Free events 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

Daisy first moved to Portugal over 20 years ago, and lives in the central Algarve with her teenage daughters and Canadian partner. As the CEO of afpop, the largest Association for foreign residents in Portugal, she and the dedicated team at the non-profit association, provide members with a comprehensive range of information services and support.

From guiding members through residency and bureaucracy issues, to updates about new laws and regulations, the association is on hand to help members at every stage of their Portugal journey, while also offering opportunities to socialise and to take advantage of exclusive member benefits and discounts.

Over the almost 40 years since its humble beginnings, afpop has helped over 37,000 Members to navigate their way around living, working and enjoying Portugal, and currently has a membership of over 9,000 active members. 

The association may have evolved over the decades however, the key principle of being “Here to Help” remains as true today as it ever has been.

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. 

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.

Head of Trading Floor - Currencies 4 You

Part of Currencies 4 You for over 13 years, Prem has witnessed and contributed to the remarkable growth and success of the company. His client-first dedication has allowed him to build lasting relationships with individuals and businesses from all over the world.

The best piece of advice Prem has ever been given is to “embrace change and see challenges as opportunities for growth” – a mindset that has profoundly impacted both his career and personal life, enabling him to navigate uncertainties with confidence and resilience.

Inspired by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in clients’ lives and businesses – whether helping individuals save money to secure their dream homes abroad or enabling companies to cut costs and allocate resources more effectively for expansion and growth –Prem finds each success story incredibly rewarding.

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.

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.

Founder and Chairman - Reserva da Luz   

Gerry Fagan brings over forty years of expertise in managing a diverse array of investments, with a strong focus on residential and mixed-use projects. 

His two decades of notable success in Portugal are highlighted by his instrumental role in developing the Oceânico Group and creating over 2,500 homes, leisure facilities, and Golf Courses. 

As the current Chairman of DDM, Fagan excels in the development, asset management, and operational oversight of prominent projects such as Reserva da Luz and Nova Terraces, championing holistic and purpose-driven investments. 

Director - Ciple Master

Ângela Silva is the Director of Ciple Master, a leading online language school specialized in Portuguese A2 language courses. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and a post-graduate degree in Digital Marketing, a combination that bridges a global perspective with data-driven communication strategies. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to leadership, innovation, and continuous learning. 

Ciple Master focuses on delivering the best solutions for Golden Visa applicants through flexible, 100% online Portuguese A2 language courses. The school also offers tailored training, full schedule flexibility, and no exams, making Ciple Master an ideal solution for obtaining the Portuguese A2 certificate, valid for citizenship and permanent residence processes. 

Account Manager - Ciple Master

Diogo Lapa is from Porto, Portugal, and is an Account Manager at Ciple Master. He has built his career around connecting with people, understanding their needs, and delivering solutions that create real impact. He thrives on challenges, values continuous learning, and is driven by turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.Through CipleMaster, he helps individuals open doors to new opportunities by guiding them in learning Portuguese and achieving their A2 certification, designing pathways that are practical, effective, and meaningful. 

Ciple Master focuses on delivering the best solutions for Golden Visa applicants through flexible, 100% online Portuguese A2 language courses.

Executive Director - OK Student

Carlos Hipólito is the Executive Director of OK Student, part of Vermilion Group, where he leads a premium, end-to-end academic mobility platform for internationally minded families. He oversees high-touch admissions strategy and application management, combined with world-class pre-departure preparation- real-life simulations, independence training, and leadership development delivered through OK Student’s immersive orientation programs.

With 17+ years of track record and 15,000+ students supported, OK Student helps students thrive abroad with confidence, clarity, and ongoing coaching that goes beyond acceptance letters.

Branch Manager – DS Intermediários de Crédito, Quarteira

Diogo Almeida is a mortgage specialist with a strong track record in the Portuguese property finance market, supporting both residents and, in particular, non-resident clients. He advises on property purchases, equity release solutions, and the restructuring of existing mortgages to secure better interest rates and lower overall costs.

Known for delivering clear and strategic guidance in complex scenarios, Diogo is able to arrange financing in Portugal of up to 80% of the purchase price, with mortgage terms extending up to the age of 80. Through close relationships with the country’s leading banks, he negotiates highly competitive conditions, with rates currently around 2.5%.

His independent and client-focused approach ensures each solution is tailored to the client’s financial profile and long-term goals, providing a smooth, transparent process from initial analysis through to completion while maximising financial efficiency and value.

General Medicine/Aesthetic Medicine 

Dr Joanna Karamon is certainly no stranger to the medical world, with over 23 years of experience as a General Practitioner. However, she is also no stranger to emigration. Born in Poland, she emigrated to South Africa where she completed her Medical training through the University of Pretoria in 1997. Dr Jo (as she is usually known) then emigrated to Portugal in 2000. Initially working locums in the UK, Dr Jo joined Luzdoc in 2001 and has been a constant and enduring element of the clinic’s medical team ever since. 

Together with the founder of Luzdoc, Dr Maria Alice Pestana e Silva, Dr Jo has always strived to uphold the core philosophy of Luzdoc, constantly improving, diversifying and introducing innovative medical services that are of benefit to all aspects of her client’s health. 

Believing that personal and professional growth is crucial in attaining these goals, Dr Jo has gone on to achieve a Diploma in Travel Medicine as well as MSc (Master’s Degree) in Skin Aging and Aesthetic Medicine. 

Owner/Manager - Lagos Algarve Real Estate

Karen Sneider Shears brings a wealth of local real estate experience, built over 20 years of working with both national and international buyers and sellers.

With a talent for aligning buyers with their ideal homes and adeptly navigating successful negotiations, Karen has overseen more than 100 property sales annually. Her American heritage, combined with more than three decades of residency in Portugal, provides her with a distinctive skill set that allows her to expertly guide international buyers through the purchasing process while also addressing the needs of local vendors, and vice versa. Under her leadership, the company ensures that the interests of all parties are carefully and effectively safeguarded.

Lagos Algarve Real Estate is a full-service real estate agency specialising in residential properties in and around Lagos, committed to every client, ensuring that each buyer’s or seller’s priorities remain central throughout the process of purchasing or selling a home.

Partner - CRS Lawyers

With over two decades of expertise, Raquel advises clients with excellence in private client services, real estate, and tax law.

As a founding partner of CRS Advogados, her strategic vision has earned consistent international acclaim. Recently recognised as one of the Top 25 Global Migration Attorneys of 2025 by Uglobal and highly regarded by the ITR (International Tax Review), Raquel combines technical rigor with a unique ability to simplify complex mobility and investment processes.

Whether you are looking to structure your wealth or ensure a seamless transition to Portugal, rely on the experience of a leader shaping the Portuguese legal landscape with innovation and commitment.