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Culture & Tradition, Visits
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 good reasons to live in Porto

Moving to a new country is quite an adventure, and the choice of destination is an essential part of any project. In Portugal, three regions attract the majority of expatriates who move there. The capital Lisbon, the southern region of the Algarve, and the region of Porto. Porto is Portugal's second largest city and has its own identity as well as a history rich in centuries of invincibility, hence its nickname of the Invicta city. Choosing the city to move to is just as, if not more, important than choosing the country, and anyone looking to move to Portugal will need to include Porto on their list when making their decision. To help and motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Porto.

9 good reasons to live in Porto
Tips, Finance
Marc Martin - Portugal
How to get a Portuguese tax number NIF in ...

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.

How to get a Portuguese tax number NIF in person and online? Complete guide to obtaining a NIF in 2024
Culture & Tradition, Visits
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 good reasons to live in the Algarve, 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.

9 good reasons to live in the Algarve, Portugal
Tips, Finance
Marc Martin - Portugal
Top 5 websites for obtaining a Portuguese NIF ...

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.

Top 5 websites for obtaining a Portuguese NIF tax number online
Culture & Tradition, Visits
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 good reasons to live in Lisbon

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.

9 good reasons to live in Lisbon

coronavirus Italy

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Complete list of coronavirus testing sites in the Greater Lisbon region

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Complete list of coronavirus testing sites in the Greater Lisbon region

If you have symptoms related to covid-19, you may be diagnosed. The Regional Health Authority of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo (ARSLVT), in compliance with the principles of equity, quality and proximity of healthcare provided to the population, has reorganized human and material healthcare resources primary health and created 35 zones dedicated to the diagnosis of coronavirus in the region. This Thursday, the map with the network of these areas was unveiled. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, offers you the complete list of coronavirus screening locations in the Greater Lisbon region.

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6 reasons why Portugal could emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis

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6 reasons why Portugal could emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis

The health crisis linked to the coronavirus epidemic has not spared Portugal, which is embarking on a second state of emergency. Nevertheless, the predicted disaster seems to have been avoided and Portugal is doing quite well compared to its neighbor Spain. As the lightened state of emergency returns and travel is limited, Portugal begins to prepare for 2021 and the revival of its economy. Even though the months ahead look tough, Portugal could do well in the long term and emerge stronger from the crisis. Of course, the article dwells on the potentially positive aspects and overlooks the immense challenges Portugal will face. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, gives you 6 reasons why Portugal might emerge stronger from the coronavirus crisis.

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15-day extension of the state of calamity for 19 municipalities in Greater Lisbon, Portugal still at 3 different levels

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15-day extension of the state of calamity for 19 municipalities in Greater Lisbon, Portugal still at 3 different levels

As of July 1st, 19 municipalities in the Lisbon region are affected by the state of calamity which imposes stricter rules than in the whole country. The Portuguese government decided on Monday to extend the state of calamity by 15 days in all 19 parishes, and the rest of the Lisbon metropolitan area remains under contingency. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about extending the state of calamity for 19 municipalities in Greater Lisbon and Portugal, still at 3 different levels.

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New lockdown in 19 parishes of Lisbon area

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New lockdown in 19 parishes of Lisbon area

It is a complete change of strategy for the Portuguese capital. After the announcement in recent days of a tightening of the deconfinement rules, it is finally a comeback to lockdown which is confirmed for Lisbon. Only outings to work and shopping will be allowed, according to the Observador newspaper. 19 municipalities in the Lisbon region are affected. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the return of lockdown in the Lisbon region.

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Mini-lockdown: check out the new rules for the Lisbon metropolitan area

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Mini-lockdown: check out the new rules for the Lisbon metropolitan area

Recent Portuguese figures for the coronavirus epidemic are not good, especially in the Lisbon area. Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced on Tuesday new measures that will only be in place in the Lisbon metropolitan area, AML, and will remain until the spread figures for covid-19 improve. Over the past few days, Portugal is the 2nd European country with the highest ratio of new cases and Lisbon has been forced to tighten the rules. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the new Lisbon mini-lockdown rules.

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Portugal is the second European country with the most cases of coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants

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Portugal is the second European country with the most cases of coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants

Recent figures from Portugal regarding the coronavirus epidemic are not good. This is what emerges from a study that compares all European countries and Portugal is the 2nd worst country in terms of cases of coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants. Only Sweden is worse than Portugal. A total of 6 European countries are currently closing their borders to Portuguese nationals, based in particular on this data. Portugal defends itself by showing that it tests a lot more and therefore finds more cases. Expatriate assistant Lisbob tells you all about the recent bad figures for the coronavirus epidemic in Portugal.

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Uber call center in Lisbon fires 42% of its employees by videoconference

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Uber call center in Lisbon fires 42% of its employees by videoconference

The Uber call center, the famous platform of private drivers and home delivery, is known to expatriates living in Lisbon. In the space of a few years it had indeed become one of the largest employers of expatriates in the Lisbon capital. Unfortunately, the covid-19 crisis had a strong impact on Uber and after a first wave of layoffs abroad, 42% of employees in central Lisbon learned of their layoffs by videoconference. 160 new talents on the job market. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the dismissal of 160 Uber Lisbon employees by videoconference.

Portugal (except Lisbon) enters phase 3 of deconfinement: find out what is changing

Portugal (except Lisbon) enters phase 3 of deconfinement: find out what is changing

Portugal is continuing its deconfinement plan thanks to the positive development of the coronavirus epidemic. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa has announced that the whole country is in phase 3 deconfinement, except the metropolitan area of ​​Lisbon which is experiencing an increase in the number of confirmed cases. With this new phase, many things change and new activities are allowed. Shops, restaurants, swimming, gymnasium, the changes are many. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about what's new in the third phase of the deconfinement plan in Portugal.

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Check out the maximum capacity of each beach of Portugal

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Check out the maximum capacity of each beach of Portugal

As part of its fight against the coronavirus epidemic, Portugal has decided to set up a limited number of people who can be on each beach at the same time. If some Portuguese beaches are very large and can accommodate thousands of people, others are smaller and more strongly implanted by the tides and have their capacity limited to less than 20. The Portugal Environment Agency (APA) comes to disclose the maximum capacity for each range. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you what will change on the Portuguese beaches is summer.

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Portuguese beaches will have traffic lights at the entrance and an area of ​​10 square meters per person

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Portuguese beaches will have traffic lights at the entrance and an area of ​​10 square meters per person

It is not an April Fool: traffic lights will be installed at the entrance to Portuguese beaches to indicate the capacity to receive more bathers or not. PAN party deputy André Silva revealed this after leaving the meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa. It was also decided to allocate an area of ​​10 square meters per person. This solution aims to compensate for the lack of human resources in order to count the number of people on the beaches. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you what will change on the Portuguese beaches is summer.

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Borders between Portugal and Spain will remain closed until June 15th

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Borders between Portugal and Spain will remain closed until June 15th

The coronavirus epidemic has led to the closure of certain borders within the European Union. The land border between Portugal and Spain has been closed since the establishment of the state of emergency on March 16th, and the passage on either side is reserved for residents or cross-border workers. The Portuguese Council of Ministers announced last night that the land borders between Portugal and Spain will remain closed until June 15th. However, this date is not final and may be revised depending on the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about closing the borders between Portugal and Spain.

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Ryanair to resume 40% of flights on July 1st

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Ryanair to resume 40% of flights on July 1st

The coronavirus outbreak has strongly impacted the international air traffic sector with an unprecedented decrease in international flights. However, the hardest part seems to have passed and some companies decide to go ahead and announce a gradual resumption of activities. Ryanair has just announced that it will resume 40% of its flights on July 1st. What to hope for the many travelers and expatriates to be able to take the plane this summer. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about resuming Ryanair flights.

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Opening June 1, 6 people per umbrella, 2 meters apart: this is what Portuguese beaches might look like this summer

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Opening June 1, 6 people per umbrella, 2 meters apart: this is what Portuguese beaches might look like this summer

Portugal ended the state of emergency to move to that of calamity, opening the door to a gradual resumption of authorized activities and places. Among those who are eagerly awaited, the Portuguese beaches are at the top of the list and it is quite normal as the Portuguese beaches are magnificent. The coronavirus epidemic requires a new adaptation and new rules to protect everyone while enjoying the beaches. The DGS has already recommended a distance of 2 meters between each person and swimmer. Even if the final decisions should be known by the weekend, some sources indicate that the Portuguese government would lean for a maximum of 6 people per umbrella, the installation of turnstiles at the entrance to the beaches and a limitation of gatherings to 10 people. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you what will change on the Portuguese beaches is summer.

Deconfinement: what changes from this Monday in Portugal

Deconfinement: what changes from this Monday in Portugal

After 45 days of confinement Portugal will gradually come back to life. Indeed, the Portuguese government announced the end of the state of emergency to enter that of calamity. This Monday, the long awaited deconfinement can finally start and Portugal opens its economy again, little by little. This is the first phase of the Portuguese deconfinement plan, but it is not yet a return to normal as there will be restrictions and new rules to protect the population against the epidemic of coronavirus. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you what changes from Monday, May 4 in Portugal.

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International flights: Portugal imposes a limitation of 2/3 of passengers

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International flights: Portugal imposes a limitation of 2/3 of passengers

The coronavirus epidemic continues in Portugal and the 1,000 death mark has been surpassed. Nevertheless, Portugal ended the state of emergency to pass to the state of calamity, allowing the partial resumption of the activity. Among the sectors that are still impacted, that of international air traffic, which does not really know when and how it will be able to get out of this crisis. In order to protect passengers but still ensure economic viability, Portugal has decided to impose a 2/3 occupancy limit for international flights. This will generate additional costs for passengers and a logistical and financial challenge for airlines. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about limiting the. number of passengers on international flights to Portugal.

Dates, phases and calendar of the deconfinement plan in Portugal

Dates, phases and calendar of the deconfinement plan in Portugal

Portuguese government is prepared to reopen the economy and end the lockdown, with the peak of the coronavirus pandemic now behind. The program will consist of three distinct phases, which can of course evolve according to certain public health criteria. After several weeks of state of emergency, which has forced the closure of most economic activities, Portugal will begin to reopen sector by sector. The return to normal plan is gradual and includes specific dates: May 4th, May 18th and June 1st. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, gives you the dates and the official calendar for the deconfinement plan in Portugal.

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138 people infected with coronavirus in a youth hostel in Lisbon

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138 people infected with coronavirus in a youth hostel in Lisbon

The coronavirus epidemic is not sparing the Portuguese capital, and it is a major source of contamination which has just been discovered. Indeed, the Aykibom Hostel, located on Morais Soares street in Lisbon, has just been evacuated after 138 people were diagnosed as infected with coronavirus. The 170 occupants of the youth hostel were evacuated and the operation required the intervention of more than 100 police, translators and medical personnel. All the occupants of the hostel are refugees, who have been evacuated to the Lisbon Mosque for treatment. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about these coronavirus outbreaks in Lisbon.

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Portugal recorded excess mortality in March, but not due to coronavirus

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Portugal recorded excess mortality in March, but not due to coronavirus

The Portuguese Directorate General for Health (DGS) has launched an investigation into the excess mortality recorded in March of this year in Portugal. Indeed, the figures speak for themselves and the excess mortality (number of deaths above an average in recent years) was particularly pronounced in March compared to certain years. At first glance it could be a simple consequence of the coronavirus epidemic, but it is not. In addition, this excess mortality also affects the elderly. This could explain the relatively low mortality rate (2%) of the coronavirus in Portugal compared to other countries, but does not explain this excess mortality. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this investigation launched by the DGS in order to identify the causes of this peak in mortality.

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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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15,472 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 435 deaths in Portugal, highest increase ever with 1,516 cases in 24 hours

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15,472 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 435 deaths in Portugal, highest increase ever with 1,516 cases in 24 hours

The coronavirus epidemic is accelerating in Portugal with an additional 1,516 cases in 24 hours, the largest increase since the start of the epidemic. The Portuguese General Directorate of Health released these figures today with a total of 15,472 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portugal and 435 deaths. 8,897 are in the northern region, 3,821 in the Lisbon region, 2,197 in the central region and 279 in the Algarve. The Azores have 94 cases, Madeira 59 there are 125 confirmed cases in the Alentejo. 140 patients have so far completely recovered from the coronavirus. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic.