Quantcast
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Surprising Downsides of Living in the Algarve

When you think of the Algarve, images of sunny beaches, stunning cliffs, and endless blue skies probably come to mind. But there’s more to life here than the postcard views. For all its beauty, the Algarve has its own set of surprising downsides that can make living here a bit more complicated than you’d expect. Before making this dream destination your home, let’s dive into 9 surprising downsides of living in the Algarve. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to help you see the full picture of life in southern Portugal!

9 Surprising Downsides of Living in the Algarve
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Reasons Why Lisbon Isn’t for Everyone

Moving to Portugal is an exciting adventure, but it comes with some hidden costs that can catch expats by surprise. From property maintenance to social security contributions, these expenses can add up quickly if you're not prepared. Today, we're uncovering the top 9 hidden costs of living in Portugal to help you plan better and avoid any unpleasant financial surprises. Ready to get the inside scoop? I’m Lisbob, your trusty expat assistant, here to guide you through it all.

9 Reasons Why Lisbon Isn’t for Everyone
Tips, Retire
Marc Martin - Portugal
Do You Need a Fiscal Representative in ...

If you have financial interests in Portugal but live outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you may be required to appoint a fiscal representative. This guide will explain why a fiscal representative is essential, who needs one, and how it can help you navigate the complexities of Portuguese tax laws. From ensuring compliance with tax regulations to assisting with the application process for a NIF (tax identification number), a fiscal representative can be a crucial partner for non-residents doing business or owning property in Portugal. Read on to find out if you need one and how it can benefit you.

Do You Need a Fiscal Representative in Portugal? A Complete Guide for Non-EU Residents
Culture & Tradition, Visits
Marc Martin - Portugal
Top 9 of Lisbon's best districts to live in

Lisbon is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city, with many different neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere and lifestyle. If you're looking for a place to settle down, it's important to compare Lisbon's different neighbourhoods before deciding where to put down your boxes. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I've come up with my list of the best areas in Lisbon to move to, in no particular order.

Top 9 of Lisbon's best districts to live in
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 hidden costs of living in Portugal

Moving to Portugal is an exciting adventure, but it comes with some hidden costs that can catch expats by surprise. From property maintenance to social security contributions, these expenses can add up quickly if you're not prepared. Today, we're uncovering the top 9 hidden costs of living in Portugal to help you plan better and avoid any unpleasant financial surprises. Ready to get the inside scoop? I’m Lisbob, your trusty expat assistant, here to guide you through it all.

9 hidden costs of living in Portugal
,

9 good reasons to live in Cascais

,
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.

,

9 good reasons to live in Alentejo in Portugal

,
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.

, ,

Top 8 scams and traps to avoid 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.

, ,

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

, ,
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.

,

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

,
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. 

, ,

How to denounce and report a landlord or trader to the Finanças 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?

How to get your Certificate of Residency CRUE (Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia) In Portugal in 8 steps

How to get your Certificate of Residency CRUE (Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia) In Portugal in 8 steps

Living in Portugal, it can not be improvised. There is the project, the dream, the excitement, the sun all year long, the feet in the water and the dolce vita, but there is also and above all formal steps to be taken to give you the right to stay in the country. The Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia, more commonly known as CRUE, is one of the most important official documents to have as an expatriate in Portugal. You will be asked for many other administrative procedures and procedures. In order not to waste time and nerves, it is important to know in advance how to get your European Citizen Resident Certificate. How to get a CRUE Certificate of Residency in Portugal ? What are the documents needed to apply for a Certificado do Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, shows you how to get your certificate of residency and finally live the life you dream of !

, ,

9 Administrative Procedures and Formalities to go to live in Portugal

, ,
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.

, ,

Compulsory insurances for house staff and personal assistance in Portugal

, ,
Compulsory insurances for house staff and personal assistance in Portugal

If you make the decision to live in Portugal, then you may have to hire house staff. Unfortunately, it is not unusual that these activities are not declared. This is of course illegal, because any paid activity must be registered with the relevant authorities. It is also dangerous for the concerned employees because they are exposed to difficult situations in the event of illness, loss of employment or work accident. Fraudulent employers may face heavy fines and can even be sentenced to imprisonment. It is therefore strongly recommended, for the well-being of all, to declare your employees to the competent authorities.Personal care services are quite developed in Portugal: taking care of your home, your parents, your children, your garden or even you is a common practice. There are, however, rules to follow if you decide to call in domestic staff. The hiring of personal care professionals in Portugal must be done in accordance with the law. What are the compulsory insurances for house staff in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about personal assistance.

,

End-of-work bonus and severance pay in Portugal : everything you need to know in order to calculate and know your rights in case of job contract termination

,
End-of-work bonus and severance pay in Portugal : everything you need to know in order to calculate and know your rights in case of job contract termination

Everything that has a beginning to an end and a contract of employment in Portugal, even for an indefinite period, may one day be completed. The termination of the employment contract may entitle the employee to compensation, depending on the type of dismissal. When one leaves voluntarily or not his work at. Portugal it is important to know if one can benefit from end of contract benefits. In fact, Portuguese law sets award criteria and calculation methods for end-of-contract bonuses, whether you decide to leave your job or your employer decides to terminate your professional relationship. How to calculate the Portuguese end of contract bonus ? How to know these rights to severance benefits in Portugal ? Lisbob, the assistant of expats in Portugal, tells you all about end of contract bonuses and severance pay.

, ,

List of the best beaches for topless, naturism and nudism in Portugal and the rules to follow

, ,
List of the best beaches for topless, naturism and nudism in Portugal and the rules to follow

In recent years, the number of supporters of topless or nudism has increased in Portugal. For a long time, the topless, nudism and naturism are no longer considered as marginal practices, and places favorable to total exposure to the sun have blossomed. However, we must be careful to respect the practices of nudism in Portugal, and especially not to go wrong place! There are 8 official places recognized by the authorities and others that are less so. What are the best beaches for topless and nudism in Portugal ? What are the rules and practices to respect for naturism on Portuguese beaches ? Lisbob, the assistant of expats in Portugal, tells you all about the best beaches to do topless or nudism on Portuguese sand.

, ,

Rights of pregnant women in Portugal: What are they and how can they benefit?

, ,
Rights of pregnant women in Portugal: What are they and how can they benefit?

Pregnancy is an important step in the life of the woman and the couple and is therefore protected in Portugal by law, which gives certain rights to pregnant women. As soon as she is in pregnancy and to benefit from the rights of the pregnant woman, she can and must acquire the status of pregnant worker (pregnant trabalhadora). Do you know what are the exclusive rights for pregnant women in Portugal ? How to benefit ? Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal, makes you aware of the rights of the woman during pregnancy and the baby's early years.

, ,

How to pay SCUTS and electronic tolls in Portugal and avoid fines ?

, ,
How to pay SCUTS and electronic tolls in Portugal and avoid fines ?

If you use the roads of Portugal, whether as an expatriate or a simple tourist, then you will surely have to go through automatic tolls and gantries and other SCUTS. Payment of tolls is mandatory in Portugal, whether you are a regular user or if it is the only time you use Portuguese roads and tolls. Failure to pay SCUTS in Portugal can result in heavy fines of up to several hundred euros. It is possible to opt for an automatic payment method, that is to say, be billed via your Via Verde box or the chip on your license plate. If you do not have one of these devices you can adjust them in person. How to pay SCUTS and electronic tolls in Portugal ? What are the penalties for forgetting payment of SCUTS ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the payment of SCUTS and tolls in Portuguese land.

, ,

10 good reasons to retire in Portugal

, ,
10 good reasons to retire in Portugal

Portugal is attracting more and more foreign pensioners who decide to live happy days away from their country of origin. Also, many Portuguese or Luso-descendants who return to their country to retire there. Although each decision has its own reasons, Portugal benefits from several assets that make the country a landmark destination for retirement. Cost of living, security, weather, each retiree will have his own reasons for having decided to retire in Portugal. In order to help you in your decision and remaining as objective as possible, we have listed for you the best reasons to live your retirement in Portugal. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the 10 good reasons to retire in Portugal.

, , ,

All about the periodic VAT declaration as a self-employed worker in Portugal

, , ,
All about the periodic VAT declaration as a self-employed worker in Portugal

If you live and work as a freelancer in Portugal then the question of VAT collection or not is an important topic. It is essential for the success of your freelance activity to know the particularities of the VAT declaration in Portugal. Indeed in case of bad information transmission you expose yourself to sometimes heavy fines which can mean the end of your activity. Working as a freelancer in Portugal is not easy but thanks to Lisbob digital nomads have all cards in hand in order to know how to fill and send periodic VAT declaration in Portugal. What is periodic VAT return declaration ? How to fill it correctly ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal tells you all about the periodic VAT return in Portugal for the self-employed.

, ,

How to pay Imposto Único Circulação IUC tax online, step by step

, ,
How to pay Imposto Único Circulação IUC tax online, step by step

If you own a vehicle registered in Portugal you must pay every year the Unique Tax on Traffic (Imposto Único Circulação) IUC. You may have probably already received an email from Finanças regarding the payment of this tax. It is a mandatory tax for everyone who own a vehicle in Portugal. But when you don't speak or understand Portuguese this simple task can become a nightmare. When to pay the Imposto Único Circulação ? How to pay the IUC directly on the Finanças portal ? How to verify that we have paid the IUC ? Lisbob, the Expats Assistant in Portugal explains everything step by step.

, ,

What are the expenses and charges deductible from income tax as a freelancer 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.

, ,

How to complete and transmit the quarterly declaration to social security as a self-employed person in Portugal ?

, ,
How to complete and transmit the quarterly declaration to social security as a self-employed person in Portugal ?

Since 1 January 2019 there has been a new reporting obligation for self-employed persons in Portugal. Indeed, a new mandatory quarterly declaration must be sent to the social security system in January, April, July and October, thus making it possible to calculate the amount of the contributions that the freelance must pay. The amount of social security taxes as a self-employed person in Portugal is now calculated each quarter according to the income obtaining over the previous 3 months. This social security declaration is made directly on the website Segurança Social Direita. How to complete your self-employed worker declaration in Portugal ? How to calculate social security contributions as a freelancer ? Lisbob, expats assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the quarterly income statement to the Portuguese Social Security.

What to do in case of road accident in Portugal?

What to do in case of road accident in Portugal?

If you decide to live in Portugal and drive there you may be faced with a road accident. Whether you are a victim or a spectator, there are rules and procedures to follow in the event of a traffic accident in order to not aggravate the situation and especially to be in good position with your insurer. What to do in case of road accident in Portugal? What is the correct procedure for insurance? Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal tells you everything.

,

Map of real estate prices in Lisbon and Porto

,
Map of real estate prices in Lisbon and Porto

Real estate prices in Portugal continue to rise and Lisbon continues to grow, as does Porto. In the third quarter of last year, the average value of homes sold in Portugal increased by 7% compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching an average of 1,054 euros per square meter. Since the crisis that hit Portugal hard, real estate prices continue to break records and some even speak of speculative bubbles about to explode. According to figures published by the INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatística), some districts have seen an increase of almost 40%, but some areas have seen their prices drop, especially in Lisbon! What is the price of real estate in Portugal? What are the cheapest areas to buy a house? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, gives you this map of property prices in Lisbon and Porto.