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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you're thinking of moving to Portugal, obtaining a Tax Identification Number (NIF) is an essential step. Essential for a multitude of daily activities, from paying for groceries to buying a house, the NIF is your key to successful integration in this magnificent country. Contrary to popular belief, obtaining an NIF is quick and easy, even for non-EU/EFTA citizens, with the possibility of acquiring it online for less than €100 and in less than a week. In this comprehensive guide, I explain everything you need to know about obtaining your Portuguese NIF in 2024, online or in person, without hassle or excessive costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your took the decision to become an expat in Portugal, now is the time to think about what you will do your vehicle. Portugal is fiercely protecting its domestic market and heavily taxing vehicles coming from abroad, European countries being no exception. Although some may qualify for an exemption from the ISV tax, the rules are often unclear and changing so despite a certain attachment and sometimes a significant investment, many expatriates decide to sell their car in former country to buy another in Portugal. Here again the rules are sometimes vague, and we must be careful that the act of buying or selling a vehicle is done in the rules to be protected, whether a new car or a second-hand one. How to buy a car in Portugal ? What are the steps to sell your vehicle ? What to check for when buying a used car in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal gives you all the details to buy and sell your car serenely.
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.
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.
