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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
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9 good reasons to live in Madeira

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9 good reasons to live in Madeira

Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the Madeira archipelago is a beautiful and unique group of islands offering a diverse and exciting way of life. Comprising four main islands - Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas and Selvagens - the archipelago is an autonomous Portuguese region with its own government and a rich history dating back to the 15th century. With its stunning natural beauty, warm climate and strong sense of community, it's no surprise that the Madeira archipelago is a popular place to live. To motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm unveiling my 9 good reasons for moving to the Madeira archipelago.

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9 good reasons to live in Lisbon

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9 good reasons to live in Lisbon

For several years the Portuguese capital has been regularly nominated among the best cities to go to live there, and it is justified. Indeed, Lisbon has exceptional assets and does not have to be ashamed of other European capitals, whether in terms of heritage, infrastructure or quality of life. Choosing which city to expatriate to is just as or more important than choosing the country, and if Portugal is your favorite destination then Lisbon will have to be on your list when making the decision. In order to motivate you and help you prepare for this project, I am Lisbob, the expats’ assistant, and I reveal to you the 9 good reasons to live in Lisbon.

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9 good reasons to live in Évora

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9 good reasons to live in Évora

Évora, Portugal's jewel in the crown in the heart of the Alentejo region, is a city of timeless charm and serene atmosphere. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a unique combination of rich history, vibrant cultural traditions and a peaceful, welcoming environment. Évora attracts not only lovers of history and culture, but also those looking for a high quality of life, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. With its pleasant climate, renowned gastronomy and proximity to nature, Évora represents an ideal lifestyle choice for many expatriates and Portuguese. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm here to guide you through the many attractions of this town and help you discover why Évora is the perfect choice for a new life.

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How to activate and obtain Chave Movel Digital in Portugal: complete guide 2024

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How to activate and obtain Chave Movel Digital in Portugal: complete guide 2024

Obtaining Chave Movel Digital (CMD) is an essential step for easy access to online public and private services in Portugal. Tax sites (Finanças), social security, civil registry: there are many sites where you can use the Chave Movel Digital. In this article, I'll guide you through the simple and secure process of activating your CMD, an essential tool for anyone living in Portugal. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm going to show you how to activate and obtain the Chave Movel Digital in Portugal.

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9 good reasons to live in Braga

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9 good reasons to live in Braga

While Lisbon and Porto regularly come up as the cities to move to in Portugal, there are many medium-sized towns that are well worth a visit. Braga is a Portuguese city in the north of the country, in the Minho region. If you're tempted by the idea of settling there, you should know that the city has many advantages, starting with a more affordable cost of living. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and here are my 9 good reasons for moving to Braga in Portugal.

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Quality, hardness and issues of tap water in Portugal

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Quality, hardness and issues of tap water in Portugal

When deciding to move abroad, it is important to learn about the quality of the water. Find out if it is drinkable, hard and rich in lime, or soft. Portugal has a well-developed drinking water distribution and sanitation network, and water quality checks are carried out regularly. The percentage of drinking water in mainland Portugal is 98.66%, a value considered excellent. What is the quality of the water in Portugal? How hard is drinking water? Can you drink tap water in Portugal? Lisbob, the expat assistant, tells you all about the quality and hardness of drinking water in Portugal.

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Top 9 places to enjoy a sunset in Lisbon

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Top 9 places to enjoy a sunset in Lisbon

Lisbon, the city of seven hills, is renowned for its breathtaking panoramas, where the sky takes on orange and pink hues at dusk. The golden light of the setting sun embraces the colourful facades, red-tiled roofs and sparkling waters of the Tagus, creating an enchanting spectacle. Every sunset in Lisbon is a celebration of the city's natural beauty and unique architecture, a moment when time seems to stand still. There are several spots to enjoy this magical experience, each offering a different and spectacular perspective. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm here to reveal my 9 best places to enjoy an unforgettable sunset in Lisbon.

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How to apply for and obtain a Portuguese NISS number online as a foreigner in 2024?

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How to apply for and obtain a Portuguese NISS number online as a foreigner in 2024?

When you decide to move to Portugal, it is sometimes difficult to complete those administrative procedures that can become a vicious circle in which it is difficult to see the end. Obtaining a Portuguese social security number (NISS) is not easy and is one of the mandatory steps for any expatriate wishing to work in Portugal. Although the rules have been relaxed in recent years, applying for and obtaining a Portuguese social security number is still a complicated process. Obtaining a Portuguese national insurance number NISS for foreigners is not only a headache for people who want to work, but also for companies who want to hire them. What are the steps to follow to obtain a Portuguese social security number in Portugal if you are a foreigner? What is the process to obtain your Portuguese NISS number as an expatriate? I am Lisbob, the assistant for expats, and I tell you everything about the conditions to obtain the Portuguese social security number as foreigners.

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NHR status finally "extended" to the end of 2024, but....

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NHR status finally "extended" to the end of 2024, but....

In a sleight of hand worthy of a tax magician, Portugal's Socialist Party (PS) has launched what could be seen as a lifeline for future tax residents - but there's a catch! The regime for non-habitual residents (NHR), initially condemned to disappear in the State's draft budget for 2024, has been resurrected... but with conditions so strict that they deserve a standing ovation for their creativity. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'll tell you all about the 'extension' of non-habitual resident status in Portugal.

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Antonio Costa resigns, political crisis in Portugal

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Antonio Costa resigns, political crisis in Portugal

Political thunder in Portugal: Antonio Costa resigns and early elections are on the horizon. Could the end of RNH status be in doubt? I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'll tell you all about the resignation of the Portuguese Prime Minister.

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Top 9 of Lisbon's best markets to visit

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Top 9 of Lisbon's best markets to visit

Lisbon, Portugal's picturesque capital, is a city that appeals to expatriates not only for its sunny climate and historic charm, but also for its vibrant markets. These markets are epicentres of daily life, offering much more than just shopping: they are the pulse of local culture, places where you can taste the freshness of local produce, find unique objects and soak up the Lisbon atmosphere. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my top 9 best markets in the Portuguese capital.

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How to buy or sell a car in Portugal, new or second-hand vehicle ?

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How to buy or sell a car in Portugal, new or second-hand vehicle ?

Your took the decision to become an expat in Portugal, now is the time to think about what you will do your vehicle. Portugal is fiercely protecting its domestic market and heavily taxing vehicles coming from abroad, European countries being no exception. Although some may qualify for an exemption from the ISV tax, the rules are often unclear and changing so despite a certain attachment and sometimes a significant investment, many expatriates decide to sell their car in former country to buy another in Portugal. Here again the rules are sometimes vague, and we must be careful that the act of buying or selling a vehicle is done in the rules to be protected, whether a new car or a second-hand one. How to buy a car in Portugal ? What are the steps to sell your vehicle ? What to check for when buying a used car in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal gives you all the details to buy and sell your car serenely.

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9 good reasons to live in Ericeira and its surroundings

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9 good reasons to live in Ericeira and its surroundings

Welcome to Ericeira and the surrounding area, a charming corner of Portugal that seems to have come straight out of a daydream. It's a haven of peace where the ocean, sunshine and conviviality are the watchwords. With its heavenly beaches, rich cultural heritage and welcoming community, there are a thousand and one reasons to fall under the spell of this region and consider settling here. From the world-famous surfing to the proximity of Lisbon, from the healthy lifestyle to the traditional architecture, there's no doubt that this destination has something to appeal to lovers of the sea, culture and well-being. To motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm here to tell you my 9 good reasons for living in and around Ericeira.

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Portugal announces the end of NHR status

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Portugal announces the end of NHR status

It was a move that was bound to happen sooner or later! Portugal has just announced the end of Non-Habitual Resident status, which gave tax breaks to foreigners moving to the country. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'll tell you all about the end of non-habitual resident status.

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9 good reasons to live in Caparica

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9 good reasons to live in Caparica

If you're looking for a peaceful, welcoming place to settle down, Caparica is an ideal choice. Located not far from Lisbon, this town offers a warm, sunny climate, dream beaches, a high quality of life and other advantages that make Caparica a destination to consider when choosing where to live in Portugal. To motivate you I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm revealing my nine good reasons why I recommend you consider Caparica for your next living destination.

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9 good reasons to live in Cascais

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9 good reasons to live in Cascais

Located on the Atlantic coast, Cascais is a charming Portuguese village some 25 kilometers from Lisbon. It offers a peaceful and pleasant living environment, with mild temperatures all year round, sandy beaches, a rich cultural life and delicious cuisine. But that's not all: Cascais is also considered one of the safest cities in Europe, and offers a wealth of outdoor activities for nature lovers. To help motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'll be revealing my 9 good reasons for moving to Cascais in Portugal.

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9 good reasons to live in Alentejo in Portugal

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9 good reasons to live in Alentejo in Portugal

Alentejo is a region in southern Portugal that has a lot to offer those who want to make it their home. With its breathtaking scenery, pleasant year-round climate, rich and diverse cultural life and attractive property prices, it's easy to see why many people choose to live in this region. But these are not the only reasons why the Alentejo is an ideal place to live. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Alentejo.

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Top 8 scams and traps to avoid in Portugal

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Top 8 scams and traps to avoid in Portugal

When moving to a new country, it is unfortunately not uncommon to be a little too naive and trust everyone. It is said that after moving abroad, the word "pigeon" will be visible in the middle of your forehead. Whether it's in real estate, restaurants or other areas, Portugal, like other countries, has some well-honed scams that can cost you dearly. To help you avoid the pitfalls and not get caught out I am Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I reveal my top 8 scams in Portugal.

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Everything about Non-Habitual Resident Status NHR in Portugal, Complete Guide 2023 : Conditions, Taxes and Evolution

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Everything about Non-Habitual Resident Status NHR in Portugal, Complete Guide 2023 : Conditions, Taxes and Evolution

The resident-non-habitual NHR status is a fiscal regime that was created in 2009 by the Portuguese Government. It is a tax system that grants a 20% tax rate or a total exemption on the taxation of income of expatriates who choose to live in Portugal, for a period of 10 years. And this is not just about retirees ! In order to get the famous tax scheme, it is necessary to prepare well. In total more than 23,000 people benefited from this tax regime. Of course, certain conditions must be met in order to benefit from the non-habitual resident NHR status in Portugal, and becoming a resident is one of them. The NHR scheme is granted to both active and retired people if they meet certain criteria. What is the NHR status ? How do you qualify for NHR in Portugal ? What are the conditions to qualify for NHR status in Portugal ? What are the tax benefits of non-habitual resident status ? How to get NHR status ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the non-habitual resident NHR tax status in 2021.

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How to get the driving license in Portugal as a foreigner: exams, lessons, price

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How to get the driving license in Portugal as a foreigner: exams, lessons, price

If you decide to live in Portugal, you may also decide to take (or re-take) your driver's license there. Less expensive and less complicated than in other countries, the Portuguese driving license is recognized throughout Europe. However, the language barrier can sometimes be an obstacle to taking the plunge and learning to drive. Indeed, even if the highway code is more or less the same as in other European countries, it is necessary to learn to drive like a Portuguese. The locals say "Who knows how to drive in Lisbon knows how to drive anywhere in the world". How much does a driver's license cost in Portugal? What are the steps to take to register for it? How do I pass the Portuguese driving test? How does the practical driving test work in Portugal? I am Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, and I tell you everything about how to pass the driving test in Portugal.