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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

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Orange weather alert for 7 regions of Portugal for wind, rain and rough sea

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Orange weather alert for 7 regions of Portugal for wind, rain and rough sea

Autumn is very present in Portugal and it will be necessary to pay attention during the next days. Indeed, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), seven districts of mainland Portugal will be on orange alert this Tuesday because of the difficult weather conditions that will run until Wednesday. What is the weather forecast for the next days in Portugal ? Which regions are affected by this orange alert ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this orange alert issued by IPMA.

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Portugal will have to inject 3 billion euros by 2021 to save Novo Banco, which never stops flowing

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Portugal will have to inject 3 billion euros by 2021 to save Novo Banco, which never stops flowing

Capital injections from the Portuguese state to save Novo Banco will cost € 2.9 billion between 2018 and 2021, if all goes well, says the Portuguese Public Finance Council. For the year 2020 the Portuguese government has planned to inject another 600 million euros into Novo Banco, via the Resolution Fund, following the losses reported by the bank. However, the financial situation of Novo Banco is worse than it seems, and Brussels knows it well. In the chapter dedicated to Portugal, in the new autumn forecasts, the European Commission estimates that, at a minimum, the Portuguese state will be asked to inject 653 million euros next year (0.3% of GDP) because of this year's losses as well as to improve its capital ratios. Mario Centeno, Portuguese Minister of the Economy, predicted 600 million in April. How much does Novo Banco cost? What is the financial situation of the "new bank"? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the new losses of the Novo Banco.

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Portuguese tax department loses once again and will have to refund ISV for another imported vehicle which she claimed 21,000 euros tax

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Portuguese tax department loses once again and will have to refund ISV for another imported vehicle which she claimed 21,000 euros tax

It seems that Pandora's box will be hard to close. Indeed, the Portuguese tax has again been condemned to repay part of the ISV of an imported car. This vehicle? A Mercedes GLS 350D of 2018 for which the Portuguese tax claimed 21.004,94 €. This is already the second case the Tax Authority (AT) is losing in this regard this year, and it looks like it will not be the last. Portugal, justifying this tax for environmental reasons, is still subject to Brussels sanctions concerning this tax, which is considered illegal. Is this the end of the ISV tax? Does this concern all imported vehicles? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new defeat of the Portuguese tax authorities regarding the ISV tax.

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in November 2019

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in November 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of October 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 November 2019. Let’s go !

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Portuguese unemployment rate drops to 6.1% in third quarter, increase of youth without job nor diploma

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Portuguese unemployment rate drops to 6.1% in third quarter, increase of youth without job nor diploma

During the Web Summit the Portuguese government announces good figures at the level of employment. In fact, the unemployment rate declined in the third quarter of this year to 6.1%. During the last quarter more than 31,000 jobs were created. This rate represents a decrease of 0.2% compared to the second quarter of the year. Nevertheless, these figures have to be put into perspective, in particular because of the fall in the active population and the increase in the number of young people without a job or diploma. The INE, the Portuguese National Institute of Statistics, indicates that this is the lowest unemployment rate since 2011. What is the detail of Portuguese unemployment figures? How to explain this dynamism? Is it the tree that hides the forest? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the latest figures of Portuguese unemployment.

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Huge drop in the number of Alojamento Local registrations in Portugal, -73% in Lisbon

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Huge drop in the number of Alojamento Local registrations in Portugal, -73% in Lisbon

It would seem that the Portuguese strategy to reduce the number of new Alojamento local and curb real estate speculation is starting to bear these fruits. Between January and October 2019, 13,201 new dwellings were registered for a tourist rental activity, 43% less than during the same period in 2018. Lisbon is the region most affected by this drop in new requests, because of the setting up of areas where it is no longer possible to obtain new licenses for tourist rental and Porto is not spared by this fall. Is this good news for people living in big portuguese cities ? What are the figures for this significant drop in Alojameto Local? Lisbob, the assistant of expats in Portugal, tells you all about this drop in registrations.

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Ranking of foreign investors in the Portuguese real estate market

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Ranking of foreign investors in the Portuguese real estate market

Foreign investments in the Portuguese real estate market are still on the rise, and once again the French dominate the ranking. Indeed, French investment is the largest in the Portuguese real estate market, with a 21% market share in the first half of 2019, according to the Association of Real Estate Professionals and Enterprises of Portugal (APEMIP). After studying all the activities carried out in the Portuguese real estate sector between January and June, APEMIP claims that foreign investments accounted for 16% of total real estate transactions in Portugal. Which countries are investing the most in Portuguese real estate? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, reveals the ranking of the largest foreign investors in the Portuguese real estate market.

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Portuguese tax authorities dispute condemnation to refund ISV

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Portuguese tax authorities dispute condemnation to refund ISV

The novel against the Portuguese tax authorities and taxpayers importing foreign vehicles is not over! Indeed, the dispute over the collection of the ISV tax on the import of foreign cars is now before the Constitutional Court. The Portuguese State was ordered in September to return the excess ISV tax on the importation of a foreign vehicle. This conviction has finally been challenged by the Portuguese tax authorities who decide to go to the end of their possible remedies in order to annul this decision which opened the way to remedies by many taxpayers who imported foreign vehicles. What are the consequences of this decision? Is this appeal from the Portuguese tax authorities likely to succeed? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this turnaround on the ISV tax in Portugal.

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Hurricane Lorenzo will hit the whole Azores archipelago with winds of more than 200 km / h

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Hurricane Lorenzo will hit the whole Azores archipelago with winds of more than 200 km / h

The archipelago of the Azores is preparing for the worst. Hurricane Lorenzo, currently category 5 is the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale, will hit hard the Azores archipelago and especially the group of Western islands. Indeed, the latest forecasts indicate that the center of the hurricane should pass very close to the western group, affecting the entire archipelago next Wednesday. Winds will reach 180 km / h with waves up to 12 meters. What is the weather forecast for the Azores archipelago? What is the trajectory of Hurricane Lorenzo? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about Hurricane Lorenzo and its impact on the Azores archipelago.

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6,6 % drop in home sales in Portugal for the first time since 2013

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6,6 % drop in home sales in Portugal for the first time since 2013

For the first time in six years in Portugal, home sales recorded a negative trend in the second quarter of 2019 compared to the previous year. In contrast, the price index rose by 10.1% over the same period. This decline was anticipated by specialists in the Portuguese real estate sector, its magnitude is now known: 6.6% decline. These figures are available in the latest study published by the National Institute of Statistics of Portugal. Is this decline in the number of transactions accompanied by a rise in prices a reversal of trend, or a simple pause in the Portuguese real estate market? What are the official figures of Portuguese real estate? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal tells you all about this decline in home sales in Portugal.

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Portuguese tax authorities definitively condemned to refund part of ISV of an imported vehicle

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Portuguese tax authorities definitively condemned to refund part of ISV of an imported vehicle

Could Pandora's box have been opened ? This is the question that can be asked after the final conviction of the Portuguese tax authorities by the Supreme Court of Portugal. Indeed, the Supreme Administrative Court upheld the decision of the arbitral tribunal, which obliges the Portuguese tax authorities to return part of the ISV paid upon the importation and registration of a used foreign car. This decision will be a precedent and will serve as a basis for future decisions in similar cases. And many expatriates who are now wondering whether they can also claim a refund of the ISV tax that is often debated, both the amount and conditions of exemption are considered "hard" or even illegal according to Brussels. What is the final decision of the Portuguese Supreme Court on the ISV tax ? Will we see the ISV tax disappear ? Can we ask for a refund ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this decision to refund the ISV tax for an imported car.

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Fire in lisbon: 5 wounded in Penha da França, fire controlled

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Fire in lisbon: 5 wounded in Penha da França, fire controlled

A fire broke out in the middle of Lisbon in the early afternoon, resulting in 5 light injuries and huge smoke visible throughout the Portuguese capital. This Thursday, in full red alert for the extreme temperatures and the risks of fire, the district of Penha da França ignited, more exactly in Vale de Santo António. These fires were responsible for 5 minor injuries (4 civilians and 1 fireman), and evacuation of local residents. Lisbob, the assistant of the expats in Portugal, tells you all about this fire in Lisbon.

Aircraft engine explodes just before takeoff at Lisbon airport : no injuries

Aircraft engine explodes just before takeoff at Lisbon airport : no injuries

Do you know the nickname of the TAP? "Take Another Plane". This is surely what the passengers of the Lisbon - Venice flight now say. Indeed, one of the engines of the TAP Airbus A320, which would connect the Portuguese capital to Venice, exploded on Wednesday afternoon just before takeoff on one of the runways at Humberto Delgado airport. TAP confirmed that the aircraft had suffered a "technical engine failure" and that the take-off "was immediately interrupted". Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this incident that will not improve the reputation of Lisbon airport.

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Red alert for extreme temperatures and fire risks in 13 districts of Portugal

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Red alert for extreme temperatures and fire risks in 13 districts of Portugal

September is very warm cin Portugal ! Indeed, the National Authority for Civil Protection and Emergency Situations (ANEPC) today launched a red alert in 13 districts in the center and north of the country, because of the high temperatures expected for the next days and the increased risk of fires. The red alert, the highest, will be effective between 00:00 Wednesday and 23:59 Sunday, announced the national commander of the ANEPC, Duarte Costa, at a press conference in Lisbon. Which are the 13 districts with red alert ? Lisbob, expats assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this. 

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in October 2019

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in October 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of October 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 October 2019. Let’s go !

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Cockroaches by the thousands and rats the size of a rabbit : Lisbon invaded by parasites and pests

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Cockroaches by the thousands and rats the size of a rabbit : Lisbon invaded by parasites and pests

Lisbon is not recognized as the cleanest and most hygienic city in the world. Indeed, there are many concerns of garbage collection, cleaning of public spaces, even if the Portuguese capital makes efforts on this point. Unfortunately, this year saw the invasion of 2 species: cockroaches and rats. Since May, the number of complaints has exploded, and hygiene services are overwhelmed. A Rat-disinfestation has already occurred this week, but it seems that the problem is persistent. Which neighborhoods in Lisbon are affected by this invasion of rats and cockroaches? What are the measures taken by the city hall of the Portuguese capital? Lisbob, the assistant of the expats in Portugal, tells you all about this invasion which is cold in the back.

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Orange alert for rain, hail and violent storms in 5 regions in Portugal

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Orange alert for rain, hail and violent storms in 5 regions in Portugal

The Orange Alert was triggered in Portugal because of the very difficult weather conditions that will affect several parts of the country. Indeed, the regions of Vila Real, Bragança, Viseu, Guarda and Castelo Branco are now under orange alert because of the forecast of showers, hail and violent storms, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA). These five districts will be under orange alert between 13:00 and 21:00 on Monday, August 26, 2019 due to the forecast of sometimes violent hail, strong gusts of wind and conditions favorable to thunderstorms. 7 other regions are placed in yellow alert. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the weather forecast.

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Portuguese yellow vests join carriers' strike and threaten to block the 25th of April bridge on Monday

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Portuguese yellow vests join carriers' strike and threaten to block the 25th of April bridge on Monday

The strike of the fuel carriers is gaining momentum in Portugal. While everyone thought of spending a rather quiet month in August, the fuel shortage is already being felt in the country and the government has declared a state of energy crisis, requisitioning the army to provide the minimum service. As if that was not enough, Coletes Amarelos (the Portuguese yellow vests) decided to join the strike and call for the blocking on Monday, August 12th of the famous bridge of April 25th. Other actions are also planned in other parts of the country. After the show of force failed last November when the movement had struggled to gather, the yellow jackets-yellow hope this time mobilize. What are the Portuguese yellow jackets? What actions will be put in place? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this energy crisis and this movement of Portuguese yellow-jackets.

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Portuguese government decrees the state of energy crisis from 23h59 this Friday : Army ready to intervene

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Portuguese government decrees the state of energy crisis from 23h59 this Friday : Army ready to intervene

The Portuguese government has decided to put the country into energy crisis from tonight until 21 August. Following the announcement of the fuel carriers' strike which is supposed to start on Monday, August 12th, the Portuguese government imposes certain rules that will affect the users, going as far as the use of the army in order to provide the minimum service. Each car can now fill only 25 liters of fuel. The situation is already tense in some pumps with stations already in short supply, and that is why the government admits having to requisition the army. What does this state of energy crisis mean in Portugal? Where to find fuel? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this energy crisis.

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The most expensive apartment in Portugal's history sold for 7.2 million euros in Lisbon

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The most expensive apartment in Portugal's history sold for 7.2 million euros in Lisbon

How far will the rise in property prices in Lisbon go? This is a question that we are entitled to ask following the sale of the most expensive real estate in the history of Portugal. It is a rooftop apartment with private pool, gym and spa overlooking the Tagus River. Although the penthouse was acquired for an amount deemed exorbitant, the owner of the penthouse asked to remain anonymous. The owner of Lisbon's most expensive apartment will also enjoy views of Eduardo VII Park or São Jorge Castle from its 260-square meter terrace. Is it too expensive for an apartment in Lisbon? Does it deserve its price of 7.2 million euros? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new real estate madness in the Portuguese capital.