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Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
Expat vs. Migrant: What’s the Difference and ...

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.

Expat vs. Migrant: What’s the Difference and Which Term Should You Use?
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things You Should Never Say to a Portuguese ...

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!

9 Things You Should Never Say to a Portuguese Person
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things Expats Miss Most About Home After ...

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!

9 Things Expats Miss Most About Home After Moving to Portugal
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Big Differences Between Northern and Southern ...

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!

9 Big Differences Between Northern and Southern Portugal
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Times Portuguese Bureaucracy Will Surprise You

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!

9 Times Portuguese Bureaucracy Will Surprise You

tax Portugal

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How to get a Portuguese tax number NIF in person and online? Complete guide to obtaining a NIF in 2024

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How to get a Portuguese tax number NIF in person and online? Complete guide to obtaining a NIF in 2024

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.

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Top 5 websites for obtaining a Portuguese NIF tax number online

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Top 5 websites for obtaining a Portuguese NIF tax number online

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.

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Everything about Non-Habitual Resident Status NHR in Portugal, Complete Guide 2023 : Conditions, Taxes and Evolution

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Everything about Non-Habitual Resident Status NHR in Portugal, Complete Guide 2023 : Conditions, Taxes and Evolution

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.

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All about the periodic VAT declaration as a self-employed worker in Portugal

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All about the periodic VAT declaration as a self-employed worker in Portugal

If you live and work as a freelancer in Portugal then the question of VAT collection or not is an important topic. It is essential for the success of your freelance activity to know the particularities of the VAT declaration in Portugal. Indeed in case of bad information transmission you expose yourself to sometimes heavy fines which can mean the end of your activity. Working as a freelancer in Portugal is not easy but thanks to Lisbob digital nomads have all cards in hand in order to know how to fill and send periodic VAT declaration in Portugal. What is periodic VAT return declaration ? How to fill it correctly ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal tells you all about the periodic VAT return in Portugal for the self-employed.

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Real Estate : All taxes when buying a house or property in Portugal

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Real Estate : All taxes when buying a house or property in Portugal

When you decide to move abroad and buy a house or other property in Portugal, it is essential to weigh all the costs associated with it. In addition to notary fees and administrative costs, you should pay particular attention to taxes on the purchase of goods. Indeed, Portugal is famous for its “hidden” taxes that everyone should take seriously before to decide to buy a house. While putting aside the financial weight of a home loan, it is true that all the other costs associated with buying a home in Portugal mean that the total amount of the purchase of the property becomes much higher. The first step will be to find financing tailored to your needs and your payment capabilities. What are the taxes when buying a house in Portugal ? What taxes to pay when you buy a property ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about real estate taxes in Portugal.

Do I have to pay the ISV tax to legalize my vehicle in Portugal?

Do I have to pay the ISV tax to legalize my vehicle in Portugal?

If you decide to come to live in Portugal then you will probably ask the question of the registration of your foreign vehicle. Portugal protects its domestic market and imposes very high import taxes : some expats have to pay of up to 5 digits. In some cases you can apply to be exempt from tax but these are not clear according to the sources. Some people say 6 months, some people say 12 months, some people are talking about old cars or brand new one : let Lisbob analyse the situation. Do I have to pay the ISV tax to legalize my foreign vehicle in Portugal ? Lisbob, the Expats Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal has created a free tool to check if you can benefit from the ISV tax exemption.

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Record year for tax revenue in Portugal : € 46 billion in 2019, + 3.8%

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Record year for tax revenue in Portugal : € 46 billion in 2019, + 3.8%

You might be wondering why Portugal is so keen on its ISV tax ? Why does it apply a high IUC tax compared to other European countries ? Finally, why is gasoline so expensive in Portugal ? Taxes of course ! You will have some answers with the latest figures from the Portuguese tax authorities concerning the revenue for the year 2019 and the figures are quite good because Portugal harvested 1.68 billion more than in 2018. Revenues from the automotive sector and oil are notably up sharply. The Portuguese State thus collected 46 billion euros in tax in 2019 in total, a figure growing by 3.8% compared to 2018. In detail some taxes see their collection drop like the ISV, while the IUC breaks records. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about tax revennue in Portugal.

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Portuguese tax authorities realize of an error in 10,000 tax returns in 2015 and require a payment of 3.5 million euros.

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Portuguese tax authorities realize of an error in 10,000 tax returns in 2015 and require a payment of 3.5 million euros.

With almost 5 years of delay, the Portuguese tax and customs authorities (TA) identified an error in the processing of tax returns for 2015, which led to a recalculation of income tax of around 10,000 returns for one 3.5 million euros. The persons concerned are the taxpayers who started a commercial or professional activity in 2014, who were taxed in 2015 according to the simplified scheme and who, in 2015, also earned income category B, according to the information published in the portal. Finanças. This is bad news just before the holiday season for about 10,000 taxpayers who will have to repay an average amount of 350 euros. What is the reason for this error from the Portuguese tax authorities ? Are you affected by this refund request ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this (new) error of the Portuguese tax authorities and the consequences for the taxpayers concerned.