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Marc Martin - Portugal
Why So Many Expats Leave Portugal After 1 Year

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. 

Why So Many Expats Leave Portugal After 1 Year
Culture & Tradition, Tips, Finance
Marc Martin - Portugal
The Real Cost of Living in Portugal vs. ...

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!

The Real Cost of Living in Portugal vs. Expectations
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 misconceptions expats have about Portugal

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. 

9 misconceptions expats have about Portugal
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things to Consider Before Buying Property in ...

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!

9 Things to Consider Before Buying Property in Portugal
Tips, Visa, Freelancer
Marc Martin - Portugal
Portugal D8 Visa for Digital Nomad: Your ...

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.

Portugal D8 Visa for Digital Nomad: Your complete guide

News

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The 2nd largest shark in the world filmed along the coast of Sesimbra in Portugal

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The 2nd largest shark in the world filmed along the coast of Sesimbra in Portugal

Portugal is known for visiting many species such as dolphins, but it is also sometimes sharks that come to discover the Portuguese coastline. Indeed, a large basking shark, the 2nd largest species in the world, was seen this Saturday in Sesimbra, during a boat trip from the Dive Club Cipreia, more exactly on their return to the marina. This rare moment of extreme beauty has been captured in video. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this meeting with the second largest fish in the world, the basking shark.

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in March 2019

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in March 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of March 2019. Maybe you didn’t know but when you live in Portugal you can know in advance where will be proceed speed controls. LisBob reminds you that this list is not exhaustive and that the Portuguese police can obviously proceed to surprise controls on any road. In addition, even without speed control, do not exceed the limits indicated on the road ! Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, shares the list of speed control with radar on the roads of Portugal for the month of March 2019. Let’s go !

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Novo Banco loses 1.4 billion euros again and all taxpayers in Portugal will have to pay : 140 € per person

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Novo Banco loses 1.4 billion euros again and all taxpayers in Portugal will have to pay : 140 € per person

Novo Banco is the "new bank", named after the bankruptcy of the BES, Banco Espirito Santo a few years ago and continues to plague the accounts of Portugal and Portuguese. Indeed BES no longer exists since 2014 but its "new bank" comes losses of 1.4 billion euros and calls for resolution fund under the equity mechanism. More than half of this amount results from losses recorded in problematic assets inherited from the BES, and more than 350 million euros are due to regulatory requirements. But when Novo Banco loses money, all Portuguese taxpayers have to pay. Indeed the Resolution Fund is a fund powered by public money. In total, each Portuguese taxpayer will contribute € 140 to save the Novo Banco again. How will Portugal's finances be impacted? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new loss of Novo Banco.

Rare night of violence in Portugal : burnt cars, rubbed bullets and policemen attacked with molotov cocktails

Rare night of violence in Portugal : burnt cars, rubbed bullets and policemen attacked with molotov cocktails

Damaged cars, burned garbage cans and a team of PSP attacked with Molotov cocktails that replicate with rubber bullets : it is the night just passed Portugal, reputed yet quiet. The Portuguese police do not link these disorders to the events that took place last week in Seixal and created controversy. Nor does it relate to the unrest that took place at Avenida da Liberdade in central Lisbon on Monday. While the movement of the Yellow Vests does not really take in Portugal, the suburbs seem to wake up after the muscled arrest of a woman in Seixal, Bairro da Jamaica. Without talking about riots, the police molotov attacks are quite rare in a country that is known to be rather peaceful and calm. Lisbob, expats assistant in Portugal, tells you more about the troubles that are currently taking place in some Portuguese cities.

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New Airport Lisbon - Montijo confirmed : opening in 2022

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New Airport Lisbon - Montijo confirmed : opening in 2022

Portugal has signed today the confirmation of the construction of the Lisbon - Montijo airport and its opening is scheduled for 2022. The company ANA, which manages the Portuguese airports, has signed an agreement for an amount of 1 , 15 billion euros until 2028. The agreement signed this Tuesday on the extension of the airport capacity of Lisbon, divides the opinion and took time to decide. What will the new airport of Lisbon - Montijo look like ? When will he open ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about the confirmation of the new Lisbon - Montijo airport with an opening scheduled for 2022.

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New emergency identification card for expats and tourists in Portugal

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New emergency identification card for expats and tourists in Portugal

In order to improve communication with authorities and emergency medical services, Safe Communities Portugal has developed an emergency identification card for tourists and foreign residents in Portugal, but it can also be used by every Portuguese citizen. While awaiting the Cartão de Cidadão for expats, this emergency identification card does not replace an official identification document, but it is nevertheless a document that contains useful information for the emergency rescue teams, such as the medications the person is taking, the allergies they have or the important diseases. In addition, information on the authorities of the citizens' countries of origin as well as emergency contact appear on this free and useful map. What is the new emergency identification card for expatriates and tourists in Portugal ? How to get it? LisBob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal tells you everything about this new map dedicated to expats or tourists.

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Increase of minimum salary in Portugal in 2019 : 600 € gross per month due to lack of agreement on the minimum wage

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Increase of minimum salary in Portugal in 2019 : 600 € gross per month due to lack of agreement on the minimum wage

Portuguese Labor Minister said on Monday (December 10th) that the Portuguese government "had kept its program" by raising the minimum wage to € 600 a month by 2019, justifying that it did not go further because of a lack consensus between unions and employers. Contrary to what the government announced some time ago, there will be no surprise about the increase of the minimum wage in Portugal. This will reach the gross monthly amount of 600 €. Officials see their salaries rise to € 635, the first increase since the wage freeze imposed in 2009. Why has the minimum wage not increased more? What decisions have been made regarding the Portuguese minimum salary ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about the minimum wage in Portugal in 2019.

Demonstration of the Yellow Vests in Portugal this Friday, December 21 : 90% of the police force mobilized and many people expected

Demonstration of the Yellow Vests in Portugal this Friday, December 21 : 90% of the police force mobilized and many people expected

We no longer present the movement of Yellow Vests, born in France and multiple claims. The distinctive sign of the protesters and the wearing of the safety vest, a mandatory accessory in cars all over Europe. The movement is internationalized recently and it arrives in Portugal this Friday, December 21, 2018. Their name: Coletes Amarelos. Even if apparently Portugal is a quiet country, the PSP (Public Security Police) has canceled all the leave and rest of these officers and expects a very large number of protesters, and even speaks of chaos with calls to block the 25 Abril Bridge. How is the Yellow Vests demonstration in Portugal ? How is the police preparing for these gatherings that are difficult to apprehend ? LisBob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the arrival of the Yellow Vests in Portugal.

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Weather: Six districts on orange alert in Portugal, snow in the mountains

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Weather: Six districts on orange alert in Portugal, snow in the mountains

Weather conditions have worsened in Portugal and the authorities have decided to move some districts on orange alert. Indeed the districts of Guarda, Setúbal, Santarém, Lisbon, Castelo Branco and Portalegre will today be on orange alert and this in the morning, due to sometimes strong and persistent rain, according to IPMA (Portuguese Institute of the Sea and of the atmosphere). The districts of Guarda, Setúbal, Santarém, Lisbon, Castelo Branco and Portalegre will today be under the orange alert in the morning, due to periods of heavy and persistent rains, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Sea. 'atmosphere. The orange alert level, the second most serious, will take effect in the districts of Setúbal, Santarém, Lisbon and Portalegre between 09:00 and 18:00 and in Guarda and Castelo Branco between 12:00 and 21:00. Bob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this wet and cool weather.

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5.2 magnitude earthquake off Peniche in Portugal : shocks felt up to Lisbon

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5.2 magnitude earthquake off Peniche in Portugal : shocks felt up to Lisbon

An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale was recorded off Peniche this Thursday, November 1, 2018. The earthquake was felt in the municipality of Figueira da Foz and in several localities of the districts of Porto, Braga , Coimbra, Leiria and even Lisbon. According to information from IPMA, the earthquake caused neither material damage nor material damage. The epicenter was about 480 kilometers west of Peniche. Bob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this 5.2 earthquake on the Richter scale in Portugal.

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Weather forecast : cold, wind and snow wave in Portugal

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Weather forecast : cold, wind and snow wave in Portugal

If you live in Portugal, you have to bring out the big jackets. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) has unveiled its forecasts for the coming days and the least we can say is that summer is beautiful and finished well. Indeed a sharp fall in temperatures is expected throughout Portugal and will also affect other European countries. A cold air mass coming from Iceland is responsible for this rather cool weather for a last weekend of October. Wind, cold but also snow! What is the weather forecast for Portugal? Bob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything.

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New regulations on rentals in Portugal : a minimum duration of one year and tenants better protected

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New regulations on rentals in Portugal : a minimum duration of one year and tenants better protected

If you live in Portugal and especially in Lisbon, then you know that it is becoming more and more difficult to find accommodation. However, Portugal seems to have taken the measure and helps tenants by protecting the duration of the contracts and the end of them. The Portuguese Parliament approved a measure proposed by the Socialist Party (PS), which provides for a minimum duration of one year for housing rental. Even contracts signed for a shorter period now have a minimum contract of one year. Portugal has been on the offensive for some time to protect the long-term rental of residents of Portuguese cities, such as Lisbon and Porto. The recent slowdown at Alojamento Local is not the only measure implemented to protect the inhabitants. This new law establishes a minimum duration of 12 months for any rental contract. What does this new measure imply ? What does this new regulation say about long-term leasing ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new law on leasing.

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Lisbon Subway strike this Thursday, October 18th : no minimum service because "there are other means of transport"

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Lisbon Subway strike this Thursday, October 18th : no minimum service because "there are other means of transport"

If you live in Lisbon and take public transport then get ready for this Thursday morning. Indeed a partial strike of workers of the Lisbon subway is scheduled for Thursday morning and chaos is ensured for all those who use the metropolitan Lisbon every day. No minimum service will be provided for the traffic, according to the decision of the arbitral tribunal rendered Tuesday. This is justified by the existence of "other means of transport" and the "right of movement" of users. This strike will cause a total shutdown of the network between 06h and 09h30. What are the demands of this strike on the Lisbon subway ? How will users be impacted? Bob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about the Lisbon subway strike on Thursday 17 October 2018.

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Hurricane Alert in Portugal : Leslie heads straight for Lisbon region with gusts of 170 km/h and waves of 12 meters high

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Hurricane Alert in Portugal : Leslie heads straight for Lisbon region with gusts of 170 km/h and waves of 12 meters high

Portugal and especially Lisbon are on the alert with the arrival of a hurricane category 1 named Leslie. This new hurricane is currently evolving on the eastern part of the Atlantic northwest of the Canary Islands. Leslie is a category 1 hurricane. It is heading east at a speed of 52 km / h. The estimated pressure is 971 hPa. Average winds are around 140 km / h, wind gusts can approach 170 km / h and expected waves will reach 12 meters in height. A weather alert for bad weather and strong winds has been issued for Lisbon from this Saturday 12h. Bob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about Leslie, the hurricane that will hit Lisbon this weekend.

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Instant 24/7 bank transfers arrive in Portugal

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Instant 24/7 bank transfers arrive in Portugal

If you already live in Portugal, then the banking system and its peculiarities may have surprised you. Having to wait for a long time for the distributor to pay his bills or hurry up before 3 pm to hope that his transfer starts on time, is a common thing in Portugal. But things will change. Indeed, it is now possible to make immediate bank transfers, that is to say in a few seconds. The Bank of Portugal announced on Wednesday 19 September that its payment system already allows immediate transfers, even between different banks. Immediate shipments can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Funds are available in ten seconds. The bank supervisor pointed out that adherence to this system is optional on the part of financial institutions. How does this immediate transfer system work? What are the conditions? Bob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about immediate transfers.

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Summer weather in Portugal : July is the coolest for 30 years, the rest of the summer does not look better

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Summer weather in Portugal : July is the coolest for 30 years, the rest of the summer does not look better

For both tourists and expats, it will have been clear to anyone that this year's 2018 weather in Portugal is far from the best we've seen. A very wet and long winter, a non-existent spring, and now a shy summer. The figures confirm this impression of bad weather: the month of July 2018 is the coolest in 30 years. The reason ? A bad positioning of the Azores anticyclone that brings less warm air than usual. Will the weather improve in the coming days and weeks? Will temperatures finally climb this year? Bob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this cool and shy summer.


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Lisbon Airport is the sixth worst in the world in terms of punctuality

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Lisbon Airport is the sixth worst in the world in terms of punctuality

The airline statistics company OAG (Official Airline Guide) has published its latest ranking on the punctuality of airports and airlines. And the least we can say is that Portugal does not shine particularly, whether through these airports or its airlines. Indeed, according to the ranking established by OAG, Lisbon Airport ranks 6th (from the end) of the global airport punctuality ranking for the period between June 2017 and May 2018, out of a total of 513 airports in the world. the world. TAP ranks 122nd out of 137 airlines in the OAG rankings. How do Portuguese airports rank in terms of punctuality? What is the place occupied by Portuguese airlines in this ranking? Bob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this ranking.


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Freelance : all the new rules on your rights and duties as a self-employed person in Portugal

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Freelance : all the new rules on your rights and duties as a self-employed person in Portugal

Work as a freelancer in Portugal can be quite complicated specially when you don't speak Portuguese. Hopefully Bob is here to explain to you the new rules if you are a self-employed person in Portugal. The Portuguese Government has decided to modify the social protection rules in case of sickness, unemployment and parenthood for all self-employed in Portugal as from 1 July 2018. Indeed, a decree has been promulgated and it changes the rules for people working as a freelancer in Portugal. Disability, unemployment, parenthood, many points are changed regarding the rights and duties of freelancers in Portugal. What are the new rules for people working as freelancers in Portugal ? Which deadlines are modified ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the changes to the rights and duties of freelancer in Portugal.



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Lisbon is renting 36 accommodations from T0 to T3 starting from 124 €

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Lisbon is renting 36 accommodations from T0 to T3 starting from 124 €

The Lisbon City Council has just opened the applications to be able to rent low-rent housing from € 124. Good news for those who cannot find affordable rental housing in Lisbon and are already thinking about fleeing to the suburbs. Do not pack your bags now because the Lisbon City Council has just opened applications for 36 low-rent housing units since Monday, July 2, 2018. What is the price of these homes ? How to be a candidate ? Which areas are concerned ? Bob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about low-rent housing in Lisbon.


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Real estate and consumer loans in Portugal: discover the new rules

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Real estate and consumer loans in Portugal: discover the new rules

New rules on mortgages and consumer loans in Portugal were introduced as of Sunday, 2 July. As an expatriate, it is sometimes difficult to know the different rules in norm of credits house or consumer especially when one does not speak the language. If you want to buy a house in Portugal read this: The Bank of Portugal has published new rules that apply to borrowers as well as banks and they change the way you can borrow. What is the maximum debt ratio accepted? What is the maximum percentage loaned by banks to buy a house in Portugal? What is the term limit of a home loan or consumer loan? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the new rules introduced by the Bank of Portugal on consumer loans and mortgages, so that buying a house in Portugal becomes a pleasure.