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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

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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The most popular names in Portugal in 2020: Maria widely in the lead among girls, a classic Francisco and João among boys

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The most popular names in Portugal in 2020: Maria widely in the lead among girls, a classic Francisco and João among boys

The Portuguese newspaper Diario Das Noticias had access to the list of the most popular names in 2020 in Portugal and unveiled the latest trends. The attribution of the first name of newborns is taken very seriously in Portugal which is one of the strictest countries in Europe on this subject, with a list of around 1,000 authorized first names, which explains why the same first names are often used. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the ranking of the first names of Portuguese newborns in 2020.

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Capital gains in Portugal : Everything you need to know about taxes when selling your real estate

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Capital gains in Portugal : Everything you need to know about taxes when selling your real estate

In Portugal, capital gains from real estate assets correspond to the profit obtained from the sale of a house. They consist of the difference between the price at which someone bought a property and the price to which this same property has been sold. If there is a loss instead of profit, then there is no tax. In Portugal, the sale of real estate can sometimes have unpleasant surprises. Real estate gains are heavily taxed, and their calculation is important to take into account before any final decision. Selling your house in Portugal is not easy. Whether buying or selling property in Portugal, taxes are as usual. How to calculate the capital gain on real estate assets in Portugal ? How to calculate the taxes on the capital gain in Portugal ? How to benefit from a tax exemption for the resale of your property in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the capital gains of real estate assets and taxes related to the sale of house 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.

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How to choose your type of car insurance in Portugal : third-party and all-risks

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How to choose your type of car insurance in Portugal : third-party and all-risks

When you decide to go live in Portugal with your vehicle, then the question of car insurance arises at a given moment. Although Portugal is a European country and the rules of car insurance are generally similar to other countries, Portuguese insurance has a way of operating, insurance policies and covers of your car that differ and are unique. Indeed, the third-party car insurance or all risks have each advantages and disadvantages that should be weighed before choosing car insurance. Car insurance can offer several coverages, depending on the budget and the risks you want to take care of. There are two types of motor insurance: car liability insurance and all-risk insurance. What are the differences between motor insurance against third parties and comprehensive insurance in Portugal ?  What type of insurance to choose ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about third-party car insurance and all risks.

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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Work accident in Portugal : everything you need to know

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Work accident in Portugal : everything you need to know

Despite significant progress in preventing occupational accidents in recent years, the number of occurrences in Portugal is still high. In fact, Portugal is one of the European countries with the highest number of work accidents, and expatriates who decide to leave to live and work in Portugal are sometimes poorly prepared or lost to the complexity of Portuguese laws in case accident occurring at work. Of course, some industries are more at risk of accidents - the construction sector continues to be the most affected both in terms of the number of accidents and the severity of accidents - but the truth is that an accident at work can happen to anyone, any time, whatever the profession. Indeed, an accident that occurs on the way back from work can be considered and taken care of as an accident at work. What is the definition of a work accident in Portugal ? How to recognize it ? What are the rights and duties in case of work accidents ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about what you need to know about work-related accidents.

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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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Complete list of all natural and organic stores in Lisbon

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Complete list of all natural and organic stores in Lisbon

Living in Portugal is often synonymous with good meals, but the question of the quality of food often comes back when one speaks of expatriation in Portugal. The country has a long tradition of agriculture and organic food is already well developed especially in Lisbon. Portuguese supermarkets are starting to have organic products on their display but some people are looking for real organic shops also specialized in natural products. Bob, the Expats Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, has prepared for you a map with the complete list of all organic and natural stores in Lisbon.

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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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Miradors of Lisbon : list of the 7 most beautiful points of view to visit in the Portuguese capital and walking route

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Miradors of Lisbon : list of the 7 most beautiful points of view to visit in the Portuguese capital and walking route

When you come to visit Lisbon you must visit its miradors. The historic center of Lisbon is established on seven hills. When you admire Lisbon from a mirador, you have the impression of being suspended above the city, outside the time and tumults of city life. These panoramas are captivating and really relaxing. Over time, small squares have been built to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Portuguese capital: they are called miradouros, or watchtowers and through them visits Lisbon. When you look at the panorama offered by miradors, your perspective on the city changes, to the delight of the eyes and the senses. In order to make your life easier, we have created and shared with you a walking itinerary of the 7 most beautiful points of view of Lisbon. What are the must-see sights of the Portuguese capital? Lisbob, your assistant in Portugal, has prepared the list of the most beautiful viewpoints of Lisbon and a walking route to be able to contemplate everything.

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Top 9 of the best accessible & wheelchair-friendly beaches for disabled in Portugal

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Top 9 of the best accessible & wheelchair-friendly beaches for disabled in Portugal

In recent years, the number of beaches accessible to people with reduced mobility or wheelchair-friendly has increased in Portugal. Today there are a total of 188 beaches and bathing areas capable of accommodating a public with mobility difficulties, so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of Portuguese beaches. Some also have the necessary equipment so that people with reduced mobility can swim and practice other activities. What are the best beaches accessible to people with reduced mobility? Where are the seaside areas open to the disabled? LisBob, the expat assistant, has prepared a complete list of the best accessible & wheelchair-friendly beaches for disabled in Portugal.

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How to file and submit your online IRS income tax return in Portugal, step by step

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How to file and submit your online IRS income tax return in Portugal, step by step

Since few years the IRS income tax declaration is entirely online in Portugal. The automatic IRS option is undoubtedly an option that greatly facilitates this obligation since it allows you to validate your declaration in a few clicks. If you want, you can trust fiscal authorities and let the declaration fill in automatically : you will just have to validate the declaration at the end of the process. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about how to complete your automatic IRS tax return online, step by step. Because the sooner you validate and submit your return, the sooner you will receive a refund if you are entitled to it.

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Thermometers will reach 37ºC in Portugal and "tropical nights" are planned

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Thermometers will reach 37ºC in Portugal and "tropical nights" are planned

The good weather has already arrived in Portugal and the temperatures are also rising. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has just released its forecast bulletin: temperatures will reach in places up to 37ºC in broad daylight, and the nights will also be hot with values ​​above 20ºC. The IPMA announces that these nights will be "tropical" and recalls the measures to be taken in the event of high heat. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this heat wave and its tropical nights.

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Lisbon wins "best European airport" award according to ACI Europe

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Lisbon wins "best European airport" award according to ACI Europe

Certainly, covid-19 will have changed a lot of things, and this news will put some balm in the hearts of the Portuguese. While Lisbon airport is regularly cited among the least ranked in Europe and even in the world, ACI Europe has just awarded it the prize for the best airport in Europe in the category of airports which operate between 25 and 40 million passengers. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new international recognition for Portuguese tourism.

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Mandatory vaccination passport to go to a restaurant or a hotel in Portugal, Porto and the Algarve are falling into deconfinement

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Mandatory vaccination passport to go to a restaurant or a hotel in Portugal, Porto and the Algarve are falling into deconfinement

With an increase in the number of cases, the Portuguese authorities have decided that Porto, Faro, Braga, Setubal and other Portuguese municipalities must step back into deconfinement and have the same rules that apply to the capital Lisbon. The measures include time and capacity restrictions for shops and restaurants. The big news of the week is now the obligation to present the vaccination passport or a negative test in order to be able to go to the hotel or to the restaurant! Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about this new measure.