As someone who works closely with individuals moving to new countries, I often hear the terms expat and migrant used interchangeably. But are they really the same? Words matter, and choosing the right one can shape how we understand and discuss the experience of moving across borders. Let’s explore the distinctions between these terms, why I choose to use “expat,” and what it really means to live in a country that’s not your own.
Portugal is a welcoming and friendly country, but like anywhere, there are cultural sensitivities that it’s good to be aware of! Certain topics and phrases can be touchy, and it’s best to approach them with caution. Here are 9 things you should avoid saying to a Portuguese person if you want to keep the conversation friendly and respectful. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate Portuguese culture with ease!
Moving to Portugal is an incredible adventure, filled with new experiences, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed lifestyle. But even with all the perks, there are certain things expats often find themselves missing from home. From familiar foods to cultural traditions, here are 9 things expats commonly miss most after moving to Portugal. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate the highs and lows of expat life!
Thinking about making Porto your new home? With its stunning river views, historic charm, and vibrant culture, Porto has a lot to offer. But don’t let the postcard images fool you—living in Porto has its own quirks, surprises, and challenges that newcomers should know. Before you pack your bags and head to this beautiful city, here are 9 things you absolutely need to know. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to give you the real scoop on life in Porto!
Portugal is a beautiful country with a laid-back lifestyle, but that relaxed vibe can sometimes put your patience to the test! From bureaucracy to daily quirks, life here has its challenges that can feel frustrating if you’re not prepared. Before making the move, here are 9 ways living in Portugal might test your patience—and how to handle them. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate the ups and downs of life in Portugal!
If you decide to live in Portugal and drive there you may be faced with a road accident. Whether you are a victim or a spectator, there are rules and procedures to follow in the event of a traffic accident in order to not aggravate the situation and especially to be in good position with your insurer. What to do in case of road accident in Portugal? What is the correct procedure for insurance? Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal tells you everything.
If you make the decision to live and work in Portugal as a freelancer, then you will have to fill out and issue Recibo Verde. This is the invoice that formalizes your service and the transfer of money between buyer and seller of goods or services. This allows Finanças to be aware of all activities and for you to know exactly what you sold. As a self-employed worker in Portugal it is possible to do it online but it is however very important to inform all the information in order to avoid huge fines. How to fill and a recibo verde ? What are the steps in order to issue an invoice in Portugal ? Lisbob, the Expats Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, tells you everything about how to fill and issue a Recibo Verde in Portugal, step by step.
You made the decision to come live and work as a freelancer in Portugal? As a self-entrepreneur there are certain obligations that you must respect in terms of insurance. The subject may seem nebulous when one does not know Portuguese language and legislation but it is important to know your obligations as a freelancer in Portugal. What are the compulsory insurance as a self-employed person in Portugal? Do I have to take a professional multi-risk for my auto-entrepreneur activity? Lisbob, the expats assistant in Portugal tells you everything.
When it's time to make the decision to come to live and work in Portugal, topics such as real wages and purchasing power come back regularly. Calculating net take-home pay in Portugal is a different exercise than in other countries and it is important to know it in advance in order to live serenely. If you are planning to come to work in Portugal then this article is for you. What is the average salary in Lisbon and other cities? How to calculate the net salary from gross in Portugal? Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal tells you everything.
Work as a freelancer in Portugal can be quite complicated specially when you don't speak Portuguese. Hopefully Bob is here to explain to you the new rules if you are a self-employed person in Portugal. The Portuguese Government has decided to modify the social protection rules in case of sickness, unemployment and parenthood for all self-employed in Portugal as from 1 July 2018. Indeed, a decree has been promulgated and it changes the rules for people working as a freelancer in Portugal. Disability, unemployment, parenthood, many points are changed regarding the rights and duties of freelancers in Portugal. What are the new rules for people working as freelancers in Portugal ? Which deadlines are modified ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the changes to the rights and duties of freelancer in Portugal.
You made the decision to come live in Portugal? You are not the only one. In fact last year, the SEF (Foreigners and Frontiers Service) granted more than 29,000 residence permits to nationals of European Union countries. This is the biggest increase of the last five years but this figure is not a record. The sun, the people and the nature make Portugal a privileged destination for expatriation. Bob, the Expats Assistant in Portugal tells you all about this dramatic increase.
When making the decision to become a self-employed entrepreneur or freelancer in Portugal you will have to choose between two types of accounting: simplified accounting and organized accounting. Indeed in Portugal there are two ways to present your numbers to Finance and the choice of it has an importance on the amount of your profits as a self-entrepreneur at the end of the year. What are the differences between simplified accounting and organized accounting? How to make the best choice and increase profits? Bob, the Expat Assistant in Portugal tells you everything about accounting as a freelancer.
Football holds a very important place in Portuguese culture, and the country's victory at the 2016 European Football Cup will remain one of the highlights of its contemporary history. To live in Portugal is also to listen to locals talking about their god: Cristiano Ronaldo. The genius of the ball will be entitled to an homage XXL, the image of his career and his statistics. Bob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you everything.
Who said that living in Portugal was synonymous with sun and heat all year long? Indeed winters are sometimes rough especially in the lands and north of Portugal. From this weekend a stream of polar air from northern Europe will reach Portugal and will cause a significant drop in the thermometer. Plan gloves and hat because Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, tells you everything.
