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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

List of the 10 largest expats communities in Portugal : + 16.7% British in 2017

List of the 10 largest expats communities in Portugal : + 16.7% British in 2017

The number of people who decided to live in Portugal increased by 6% in 2017 compared to 2016, totaling 421,711. Italian and French citizens show the strongest growth of last year and include the top 10 expat communities in Portugal, according to a report by the SEF. This Portuguese Immigration, Borders and Asylum (RIFA) Report for the year 2017, which Bob had access to, provides a clear picture of immigration to Portugal. Despite what one might think France and Italy are very far from being among the largest expatriate communities living in Portugal. What is the ranking of the 10 largest expatriate communities living in Portugal? What is the share of different countries in this top 10 ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the 10 largest expat communities in Portugal in 2017.


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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.

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Three Algarve beaches with red flag after shark alert

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Three Algarve beaches with red flag after shark alert

Sharks sometimes come to have fun near the Portuguese coast, and that's what obviously happened this Sunday, August 2nd. three Algarve beaches have hoisted the red flag after a shark was spotted near Tavira. The beaches on which the red flag was raised were Terra Estreita, Barril and Ilha de Tavira. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the return of sharks to the Algarve.

Top 5 Swinger clubs and libertine bars in Portugal

Top 5 Swinger clubs and libertine bars in Portugal

Portugal is a country which, behind its deeply conservative roots, is not cold-hearted, on the contrary. Indeed, Portuguese couples know and practice swapping and libertinism as in other European countries for quite some time. Even if the number of places and clubs where to engage in the practice of swapping are not numerous, they are nevertheless of quality and the libertine couples of all Portugal and elsewhere will find their happiness there. Swing Club, swinger club, libertine club, many are the names for the hot spots frequented by naughty couples in Portugal, but the goal is the same: practice swingers in a caring place and with people you trust. What are the best swingers’ clubs in Portugal? Where are the libertine bars and what are the rules? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about swingers and libertines clubs and bars in Portugal.

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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.


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The average salary in Lisbon is at € 1,174 but 17% earn less than € 600, the number of bankruptcies down sharply

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The average salary in Lisbon is at € 1,174 but 17% earn less than € 600, the number of bankruptcies down sharply

The Union of Trade Unions of Lisbon, the USL, unveiled last Friday the latest figures concerning the remuneration of workers in the Portuguese capital. The average salary in the district of Lisbon is currently 1,171.9 euros monthly, but 17.7% of workers receive less than 600 euros and 29.2% earn between 600 and 900 euros. These figures, to which everyone can say what he wants, show in any case large wage inequalities in a capital whose cost of living has continued to explode in recent years, to become ultimately more expensive than other European capitals. Also, corporate bankruptcies have halved since the peak of 2015, but remain at a high level. What are the wage figures of the Lisbon workers? What is the wage trend in the Portuguese capital? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about these figures released by the USL.

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Sick leave in Portugal : complete guide to medical leave in 2020

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Sick leave in Portugal : complete guide to medical leave in 2020

If you are working in Portugal, then at some point you may need to be on sick leave. Not that the weather in Portugal is wetter than you thought (though), but that it's okay to get sick and sometimes essential to let your body or mind rest and heal. Whether you are an employee or a self-employed person, it is possible to take leave for medical reasons. It is important to know your rights as well as your duties with the Portuguese social security, especially when you do not master the language or the laws of your country of expatriation. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, we have gathered the essentials of what you need to know in terms of sick leave and sick leave in Portugal. Who has the right to take sick leave? How much do you receive health benefits in Portugal? How to go on medical leave? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the sick leave and sick leave in 2020.

Abortion : All about voluntary interruption of pregnancy in Portugal ( Where ? When ? How ? )

Abortion : All about voluntary interruption of pregnancy in Portugal ( Where ? When ? How ? )

Portugal is a country for whom abortion was illegal until 1984. After some minor changes in the law, it was not until 2007, and after a national referendum, that the law was passed. included the possibility of interruption of pregnancy at the request of the Woman. What are the rights of women regarding abortion in Portugal? Where to go and how to practice? Bob, the Personal Assistant of those who live in Lisbon and Portugal tells you all about voluntary interruption of pregnancy in Portugal.

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Top 5 projects that take "a little" time to complete in Portugal

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Top 5 projects that take "a little" time to complete in Portugal

You know Lisbob and his outspokenness: it is summer, and to relax the atmosphere Lisbob wanted to take stock of these famous infrastructure or renovation projects which have still not seen the day in Portugal, despite recurring announcements and sometimes even several inaugurations. Of course, this problem exists in other countries and Portugal is not the worst. Still, 30 years to decide to build an airport is a long time, and it is risky to decide on end dates when a project is "launched". In question, a mixture of disorganization, improvisation, corruption but also of crises of all kinds. Lisbob, the expats assistant, has prepared for you the top 5 projects that take a little time to come to fruition in Portugal. If we forgot one, please let us know in the comments.

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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How to subscribe to a temporary car insurance in Portugal ?

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How to subscribe to a temporary car insurance in Portugal ?

Portugal is known for its variety of activities. Indeed, these large wildernesses allow nature lovers to indulge in different hobbies. Fishing is a part of it and it is important to know your insurance obligations. As in other European countries, Portugal imposes a certain number of rules to be fulfilled in order to be able to engage in the practice of the fishing and drive a pleasure boat, that it is occasional for the leisure or professional. Every fisherman must be careful to be in good standing about insurance. Some fishermen are legally required to take out insurance to be able to fish. What compulsory insurance to subscribe to be able to fish ? What are the covers offered ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the different types of insurance for fishermen to fish safely.

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Complete list of coronavirus testing sites in the Greater Lisbon region

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Complete list of coronavirus testing sites in the Greater Lisbon region

If you have symptoms related to covid-19, you may be diagnosed. The Regional Health Authority of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo (ARSLVT), in compliance with the principles of equity, quality and proximity of healthcare provided to the population, has reorganized human and material healthcare resources primary health and created 35 zones dedicated to the diagnosis of coronavirus in the region. This Thursday, the map with the network of these areas was unveiled. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, offers you the complete list of coronavirus screening locations in the Greater Lisbon region.

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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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How to obtain proof of address and certificate of fiscal residence in Portugal on finanças website in 9 steps

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How to obtain proof of address and certificate of fiscal residence in Portugal on finanças website in 9 steps

When living in Portugal, it is common for us to be asked for proof of tax domicile or proof of address from the Portuguese tax authorities. This administrative approach has become over the years a mere formality thanks to new technologies. Indeed, it is now possible for any taxpayer, even a foreign expatriate, to request and receive a proof of tax residence that serves as proof of address in Portugal. This free document, which is obtained online, certifies your home in Portugal and can be requested on several occasions during your life of expatriate: to contract services or recurring services, to open a bank account, to make a loan or credit or to enroll his children in a Portuguese school. The majority of people use water or electricity bills as proof of address or proof of address, but the personal information on these documents means that some people simply prefer to provide proof of tax domicile. How to get a proof of Portuguese tax domicile ? How to request and receive proof of tax address in Portugal ? Lisbob, expats assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about how to have proof of residence in Portugal directly on the website of financas, in 9 steps.

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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.