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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
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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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Guide to move to Portugal : preparation, steps and precautions for a perfect move

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Guide to move to Portugal : preparation, steps and precautions for a perfect move

If you have made the decision to live in Portugal, your expatriation will necessarily go through a move. Leaving your country and moving to Portugal can become a brain teaser if you are unprepared and if you do not know which trusted carrier to turn to. The organisation of a move from United-Kingdom or another country to Portugal must be done with preparation and certain precautions must be taken. Indeed, moving to another country is not easy if you are not prepared. How to prepare for your move ? What are the precautions to take to move from your country to Portugal ? How to move to Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about moving serenely to Portugal.

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Complete guide to public health system in Portugal : how to get treatment and how much does it cost

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Complete guide to public health system in Portugal : how to get treatment and how much does it cost

One of the things that comes up when you're planning to move and live in Portugal is obviously the way the health system works. Portugal has access to a quality public health system (12th in the OECD ranking), but many expatriates are unaware of its functioning or have reservations about its effectiveness. The subject is even more important when there are children, pregnant women, elderly people and situations that require periodic monitoring or support, such as diabetes, for example. Therefore, in this article, Bob will try to clarify the main doubts and find out more about the subject. How to get healthcare in Portugal ? How much does it cost to access public healthcare ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything and offers you this complete guide to public health system in Portugal

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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.


Internship in Portugal : how to find it, get prepared and intern like a boss

Internship in Portugal : how to find it, get prepared and intern like a boss

Portugal is a country that, although affected by the crisis, attracts students and academics who wish to do their internship there. Sun, cost of living, quality education system: there are many reasons to work in Portugal. Many Portuguese companies now wish to receive qualified students on internship, with the aim of hiring them afterwards. However, there are rules and you have to be careful to respect them. If you want to find your internship in Portugal, whether as an extension of an Erasmus or a diploma, many tracks are available to you. What are the sectors that hire trainees ? What are the conditions to be able to do an internship in Portugal ? How to find it and on which sites to look for it ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you everything you need to know to find, prepare and do your internship in Portugal.


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Top 5 best places to visit in Belém, Lisbon and walking itinerary

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Top 5 best places to visit in Belém, Lisbon and walking itinerary

The district of Belém is one of the most emblematic of Lisbon and is one of the essential places to visit when one comes to stay in the Portuguese capital. This district was the place from where we greeted the great Portuguese explorers exploring the world. It has become today a place full of cultural places with many monuments and museums to visit. What to visit in Belém during your stay in Lisbon ? What are the best places to discover in this unique historical district, facing the sea ? Where to go in Belém ? In this article, Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, introduces you to the top 5 best places of Belém that you must visit during your Lisbon stopover. As a bonus, we have prepared the itinerary : follow the guide!

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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.



Studying in Portugal : characteristics and particularities of the Portuguese university system

Studying in Portugal : characteristics and particularities of the Portuguese university system

Portugal is a country that makes many European students dream. Between its small typical villages and its big cities on a human scale, its olive groves, beaches and surf spots, Portugal attracts more and more students eager to taste the Portuguese way of life. Studying in Portugal is trendy and there are good reasons for this. For a few years now Lisbon has aspired to be an Erasmus city, but what about Portuguese studies and the university system ? How to come to study in Portugal ? What are the differences between the Portuguese and other European countries university system ? Is it possible to come to study easily in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything you need to know about the characteristics and functioning of the Portuguese university system, to prepare your studies or your Erasmus 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.

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A shark over 400 kg and 3 meters long caught in Sesimbra to be eaten

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A shark over 400 kg and 3 meters long caught in Sesimbra to be eaten

Even if few people know sharks are among the species present on the Portuguese coast. The evidence again yesterday with this shark that measured more than three meters and was caught off Sesimbra. This anequim shark, the fastest of all shark species in the world, is also one of the most vulnerable species. Why was he sinned? Is it rare to see sharks in Portugal? A remake of the teeth of the sea in Portugal is it possible? Bob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the shark-shark fishing off Sesimbra.

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Increase of the minimum wage in Portugal : the Portuguese Employers’ Union promises a "surprise" and an amount greater than 600 euros in 2019

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Increase of the minimum wage in Portugal : the Portuguese Employers’ Union promises a "surprise" and an amount greater than 600 euros in 2019

In Portugal good surprises sometimes come from the bosses. The minimum wage is € 580 gross in 2018 in Portugal and this amount has seen several increases in recent years. At each discussion of the Portuguese State Budget, the workers 'and employers' unions negotiate and defend their interests and defend their work. But this year the CIP, the equivalent of the Employers’ Union in Portugal, could create a surprise by proposing an increase in the minimum wage beyond the expectations of all unions. Indeed, the boss of the CIP said that we should expect a surprise concerning the increase of the Portuguese minimum wage. What are these statements of the Portuguese Employers’ Union ? What is the proposed amount ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about raising the minimum wage in Portugal.


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Portugal officially legalizes cannabis for medicinal purposes from 1 July

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Portugal officially legalizes cannabis for medicinal purposes from 1 July

The Portuguese Parliament today approved the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes from 1 July this year. The bill has been finally validated in the Portuguese Parliament. This project is the result of consultations between Bloco de Esquerda, PAN and with the help of the Portuguese Socialist Party. Self-cultivation is forbidden for her. Is it legal to smoke weed in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

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Portugal launches a Cartão de Cidadão for expats living in Portugal as part of the Simplex + 2018

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Portugal launches a Cartão de Cidadão for expats living in Portugal as part of the Simplex + 2018

The Portuguese government will launch, as part of the Simplex + 2018, a new "card of citizenship" (cartão de cidadão) for foreigners residing in Portugal, which will include tax identification, social security and the national health system. A small revolution is preparing for expatriates living in Portugal. Until now as a foreigner it was necessary to report to the different administrations (Finanças, Segurança social and SNS) in order to register, the services not communicating with each other. It will now be a thing of the past as expatriates will now be able to apply for a cartão de cidadão specifically for foreigners living in Portugal. What are the characteristics of this citizenship card for foreigners ? Where will it be possible to register for it ? How to get Cart de Cidadão for expats ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistor in Portugal, tells you all about the new cartão de cidadão for expatriates living in Portugal.

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Google opens a new development center in Portugal : 1,000 jobs to be filled

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Google opens a new development center in Portugal : 1,000 jobs to be filled

Portugal is known to attract major global groups in the field of new technologies and it is not uncommon to hear about the European Silicon Valley. The trend is confirmed even more today with the announcement made Wednesday, June 13 by Kent Walker, vice president of Google for international development. Indeed this year Portugal will host a training center and development of the operating system of Google Android with 1,000 positions to the key. When is planned the opening of this Google center in Portugal? Where will it be located? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the opening of the Google Development Center and its 1,000 vacancies.