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!
When you obtain your NIF via Lisbob, its address is a foreign address and there is a fiscal representative. You can ask Finanças to terminate our tax representation by following these simple steps. Lisbob, the expat assistant, tells you everything you need to know to remove fiscal representation on your NIF number.
When you obtain your NIF via Lisbob, the address attached to it is a foreign address. To be considered a Portuguese tax resident, you need to change the address on your NIF to a Portuguese address. Once you have your lease or CRUE Resident Certificate, you can ask Finanças to change the address and terminate our tax representation. Lisbob, the expat assistant, tells you everything you need to know to change the foreign address of the NIF to a Portuguese address on the Finanças portal.
Living in Portugal, it can not be improvised. There is the project, the dream, the excitement, the sun all year long, the feet in the water and the dolce vita, but there is also and above all formal steps to be taken to give you the right to stay in the country. The Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia, more commonly known as CRUE, is one of the most important official documents to have as an expatriate in Portugal. You will be asked for many other administrative procedures and procedures. In order not to waste time and nerves, it is important to know in advance how to get your European Citizen Resident Certificate. How to get a CRUE Certificate of Residency in Portugal ? What are the documents needed to apply for a Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, shows you how to get your certificate of residency and finally live the life you dream of !
If you own a vehicle registered in Portugal you must pay every year the Unique Tax on Traffic (Imposto Único Circulação) IUC. You may have probably already received an email from Finanças regarding the payment of this tax. It is a mandatory tax for everyone who own a vehicle in Portugal. But when you don't speak or understand Portuguese this simple task can become a nightmare. When to pay the Imposto Único Circulação ? How to pay the IUC directly on the Finanças portal ? How to verify that we have paid the IUC ? Lisbob, the Expats Assistant in Portugal explains everything step by step.
For most people who choose to move to Portugal, registering their vehicle is often part of the process. As often during an expatriation, things are not so simple! Indeed, if you have the right to move to Portugal with your favorite vehicle, you also have rules to respect when you register your car if you want to not pay huge ISV tax. Indeed, some people think that legalising a car in Portugal is an easy task, but they discover quickly that it is by far one of the most difficult and complicated thing to do when you go to live in Portugal. A dirty engine, a bit too optimistic on the time needed by portuguese authorities to check documents, there are lot of mistakes and trap that you need to avoid if you want to import you car and ask for ISV tax exemption. In order to import your vehicle to Portugal it is necessary to avoid mistakes that can be fatal. What are the 5 mistakes to avoid when legalising your car in Portugal ? What are the pitfalls to avoid when importing a vehicle ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you the 5 mistakes you should not make when registering your vehicle in Portugal.
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.
Portugal is a country that makes many European students dream. Between its small typical villages and its big cities on a human scale, its olive groves, beaches and surf spots, Portugal attracts more and more students eager to taste the Portuguese way of life. Studying in Portugal is trendy and there are good reasons for this. For a few years now Lisbon has aspired to be an Erasmus city, but what about Portuguese studies and the university system ? How to come to study in Portugal ? What are the differences between the Portuguese and other European countries university system ? Is it possible to come to study easily in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything you need to know about the characteristics and functioning of the Portuguese university system, to prepare your studies or your Erasmus in Portugal.
The Lisbon City Council has just opened the applications to be able to rent low-rent housing from € 124. Good news for those who cannot find affordable rental housing in Lisbon and are already thinking about fleeing to the suburbs. Do not pack your bags now because the Lisbon City Council has just opened applications for 36 low-rent housing units since Monday, July 2, 2018. What is the price of these homes ? How to be a candidate ? Which areas are concerned ? Bob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about low-rent housing in Lisbon.
