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!
Moving to Lisbon is exciting, but the costs can quickly add up in ways you might not expect! Beyond rent and groceries, there are hidden expenses that catch many newcomers by surprise. From extra fees to lifestyle adjustments, here are 9 unexpected costs you’ll want to budget for when moving to Lisbon. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate the true costs of Lisbon life!
Lisbon is a vibrant, beautiful city with a unique personality all its own. But living here isn’t for everyone, and fitting in with the locals can sometimes be challenging. From cultural quirks to lifestyle differences, there are a few things that might make adjusting to life in Lisbon tricky. Before you dive into Lisbon life, here are 9 reasons you might not fit in with the locals. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you understand the real Lisbon and see if it’s the right fit for you!
Moving to Portugal is an exciting adventure, but it comes with some hidden costs that can catch expats by surprise. From property maintenance to social security contributions, these expenses can add up quickly if you're not prepared. Today, we're uncovering the top 9 hidden costs of living in Portugal to help you plan better and avoid any unpleasant financial surprises. Ready to get the inside scoop? I’m Lisbob, your trusty expat assistant, here to guide you through it all.
If you have financial interests in Portugal but live outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you may be required to appoint a fiscal representative. This guide will explain why a fiscal representative is essential, who needs one, and how it can help you navigate the complexities of Portuguese tax laws. From ensuring compliance with tax regulations to assisting with the application process for a NIF (tax identification number), a fiscal representative can be a crucial partner for non-residents doing business or owning property in Portugal. Read on to find out if you need one and how it can benefit you.
Moving into your new Portuguese home is even better when you have electricity and gas. There are several energy suppliers in Portugal, and it is now possible to sign up directly online. However, it's not easy to find your way around, and there are a number of pitfalls to avoid when signing up. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm going to show you how to sign up for an energy supplier in Portugal online.
Exploring the serene landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming communities of Portugal is a dream for many. If you're from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, the Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, offers an excellent pathway to enjoying life in this charming country. This detailed guide provides everything you need to know about securing your D7 Visa, from eligibility to benefits and beyond. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm going to tell you how to secure your Portugal D7 Visa.
The Portugal D8 Visa offers digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers the opportunity to establish residency in this picturesque country. Available to non-EU residents, this visa provides a pathway to living in Portugal for a minimum of one year. As a digital nomad visa, the D8 allows you to immerse yourself in a country that caters to the needs of remote professionals. Portugal, known for its stunning coastal views and vibrant nomad community, is an ideal location for those looking to blend work with the exploration of new cultures.
Embrace the freedom of remote work that aligns with the lifestyle of a digital nomad. In Portugal, you can enhance your career while enjoying the flexibility to work from anywhere within its borders—from the historic streets of Lisbon to the sunny beaches of the Algarve. Join Portugal’s growing community of digital nomads and experience life in a country that supports your professional and adventurous lifestyle. This article will outline the specifics of the D8 visa, including application requirements and highlight top Portuguese destinations that cater to the needs of remote workers.
If you're thinking of moving to Portugal, obtaining a Tax Identification Number (NIF) is an essential step. Essential for a multitude of daily activities, from paying for groceries to buying a house, the NIF is your key to successful integration in this magnificent country. Contrary to popular belief, obtaining an NIF is quick and easy, even for non-EU/EFTA citizens, with the possibility of acquiring it online for less than €100 and in less than a week. In this comprehensive guide, I explain everything you need to know about obtaining your Portuguese NIF in 2024, online or in person, without hassle or excessive costs.
Obtaining your NIF, the Portuguese tax number, is the first and most important administrative step to take when you decide to move to Portugal. Essential for finding accommodation, working or opening a bank account, the NIF is your tax identification number, and it is advisable to apply for it before you arrive. There are many sites on the internet (including mine) where you can apply for your NIF remotely, each with their own prices, deadlines and special features, and it's not easy to find your way around. To help you make sense of it all and find the best site for applying for your NIF online, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I've come up with my top 5 best sites for applying for a Portuguese NIF online.
Obtaining Chave Movel Digital (CMD) is an essential step for easy access to online public and private services in Portugal. Tax sites (Finanças), social security, civil registry: there are many sites where you can use the Chave Movel Digital. In this article, I'll guide you through the simple and secure process of activating your CMD, an essential tool for anyone living in Portugal. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm going to show you how to activate and obtain the Chave Movel Digital in Portugal.
Alentejo is a region in southern Portugal that has a lot to offer those who want to make it their home. With its breathtaking scenery, pleasant year-round climate, rich and diverse cultural life and attractive property prices, it's easy to see why many people choose to live in this region. But these are not the only reasons why the Alentejo is an ideal place to live. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Alentejo.
When moving to a new country, it is unfortunately not uncommon to be a little too naive and trust everyone. It is said that after moving abroad, the word "pigeon" will be visible in the middle of your forehead. Whether it's in real estate, restaurants or other areas, Portugal, like other countries, has some well-honed scams that can cost you dearly. To help you avoid the pitfalls and not get caught out I am Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I reveal my top 8 scams in Portugal.
In Portugal, there are unfortunately many situations in which one may wish to report abusive behaviour. A landlord who has not issued an invoice or a contract, a trader who practices tax evasion... it is possible to denounce, anonymously if necessary, a person or a company that violates Portuguese law. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I tell you all about how to denounce a landlord and report or a trader to the Finanças?
When expatriating to a new country, a certain number of administrative steps must be taken in order to fully settle in and become an expatriate. This is even more true in Portugal where different authorities issue different important documents, and where it is sometimes difficult to do the administrative steps in the right order. Procedures to become a resident, tax identification number, pet registration, car registration, there are many mandatory steps for those who want to live in Portugal and it is not easy to know how to live in Portugal and be in order. Moving to Portugal entails a number of obligations towards the various state bodies and it is important to comply with these obligations in order to avoid any problems. Any self-respecting expatriate must take these administrative steps in order to settle down fully. What are the administrative formalities and steps to complete to live in Portugal? How can I make sure that I am compliant and that I follow the steps to register to live in Portugal? I’m Lisbob, the expats assistant, and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about the administrative steps to take when you decide to live in Portugal.
If you want to work as a self-employed entrepreneur in Portugal, then the choice between the simplified accounting regime and the organized accounting regime will come up at a certain moment. This is one of the most important criteria to consider when deciding as a self-employed worker : the deduction of expenses and charges related to your self-employment activity like internet, computer, meals or even Uber ride. Indeed, the choice of accounting when you work as a freelancer in Portugal influences the tax base, in other words the amount of tax to be paid. What are the deductible expenses as a self-employed worker ? What are the charges to be deducted when working as freelancer in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant tells you all about the deductible expenses for self-entrepreneurs in Portugal.
You have made the decision to live in Portugal and to embark on entrepreneurship, so this article is for you. Did you know that it is possible to open a business in one hour in Portugal? In recent years, portuguese administration has modernized and simplified the process of setting up a company in Portugal. He has also set up a "Empresa na hora" department (your company within an hour) so that entrepreneurs can save time. What are the stages of creating a company ? How to start your business in one hour in Portugal ? Lisbob, the Expatriate and Entrepreneur Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal tells you everything.
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.
The Botanical Garden of Lisbon is one of the most beautiful in Portugal. It has been closed since 2016 to undergo extensive requalification work, approved under the participatory budget of the Lisbon City Council. The wait is over because this Saturday, April 7, the Botanical Garden of Lisbon finally reopens to the public. And, according to the Lisbon City Council, it is more durable and beautiful than ever. Bob, the Expatriate Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, tells you everything.
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.
