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Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Unexpected Realities of Life in the ...

Dreaming of peaceful days, rolling landscapes, and a break from city life? The Portuguese countryside is undoubtedly charming, but living there comes with some unexpected realities that aren’t always in the guidebooks. From slower services to unique quirks of rural life, the countryside offers a different rhythm that can be both enchanting and challenging. Before making the move, here are 9 unexpected realities of life in rural Portugal. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to give you the real scoop on country life in Portugal!

9 Unexpected Realities of Life in the Portuguese Countryside
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Porto

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!

9 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Porto
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Surprising Downsides of Living in the Algarve

When you think of the Algarve, images of sunny beaches, stunning cliffs, and endless blue skies probably come to mind. But there’s more to life here than the postcard views. For all its beauty, the Algarve has its own set of surprising downsides that can make living here a bit more complicated than you’d expect. Before making this dream destination your home, let’s dive into 9 surprising downsides of living in the Algarve. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to help you see the full picture of life in southern Portugal!

9 Surprising Downsides of Living in the Algarve
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Reasons Why Lisbon Isn’t for Everyone

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.

9 Reasons Why Lisbon Isn’t for Everyone
Tips, Retire
Marc Martin - Portugal
Do You Need a Fiscal Representative in ...

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.

Do You Need a Fiscal Representative in Portugal? A Complete Guide for Non-EU Residents

Transport

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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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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in November 2019

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in November 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of October 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 November 2019. Let’s go !

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Portuguese tax authorities dispute condemnation to refund ISV

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Portuguese tax authorities dispute condemnation to refund ISV

The novel against the Portuguese tax authorities and taxpayers importing foreign vehicles is not over! Indeed, the dispute over the collection of the ISV tax on the import of foreign cars is now before the Constitutional Court. The Portuguese State was ordered in September to return the excess ISV tax on the importation of a foreign vehicle. This conviction has finally been challenged by the Portuguese tax authorities who decide to go to the end of their possible remedies in order to annul this decision which opened the way to remedies by many taxpayers who imported foreign vehicles. What are the consequences of this decision? Is this appeal from the Portuguese tax authorities likely to succeed? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this turnaround on the ISV tax in Portugal.

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in October 2019

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in October 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of October 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 October 2019. Let’s go !

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Portuguese yellow vests join carriers' strike and threaten to block the 25th of April bridge on Monday

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Portuguese yellow vests join carriers' strike and threaten to block the 25th of April bridge on Monday

The strike of the fuel carriers is gaining momentum in Portugal. While everyone thought of spending a rather quiet month in August, the fuel shortage is already being felt in the country and the government has declared a state of energy crisis, requisitioning the army to provide the minimum service. As if that was not enough, Coletes Amarelos (the Portuguese yellow vests) decided to join the strike and call for the blocking on Monday, August 12th of the famous bridge of April 25th. Other actions are also planned in other parts of the country. After the show of force failed last November when the movement had struggled to gather, the yellow jackets-yellow hope this time mobilize. What are the Portuguese yellow jackets? What actions will be put in place? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this energy crisis and this movement of Portuguese yellow-jackets.

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Portuguese government decrees the state of energy crisis from 23h59 this Friday : Army ready to intervene

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Portuguese government decrees the state of energy crisis from 23h59 this Friday : Army ready to intervene

The Portuguese government has decided to put the country into energy crisis from tonight until 21 August. Following the announcement of the fuel carriers' strike which is supposed to start on Monday, August 12th, the Portuguese government imposes certain rules that will affect the users, going as far as the use of the army in order to provide the minimum service. Each car can now fill only 25 liters of fuel. The situation is already tense in some pumps with stations already in short supply, and that is why the government admits having to requisition the army. What does this state of energy crisis mean in Portugal? Where to find fuel? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this energy crisis.

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in August 2019

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in August 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of August 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 August 2019. Let’s go !

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New bridge (may) link Lisbon to Barreiro in 2030

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New bridge (may) link Lisbon to Barreiro in 2030

Never 2 without 3 ? Lisbon would have a third bridge, after those of April 25 and Vasco de Gama become saturated. Indeed, the Portuguese Socialist Party decided to dust off and update an old project of the Socrates government, which had to be buried because of the financial crisis. This third bridge will cross the Tagus to unclog the 2 others, and it will connect the area of ​​Chelas to that of Barreiro. This project is back on the table with 100 more in the framework of the Portuguese mobility program 2030. The different political parties seem to agree on the need for a new bridge for Lisbon but seem not to agree on the type of bridge to build : car, train or both. The cost of the project is also grinding teeth. What are the details of this third bridge for Lisbon? When is it planned? Will it really be? Lisbob, the assistant of the Expats in Portugal, tells you all about this third and new bridge of the Portuguese capital.

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3 € per hour and first pass for free : discover new parking rules in Lisbon

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3 € per hour and first pass for free : discover new parking rules in Lisbon

Parking in Lisbon will become more expensive. The private company EMEL will create two new tariff zones in the Portuguese capital, more expensive than those already existing. Indeed, after the green, yellow and red zones, Lisbon will also have brown areas and even black areas, whose parking will cost € 3 per hour and will be limited in time. The first resident parking pass for each home will be free and large families will have benefits. What are the changes to parking in the Portuguese capital ? What consequences for the creation of these new areas ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the new parking areas.

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Portuguese Parliament approves suspension of Lisbon Metro expansion project

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Portuguese Parliament approves suspension of Lisbon Metro expansion project

The Portuguese parliament approved today, thanks to the abstention of the PS, a proposal of the PSD which advocates the suspension of the circular line announced in the project of expansion of the Lisbon metro. The bill received, in addition to the abstention of the PS, the favorable votes of all the other parliamentary groups. The Social Democrats defended the suspension of the construction of the circular line and demanded technical studies of economic viability in order to radically change the initial project. The PSD thus speaks of an extension of the yellow line to Alcântara and the red line to the western zone of Lisbon, as well as the extension of the metro to the municipality of Loures. Users find it difficult to understand that these studies were not done before, and homeowners who bought property in the area of ​​the 2 new stations planned feel aggrieved. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the suspension of the Lisbon metro expansion project.

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in July 2019

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in July 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of July 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 July 2019. Let’s go !

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" There is a bomb on the plane ! " : Emergency landing and a man arrested in Porto

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" There is a bomb on the plane ! " : Emergency landing and a man arrested in Porto

A 26-year-old Italian national has been arrested on Tuesday while traveling on a Ryanair flight at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto after shouting that he had a bomb on the plane. The plane had taken off from Bergamo, Italy, and the passengers were held inside the aircraft for 30 minutes after landing, during explosive and bomb search time. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this arrest following bomb threats.

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in June 2019

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in June 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of June 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 June 2019. Let’s go !

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in May 2019

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in May 2019

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of May 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 May 2019. Let’s go !

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The Lisbon City Council wants to charge a fee of one euro for each taxi service at the airport

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The Lisbon City Council wants to charge a fee of one euro for each taxi service at the airport

The city of Lisbon wants to pay a tax of one euro to each taxi driver going to the airport Humberto Delgado to improve access to the latter but also the portfolio of the City Council, says the Jornal Economico in his printed edition. According to the Portuguese daily, the issue is being discussed in the negotiations on the new passenger car access regulation at Lisbon airport. The objective according to the City Council is to ensure the sustainability of the management of taxi places in the Portuguese capital. The president of the Lisbon taxi trade union, Antral, says that "the Lisbon City Council already receives 600,000 euros a year to manage areas dedicated to Lisbon taxis". This new tax would obviously be passed on to customers who would take a taxi from or to Lisbon airport. Where are the discussions? Why introduce this new tax of one euro? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new tax of one euro.

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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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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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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.