Moving to a new country is quite an adventure, and the choice of destination is an essential part of any project. In Portugal, three regions attract the majority of expatriates who move there. The capital Lisbon, the southern region of the Algarve, and the region of Porto. Porto is Portugal's second largest city and has its own identity as well as a history rich in centuries of invincibility, hence its nickname of the Invicta city. Choosing the city to move to is just as, if not more, important than choosing the country, and anyone looking to move to Portugal will need to include Porto on their list when making their decision. To help and motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Porto.
Portugal D8 Visa for Digital Nomad: Your complete guide
The Portugal D8 Visa offers digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers the opportunity to establish residency in this picturesque country. Available to non-EU residents, this visa provides a pathway to living in Portugal for a minimum of one year. As a digital nomad visa, the D8 allows you to immerse yourself in a country that caters to the needs of remote professionals. Portugal, known for its stunning coastal views and vibrant nomad community, is an ideal location for those looking to blend work with the exploration of new cultures.
Embrace the freedom of remote work that aligns with the lifestyle of a digital nomad. In Portugal, you can enhance your career while enjoying the flexibility to work from anywhere within its borders—from the historic streets of Lisbon to the sunny beaches of the Algarve. Join Portugal’s growing community of digital nomads and experience life in a country that supports your professional and adventurous lifestyle. This article will outline the specifics of the D8 visa, including application requirements and highlight top Portuguese destinations that cater to the needs of remote workers.
11 administrative steps to take before leaving Portugal
Expatriation to Portugal doesn't always go according to plan, and returning home is often part of the final chapter in a move abroad. Just as you had to take the necessary steps to settle in Portugal, there are various organisations to notify and documents to obtain before leaving the country. Taxes, social security, contracts: there are many formalities to complete before saying goodbye to Portugal. To help you make the return journey in the best possible conditions, I'm Lisbob, the expats’ assistant, and I'm here to tell you about the 11 things you need to do before leaving Portugal.
9 good reasons to live in the Algarve, Portugal
Moving to a new country is quite a project, and the choice of destination is an essential part of any expatriation. The Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, is a favorite among expats in search of sunshine and joie de vivre. Renowned for its beaches, culture, exceptional weather and people, the Algarve is a rich and varied region, and one that could well suit the future expat in you. Whether you're looking for a serene retirement or to become a digital nomad, the Algarve has nothing to envy other regions. To help and motivate you in your project, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm unveiling 9 good reasons to move to the Algarve in Portugal.
Top 5 websites for obtaining a Portuguese NIF tax number online in 2025
Obtaining your NIF, the Portuguese tax number, is the first and most important administrative step to take when you decide to move to Portugal. Essential for finding accommodation, working or opening a bank account, the NIF is your tax identification number, and it is advisable to apply for it before you arrive. There are many sites on the internet (including mine) where you can apply for your NIF remotely, each with their own prices, deadlines and special features, and it's not easy to find your way around. To help you make sense of it all and find the best site for applying for your NIF online, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I've come up with my top 5 best sites for applying for a Portuguese NIF online.
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.
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.
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.
How to activate and obtain Chave Movel Digital in Portugal: complete guide 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to denounce and report a landlord or trader to the Finanças in Portugal?
In Portugal, there are unfortunately many situations in which one may wish to report abusive behaviour. A landlord who has not issued an invoice or a contract, a trader who practices tax evasion... it is possible to denounce, anonymously if necessary, a person or a company that violates Portuguese law. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I tell you all about how to denounce a landlord and report or a trader to the Finanças?
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.
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.
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.