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Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 secrets locals don’t tell you about Portugal

Moving to Portugal is an exciting journey, but there are a few secrets locals don’t usually share. These hidden gems and insights can make a huge difference in your expat experience. Today, we’re uncovering the top 9 secrets locals don’t tell you about Portugal. Ready to get the inside scoop? I’m Lisbob, your trusty expat assistant, and I’m here to guide you through it all.

9 secrets locals don’t tell you about Portugal
Culture & Tradition
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Unbelievable Laws You Didn’t Know Existed in ...

Portugal is a country full of rich traditions, stunning landscapes, and… some rather unexpected laws! While many regulations make perfect sense, others may surprise you with their unusual nature. If you live in Portugal or are planning to move there, here are 9 bizarre laws that might make you raise an eyebrow (or even laugh). I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, and today, I’m revealing some of the strangest laws in Portugal that you probably never knew existed!

9 Unbelievable Laws You Didn’t Know Existed in Portugal 🇵🇹
Culture & Tradition, Tips, Food
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Bold and Unique Portuguese Dishes to Try (If ...

Portuguese cuisine is a true adventure, filled with bold flavors and unique traditions. While some dishes are instant hits with foreigners, others require a bit more courage. For expats, exploring the local gastronomy is a must to truly immerse yourself in Portuguese culture. I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, and here are 9 Portuguese dishes that are as delicious as they are daring—perfect for those who want to expand their culinary horizons or simply prove their bravery!

9 Bold and Unique Portuguese Dishes to Try (If You Dare!)
Culture & Tradition, Tips, Finance
Marc Martin - Portugal
The Real Cost of Living in Portugal vs. ...

Portugal has become a popular destination for expats, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and affordable lifestyle. But is the cost of living really as low as people expect? From housing and groceries to healthcare and entertainment, here’s a breakdown of the real cost of living in Portugal compared to common expectations. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you understand what to budget for and avoid surprises!

The Real Cost of Living in Portugal vs. Expectations
Culture & Tradition, Tips, Transport
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Surprising Rules for Driving in Portugal

Driving in Portugal can be a wonderful way to explore the country’s scenic routes and hidden gems, but it also comes with some unique rules and practices that may surprise newcomers. From specific speed limits to unexpected parking regulations, here are 9 surprising rules for driving in Portugal that every expat and visitor should know. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate Portuguese roads with confidence!

9 Surprising Rules for Driving in Portugal
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How to secure your Portugal D7 Visa in 2025: an exhaustive guide

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How to secure your Portugal D7 Visa in 2025: an exhaustive guide

Exploring the serene landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming communities of Portugal is a dream for many. If you're from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, the Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, offers an excellent pathway to enjoying life in this charming country. This detailed guide provides everything you need to know about securing your D7 Visa, from eligibility to benefits and beyond. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm going to tell you how to secure your Portugal D7 Visa.

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9 things I wish I knew before moving to Portugal

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9 things I wish I knew before moving to Portugal

Olá, future expats! I’m Lisbob, your go-to assistant for all things related to moving and living in Portugal. While this beautiful country has much to offer, it's important to have a balanced view and understand the challenges you might face. In the spirit of honesty and transparency, I’ve compiled a list of the top 9 things I wish I knew before making the big move. This guide will help you make an informed decision and ensure you’re fully prepared for your new adventure in Portugal. Let’s dive in and explore the less glamorous, but equally important, aspects of living in Portugal.

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9 good reasons to NOT move to Portugal

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9 good reasons to NOT move to Portugal

As Lisbob, the assistant for expats, my mission is to provide honest and transparent advice to help you make informed decisions about living in Portugal. While this beautiful country offers many advantages, it's important to also consider the potential challenges you may face. By presenting both the positives and negatives, I aim to build trust and help you prepare for a smooth transition. Here are nine good reasons why moving to Portugal might not be the right choice for everyone.

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50 tips and tricks for moving to Portugal: a guide for expats

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50 tips and tricks for moving to Portugal: a guide for expats

Moving to Portugal is an exciting adventure, whether you're from the EU or a non-EU country. This beautiful country offers a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a high quality of life. I’m Lisbob, the expats’ assistant, and here are my 50 tips and tricks to help you make the most of your move to Portugal.

9 lies you have been told about Portugal: the truth behind the myths

9 lies you have been told about Portugal: the truth behind the myths

At Lisbob, we're dedicated to providing accurate and practical information to help expatriates navigate their new lives in Portugal. The charm and allure of this beautiful country often come with a series of common myths that can mislead newcomers. From the misconception of endless sunny days to the belief that moving here is a breeze, these myths can shape unrealistic expectations. Our mission is to debunk these myths and offer you the truth, ensuring you're well-prepared for your adventure in Portugal. In this article, we reveal nine commonly believed lies about Portugal and set the record straight, so you can make informed decisions and enjoy a smoother transition. Whether you're considering a move or simply curious about this fascinating country, let's dive into the real Portugal together.

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9 good reasons to live in Porto

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9 good reasons to live in Porto

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.

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Portugal D8 Visa for Digital Nomad: Your complete guide

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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.

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Portugal launches the Visa Platinum Supreme

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Portugal launches the Visa Platinum Supreme

In a spectacular reversal of migration policy worthy of an April Fool's joke, Portugal has announced that it has found a successor to the famous 'Golden Visa' programme, which was deemed too banal and insufficient. Instead, the new Portuguese government is unveiling with fanfare and fireworks (ecological, of course) its brand new programme: the Supreme Platinum Visa. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'll tell you all about this new Portuguese programme.

11 administrative steps to take before leaving Portugal

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.

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9 good reasons to live in the Algarve, Portugal

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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.

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Top 5 websites for obtaining a Portuguese NIF tax number online in 2025

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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.

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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 2025

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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.

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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 2025?

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How to apply for and obtain a Portuguese NISS number online as a foreigner in 2025?

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.