What does it take to launch a successful business abroad? For Simon and Sebastian, two German expats who arrived in Portugal as students, the journey turned into an entrepreneurial adventure. In this interview, they share the story of Bleisured, the agency they co-founded in Lisbon, and the lessons they learned along the way. This interview offers valuable insight into the reality of launching a business in Portugal as a foreigner—from initial challenges to long-term vision.
“The idea for Bleisured started quite organically. During our studies, friends from back home wanted to visit Lisbon to escape the cold winters in Germany.”
What first brought you to Portugal, and how did Bleisured begin?
We first came to Portugal to pursue our Master’s degrees at Nova SBE, in Lisbon. Nova is one of Europe’s most respected business schools, and its appeal was amplified by Portugal’s warm climate, proximity to beautiful beaches, and a relaxed pace of life—perfect for an enjoyable student experience.
Bleisured began very naturally. Friends from Germany often visited us to escape the harsh winters back home. During these visits, we realized a significant gap in the market: fully-equipped apartments for mid-term stays were hard to find. Short-term hotels and Airbnb listings were expensive and impractical for month-long visits, while traditional long-term rentals demanded too much commitment without furnishings.
What specific need did you identify in the Portuguese real estate market?
As expats ourselves, we vividly understood the difficulties of finding flexible, comfortable, and hassle-free accommodation in Portugal. We also discovered that many property owners struggled to manage their rentals. These owners desired professional management, consistent income, and less stress.
“We didn’t just need a place to sleep; we needed a fully equipped home, with flexible terms, and without all the hassle. That kind of offer simply didn’t exist.”
Bleisured solves these problems perfectly. We provide tenants with turnkey, stylish homes for flexible durations. Simultaneously, we offer property owners peace of mind through professional and stress-free property management.
How did you launch Bleisured—legally and practically?
Starting was about learning by doing. We began with just one apartment, rented it, furnished it ourselves, and sublet it to friends. From there, we scaled step-by-step.
Legally, launching a business in Portugal isn’t overly complex, but dealing with the bureaucracy can be challenging, particularly for foreigners. We faced unclear information, frustrating paperwork, and complex administrative tasks. The turning point was hiring an excellent local accountant who guided us in registering our business, obtaining a NIF (Portuguese tax number), and handling interactions with Finanças (Portuguese tax authority).
Was building credibility challenging in Portugal’s conservative real estate sector?
Trust is absolutely fundamental in the Portuguese real estate market, which is traditionally conservative and relationship-driven. We had to demonstrate our reliability and professionalism consistently. From day one, we committed to transparency, meticulous property care, and exceptional tenant management. Our strong pitch highlighted fewer turnovers, better-quality tenants, and a stress-free process for landlords. Over time, positive word-of-mouth became our best credibility builder—satisfied owners naturally recommended us to others.
“Trust is everything in this market. We knew that we had to over deliver from day one.”
What was your biggest challenge during the first year?
The operational side was our toughest challenge. As our apartment portfolio grew, so did the demands of cleaning, maintenance, tenant check-ins, and customer support. Finding reliable local partners to manage these operations was challenging when we lacked scale and brand recognition. There were moments when managing the details felt overwhelming. However, perseverance paid off, and we gradually built a team of partners and staff we fully trust.
What strategies helped you grow your client base most effectively?
“The most powerful thing was our consistency. We did what we promised, and people remembered that.”
Referrals and personal relationships fueled our early growth significantly. Every tenant’s positive experience became a source of future bookings. On the marketing side, investing in a clear brand, effective SEO, and a user-friendly website attracted new clients steadily. However, our unwavering commitment to delivering exactly what we promised to landlords—hassle-free, reliable service—turned many first-time users into loyal clients.
How is Bleisured positioned today, and what achievements make you most proud?
Today, we manage over 50 centrally located apartments in Lisbon, having consistently doubled our portfolio year after year. We take immense pride in building this company entirely ourselves—no outside investors, just a clear vision, hard work, and resilience. Our blend of German efficiency and Portuguese warmth is unique, making us a trusted partner for both landlords and tenants.
What key advice would you offer expats considering launching a business in Portugal?
Firstly, learn Portuguese; it’s incredibly valuable for handling administrative and legal matters. Secondly, build strong relationships with trustworthy local partners who can guide you through complexities. Expect delays, and cultivate patience. Portuguese culture highly values honesty, transparency, and consistency over flashy promises. Build slowly and steadily—quality always speaks louder.
For more tips, see our guides on the cost of living in Portugal and how to open a bank account in Portugal.
Finally, what’s next for Bleisured?
We aim to scale significantly, helping more property owners transition from short-term to mid-term rentals—a rapidly growing segment in Lisbon. Additionally, we are expanding into buyer’s agent services, leveraging our deep market knowledge to advise investors and homeowners on property acquisitions and rental strategies.
Ultimately, our ambition is clear: to be Lisbon’s premier real estate partner, continually enhancing the city’s housing landscape and setting new standards in property management.
“Our goal is to become the go-to partner for real estate in Lisbon. And we’re excited to continue improving the city’s housing landscape.”
Ready to make your property journey in Lisbon easy and stress-free? Learn more about Bleisured’s personalized services, from mid-term rentals to expert buyer’s advice. Contact Bleisured today to discuss your needs.
FAQs
Do I need to speak Portuguese to launch a business in Portugal?
While not mandatory, speaking Portuguese significantly simplifies administrative processes and enhances communication with local partners.
What are the first legal steps to start a business in Portugal?
Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF), register your business entity, and open a local bank account.
How long does it typically take to set up a business in Portugal?
The process usually takes between one to three months, depending on complexity and responsiveness to bureaucratic requirements.
Can expats easily rent apartments in Portugal for business use?
Yes, but it’s important to clarify the rental terms and ensure contracts are suitable for business subletting.
What’s the biggest challenge faced by expat entrepreneurs in Portugal?
Navigating bureaucracy and establishing trustworthy local partnerships are among the most significant challenges.
