Seminars
Independent, expert information from sources you can trust.
The Living in the Algarve seminars are planned to be help 6 times per year at different locations along the Algarve. The seminars are organised by the Open Media Group, Portugal’s leading publishers of foreign language media, in association with key partners offering advice on all matters related to living in Portugal. All under one roof you have the chance to listen to live presentations by experts in the areas of legal matters, taxation, residency and many different aspects of life in the Algarve.
If you are considering moving here permanently at some time in the future, living here part time or maybe looking at setting up a business in the Algarve, our seminars offer a unique opportunity to have all your questions answered in one place, at one time.
Each event has three identical seminar sessions, one in the morning and two in the afternoon, before are after which you will have time to chat with our event partners.
Our events are free of charge to registered guests. All you need to do is register for your preferred seminar session and book your seat. Registration is also possible on the day at the event reception, subject to availability, so we advise you to register in advance and secure your seminar places.
Covid-19 precautions
Each seminar sessions is limited to a maximum of 50 guests, with well-spaced seating. Mask-wearing is compulsory and hand sanitisers will be readily available.
Guide to living in Portugal
Fiscal number
Residence permit
Bank account
Healthcare
Insurance
Import a car
Driving licence
UK TV
Internet
Schooling options
Moving with pets
Organising utilities
Organizers
The Open Media Group is Portugal’s leading publisher of foreign language media with print and online publications in the Algarve such as the Algarve Resident newspaper in English (established 1989) and Barlavento in Portuguese (established 1977). Our magazines include Essential Algarve, the region’s luxury lifestyle magazine (established 2000) in English and Vivre Le Portugal in French.

Bruce Hawker
Director, Fine & Country Algarve
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 Algarve Resident newspaper and Essential Algarve magazine amongst other titles. Whilst continuing in his role at Open Media, Bruce supports the management team as a director of Fine & Country Algarve, working primarily on the B2B side of the company. Alongside his roles at Fine & Country and Open Media, he is also a member of the board of directors of the Lisbon based British Portuguese Chamber of Commerce.
Shelley Wren
Head of Business Development – 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.
Bruce Hawker
Director, Fine & Country Algarve
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 Algarve Resident newspaper and Essential Algarve magazine amongst other titles. Whilst continuing in his role at Open Media, Bruce supports the management team as a director of Fine & Country Algarve, working primarily on the B2B side of the company. Alongside his roles at Fine & Country and Open Media, he is also a member of the board of directors of the Lisbon based British Portuguese Chamber of Commerce.
Shelley Wren
Head of Business Development – 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.