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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

Tips

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All types of companies and businesses in Portugal, individual and collective

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All types of companies and businesses in Portugal, individual and collective

If you have the project to undertake in Portugal, then one of the key steps in starting a business is the legal choice of the entity to be formed. It is important to know all the types of companies that can be incorporated in Portugal, in order to choose the best option to ensure the success of your business. Indeed, even if the legal forms are similar to what can be found in other European countries, Portugal has its peculiarities which make a bad choice of status can lead to many setbacks.

You must always consider the strengths of the future company, the assets to be allocated, the type of responsibility, and the required capital investment. Last but not least, you must decide if it is an adventure that you intend to conduct alone or with other partners. What are the different legal forms for companies and businesses in Portugal? What status to take if the activity is for an individual or for a group? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything in this comprehensive guide to all legal forms of business and society, individual or collective in Portugal in 2020.

 

In this way, to help you make this decision, it follows a list of different legal forms of companies, divided into two categories - individual and collective.

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Everything you need to know about technical car inspection in Portugal

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Everything you need to know about technical car inspection in Portugal

Living in Portugal with your vehicle also means complying with the mandatory car technical inspection. These inspections are used to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle and to detect any anomalies. When you import and legalise your car in Portugal the technical car inspection is the first step. Portugal is also inspecting the pollution in order to fight climate change. If you live in Portugal, you have to respect some deadlines to pass car inspection. How much costs technical inspection in Portugal ? What are the mandatory deadlines for your car to pass the technical control ? How to pass the technical control for his car in Portugal ? Lisbob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, tells you everything.


How to obtain an attestation of residency in Portugal in 6 steps

How to obtain an attestation of residency in Portugal in 6 steps

Did you fall in love with Portuguese life and dream of living in this beautiful country? If you wish to reside in Portugal for more than three months, you will have to prove your settlement in the country. So, after obtaining your CRUE Certificado de Registo of Cidadao da Uniao Europeia, you must now get your "Certificate of Residency". Be careful not to confuse both ! Indeed, the CRUE is your residence permit in Portugal, and the certificate is, as its name suggests, proof that you live here. Although the nuance is subtle these are two very distinct documents. How to obtain a certificate of residence in Portugal ? What are the steps to obtain a resident certificate from Junta da Freguesia ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about how to get it in 6 simple steps.

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Home insurance in Portugal : all you need to know to choose the best for you

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Home insurance in Portugal : all you need to know to choose the best for you

When making the decision to live in Portugal and buy real estate there, it is important to know how to choose a home insurance. Indeed, as in other countries, home insurance will cover the risks associated with your home, including theft, fire and earthquakes. This last risk is important in a country with strong seismic activity like Portugal. However, care must be taken because the rules concerning home insurance for expats not the same as those in other countries. Good home insurance is not necessarily good coverage. How to choose your home insurance in Portugal ? What are the different types of coverage to insure your home in Portugal ? Lisbob, expats assistant in Portugal, tells you everything you need to know when choosing your home insurance in Portugal.

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5 mistakes to avoid when registering your car in Portugal

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5 mistakes to avoid when registering your car in Portugal

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.

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Mandatory and optional insurance as freelancer in Portugal

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Mandatory and optional insurance as freelancer in Portugal

You made the decision to come live and work as a freelancer in Portugal? As a self-entrepreneur there are certain obligations that you must respect in terms of insurance. The subject may seem nebulous when one does not know Portuguese language and legislation but it is important to know your obligations as a freelancer in Portugal. What are the compulsory insurance as a self-employed person in Portugal? Do I have to take a professional multi-risk for my auto-entrepreneur activity? Lisbob, the expats assistant in Portugal tells you everything.

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Electricity in Portugal: suppliers, price and contract opening

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Electricity in Portugal: suppliers, price and contract opening

As an expat in Portugal and once the property is found, sometimes you have to deal with the issue of energy and more specifically electricity. Whether choosing the cheapest or the most efficient supplier, to the process of opening an electricity contract, it is important to know the rules of the energy market in Portugal. EDP, Iberdrola or Endesa are the best known, but there are also alternative electricity suppliers. What is the price of electricity in Portugal? Who are the different Portuguese energy suppliers? How to open an electricity contract in Portugal? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you everything about the suppliers, the prices and the procedures for opening an electricity contract in Portugal.

Complaints Book: All about the settlement of commercial litigation in Portugal

Complaints Book: All about the settlement of commercial litigation in Portugal

In recent years in Portugal any commercial establishment or service provider must make a complaints book available to customers. It allows to settle and keep track of all disputes between customers and institutions. If you live in Portugal you will often see this small red poster at the entrance of these. However few people really know what it is. What are your rights as a consumer in Portugal ? What to do in case of commercial dispute ? What are the consequences ? Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, tells you everything.

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How to request and obtain your password from the Finanças website in Portugal

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How to request and obtain your password from the Finanças website in Portugal

When settling in Portugal, obtaining your NIF (fiscal number) is one of the first steps to take, but the request for the Finanças portal password is just as important. Indeed if you have never registered on the Finanças portal (the Portuguese tax authorities), it is essential that you start by asking for your password. This is the most direct (in some cases the only) way to manage certain tax services. For example, via the website of the Finanças portal, it is possible to file your tax return, issue recibo verde or register and validate your invoices. Having a Finanças password is therefore essential, because many of these services and procedures are only possible via the Internet. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, shows you how to request and obtain your password from the Finanças site in Portugal.

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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.

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Freelancer : Everything about the status of self-employed worker in Portugal in 2020

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Freelancer : Everything about the status of self-employed worker in Portugal in 2020

Becoming a self-employed worker (Empresário em Nome Individual) in Portugal may be a good option if your activity requires flexibility or if you want to maintain autonomy in the management of your work. Live in Portugal and work as yoga teacher, freelance graphic designer or craftsman sounds good, but the status of self-employed worker is different in Portugal compared to the one proposed in other countries and the rules are different. Your dream of working as freelancer in Portugal might become a nightmare if you don’t follow and respect the rules of self-employed workers. What are the advantages of being a self-employed worker ? How to become a self-entrepreneur in Portugal ? Lisbob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, tells you everything you need to know about self-employing in Portugal in 2020.

Lost and Found : What if I lost something in Lisbon?

Lost and Found : What if I lost something in Lisbon?

Did you lose any official documents or personal belongings while traveling to Lisbon? Whether in public transport (bus, metro, train, boat or other), or in stations or even taxi, there are lost-and-found solutions available to expatriates or tourists to find what has been lost. What to do when you have lost an object in Lisbon? Who to contact? Where is the lost-and-found in Lisbon ? Lisbob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal tells you everything I you have lost something in Lisbon.
 

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How to start a food truck business in Portugal in 7 steps

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How to start a food truck business in Portugal in 7 steps

Food trucks are on the rise! In Portugal, as elsewhere, these small ambulant catering trucks, synonymous with conviviality and greed, have conquered the entire planet, and everyone wants to open his own. Not a single market, not an outdoor event unfolds today without them participating in the party, for our greatest pleasure. There is even a food truck festival in Lisbon. In view of this proven success, you too may imagine you join the family of food truck owners and make it your freelance activity in Portugal. Food, drink, tasting, there are as many ideas to open a food truck as steps to make to get there. How to start a food truck business in Portugal ? What are the steps to start an itinerant catering activity ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal tells you everything to start a food truck business inPortugal in 7 steps. Let’s go !

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8 best expats mobile apps to live in Lisbon and Portugal

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8 best expats mobile apps to live in Lisbon and Portugal

Portugal and especially the Lisbon region is often considered as a new digital Eldorado. Some even compare it to the European Silicon Valley. There are many mobile apps for who lives in Portugal, but it's hard to separate the good from the chaff. City hall application, digital services, gastronomy, the list is long, and it is easy to get lost in the multitude of smartphone application available for expats. How to learn European Portuguese for free ? What are the essential applications when living in Portugal ? What services are available from his phone or tablet in Lisbon and Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, has prepared the list of the 8 best mobile applications you need to live in Lisbon and its region.

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How to calculate the net salary from gross in Portugal?

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How to calculate the net salary from gross in Portugal?

When it's time to make the decision to come to live and work in Portugal, topics such as real wages and purchasing power come back regularly. Calculating net take-home pay in Portugal is a different exercise than in other countries and it is important to know it in advance in order to live serenely. If you are planning to come to work in Portugal then this article is for you. What is the average salary in Lisbon and other cities? How to calculate the net salary from gross in Portugal? Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal tells you everything.

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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6 reasons why Portugal could emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis

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6 reasons why Portugal could emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis

The health crisis linked to the coronavirus epidemic has not spared Portugal, which is embarking on a second state of emergency. Nevertheless, the predicted disaster seems to have been avoided and Portugal is doing quite well compared to its neighbor Spain. As the lightened state of emergency returns and travel is limited, Portugal begins to prepare for 2021 and the revival of its economy. Even though the months ahead look tough, Portugal could do well in the long term and emerge stronger from the crisis. Of course, the article dwells on the potentially positive aspects and overlooks the immense challenges Portugal will face. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, gives you 6 reasons why Portugal might emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis.

What is the best VPN for expats accessible from Portugal and how to install it ?

What is the best VPN for expats accessible from Portugal and how to install it ?

As an expatriate, the Internet has become a real communication tool that, despite the distance and the kilometers, makes us feel a little less close to our loved ones. Social networks, news site, videoconferencing: The Internet has revolutionized the way expats live abroad. Go on a trip or business trip, study or work abroad ? It has become important to keep access to its favorite websites and content, and to ignore censorship or bandwidth limitations. However, it is sometimes difficult to have access your favorite site or a particular newspaper because of the geographical location. This problem is well known to expatriates and one solution is found : the VPN. To make it simple, the Virtual Private Network makes the website believe that you are connected from a country other than where you are. There are several, at moderate costs, but difficult to navigate in this multitude of offers and technical aspects. Relax : Lisbob has done a thorough investigation to find out how to watch TV from Portugal, access the Netflix catalog or consult your favorite news site. What is the best VPN from Portugal ? How to install a VPN to access foreign sites? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal tells you all about the best VPN and how to install it.

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Top 5 beaches with the hottest waters in Portugal

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Top 5 beaches with the hottest waters in Portugal

When we dive for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal, it is often a surprise that awaits us. In fact, the waters of Portugal's coasts are rather cold compared to those of the Mediterranean Sea. A period of mental and physical preparation is necessary to enjoy a swim in the waters of the beaches of Portugal. However, there are some places where the temperature of the water is warmer and warmer. Where are the beach with warm water in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, in partnership with Mysexybackpack ,has gathered for you the top 5 beaches with warm waters so you can enjoy the Atlantic Ocean without freezing.


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Living in Portugal : all you need to know to expatriate and move to Portugal in 2020

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Living in Portugal : all you need to know to expatriate and move to Portugal in 2020

Making the decision to live in Portugal is the result of many factors, personal and professional, but also the result of a long process paved with questions and doubts. Moving to Portugal does not happen overnight, and the preparations and procedures are numerous but necessary. Whether you have already made the decision to live in Portugal in retirement, to work there, without speaking Portuguese or to buy a house, the information to prepare your expatriation must be precise and clear. Each project and each adventure is unique and it would be difficult to tell you exactly how your expatriation will be. Our ultimate advice is to prepare well because it is the key to a successful expatriation. Where to live in Portugal ? How to live in Portugal with 1000 euros ? How to live in Portugal ? Is it possible to go to work in Portugal without speaking Portuguese ? How is renting or rent prices, and how to buy a house in Portugal? For all these questions LisBob, the expats assistant, tells you everything you need to know to live in Portugal in 2020.