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Ranking of foreign investors in the Portuguese real estate market

Ranking of foreign investors in the Portuguese real estate market

Foreign investments in the Portuguese real estate market are still on the rise, and once again the French dominate the ranking. Indeed, French investment is the largest in the Portuguese real estate market, with a 21% market share in the first half of 2019, according to the Association of Real Estate Professionals and Enterprises of Portugal (APEMIP). After studying all the activities carried out in the Portuguese real estate sector between January and June, APEMIP claims that foreign investments accounted for 16% of total real estate transactions in Portugal. Which countries are investing the most in Portuguese real estate? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, reveals the ranking of the largest foreign investors in the Portuguese real estate market.

Portuguese tax authorities dispute condemnation to refund ISV

Portuguese tax authorities dispute condemnation to refund ISV

The novel against the Portuguese tax authorities and taxpayers importing foreign vehicles is not over! Indeed, the dispute over the collection of the ISV tax on the import of foreign cars is now before the Constitutional Court. The Portuguese State was ordered in September to return the excess ISV tax on the importation of a foreign vehicle. This conviction has finally been challenged by the Portuguese tax authorities who decide to go to the end of their possible remedies in order to annul this decision which opened the way to remedies by many taxpayers who imported foreign vehicles. What are the consequences of this decision? Is this appeal from the Portuguese tax authorities likely to succeed? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this turnaround on the ISV tax in Portugal.

Hurricane Lorenzo will hit the whole Azores archipelago with winds of more than 200 km / h

Hurricane Lorenzo will hit the whole Azores archipelago with winds of more than 200 km / h

The archipelago of the Azores is preparing for the worst. Hurricane Lorenzo, currently category 5 is the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale, will hit hard the Azores archipelago and especially the group of Western islands. Indeed, the latest forecasts indicate that the center of the hurricane should pass very close to the western group, affecting the entire archipelago next Wednesday. Winds will reach 180 km / h with waves up to 12 meters. What is the weather forecast for the Azores archipelago? What is the trajectory of Hurricane Lorenzo? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about Hurricane Lorenzo and its impact on the Azores archipelago.

6,6 % drop in home sales in Portugal for the first time since 2013

6,6 % drop in home sales in Portugal for the first time since 2013

For the first time in six years in Portugal, home sales recorded a negative trend in the second quarter of 2019 compared to the previous year. In contrast, the price index rose by 10.1% over the same period. This decline was anticipated by specialists in the Portuguese real estate sector, its magnitude is now known: 6.6% decline. These figures are available in the latest study published by the National Institute of Statistics of Portugal. Is this decline in the number of transactions accompanied by a rise in prices a reversal of trend, or a simple pause in the Portuguese real estate market? What are the official figures of Portuguese real estate? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal tells you all about this decline in home sales in Portugal.

Portuguese tax authorities definitively condemned to refund part of ISV of an imported vehicle

Portuguese tax authorities definitively condemned to refund part of ISV of an imported vehicle

Could Pandora's box have been opened ? This is the question that can be asked after the final conviction of the Portuguese tax authorities by the Supreme Court of Portugal. Indeed, the Supreme Administrative Court upheld the decision of the arbitral tribunal, which obliges the Portuguese tax authorities to return part of the ISV paid upon the importation and registration of a used foreign car. This decision will be a precedent and will serve as a basis for future decisions in similar cases. And many expatriates who are now wondering whether they can also claim a refund of the ISV tax that is often debated, both the amount and conditions of exemption are considered "hard" or even illegal according to Brussels. What is the final decision of the Portuguese Supreme Court on the ISV tax ? Will we see the ISV tax disappear ? Can we ask for a refund ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this decision to refund the ISV tax for an imported car.

Fire in lisbon: 5 wounded in Penha da França, fire controlled

Fire in lisbon: 5 wounded in Penha da França, fire controlled

A fire broke out in the middle of Lisbon in the early afternoon, resulting in 5 light injuries and huge smoke visible throughout the Portuguese capital. This Thursday, in full red alert for the extreme temperatures and the risks of fire, the district of Penha da França ignited, more exactly in Vale de Santo António. These fires were responsible for 5 minor injuries (4 civilians and 1 fireman), and evacuation of local residents. Lisbob, the assistant of the expats in Portugal, tells you all about this fire in Lisbon.

Aircraft engine explodes just before takeoff at Lisbon airport : no injuries

Aircraft engine explodes just before takeoff at Lisbon airport : no injuries

Do you know the nickname of the TAP? "Take Another Plane". This is surely what the passengers of the Lisbon - Venice flight now say. Indeed, one of the engines of the TAP Airbus A320, which would connect the Portuguese capital to Venice, exploded on Wednesday afternoon just before takeoff on one of the runways at Humberto Delgado airport. TAP confirmed that the aircraft had suffered a "technical engine failure" and that the take-off "was immediately interrupted". Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this incident that will not improve the reputation of Lisbon airport.

Red alert for extreme temperatures and fire risks in 13 districts of Portugal

Red alert for extreme temperatures and fire risks in 13 districts of Portugal

September is very warm cin Portugal ! Indeed, the National Authority for Civil Protection and Emergency Situations (ANEPC) today launched a red alert in 13 districts in the center and north of the country, because of the high temperatures expected for the next days and the increased risk of fires. The red alert, the highest, will be effective between 00:00 Wednesday and 23:59 Sunday, announced the national commander of the ANEPC, Duarte Costa, at a press conference in Lisbon. Which are the 13 districts with red alert ? Lisbob, expats assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this. 

List of speed radar controls in Portugal in October 2019

List of speed radar controls in Portugal in October 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of October 2019. Maybe you didn’t know but when you live in Portugal you can know in advance where will be proceed speed controls. LisBob reminds you that this list is not exhaustive and that the Portuguese police can obviously proceed to surprise controls on any road. In addition, even without speed control, do not exceed the limits indicated on the road ! Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, shares the list of speed control with radar on the roads of Portugal for the month of October 2019. Let’s go !

Cockroaches by the thousands and rats the size of a rabbit : Lisbon invaded by parasites and pests

Cockroaches by the thousands and rats the size of a rabbit : Lisbon invaded by parasites and pests

Lisbon is not recognized as the cleanest and most hygienic city in the world. Indeed, there are many concerns of garbage collection, cleaning of public spaces, even if the Portuguese capital makes efforts on this point. Unfortunately, this year saw the invasion of 2 species: cockroaches and rats. Since May, the number of complaints has exploded, and hygiene services are overwhelmed. A Rat-disinfestation has already occurred this week, but it seems that the problem is persistent. Which neighborhoods in Lisbon are affected by this invasion of rats and cockroaches? What are the measures taken by the city hall of the Portuguese capital? Lisbob, the assistant of the expats in Portugal, tells you all about this invasion which is cold in the back.

Orange alert for rain, hail and violent storms in 5 regions in Portugal

Orange alert for rain, hail and violent storms in 5 regions in Portugal

The Orange Alert was triggered in Portugal because of the very difficult weather conditions that will affect several parts of the country. Indeed, the regions of Vila Real, Bragança, Viseu, Guarda and Castelo Branco are now under orange alert because of the forecast of showers, hail and violent storms, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA). These five districts will be under orange alert between 13:00 and 21:00 on Monday, August 26, 2019 due to the forecast of sometimes violent hail, strong gusts of wind and conditions favorable to thunderstorms. 7 other regions are placed in yellow alert. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the weather forecast.

Top 5 most beautiful places to get married and organise wedding in Portugal

Top 5 most beautiful places to get married and organise wedding in Portugal

Each year Portugal attracts more and more couples who want to get married. Indeed, Portugal offers a variety of scenery impressive and for a lower cost than in France. Destination weddings have been popular with foreign couples around the world for years and this is growing. Whether on the farm, in a church, on the beach or in a royal palace, Portugal will offer you a lot of different possibilities to make your wedding unforgettable for you and your loved ones. A wedding in Portugal is like an expatriation project: good preparation is the key to a successful marriage. What are the best places to get married in Portugal ? What are the best places to organize your wedding ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, reveals the list of the 5 most beautiful places to get married in Portugal.

Portuguese yellow vests join carriers' strike and threaten to block the 25th of April bridge on Monday

Portuguese yellow vests join carriers' strike and threaten to block the 25th of April bridge on Monday

The strike of the fuel carriers is gaining momentum in Portugal. While everyone thought of spending a rather quiet month in August, the fuel shortage is already being felt in the country and the government has declared a state of energy crisis, requisitioning the army to provide the minimum service. As if that was not enough, Coletes Amarelos (the Portuguese yellow vests) decided to join the strike and call for the blocking on Monday, August 12th of the famous bridge of April 25th. Other actions are also planned in other parts of the country. After the show of force failed last November when the movement had struggled to gather, the yellow jackets-yellow hope this time mobilize. What are the Portuguese yellow jackets? What actions will be put in place? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this energy crisis and this movement of Portuguese yellow-jackets.

Portuguese government decrees the state of energy crisis from 23h59 this Friday : Army ready to intervene

Portuguese government decrees the state of energy crisis from 23h59 this Friday : Army ready to intervene

The Portuguese government has decided to put the country into energy crisis from tonight until 21 August. Following the announcement of the fuel carriers' strike which is supposed to start on Monday, August 12th, the Portuguese government imposes certain rules that will affect the users, going as far as the use of the army in order to provide the minimum service. Each car can now fill only 25 liters of fuel. The situation is already tense in some pumps with stations already in short supply, and that is why the government admits having to requisition the army. What does this state of energy crisis mean in Portugal? Where to find fuel? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this energy crisis.

The most expensive apartment in Portugal's history sold for 7.2 million euros in Lisbon

The most expensive apartment in Portugal's history sold for 7.2 million euros in Lisbon

How far will the rise in property prices in Lisbon go? This is a question that we are entitled to ask following the sale of the most expensive real estate in the history of Portugal. It is a rooftop apartment with private pool, gym and spa overlooking the Tagus River. Although the penthouse was acquired for an amount deemed exorbitant, the owner of the penthouse asked to remain anonymous. The owner of Lisbon's most expensive apartment will also enjoy views of Eduardo VII Park or São Jorge Castle from its 260-square meter terrace. Is it too expensive for an apartment in Lisbon? Does it deserve its price of 7.2 million euros? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new real estate madness in the Portuguese capital.

Health Mutual in Portugal : which option to choose ?

Health Mutual in Portugal : which option to choose ?

Searching an insurance as an expatriate may be a real obstacle course, especially if you don’t speak Portuguese. Ask a quote nearby several insurance companies is primordial, in particular to know the advantages and disadvantages of each insurance and thus choose the product that fits you best. In Portugal, being covered by the Portuguese social security allows you to be healed / treated in public institutions. A simple consultation will be less expensive than in the private sector but the waiting time to get an appointment will be much longer and you won’t be able to choose your referring doctor. In order to reduce the costs related to your mutual, it is important to ask yourself: in which situation I want to use my mutual? Am I going frequently to the doctor? The dentist? In case of hospitalization, I want to be treated in France or use my mutual in Portugal? These are only few examples of questions that are important to think about before taking your decision. Indeed, some mutual will cover more or less well these different points and if you did not make your choice correctly at the beginning, you may face unforeseen events the day you will have to use your mutual. Lisbob, assistant for expats, in partnership with Inov Expat, tells you everything about health mutual in Portugal.

Novo Banco will ask 541 million euros more to Portuguese taxpayers

Novo Banco will ask 541 million euros more to Portuguese taxpayers

Novo Banco, born on the smoking ashes of the BES in 2014, estimates that it has to ask for at least 541 million euros more to the resolution fund in order to be saved. The Portuguese bank announced this need in its report on the results of the first half of this year. On their side, Portuguese MPs approved a draft resolution recommending to the government an independent audit of Novo Banco to know when this bottomless pit will stop. In addition, Novo Banco recorded a loss of 400.1 million euros in the first half of this year, compared with 212.2 million euros for the same period in 2018, which means that the situation is not improving. What is the statement of Novo Banco in the middle of the holidays? Who will pay the bill? Lisbob, the assistant of the expats in Portugal, tells you all about this new loss of Novo Banco.

List of speed radar controls in Portugal in August 2019

List of speed radar controls in Portugal in August 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of August 2019. Maybe you didn’t know but when you live in Portugal you can know in advance where will be proceed speed controls. LisBob reminds you that this list is not exhaustive and that the Portuguese police can obviously proceed to surprise controls on any road. In addition, even without speed control, do not exceed the limits indicated on the road ! Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, shares the list of speed control with radar on the roads of Portugal for the month of August 2019. Let’s go !

The mayor of Lisbon has changed his mind : the project of the new square Martim Moniz canceled

The mayor of Lisbon has changed his mind : the project of the new square Martim Moniz canceled

The redevelopment project of Martim Moniz Square, which included the construction of shops, bars and restaurants in containers, will not happen, announced the mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina. Indeed, the Lisbon City Council decided not to proceed with the project to redevelop Martim Moniz Square, which it had presented last November, and which has since been strongly contested by local residents and shopkeepers. The mayor of Lisbon noted the "decision not to follow up on the project already presented and to launch a process of ideas" for the "reconfiguration of the square Martim Moniz" at the public meeting of the mayor of the Portuguese capital. The square, deserted for a few months, is only one example among others paralyzed projects. Why is the place Martim Moniz abandoned? What's going to happen ? Lisbob, the assistant of the expats in Portugal, tells you all about this decision which cancels the new project of the place Martim Moniz.

Massive change of NHR status in Portugal : discover the new list of professions with high added value

Massive change of NHR status in Portugal : discover the new list of professions with high added value

The list of "high value added" professions that give access to NHR status in Portugal has changed. Occupations such as psychologists, architects, designers or archaeologists have left the list, and others such as directors of hotels and restaurants as well as dentists have been added. This is a real upheaval for the NHR status. In fact, the Portuguese tax authorities carried out a "thorough examination" of the list of professional activities recognized as "high value added" and which gave the right to the status of non-habitual residents. According to the order issued on Tuesday, "Portugal's economic situation has changed considerably since the publication of this table of activities, with a significant transformation of the dynamics of job creation". Non-usual residents in the occupations listed here are entitled to special rates on the IRS. What is the new list of professions recognized as "high value added" in Portugal? What about professions that come out of NHR status? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the new NHR status.