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Tips, Retire, Visa
Marc Martin - Portugal
How to secure your Portugal D7 Visa in 2024: an ...

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.

How to secure your Portugal D7 Visa in 2024: an exhaustive guide
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
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.

9 things I wish I knew before moving to Portugal
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
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.

9 good reasons to NOT move to Portugal
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
50 tips and tricks for moving to Portugal: a ...

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.

50 tips and tricks for moving to Portugal: a guide for expats
Culture & Tradition
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 lies you have been told about Portugal: the ...

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.

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

real estate portugal

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Map of real estate prices in Lisbon and Porto

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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.

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Capital gains in Portugal : Everything you need to know about taxes when selling your real estate

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Capital gains in Portugal : Everything you need to know about taxes when selling your real estate

In Portugal, capital gains from real estate assets correspond to the profit obtained from the sale of a house. They consist of the difference between the price at which someone bought a property and the price to which this same property has been sold. If there is a loss instead of profit, then there is no tax. In Portugal, the sale of real estate can sometimes have unpleasant surprises. Real estate gains are heavily taxed, and their calculation is important to take into account before any final decision. Selling your house in Portugal is not easy. Whether buying or selling property in Portugal, taxes are as usual. How to calculate the capital gain on real estate assets in Portugal ? How to calculate the taxes on the capital gain in Portugal ? How to benefit from a tax exemption for the resale of your property in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the capital gains of real estate assets and taxes related to the sale of house in Portugal.

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Lisbon pays 3 years' rent in advance to landlords who join the "Renda Segura" program

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Lisbon pays 3 years' rent in advance to landlords who join the "Renda Segura" program

Lisbon property prices have been a recurring problem for those who wish to find accommodation there for several years. On the other hand, many owners are asking their tenant for concrete guarantees in order to cover themselves in the event of default. The Lisbon city council wishes to reconcile the two with its “Renda Segura” program: a rental housing program accessible for tenants, and a payment guarantee for owners. Some may even ask to receive 3 years' rent in advance. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this “Renda Segura” program in Lisbon.

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60% of Portuguese real estate agencies predict a fall in prices

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60% of Portuguese real estate agencies predict a fall in prices

Real estate prices continued to rise in Portugal late last year to record highs, but the coronavirus epidemic may well be a game-changer. At least that is what most real estate agencies think, according to a study by the Imovirtual site which interviewed hundreds of professionals in the sector. The expected drop is 25%, but some believe that prices will simply stabilize. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this investigation which does not bode well for Portuguese real estate.

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Interactive map of real estate prices in Portugal, district by district

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Interactive map of real estate prices in Portugal, district by district

Real estate prices in Portugal continued to rise in Portugal late last year. This is shown by data compiled by the Portuguese National Institute of Statistics (INE), which analyzed real estate transactions. Across the country, prices rose 8.5% in the last quarter of 2019, but the differences between cities are significant. The INE provides an interactive map that allows you to find out the price of real estate in each district and these in several cities in Portugal. The coronavirus is likely to stagnate or see prices fall, and this study corresponds to the pre-pandemic. 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 interactive map of property prices in major Portuguese cities.

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How to benefit from the moratorium on real estate loans in Portugal?

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How to benefit from the moratorium on real estate loans in Portugal?

In order to mitigate the economic effects of the crisis linked to the coronavirus pandemic, Portugal has put in place mechanisms which in particular allow individuals to benefit from a moratorium on mortgage loans. Individuals must, electronically or physically, send the lending institution a declaration of adherence to the application of the moratorium signed by the borrower and accompanied by documentation proving the regularity of the tax situation of the person making the request. The decree-law of March 27, published within the framework of the COVID-19 disease pandemic, establishes exceptional measures for the protection of households for the credit for clean and permanent housing, measures which will be in effect until 30 September 2020. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything to benefit from the moratorium on mortgage loans.

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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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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.

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« It’s a crime against the country ! » : Changes to Golden Visas and NHR status scare off investors, explains APEMIP

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« It’s a crime against the country ! » : Changes to Golden Visas and NHR status scare off investors, explains APEMIP

Portuguese real estate sector is currently turned against the government and against the bad signals it sends to foreign investors. This is the consequence of the possible modification of the rules for awarding golden visas and NHR status. These tax incentives are under the radar of many European countries which see them as unfair competition. Today, Luis Lima, the president of APEMIP, the Association of Professionals and Real Estate Companies of Portugal, sounds the alarm and indicates that the planned changes are driving investors away. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant to Portugal, tells you all about Luis Lima’s statement.

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First drop in rental prices in Lisbon since 2016

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First drop in rental prices in Lisbon since 2016

Is something happening in the Portuguese capital real estate market ? In fact, the residential income index recorded in the third quarter of 2019 the first negative variation since the third quarter of 2016, according to data from Confidencial Imobiliário. The mad increase in rental prices in Lisbon is coming to an end, after years of increases which have caused housing difficulties for locals. Some see it as a financial bubble burst, others as a simple adjustment. This 1.4% drop is the first for several years. At the national level, the increase was 0.2%, and 2.5% for Porto. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the falling rents in the Portuguese capital.

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"Portuguese real estate market will cool down due to lack of supply in 2020" : the president of the association of professionals and real estate companies in Portugal takes stock

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"Portuguese real estate market will cool down due to lack of supply in 2020" : the president of the association of professionals and real estate companies in Portugal takes stock

After the boom, the Portuguese real estate market will cool down in 2020: the president of professionals in the real estate sector says so. He thinks it is necessary to adapt the offer to the needs of the market. Luís Lima, president of the Association of Professionals and Real Estate Companies of Portugal (APEMIP), gives this interview translated from the site dinehirovivo.pt

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Portuguese tax department loses once again and will have to refund ISV for another imported vehicle which she claimed 21,000 euros tax

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Portuguese tax department loses once again and will have to refund ISV for another imported vehicle which she claimed 21,000 euros tax

It seems that Pandora's box will be hard to close. Indeed, the Portuguese tax has again been condemned to repay part of the ISV of an imported car. This vehicle? A Mercedes GLS 350D of 2018 for which the Portuguese tax claimed 21.004,94 €. This is already the second case the Tax Authority (AT) is losing in this regard this year, and it looks like it will not be the last. Portugal, justifying this tax for environmental reasons, is still subject to Brussels sanctions concerning this tax, which is considered illegal. Is this the end of the ISV tax? Does this concern all imported vehicles? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new defeat of the Portuguese tax authorities regarding the ISV tax.

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Portuguese unemployment rate drops to 6.1% in third quarter, increase of youth without job nor diploma

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Portuguese unemployment rate drops to 6.1% in third quarter, increase of youth without job nor diploma

During the Web Summit the Portuguese government announces good figures at the level of employment. In fact, the unemployment rate declined in the third quarter of this year to 6.1%. During the last quarter more than 31,000 jobs were created. This rate represents a decrease of 0.2% compared to the second quarter of the year. Nevertheless, these figures have to be put into perspective, in particular because of the fall in the active population and the increase in the number of young people without a job or diploma. The INE, the Portuguese National Institute of Statistics, indicates that this is the lowest unemployment rate since 2011. What is the detail of Portuguese unemployment figures? How to explain this dynamism? Is it the tree that hides the forest? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the latest figures of Portuguese unemployment.

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Huge drop in the number of Alojamento Local registrations in Portugal, -73% in Lisbon

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Huge drop in the number of Alojamento Local registrations in Portugal, -73% in Lisbon

It would seem that the Portuguese strategy to reduce the number of new Alojamento local and curb real estate speculation is starting to bear these fruits. Between January and October 2019, 13,201 new dwellings were registered for a tourist rental activity, 43% less than during the same period in 2018. Lisbon is the region most affected by this drop in new requests, because of the setting up of areas where it is no longer possible to obtain new licenses for tourist rental and Porto is not spared by this fall. Is this good news for people living in big portuguese cities ? What are the figures for this significant drop in Alojameto Local? Lisbob, the assistant of expats in Portugal, tells you all about this drop in registrations.

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Ranking of foreign investors in the Portuguese real estate market

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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10 official and definitive stats of the real estate market in Portugal in 2018

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10 official and definitive stats of the real estate market in Portugal in 2018

The National Institute of Statistics of Portugal INE has published the official and definitive figures of the Portuguese real estate market for 2018. More and more real estate are sold and for higher and higher values. Lisbon continues to shine in the real estate market, but last year, the palm of the region with the fastest growth was the Alentejo. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), prices have risen for the last 5 consecutive years, but they are starting to show signs of slowing down. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, gathered the ten official and definitive figures of the Portuguese real estate market in 2018.