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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

Portuguese public ministry orders an investigation against Vitória Guimarães' fans after racist behaviour

Portuguese public ministry orders an investigation against Vitória Guimarães' fans after racist behaviour

The Portuguese government has ordered an investigation against supporters of the Guimarães club into the racist insults directed against Moussa Marega during this Sunday's football match between Futebol Clube do Porto and Vitória Guimarães. The Franco-Malian player has seen many racist cries and songs from the stands of Guimarães supporters. In response, the player left the field. This image shocked and toured the world of football and far beyond. Indeed, policies are also involved. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this racist shout from Guimarães supporters towards Moussa Marega.

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Orange weather alert for 7 districts of Portugal

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Orange weather alert for 7 districts of Portugal

The weather will not be mild at the start of this week in Portugal and we will have to be careful. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued an orange alert, the second most serious, for 7 districts in Portugal due to the bad weather conditions. The IPMA indicates that the waves can reach 1 meter high. The bad weather will persist until Tuesday morning and almost the entire Portuguese coastline will be under orange alert until then. Which regions are placed on orange alert? What precautions should be taken ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this orange weather alert.

Venezuela accuses TAP of transporting explosives: Portuguese government orders investigation

Venezuela accuses TAP of transporting explosives: Portuguese government orders investigation

The Portuguese government has ordered the General Inspectorate of Internal Administration to investigate the incident reported by the Venezuelan government, which ended with the arrest of Juan Guaidó's uncle, Juan José Marquez, on the landing of a flight operated by TAP. The Venezuelan government accuses the Portuguese airline of violating international standards and of allowing the transport of explosives on an airliner, even going so far as to implicate the Portuguese ambassador to Venezuela. For its part, Portugal has decided to conduct an investigation to find out more. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this case between Lisbon and Caracas.

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Housing: Lisbon worse than Barcelona or Berlin with an effort rate of 58%

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Housing: Lisbon worse than Barcelona or Berlin with an effort rate of 58%

In Lisbon, the effort rate for renting a 2-bedroom apartment, taking into account a couple and a smaller household, can reach 58%, almost double that in Berlin and Barcelona. As a reminder, the effort rate is the ratio between the sum of expenses related to the main dwelling and household income. The expenses include for the owners the loan repayments for the purchase of the accommodation, the property tax and the co-ownership charges. According to an analysis by the Publico newspaper published on Monday, it would be twice as difficult to find a rental property in the Portuguese capital than in Berlin or Barcelona, ​​while these 2 cities have higher rental prices than in Lisbon . One reason is lower incomes. Lisbob, the expats assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this survey.

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Brussels takes Portugal to court over ISV tax on imported vehicles

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Brussels takes Portugal to court over ISV tax on imported vehicles

Brussels decides to carry out its threats is attacks Portugal in justice. The European Commission has brought an action against Portugal before the Court of Justice of the EU for the fact that used vehicles imported from other Member States continue to be subject to higher taxes than those applied used cars acquired on the Portuguese market. Brussels had given an ultimatum to Lisbon to change its legislation on the ISV tax but it did not do so, arguing that the calculation of the tax was thus done to fight against climate change. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this legal battle between Brussels and Lisbon over the ISV tax.

Portuguese and Brazilian hackers publish names and addresses of 100 pedophile sites to force authorities to act

Portuguese and Brazilian hackers publish names and addresses of 100 pedophile sites to force authorities to act

CyberTeam's Portuguese and Brazilian hacktivists hacked the home pages of ten Brazilian cities with data from a pedophile network to force the authorities to intervene. "We have already informed the police and some local authorities, but they have not even replied to us." Their chief explains the reasons for this gesture to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica , operation called #OPPedoGate. Data such as the name, address of pedophile websites have been published. Lisbob, the assistant to the exaptriés in Portugal, tells you all about these hackers who do justice themselves against pedophile networks.

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Coronavirus in Portugal : Two new suspected cases in Portugal

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Coronavirus in Portugal : Two new suspected cases in Portugal

Two new suspected cases of infection with the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Portugal were validated today by the Directorate General for Health (DGS), after clinical and epidemiological evaluation. This is what the Portuguese Secretary of State for Health is announcing today. One is in Lisbon and the other in Porto and tests are pending to confirm or rule out the coronavirus infection. According to the DGS, it is "a patient returned from China who was referred to the Curry Cabral hospital, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central" and a man "returned from China who is already at the Centro Hospitalar de São João ", in Porto. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this two new suspected cases of coronavirus in Portugal.

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End of Golden Visas : Chinese and Brazilians are already cancelling their real estate purchases in Portugal

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End of Golden Visas : Chinese and Brazilians are already cancelling their real estate purchases in Portugal

The Portuguese real estate sector is sounding the alarm ! The limitation of the allocation of golden visas only to those who buy real estate in the interior regions has already led to the cancellation of many promises to buy and sell or even acts of purchase of houses in large Portuguese cities. The Portuguese Socialist Party’s proposal and the Parliament’s decision resulted in the cancellation of the contracts that were to be signed this week. The Portuguese real estate sector indicates that the end of the golden visas in Lisbon and Porto is very bad news because Chinese and Brazilians have already canceled their project. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this bad news for real estate in Lisbon and Porto.

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French tourist stabbed in the back at a McDonald's in Lisbon

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French tourist stabbed in the back at a McDonald's in Lisbon

A 21-year-old French tourist was stabbed on Tuesday at a Mc Donald’s restaurant in Lisbon while in the queue. The victim had to be assisted at the São José hospital but his life is not in danger. The attacker is on the run and is actively sought by the Portuguese police. The reason for this attack is currently unknown because the victim does not know the culprit of the stab which left a wound of 30 centimeters in the ribs. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this terrible assault in Mc Donald’s de la Rua Rodriguo da Fonseca.

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Suspension of works on the new circular subway line in Lisbon

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Suspension of works on the new circular subway line in Lisbon

This is bad news for those who bought a property near one of the new stations. In fact, as part of the vote on the Portuguese State Budget 2020, a proposal from the PAN party (animals and nature) obtained favorable votes from the PSD, BE, PCP and Chega in order to suspend the work of the new circular metro line in the Portuguese capital. The PS and the Liberal Initiative party voted against this initiative and the CDS abstained. The deputies behind this proposal want the metro to first be extended to Loures as well as Alcantara, areas poorly served by public transport, but also to give priority to the maintenance of the existing network. However, this suspension is only valid for 2020 at the moment. Those who have been impatiently waiting for the new metro line will have to wait. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the suspension of work on the new circular metro line in Lisbon.

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Coronavirus in Portugal : 2 new suspected cases in Lisbon

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Coronavirus in Portugal : 2 new suspected cases in Lisbon

Two new suspected cases of infection with the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Portugal were validated today by the Directorate General for Health (DGS), after clinical and epidemiological evaluation. This is what the Portuguese Secretary of State for Health is announcing today. The two suspect patients have been admitted to Curry Cabral hospital in Lisbon and tests are pending to confirm or rule out the coronavirus infection. The two unrelated patients show all signs of the coronavirus. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this two new suspected cases of coronavirus in Portugal.

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Portugal gives up to 4,827 euros to workers who decide to live in the inland regions

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Portugal gives up to 4,827 euros to workers who decide to live in the inland regions

Portuguese Government launches "Work Inland" program (Trabalhar no Interior),an initiative that aims to support and encourage mobility geographic of workers towards the depopulating interior territories. Those who change regions for those located inside will receive financial assistance of 2,632 euros, up to 4,827 euros, a sum that the Portuguese government deems sufficient to encourage workers to move to the regions of the interior of Portugal. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new tax assistance for living in the interior regions.

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Record year for tax revenue in Portugal : € 46 billion in 2019, + 3.8%

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Record year for tax revenue in Portugal : € 46 billion in 2019, + 3.8%

You might be wondering why Portugal is so keen on its ISV tax ? Why does it apply a high IUC tax compared to other European countries ? Finally, why is gasoline so expensive in Portugal ? Taxes of course ! You will have some answers with the latest figures from the Portuguese tax authorities concerning the revenue for the year 2019 and the figures are quite good because Portugal harvested 1.68 billion more than in 2018. Revenues from the automotive sector and oil are notably up sharply. The Portuguese State thus collected 46 billion euros in tax in 2019 in total, a figure growing by 3.8% compared to 2018. In detail some taxes see their collection drop like the ISV, while the IUC breaks records. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about tax revennue in Portugal.

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Portugual again condemned to reimburse ISV tax for imported vehicle : Lisbon challenges Brussels

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Portugual again condemned to reimburse ISV tax for imported vehicle : Lisbon challenges Brussels

Never 2 without 3. The Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (AT) was again ordered to refund part of the tax on imported vehicles (ISV) it had collected for a used car from the foreign. This decision dates from last week but Portugal is doing everything to remain discreet, as the question of the ISV could open a Pandora's box. It is indeed the third unfavorable conviction in a row from the Portuguese State, which does not comply with judicial decisions and tries to win the dispute before the Constitutional Court. Despite Europe's admonitions, Portugal decides to continue its momentum. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the Portuguese government’s new defeat over the ISV.

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in February 2020

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in February 2020

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of February 2020. 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 February 2020. Let’s go !

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Huge strike in public services in Portugal for the revaluation of wages

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Huge strike in public services in Portugal for the revaluation of wages

With a proposed salary increase of 0.3% in 10 years, the Portuguese government has annoyed the public service. In fact, the employees of the public administration of Portugal are currently carrying out a national strike, the first of the current legislature of Antonio Costa, and are organizing a demonstration in Lisbon this Friday with the different trade union organizations of the CGTP and the UGT. They anticipate strong support for the demonstrations and indicate that the various public services, such as administrations and waste collection, are strongly impacted by the staff strike, which has been going on since midnight and which will officially end this evening at the same time. The big national demonstration will start at 2.30 p.m. from Place Marquês de Pombal and many public workers from across the country plan to go there. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the civil service strike in Portugal.

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Unemployment ends up in 2019 in Portugal with a rate of 6.9%

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Unemployment ends up in 2019 in Portugal with a rate of 6.9%

Unemployment ends up in 2019 in Portugal: the rate is 6.9% The unemployment rate in Portugal has known good figures for a few years. However, the year 2019 ends with an increase to 6.9%, a figure revealed by the INE (the National Institute of Statistics) from the monthly unemployment rate excluding seasonal variation. You have to go back to August 2018 to find a higher, higher unemployment rate. Should this be seen as a break or an aggravation of the employment situation in Portugal? Lisbob, the expats assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the new Portuguese unemployment figures.

A boat with 11 migrants intercepted in the Algarve

A boat with 11 migrants intercepted in the Algarve

A small boat with 11 migrants was intercepted by the maritime police in front of Barra do Lavajo, between the islands of Armona and Culatra in the Algarve, around 4.30 am on Tuesday. They had left the city of El Jadida, in Morocco and reached the coasts of Portugal after a journey of more than 400 kilometers. The Olhão maritime police intercepted the boat after being alerted, and the 11 Moroccan migrants were all taken care of by the INEM and then the SEF, Foreigners and Borders Services. They said he came on the advice of their friends, who had taken the same route a few months ago. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the crossing of Moroccan migrants to the Algarve.

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NHR status : Portuguese government decides to tax retirees at 10% IRS and abandons the minimum amount of 7,500 euros

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NHR status : Portuguese government decides to tax retirees at 10% IRS and abandons the minimum amount of 7,500 euros

Could this be the end of a long soap opera? In fact, the Portuguese Socialist Party has decided to go ahead with its ambition to reform the status of non-habitual resident, and this this year through the Portuguese state budget 2020. The bill indicates that future retirees benefiting from non-habitual resident status will no longer have the right to a total tax exemption and will have to pay a tax of 10% on foreign pensions. The idea of ​​applying a minimum amount of 7,500 euros was not retained. This proposal is likely to be adopted this year as the forces inciting a modification or even a cancellation of the NHR statute are strong. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the changes in NHR status.

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End of Golden Visas in Lisbon and Porto

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End of Golden Visas in Lisbon and Porto

Socialist Party decided to end the Golden Visas in Lisbon and Porto, limiting the benefit of this status to the interior regions and the autonomous regions. This is a blow to this fiscal instrument which has brought a lot of foreign investment to the big urban centers but has also helped to raise the price of real estate. Rather than completely remove this controversial status, the government of Antonio Costa has decided to limit the allocation of these golden visas to people investing in CMIs and autonomous regions in order to limit the pressure on property prices in Lisbon and Port. This decision to end the Golden Visas on the whole of Portuguese territory is not only happy, but is less worse than expected. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the Portuguese Socialist Party’s decision to end the Golden Visas in Lisbon and Porto.