Everyone dreams of moving to Portugal. The sunshine, the sea, the lifestyle — it all looks perfect.
But here’s the truth no one tells you: a surprising number of expats pack up and leave after just one year. Why? What goes wrong? And could it happen to you? In this article, we’re revealing the 9 most common reasons why expats give up on their Portuguese dream — and how to avoid the same fate. I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant — and I tell you what others won’t. Let’s get started.
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!
Moving to a new country is thrilling, but it comes with its fair share of misconceptions, especially about a place as wonderful as Portugal. Whether it's the myth that everyone speaks English or the belief that the cost of living is low everywhere, these misconceptions can shape unrealistic expectations and lead to surprises. Let’s set the record straight by debunking the top 9 myths about moving to Portugal. Ready to get the real scoop? I’m Lisbob, your trusty expat assistant, and I’m here to guide you through the truth about living in Portugal.
Buying property in Portugal can be an exciting investment, but it’s essential to approach it with careful planning and awareness of the local market. From legal requirements to hidden costs, here are five key things to consider before buying property in Portugal. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to guide you through what to know so you can make an informed decision!
The Portugal D8 Visa offers digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers the opportunity to establish residency in this picturesque country. Available to non-EU residents, this visa provides a pathway to living in Portugal for a minimum of one year. As a digital nomad visa, the D8 allows you to immerse yourself in a country that caters to the needs of remote professionals. Portugal, known for its stunning coastal views and vibrant nomad community, is an ideal location for those looking to blend work with the exploration of new cultures.
Embrace the freedom of remote work that aligns with the lifestyle of a digital nomad. In Portugal, you can enhance your career while enjoying the flexibility to work from anywhere within its borders—from the historic streets of Lisbon to the sunny beaches of the Algarve. Join Portugal’s growing community of digital nomads and experience life in a country that supports your professional and adventurous lifestyle. This article will outline the specifics of the D8 visa, including application requirements and highlight top Portuguese destinations that cater to the needs of remote workers.
Everyone dreams of moving to Portugal. The sunshine, the sea, the lifestyle — it all looks perfect.
But here’s the truth no one tells you: a surprising number of expats pack up and leave after just one year. Why? What goes wrong? And could it happen to you? In this article, we’re revealing the 9 most common reasons why expats give up on their Portuguese dream — and how to avoid the same fate. I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant — and I tell you what others won’t. Let’s get started.
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!
Moving to a new country is thrilling, but it comes with its fair share of misconceptions, especially about a place as wonderful as Portugal. Whether it's the myth that everyone speaks English or the belief that the cost of living is low everywhere, these misconceptions can shape unrealistic expectations and lead to surprises. Let’s set the record straight by debunking the top 9 myths about moving to Portugal. Ready to get the real scoop? I’m Lisbob, your trusty expat assistant, and I’m here to guide you through the truth about living in Portugal.
Buying property in Portugal can be an exciting investment, but it’s essential to approach it with careful planning and awareness of the local market. From legal requirements to hidden costs, here are five key things to consider before buying property in Portugal. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to guide you through what to know so you can make an informed decision!
The Portugal D8 Visa offers digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers the opportunity to establish residency in this picturesque country. Available to non-EU residents, this visa provides a pathway to living in Portugal for a minimum of one year. As a digital nomad visa, the D8 allows you to immerse yourself in a country that caters to the needs of remote professionals. Portugal, known for its stunning coastal views and vibrant nomad community, is an ideal location for those looking to blend work with the exploration of new cultures.
Embrace the freedom of remote work that aligns with the lifestyle of a digital nomad. In Portugal, you can enhance your career while enjoying the flexibility to work from anywhere within its borders—from the historic streets of Lisbon to the sunny beaches of the Algarve. Join Portugal’s growing community of digital nomads and experience life in a country that supports your professional and adventurous lifestyle. This article will outline the specifics of the D8 visa, including application requirements and highlight top Portuguese destinations that cater to the needs of remote workers.
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.
Learning Portuguese can be difficult for several reasons. First of all, Portuguese is a Latin language, but it has grammatical and phonetic characteristics that make it different from other Latin languages such as Spanish or French. Portuguese has many sounds that can be difficult for beginners to master, both when listening and when speaking. To help you with this exciting project, I am Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m sharing my 9 tips to learn Portuguese easily in 2026.
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 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.
The year 2026 is just around the corner, and with it come concrete changes to the finances of residents in Portugal—whether local or expats. Between rising everyday costs, tax adjustments, and developments in the job market, here's what you need to know to start the year off right and plan your finances. What will the cost of living be like in Portugal in 2026? I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm here to tell you everything that will become more expensive in Portugal in 2026.
Moving to Portugal is exciting, but learning the language can feel intimidating! While you don’t need to be fluent to get by, knowing a few key phrases can make a big difference in your everyday interactions. These essential Portuguese phrases will help you connect with locals, navigate daily life, and make you feel more at home. Here are 9 Portuguese phrases every expat should learn. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you feel more confident and connected in Portugal!
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.
Thinking about making Porto your new home? With its stunning river views, historic charm, and vibrant culture, Porto has a lot to offer. But don’t let the postcard images fool you—living in Porto has its own quirks, surprises, and challenges that newcomers should know. Before you pack your bags and head to this beautiful city, here are 9 things you absolutely need to know. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to give you the real scoop on life in Porto!
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.
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!
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!
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!
Every country has its fair share of stereotypes and clichés—some amusing, others frustrating. The French are said to complain too much, Germans are humorless, and Spaniards party all the time. But what about the Portuguese? From humorous misconceptions to surprisingly accurate observations, these stereotypes persist, and it’s time to separate fact from fiction. I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, here to debunk (or confirm) 9 common stereotypes about the Portuguese and uncover the truth behind them!
Moving to a new country is an adventure, but it can also feel isolating at first, especially when you’re trying to build a social circle from scratch. Luckily, Portugal is a friendly and welcoming place, and there are plenty of ways for expats to make meaningful connections. Here’s a guide on how to make friends in Portugal, whether you’re in a big city or a small town. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you settle in and build your social network!
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.
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 2025, online or in person, without hassle or excessive costs.
