaper and Essential Algarve magazine amongst other titles. Whilst continuing in his role at Open Media, Bruce also has interests in real estate. Alongside his business activities, he is also a member of the board of directors of the Lisbon based British Portuguese Chamber of Commerce. Bruce is the host and a speaker at the Living in the Algarve and Living in Portugal events.

CEO - AFPOP

Michael has been CEO of the Foreign Residents’ Association ‘AFPOP’ for 19 years, having first joined as a Member in 2002. AFPOP was established as a non-profit Association in 1987, in an attempt to consolidate its growing information database and provide assistance to over a thousand Members. At that time there was considerable uncertainty about the rules on property ownership, which began to change at a bewildering rate as the foreign interest grew in the Algarve and then across Portugal. Not only that but the rules in the regions were also different and keeping up to date was incredibly difficult.
Over the 35 years since its humble beginnings, AFPOP has helped over 37,000 Members to navigate their way around living in Portugal, and currently has a Membership of almost 9,000 active Members. Whilst the Association has grown considerably, its goals and ethos have never changed. AFPOP’s primary function remains to assist its Members find answers to their questions.
As their logo says, AFPOP is “Here To Help”

Head of Business Development - The Sovereign Group, Portugal 

Shelley has over thirty years’ experience in investment advisory working with high net worth investors. Shelley works closely with Sovereign’s Wealth Management and Retirement Planning teams and is able to make recommendations according to clients’ needs and objectives to guide them through the complexities of acquiring international investment property, of using trusts, foundations, funds and companies worldwide, to structure, develop and maintain individuals’ assets for secure wealth succession planning. 

In addition, and working with the Sovereign Portugal team, Shelley can advise clients on their Non Habitual Resident and Golden Visa applications to ensure maximum tax benefits for our clients. 

Sales & Marketing Director - Fine & Country  

Jorge was born in Angola but grew up in Setúbal near Lisbon before moving to Geneva, Switzerland where he completed a degree in Tourism Management. He lived and worked for five years in Ukraine before moving to Portugal in 2012 and started his career in real estate in 2015. Jorge has been with Fine & Country since 2018, initially as general manager of the central Algarve office and more recently as sales & marketing director for the Algarve region. Whilst based in the Algarve, Jorge works closely with his colleagues at the Fine & Country offices elsewhere in Portugal, from Porto in the north to Lisbon, Estoril and Comporta. 

Head of Corporate Division - Currencies 4 You

Jason has extensive experience working closely with both private individuals and corporate clients, whether transferring money for their new life overseas, investing in high-value goods or simply making regular international money transfers. Currencies 4 You is a Regulated Currency Exchange Specialist with offices in the UK, Spain, Portugal and Poland. Founded in 2009, the company has grown significantly over the last 13 years, having safely transferred over $2 billion globally, with access to 150 currency pairs, and an online platform with 2-factor authentication. Currencies 4 You, an award-winning company, continues to be a market leader. Currencies 4 You’s team of currency experts works closely with each of its clients to understand their currency requirements, providing a tailored strategic approach and minimizing the risk of volatility using financial tools, which saves their clients millions of pounds each year. 

Executive Director - Martinez Echevarria & Ferreira law firm 

Dr. Ricardo Ferreira is the country director for Portugal of Martinez Eschevarria, the largest law firm in Andalucia, Spain as well as in the Algarve where it has offices in Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, Albufeira and Lagos. The company also has Portuguese offices in Lisbon, Estoril and Porto. In Spain, there are offices in Madrid as well as in ten locations across Andalucia. Outside of the Iberian Peninsula the firm also has a presence in Turkey with offices in Istanbul and Bodrum. Internationally, Martinez Eschevarria employs more than 250 professionals.  

Dr. Ricardo Ferreira gained his law degree from the University of Lisbon in 1999, going on to earn postgraduate degrees in both commercial law, tax planning and accounting and finance law, from the University of Lisbon and the Catholic University of Law respectively.  

Since 2012 he has been mainly dedicated to the coordination and management of the Martinez Echevarria & Ferreira law firm’s offices in Portugal focusing on Real Estate Law and Tax law. 

Founder & CEO - Medal Insurance brokers

Henrique founded Medal Insurance in 1996 and has built the business with his family and a dedicated team to be Portugal’s leading insurance brokerage for expats. His presentation at our Living in the Portugal seminars will focus on health insurance and healthcare in Portugal for foreign residents. Medal was founded in the Algarve where it has three offices covering the whole coast. Medal also has offices in Cascais covering the Greater Lisbon area.

Chief Sales Officer - Global International Relocations 

Luís joined Global International Relocations in 2008, just 8 months after the company started trading. At the time he had just returned from the US and was settling in Portugal, a move that he considers to be the best one of his life. 14 years later he reflects on an exciting journey and continues to learn more and more about relocating international clients to Portugal from all around the world.  

Today, GIR employs over 100 people with three offices and is the number 1 mobility company in Portugal. The company offers high-quality services in the areas of international moving, relocation, immigration, property services, special transport of pets and artworks, excess baggage service, storage and management of business archives.    

Tax Adviser & Chartered Financial Planner - Spectrum

Mark is originally from Manchester and moved to Portugal in 2014. After obtaining a degree in Finance, he started his career in London as a researcher and report writer for several accountancy and advisory practices before being promoted to Independent Financial Adviser status in 2005.

With over 20 years of experience, he has broad experience in advising individuals, companies, and trusts regarding their financial and tax issues. Mark specialises in cross-border issues for expats including Non-Habitual Residence, pensions and QROPS, investments and estate and trust planning.

He is a dual-qualified Tax Adviser with the Association of Tax Technicians (UK) and a Chartered Financial Planner with the Chartered Institute of Insurance, UK.

Commercial Coordinator - FERCOPOR

With a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Marketing and Communication, Carla Barros is the Commercial Coordinator at FERCOPOR, responsible for the SERENITY project. With specialized training in the luxury projects sector and extensive experience in Real Estate as a real estate consultant, Carla Barros accepted the invitation from FERCOPOR and now coordinates all the promotional initiatives for the SERENITY project, which marks the expansion of this renowned Real Estate Developer from the Northern region of the country, who promises to bring "a new way of living" to the Algarve. In her curriculum, Carla Barros also boasts significant international experience, allowing her to have an in-depth understanding of the real estate market beyond borders.

Commercial Director - DS Intermediários de Crédito

Diogo Almeida is the Commercial Director at DS Intermediários de Crédito, a leading mortgage brokerage firm.

Renowned for his dedication and ability to simplify the home financing process, Diogo provides comprehensive support through every step — from pre-approval to the final signing — ensuring that all questions and concerns are addressed with clarity and professionalism.

Working with multiple banks, he excels at comparing interest rates and terms, always seeking the ideal solution for each financial profile. His clients highlight his responsiveness, expertise, and skill in finding the best mortgage options, transforming what is often a complex process into a smooth and manageable experience. Diogo is the perfect advisor for those looking to purchase property with expert support, creating a safe and personalized home-buying experience.

Director - DS Intermediários de Crédito Quarteira

João Silva is an experienced financial consultant with a solid background in mortgages and banking, with over 15 years of expertise in the field. Born in Canada and holding a degree in Economics, João has built a distinguished career in financial consulting, specializing in credit solutions and financing for non-residents and expats. His expertise enables him to guide both private and corporate clients through complex financial landscapes.

As the Director at DS Intermediários de Crédito in Quarteira, João has helped establish the company as a trusted name in the Algarve region, known for delivering personalized and efficient financial solutions. His analytical skills and extensive experience allow him to provide clients with insights that maximize benefits while mitigating risks. With a strong commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of both local and international financial regulations, João is a valuable advisor for clients seeking reliable, long-term financial success.