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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

How to get your Certificate of Residency CRUE (Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia) In Portugal in 8 steps

How to get your Certificate of Residency CRUE (Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia) In Portugal in 8 steps

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 !

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9 Administrative Procedures and Formalities to go to live in Portugal

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9 Administrative Procedures and Formalities to go to live in Portugal

When expatriating to a new country, a certain number of administrative steps must be taken in order to fully settle in and become an expatriate. This is even more true in Portugal where different authorities issue different important documents, and where it is sometimes difficult to do the administrative steps in the right order. Procedures to become a resident, tax identification number, pet registration, car registration, there are many mandatory steps for those who want to live in Portugal and it is not easy to know how to live in Portugal and be in order. Moving to Portugal entails a number of obligations towards the various state bodies and it is important to comply with these obligations in order to avoid any problems. Any self-respecting expatriate must take these administrative steps in order to settle down fully. What are the administrative formalities and steps to complete to live in Portugal? How can I make sure that I am compliant and that I follow the steps to register to live in Portugal? I’m Lisbob, the expats assistant, and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about the administrative steps to take when you decide to live in Portugal.

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Compulsory insurances for house staff and personal assistance in Portugal

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Compulsory insurances for house staff and personal assistance in Portugal

If you make the decision to live in Portugal, then you may have to hire house staff. Unfortunately, it is not unusual that these activities are not declared. This is of course illegal, because any paid activity must be registered with the relevant authorities. It is also dangerous for the concerned employees because they are exposed to difficult situations in the event of illness, loss of employment or work accident. Fraudulent employers may face heavy fines and can even be sentenced to imprisonment. It is therefore strongly recommended, for the well-being of all, to declare your employees to the competent authorities.Personal care services are quite developed in Portugal: taking care of your home, your parents, your children, your garden or even you is a common practice. There are, however, rules to follow if you decide to call in domestic staff. The hiring of personal care professionals in Portugal must be done in accordance with the law. What are the compulsory insurances for house staff in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about personal assistance.

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End-of-work bonus and severance pay in Portugal : everything you need to know in order to calculate and know your rights in case of job contract termination

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End-of-work bonus and severance pay in Portugal : everything you need to know in order to calculate and know your rights in case of job contract termination

Everything that has a beginning to an end and a contract of employment in Portugal, even for an indefinite period, may one day be completed. The termination of the employment contract may entitle the employee to compensation, depending on the type of dismissal. When one leaves voluntarily or not his work at. Portugal it is important to know if one can benefit from end of contract benefits. In fact, Portuguese law sets award criteria and calculation methods for end-of-contract bonuses, whether you decide to leave your job or your employer decides to terminate your professional relationship. How to calculate the Portuguese end of contract bonus ? How to know these rights to severance benefits in Portugal ? Lisbob, the assistant of expats in Portugal, tells you all about end of contract bonuses and severance pay.

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List of the best beaches for topless, naturism and nudism in Portugal and the rules to follow

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List of the best beaches for topless, naturism and nudism in Portugal and the rules to follow

In recent years, the number of supporters of topless or nudism has increased in Portugal. For a long time, the topless, nudism and naturism are no longer considered as marginal practices, and places favorable to total exposure to the sun have blossomed. However, we must be careful to respect the practices of nudism in Portugal, and especially not to go wrong place! There are 8 official places recognized by the authorities and others that are less so. What are the best beaches for topless and nudism in Portugal ? What are the rules and practices to respect for naturism on Portuguese beaches ? Lisbob, the assistant of expats in Portugal, tells you all about the best beaches to do topless or nudism on Portuguese sand.

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Rights of pregnant women in Portugal: What are they and how can they benefit?

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Rights of pregnant women in Portugal: What are they and how can they benefit?

Pregnancy is an important step in the life of the woman and the couple and is therefore protected in Portugal by law, which gives certain rights to pregnant women. As soon as she is in pregnancy and to benefit from the rights of the pregnant woman, she can and must acquire the status of pregnant worker (pregnant trabalhadora). Do you know what are the exclusive rights for pregnant women in Portugal ? How to benefit ? Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, makes you aware of the rights of the woman during pregnancy and the baby's early years.

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How to pay SCUTS and electronic tolls in Portugal and avoid fines ?

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How to pay SCUTS and electronic tolls in Portugal and avoid fines ?

If you use the roads of Portugal, whether as an expatriate or a simple tourist, then you will surely have to go through automatic tolls and gantries and other SCUTS. Payment of tolls is mandatory in Portugal, whether you are a regular user or if it is the only time you use Portuguese roads and tolls. Failure to pay SCUTS in Portugal can result in heavy fines of up to several hundred euros. It is possible to opt for an automatic payment method, that is to say, be billed via your Via Verde box or the chip on your license plate. If you do not have one of these devices you can adjust them in person. How to pay SCUTS and electronic tolls in Portugal ? What are the penalties for forgetting payment of SCUTS ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the payment of SCUTS and tolls in Portuguese land.

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10 good reasons to retire in Portugal

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10 good reasons to retire in Portugal

Portugal is attracting more and more foreign pensioners who decide to live happy days away from their country of origin. Also, many Portuguese or Luso-descendants who return to their country to retire there. Although each decision has its own reasons, Portugal benefits from several assets that make the country a landmark destination for retirement. Cost of living, security, weather, each retiree will have his own reasons for having decided to retire in Portugal. In order to help you in your decision and remaining as objective as possible, we have listed for you the best reasons to live your retirement in Portugal. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the 10 good reasons to retire in Portugal.

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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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How to pay Imposto Único Circulação IUC tax online, step by step

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How to pay Imposto Único Circulação IUC tax online, step by step

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.

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What are the expenses and charges deductible from income tax as a freelancer in Portugal ?

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What are the expenses and charges deductible from income tax as a freelancer in Portugal ?

If you want to work as a self-employed entrepreneur in Portugal, then the choice between the simplified accounting regime and the organized accounting regime will come up at a certain moment. This is one of the most important criteria to consider when deciding as a self-employed worker : the deduction of expenses and charges related to your self-employment activity like internet, computer, meals or even Uber ride. Indeed, the choice of accounting when you work as a freelancer in Portugal influences the tax base, in other words the amount of tax to be paid. What are the deductible expenses as a self-employed worker ? What are the charges to be deducted when working as freelancer in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant tells you all about the deductible expenses for self-entrepreneurs in Portugal.

What to do in case of road accident in Portugal?

What to do in case of road accident in Portugal?

If you decide to live in Portugal and drive there you may be faced with a road accident. Whether you are a victim or a spectator, there are rules and procedures to follow in the event of a traffic accident in order to not aggravate the situation and especially to be in good position with your insurer. What to do in case of road accident in Portugal? What is the correct procedure for insurance? Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal tells you everything.

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Entrepreneur : How to start a business in one hour in Portugal, step by step

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Entrepreneur : How to start a business in one hour in Portugal, step by step

You have made the decision to live in Portugal and to embark on entrepreneurship, so this article is for you. Did you know that it is possible to open a business in one hour in Portugal? In recent years, portuguese administration has modernized and simplified the process of setting up a company in Portugal. He has also set up a "Empresa na hora" department (your company within an hour) so that entrepreneurs can save time. What are the stages of creating a company ? How to start your business in one hour in Portugal ? Lisbob, the Expatriate and Entrepreneur Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal tells you everything.

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Freelancer : How to fill and issue a Recibo Verde in Portugal, step by step

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Freelancer : How to fill and issue a Recibo Verde in Portugal, step by step

If you make the decision to live and work in Portugal as a freelancer, then you will have to fill out and issue Recibo Verde. This is the invoice that formalizes your service and the transfer of money between buyer and seller of goods or services. This allows Finanças to be aware of all activities and for you to know exactly what you sold. As a self-employed worker in Portugal it is possible to do it online but it is however very important to inform all the information in order to avoid huge fines. How to fill and a recibo verde ? What are the steps in order to issue an invoice in Portugal ? Lisbob, the Expats Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, tells you everything about how to fill and issue a Recibo Verde in Portugal, step by step.

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How to make a face-to-face meeting appointment on the Finanças website

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How to make a face-to-face meeting appointment on the Finanças website

In this period of pandemic, many taxpayers have wanted to go to an office of Finanças (the Portuguese tax authorities) and have been refused access. Indeed, it is now necessary to make an appointment before going to a Finanças office. This process is done online, but it is not very easy and only in Portuguese. In order not to make the trip to the tax authorities for nothing and to be sure of being received, Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, explains how to make a face-to-face meeting appointment on the Finanças website.

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Domestic Animals and Pets - Duties, Registration, Rules, Rights : Everything you need to know about cats and dogs in Portugal

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Domestic Animals and Pets - Duties, Registration, Rules, Rights : Everything you need to know about cats and dogs in Portugal

Owners of pets in Portugal have certain duties that they must comply with. Basically, you have to register your pet, including a dog or cat. Whoever decide to come to live in Portugal with his pet will have to follow some steps and rules. Portugal imposes certain requirements on the owners of dogs and cats. These include registration and having a license, which you have to renew every year.  Living in Portugal with animals require some mandatory processes and registration. How do you register your pet in Portugal ? How many dogs and cats can I own ? How can I get and renew the license for my dog or cat ? Lisbob, expats assistant in Portugal, will tell you everything you need to know about registering and licensing your pets.

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5 mistakes to avoid when working as a freelancer in Portugal

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5 mistakes to avoid when working as a freelancer in Portugal

Going to live in Portugal and working there as a self-entrepreneur is an intensely exciting adventure. Every day new opportunities, ideas and challenges come to expats who are tempted by the freelance adventure in Portugal. One of the most important challenges as an expatriate in Portugal is of course the language. When it comes to important topics like your career as a freelancer it is essential to avoid some mistakes that can sometimes be very expensive. So that your "portuguese dream" does not end earlier than expected, Lisbob has gathered for you the 5 mistakes to avoid as a self-employed person in Portugal. With these tips no doubt you will already have fewer (bad) surprises and you can focus on your success.

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Contribuente: Why giving your NIF can make you money (and even more)

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Contribuente: Why giving your NIF can make you money (and even more)

"Contribuente on the bill?" This question comes back eternally when one lives in Portugal and for those who do not know this subtlety of the Portuguese system are surprised and do not necessarily understand everything on this subject. Is it obligatory to communicate it? What is the risk if we do not give it? What can be earned by giving it? Lisbob answers you right away.

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Taxes : How to register invoices in Portugal step by step ( and receive a larger tax refund )

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Taxes : How to register invoices in Portugal step by step ( and receive a larger tax refund )

Did you know that you can have tax refund just by giving your NIF while doing groceries ? Indeed in Portugal, every year you have to confirm all expenses you have done . You have communicated your Numéro de Contribuente for each purchase made or service ordered, so you have made halfway to claim a tax refund. In Portugal giving your NIF is not the only thing that you have to do. It is necessary to register receipts on the website of Finanças and to give sort them by category. Why should you give your NIF when you buy stuff ? How to register your bills in Portugal on the website of Finanças ? Which information to communicate ? How to optimize your invoices registration to receive an even greater tax refund ? Lisbob, expats assistant in Portugal, tells you everything.

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How to know the owner of a vehicle in Portugal ?

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How to know the owner of a vehicle in Portugal ?

It may be easier than you think to identify the owner of a vehicle through his registration number. If you want, for example, to find the person who "hit" your car and who ran away, or who knows where his car is a little too close to yours, you just need to know the license plate of the car. vehicle and follow this guide. Indeed, in Portugal it is possible to obtain a Certificate of Registration which includes information about the vehicle, its owner and even its insurance. It is quite possible to check if a driver was well insured at a given time, information that can be crucial in case of accident and flight for example. How to know who owns a car in Portugal ? How to obtain the registration certificate ? Who does this car belong to ? Lisbob, the assistant of the expatriates in Portugal, tells you all about how to know who owns a car.