Quantcast
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things to Consider Before Buying Property in ...

Buying property in Portugal can be an exciting investment, but it’s essential to approach it with careful planning and awareness of the local market. From legal requirements to hidden costs, here are five key things to consider before buying property in Portugal. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to guide you through what to know so you can make an informed decision!

9 Things to Consider Before Buying Property in Portugal
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

News

,

Novo Banco will ask 541 million euros more to Portuguese taxpayers

,
Novo Banco will ask 541 million euros more to Portuguese taxpayers

Novo Banco, born on the smoking ashes of the BES in 2014, estimates that it has to ask for at least 541 million euros more to the resolution fund in order to be saved. The Portuguese bank announced this need in its report on the results of the first half of this year. On their side, Portuguese MPs approved a draft resolution recommending to the government an independent audit of Novo Banco to know when this bottomless pit will stop. In addition, Novo Banco recorded a loss of 400.1 million euros in the first half of this year, compared with 212.2 million euros for the same period in 2018, which means that the situation is not improving. What is the statement of Novo Banco in the middle of the holidays? Who will pay the bill? Lisbob, the assistant of the expats in Portugal, tells you all about this new loss of Novo Banco.

,

List of speed radar controls in Portugal in August 2019

,
List of speed radar controls in Portugal in August 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of August 2019. Maybe you didn’t know but when you live in Portugal you can know in advance where will be proceed speed controls. LisBob reminds you that this list is not exhaustive and that the Portuguese police can obviously proceed to surprise controls on any road. In addition, even without speed control, do not exceed the limits indicated on the road ! Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, shares the list of speed control with radar on the roads of Portugal for the month of August 2019. Let’s go !

,

The mayor of Lisbon has changed his mind : the project of the new square Martim Moniz canceled

,
The mayor of Lisbon has changed his mind : the project of the new square Martim Moniz canceled

The redevelopment project of Martim Moniz Square, which included the construction of shops, bars and restaurants in containers, will not happen, announced the mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina. Indeed, the Lisbon City Council decided not to proceed with the project to redevelop Martim Moniz Square, which it had presented last November, and which has since been strongly contested by local residents and shopkeepers. The mayor of Lisbon noted the "decision not to follow up on the project already presented and to launch a process of ideas" for the "reconfiguration of the square Martim Moniz" at the public meeting of the mayor of the Portuguese capital. The square, deserted for a few months, is only one example among others paralyzed projects. Why is the place Martim Moniz abandoned? What's going to happen ? Lisbob, the assistant of the expats in Portugal, tells you all about this decision which cancels the new project of the place Martim Moniz.

,

Massive change of NHR status in Portugal : discover the new list of professions with high added value

,
Massive change of NHR status in Portugal : discover the new list of professions with high added value

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.

, ,

New bridge (may) link Lisbon to Barreiro in 2030

, ,
New bridge (may) link Lisbon to Barreiro in 2030

Never 2 without 3 ? Lisbon would have a third bridge, after those of April 25 and Vasco de Gama become saturated. Indeed, the Portuguese Socialist Party decided to dust off and update an old project of the Socrates government, which had to be buried because of the financial crisis. This third bridge will cross the Tagus to unclog the 2 others, and it will connect the area of ​​Chelas to that of Barreiro. This project is back on the table with 100 more in the framework of the Portuguese mobility program 2030. The different political parties seem to agree on the need for a new bridge for Lisbon but seem not to agree on the type of bridge to build : car, train or both. The cost of the project is also grinding teeth. What are the details of this third bridge for Lisbon? When is it planned? Will it really be? Lisbob, the assistant of the Expats in Portugal, tells you all about this third and new bridge of the Portuguese capital.

,

3 € per hour and first pass for free : discover new parking rules in Lisbon

,
3 € per hour and first pass for free : discover new parking rules in Lisbon

Parking in Lisbon will become more expensive. The private company EMEL will create two new tariff zones in the Portuguese capital, more expensive than those already existing. Indeed, after the green, yellow and red zones, Lisbon will also have brown areas and even black areas, whose parking will cost € 3 per hour and will be limited in time. The first resident parking pass for each home will be free and large families will have benefits. What are the changes to parking in the Portuguese capital ? What consequences for the creation of these new areas ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the new parking areas.

,

The beaches of Costa da Caparica will be closed in August in turn

,
The beaches of Costa da Caparica will be closed in August in turn

The beautiful beaches of Costa da Caparica will close in August, at the rate of 5 days for each beach. The cause of this closure is the need to restore sand levels that have become too low. An operation that was announced for the month of May, but whose embankment work had not started yet due to the absence of a visa from the Portuguese Court of Accounts - and which has not yet arrived. The authorities say that the sand replacement operation of Costa da Caparica beaches can’t be done at any other time of the year. The concessionaires of the beaches, outraged by the decision to close the bars and restaurants in the middle of August, are in conflict with the municipality of Costa da Caparica. This € 6.3 million operation (financed by European funds), opens a summer controversy. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the controversial closing of the Costa da Caparica beaches in August.

,

Portuguese Parliament approves suspension of Lisbon Metro expansion project

,
Portuguese Parliament approves suspension of Lisbon Metro expansion project

The Portuguese parliament approved today, thanks to the abstention of the PS, a proposal of the PSD which advocates the suspension of the circular line announced in the project of expansion of the Lisbon metro. The bill received, in addition to the abstention of the PS, the favorable votes of all the other parliamentary groups. The Social Democrats defended the suspension of the construction of the circular line and demanded technical studies of economic viability in order to radically change the initial project. The PSD thus speaks of an extension of the yellow line to Alcântara and the red line to the western zone of Lisbon, as well as the extension of the metro to the municipality of Loures. Users find it difficult to understand that these studies were not done before, and homeowners who bought property in the area of ​​the 2 new stations planned feel aggrieved. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the suspension of the Lisbon metro expansion project.

,

List of speed radar controls in Portugal in July 2019

,
List of speed radar controls in Portugal in July 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of July 2019. Maybe you didn’t know but when you live in Portugal you can know in advance where will be proceed speed controls. LisBob reminds you that this list is not exhaustive and that the Portuguese police can obviously proceed to surprise controls on any road. In addition, even without speed control, do not exceed the limits indicated on the road ! Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, shares the list of speed control with radar on the roads of Portugal for the month of July 2019. Let’s go !

500,000 expats in Portugal : discover the top 10 foreign communities in Portugal

500,000 expats in Portugal : discover the top 10 foreign communities in Portugal

Brazil continues to dominate the top 3 nationalities with the most immigrants in Portugal, followed by Cape Verde, which was already in second position. The change on the podium takes place with the Romanian citizens who have reached the third place. Tax security and benefits, on the other hand, are attracting more and more European citizens to Portuguese territory, particularly in France and Italy. What is the top 10 foreign communities in Portugal? What is the evolution compared to last year? Lisbob, the assistant of expats in Portugal, tells you everything.

Portugal offers 6,500 euros to its emigrants coming back to work in the country

Portugal offers 6,500 euros to its emigrants coming back to work in the country

Portugal has decided to go even further in encouraging Portuguese immigrants to return. Indeed, the government has announced the intention to offer 6,500 euros to its emigrants who return to work in Portugal. Thus, the Portuguese government hopes to seduce all those who left with the crisis and have not yet returned to the country, where the birth rate is very low and the maintenance of the population above 10 million. inhabitants are expensive. This proposal was approved last March by the Council of Ministers and will enter into force in July under the name "Programa Regresar", intended for Portuguese as well as Portuguese-descendants. With the 50% drop in the IRS for people returning to Portugal, this is a second shock measure to encourage the return of Portuguese emigrants. There are, however, certain conditions, including the fact that assistance to returnees is only granted to emigrants with a contract of employment as an employee. What are the conditions to benefit from this program? How to access the € 6,500 premium? Lisbob, the assistant of expats in Portugal tells you all about the new incentive to return to the country of Portuguese emigrants.

,

Lisbon is the 10th city with the best quality of life in the world, regarding Monocle

,
Lisbon is the 10th city with the best quality of life in the world, regarding Monocle

The Portuguese capital is rising in the various rankings, and Lisbon has just entered the top 10 cities with the best quality of life in the world according to the ranking of the British magazine Monocle. The Portuguese capital has risen 2 places compared to 2018 and now occupies the tenth position on a list that is dominated by Zurich, which won this year the first place at the expense of Munich, Germany. What are the criteria on which Lisbon has been recognized? What is the ranking of cities with the best quality of life in the world? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant tells you everything.

,

Strong slowdown in real estate prices in Lisbon : is it time to sell?

,
Strong slowdown in real estate prices in Lisbon : is it time to sell?

After the euphoria of recent years, the rise in property prices in Portugal is declining and stabilizing. Investment in the residential market is starting to "lose momentum" at a time when demand is weakening and showing signs of slowing down. Lack of supply continues to weigh on prices, but less than before, also because of the upward trend in supply for new construction. With this change of cycle in sight, is it time to think about selling your property in Portugal ?

,

" There is a bomb on the plane ! " : Emergency landing and a man arrested in Porto

,
" There is a bomb on the plane ! " : Emergency landing and a man arrested in Porto

A 26-year-old Italian national has been arrested on Tuesday while traveling on a Ryanair flight at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto after shouting that he had a bomb on the plane. The plane had taken off from Bergamo, Italy, and the passengers were held inside the aircraft for 30 minutes after landing, during explosive and bomb search time. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this arrest following bomb threats.

,

End of NHR status for Swedish pensioners in Portugal

,
End of NHR status for Swedish pensioners in Portugal

Swedish pensioners will have one less reason to come and retire in Portugal. Indeed, after long months of negotiations and contradictory statements by both parties, Sweden and Portugal have signed a new tax treaty that particularly affects beneficiaries of NHR status, non-habitual resident. Sweden will regain the right to tax the private pensions of Swedish pensioners living in Portugal, following the signing of a protocol to the tax treaty aimed at eliminating double taxation by both countries. This new agreement simply signifies the death sentence of the tax exemption enjoyed by Swedish retirees in Portugal. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the end of NHR status for Swedish retirees.

,

Lisbon is the city that received the most ships in 2017 and the sixth most polluted in Europe

,
Lisbon is the city that received the most ships in 2017 and the sixth most polluted in Europe

According to a study by the European Federation of Transport and the Environment, Lisbon was the city with the largest number of cruise ships in 2017 and is the sixth most polluted port city in Europe. Mass tourism is affecting Lisbon and the expansion of its cruise ship capacity is reflected in pollution levels, including sulfur dioxide emissions. In total, Europe's 200 cruise ships pollute more than all European cars. What is the ranking of the most polluted cities in Europe? What does Lisbon intend to do to counter the trend? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this news that falls for Lisbon freshly elected "Green Capital of Europe".

,

List of speed radar controls in Portugal in June 2019

,
List of speed radar controls in Portugal in June 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of June 2019. Maybe you didn’t know but when you live in Portugal you can know in advance where will be proceed speed controls. LisBob reminds you that this list is not exhaustive and that the Portuguese police can obviously proceed to surprise controls on any road. In addition, even without speed control, do not exceed the limits indicated on the road ! Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, shares the list of speed control with radar on the roads of Portugal for the month of June 2019. Let’s go !

,

Portuguese tax authorities sentenced to refund part of the ISV tax for an imported car

,
Portuguese tax authorities sentenced to refund part of the ISV tax for an imported car

Portugal's tax and customs authority (TA) has been ordered to return part of the ISV, the import tax on vehicles, to a taxpayer who had imported a car from Germany. According to the court's decision, the calculation of the tax does not take into account the depreciation of the vehicle and is therefore discriminatory and illegal. This highly criticized tax can sometimes reach crazy sums, much higher than the amount of the vehicle. In addition, Brussels has already fined Portugal for this tax which does not meet the European criteria for free movement of goods and people. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this court decision that may mark the end of the ISV tax in its current form.

,

Complete list and calendar of public and national holidays in Portugal in 2020

,
Complete list and calendar of public and national holidays in Portugal in 2020

It's time to prepare your agenda and plan your next holidays. At the beginning of the new year, you can now find out what are the mandatory public and national holidays in Portugal in 2020. The Portuguese legislation is very clear about national and public holidays and information on this subject is included in the Labor Code, more specifically in Article 234. It lists the days that are officially considered as mandatory national and public holidays and therefore must be respected as days of rest each year. You will have the possibility of planning long week-ends, extended holidays or simply public holidays. Lisbob will guide you through the 2020 calendar and you will find out what it has for you in terms of mandatory public and national holidays. What are the national and public holidays in Portugal in 2020 ? When can I plan my holidays ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal tells you everything about the calendar of public and national holidays in 2020 in Portugal.

,

List of speed radar controls in Portugal in May 2019

,
List of speed radar controls in Portugal in May 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of May 2019. Maybe you didn’t know but when you live in Portugal you can know in advance where will be proceed speed controls. LisBob reminds you that this list is not exhaustive and that the Portuguese police can obviously proceed to surprise controls on any road. In addition, even without speed control, do not exceed the limits indicated on the road ! Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, shares the list of speed control with radar on the roads of Portugal for the month of May 2019. Let’s go !