deVere Portugal has opened a new office in the Quinta do Lago region of the Algarve, marking a significant step in its ongoing expansion strategy as demand for cross-border financial advice continues to rise.
The office, which officially launched on March 30 2026, will be staffed, in part, by experienced advisers relocating from Geneva, strengthening the firm’s ability to serve a growing international client base in southern Portugal.
The move comes against a backdrop of sustained international demand for Portugal
The country is one of Europe’s most popular relocation destinations, with foreign residents now accounting for more than 10% of the population, while the Algarve continues to attract high-net-worth individuals, retirees and internationally mobile professionals seeking lifestyle, tax efficiency and stability.
Jake McLaughlin, Executive Director of deVere Portugal, says the expansion is a direct response to that demand.
“We’re seeing a sustained increase in clients who need advice that goes beyond a single country.
“People are living internationally, earning in one currency, investing in another, and retiring somewhere else entirely. Of course, this all creates complexity, and they, understandably, want clarity.”
The new Algarve office builds on the success of deVere’s existing presence in the northern city of Porto, where the firm has experienced strong and consistent growth.
Porto has developed into a key hub for international talent, supported by a fast-growing tech sector, competitive cost of living, and favourable residency frameworks that continue to attract younger professionals and entrepreneurs.
Portugal has also seen a sharp rise in residency permits granted to non-EU nationals in recent years, alongside continued demand from UK, Ireland, US and other international buyers in its property market, reinforcing its position as a leading destination for cross-border lifestyles.
“Porto’s been a standout success,” says McLaughlin.
“We’ve built a strong team there and the client base continues to expand. It’s a different demographic to the Algarve, but the need is the same. Clients want joined-up, cross-border financial advice they can rely on.”
This demand is reshaping how financial advice is delivered
Financial planning for expats is no longer a simple matter of savings and investments. It involves navigating tax regimes, pension portability, currency exposure, estate planning and regulatory differences across multiple countries.
A financial adviser helps bring structure to that complexity.
The role goes well beyond recommending investments. It involves building a long-term strategy that aligns with a client’s life across jurisdictions, managing risk, structuring portfolios, planning retirement and ensuring continuity as circumstances evolve.
“Our clients are looking for a framework. They want to understand how everything fits together and how to make informed decisions across borders.”
Cost is often one of the first questions people ask
Naturally, fees vary depending on the level of service and the complexity of a client’s circumstances. But transparency remains, as always, critical.
“Clients should always understand exactly what they’re paying and what they’re getting in return,” notes Mclaughlin.
“Clear, upfront communication around fees is essential.”
Industry data shows that lack of fee transparency and misalignment of incentives remain among the most common concerns raised by clients when selecting advisers, underscoring the importance of clarity from the outset.
Red flags in financial advice tend to be consistent. A lack of transparency on fees is one. Unrealistic promises or guarantees of returns is another. Limited regulatory oversight, poor communication, and a one-size-fits-all approach should also raise concerns.
“Advice should be tailored, not templated. If someone is being pushed into a generic solution without a proper understanding of their situation, then that’s a problem.”
For expats, the risks are amplified. Financial decisions often carry implications across multiple jurisdictions, and errors can lead to unnecessary tax exposure, compliance issues or missed opportunities.
It’s why demand for professional advice continues to grow
Globally, cross-border wealth is expanding rapidly, with more individuals holding assets, income streams and obligations in multiple countries. Portugal sits well within this trend, combining accessibility, lifestyle appeal and regulatory frameworks that attract international residents.
People seek financial advisers for different reasons. Some want to protect and grow their wealth; whereas others are managing a transition, such as relocating, selling a business or planning retirement. Many are looking for reassurance that their financial structures are aligned and resilient.
The Algarve office is positioned to meet that demand directly, offering local access to a global advisory network.
“This is about being where our clients are,” says Jake McLaughlin. “The Algarve is a key region, and having a presence here allows us to provide a more responsive and personal service.”
The expansion also signals broader ambitions.
deVere Portugal continues to invest in its teams, infrastructure and footprint across the country. With Porto firmly established and the Algarve now operational, further growth is firmly on the agenda.