Portuguese cuisine is a true adventure, filled with bold flavors and unique traditions. While some dishes are instant hits with foreigners, others require a bit more courage. For expats, exploring the local gastronomy is a must to truly immerse yourself in Portuguese culture. I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, and here are 9 Portuguese dishes that are as delicious as they are daring—perfect for those who want to expand their culinary horizons or simply prove their bravery!
Portugal has become a popular destination for expats, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and affordable lifestyle. But is the cost of living really as low as people expect? From housing and groceries to healthcare and entertainment, here’s a breakdown of the real cost of living in Portugal compared to common expectations. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you understand what to budget for and avoid surprises!
Driving in Portugal can be a wonderful way to explore the country’s scenic routes and hidden gems, but it also comes with some unique rules and practices that may surprise newcomers. From specific speed limits to unexpected parking regulations, here are 9 surprising rules for driving in Portugal that every expat and visitor should know. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate Portuguese roads with confidence!
Every country has its fair share of stereotypes and clichés—some amusing, others frustrating. The French are said to complain too much, Germans are humorless, and Spaniards party all the time. But what about the Portuguese? From humorous misconceptions to surprisingly accurate observations, these stereotypes persist, and it’s time to separate fact from fiction. I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, here to debunk (or confirm) 9 common stereotypes about the Portuguese and uncover the truth behind them!
Moving to Portugal is exciting, but learning the language can feel intimidating! While you don’t need to be fluent to get by, knowing a few key phrases can make a big difference in your everyday interactions. These essential Portuguese phrases will help you connect with locals, navigate daily life, and make you feel more at home. Here are 9 Portuguese phrases every expat should learn. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you feel more confident and connected in Portugal!
The rules governing NHR tax status had been extensively modified by former Prime Minister Antonio Costa, and had become virtually impossible to obtain. The new Portuguese government has announced that it wants to reintroduce this famous non-habitual resident status, but not without a few changes. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'll tell you all about the return of the NHR status programme.
The resident-non-habitual NHR status is a fiscal regime that was created in 2009 by the Portuguese Government. It is a tax system that grants a 20% tax rate or a total exemption on the taxation of income of expatriates who choose to live in Portugal, for a period of 10 years. And this is not just about retirees ! In order to get the famous tax scheme, it is necessary to prepare well. In total more than 23,000 people benefited from this tax regime. Of course, certain conditions must be met in order to benefit from the non-habitual resident NHR status in Portugal, and becoming a resident is one of them. The NHR scheme is granted to both active and retired people if they meet certain criteria. What is the NHR status ? How do you qualify for NHR in Portugal ? What are the conditions to qualify for NHR status in Portugal ? What are the tax benefits of non-habitual resident status ? How to get NHR status ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the non-habitual resident NHR tax status in 2021.
Could this be the end of a long soap opera? In fact, the Portuguese Socialist Party has decided to go ahead with its ambition to reform the status of non-habitual resident, and this this year through the Portuguese state budget 2020. The bill indicates that future retirees benefiting from non-habitual resident status will no longer have the right to a total tax exemption and will have to pay a tax of 10% on foreign pensions. The idea of applying a minimum amount of 7,500 euros was not retained. This proposal is likely to be adopted this year as the forces inciting a modification or even a cancellation of the NHR statute are strong. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the changes in NHR status.
Socialist Party decided to end the Golden Visas in Lisbon and Porto, limiting the benefit of this status to the interior regions and the autonomous regions. This is a blow to this fiscal instrument which has brought a lot of foreign investment to the big urban centers but has also helped to raise the price of real estate. Rather than completely remove this controversial status, the government of Antonio Costa has decided to limit the allocation of these golden visas to people investing in CMIs and autonomous regions in order to limit the pressure on property prices in Lisbon and Port. This decision to end the Golden Visas on the whole of Portuguese territory is not only happy, but is less worse than expected. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the Portuguese Socialist Party’s decision to end the Golden Visas in Lisbon and Porto.
Portuguese real estate sector is currently turned against the government and against the bad signals it sends to foreign investors. This is the consequence of the possible modification of the rules for awarding golden visas and NHR status. These tax incentives are under the radar of many European countries which see them as unfair competition. Today, Luis Lima, the president of APEMIP, the Association of Professionals and Real Estate Companies of Portugal, sounds the alarm and indicates that the planned changes are driving investors away. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant to Portugal, tells you all about Luis Lima’s statement.
The Bloco de Esquerda (left-wing bloc) today presented two proposals, as part of the Portuguese state budget for 2020, to end the golden visas and eliminate the non-habitual resident regime. This is not the first time that the left party has put forward such a proposal with the aim of bringing more tax justice, but this year the bloco de esquerda intends to have its proposals adopted. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the Bloco de Esquerda's insistence on ending the RNH status as well as the golden visas.
Selling Portugal as a "fiscal Eldorado" or "Florida of Europe" will be more difficult. Foreign retirees who join the non-habitual resident regime (NHR) in the future should lose the tax exemption and double non-taxation and will have to pay a tax rate of 10% with a minimum tax of 7,500 € per year, according to sources close to the government. For several weeks, NHR status specialists have been agitating to find out whether the famous tax system will be abolished or modified for foreign retirees. The subject is advancing because today it is a clear proposal from the PS which will be debated as part of the 2020 State Budget. A tax rate of 10% with a minimum amount of € 7,500 in taxes to be paid per year : this is the PS's proposal for the 2020 State Budget. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the new NHR status.
Some will still say "fake news" but it is something that is approaching: the end of NHR status as we know it. Indeed, the Portuguese government has decided to go ahead and propose changes to the NHR tax regime which grants total tax exemption for 10 years to foreign retirees. It’s the Jornal de Negocios that headlines it today. They say the government is preparing a minimum tax rate on foreign pension income, but will not change the conditions for current beneficiaries. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, offers you the translation of this article from Jornal de Negocios.
Some beneficiaries of the NHR status might be anxious ! Indeed, the Portuguese tax administration carried out 264 inspections of beneficiaries of the regime of non-habitual residents (NHR), which led to tax adjustments and, consequently, an increase in the tax payable. Some beneficiaries played with fire by not fulfilling their part of the contract. In order to be able to continue to benefit from NHR status, you must reside in Portugal for at least 183 days (6 months) per year. Persons who have been unable to prove their residence in Portugal for at least 6 months have been notified of tax adjustments. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this wave of checks for beneficiaries of NHR status.
NHR (non-habitual resident) status may be spending its last days, at least in its current version. This tax status allows foreign retirees to be granted full exemption from taxation on private sector pension income. This sometimes leads to situations of double non-taxation, with pensioners not being taxed either in Portugal or by their country of origin, drawing some criticism. The Portuguese government, as part of the 2020 State Budget, has admitted studying the possibility of terminating the NHR status on January 1, 2020 and applying an IRS tax to foreign retirees who enjoy the status of non-habitual resident of 15% to 20%. The subject is even on the table of the Portuguese Council of Ministers and a final decision should arrive soon. What is the detail of this upcoming change to the NHR status? Is there really a chance that this proposal will pass for January 1, 2020? What impact for current beneficiaries of NHR status? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the end of NHR status.
The list of "high value added" professions that give access to NHR status in Portugal has changed. Occupations such as psychologists, architects, designers or archaeologists have left the list, and others such as directors of hotels and restaurants as well as dentists have been added. This is a real upheaval for the NHR status. In fact, the Portuguese tax authorities carried out a "thorough examination" of the list of professional activities recognized as "high value added" and which gave the right to the status of non-habitual residents. According to the order issued on Tuesday, "Portugal's economic situation has changed considerably since the publication of this table of activities, with a significant transformation of the dynamics of job creation". Non-usual residents in the occupations listed here are entitled to special rates on the IRS. What is the new list of professions recognized as "high value added" in Portugal? What about professions that come out of NHR status? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the new NHR status.
