Quantcast
Tips
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
, ,

How to receive more than 1,000 € at the end of your employment contract in Portugal (what companies are hiding from you)

, ,
How to receive more than 1,000 € at the end of your employment contract in Portugal (what companies are hiding from you)

The Portuguese labor code is complicated and sometimes contains secrets that few people know. Lisbob is the # 1 assistant for expats and its mission is to help you know all your rights and above all to know how to assert them. Portugal, like other European countries, offers workers a right to training which can, at the end of the working relationship, bring in several hundred euros. However, many companies play on not knowing this law so as not to have to pay this amount. Lisbob, the # 1 expatriate assistant, tells you all about this Portuguese labor law that could pay off.

Freedom for Rui Pinto, the Portuguese Julian Assange

Freedom for Rui Pinto, the Portuguese Julian Assange

This is great news for Rui Pinto, the notorious Portuguese hacker behind tax evasion revelations, including the infamous football leaks. After being arrested in Budapest on April 8, 2019, then extradited to Lisbon, Rui Pinto reportedly showed a willingness to collaborate with the Portuguese authorities. Despite being charged with a total of 90 crimes related to his hacks and other revelations, Rui Pinto, the so-called Portuguese Julian Assange, will be released pending trial. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the release of Rui Pinto, the hacker behind the "Football leaks".

,

List of speed radar controls in Portugal in August 2020

,
List of speed radar controls in Portugal in August 2020

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of August 2020. 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 2020. Let’s go !

What is the best VPN for expats accessible from Portugal and how to install it ?

What is the best VPN for expats accessible from Portugal and how to install it ?

As an expatriate, the Internet has become a real communication tool that, despite the distance and the kilometers, makes us feel a little less close to our loved ones. Social networks, news site, videoconferencing: The Internet has revolutionized the way expats live abroad. Go on a trip or business trip, study or work abroad ? It has become important to keep access to its favorite websites and content, and to ignore censorship or bandwidth limitations. However, it is sometimes difficult to have access your favorite site or a particular newspaper because of the geographical location. This problem is well known to expatriates and one solution is found : the VPN. To make it simple, the Virtual Private Network makes the website believe that you are connected from a country other than where you are. There are several, at moderate costs, but difficult to navigate in this multitude of offers and technical aspects. Relax : Lisbob has done a thorough investigation to find out how to watch TV from Portugal, access the Netflix catalog or consult your favorite news site. What is the best VPN from Portugal ? How to install a VPN to access foreign sites? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal tells you all about the best VPN and how to install it.

,

Reopening of bars and nightclubs in Portugal, but closing at 8 p.m. and without a dance floor

,
Reopening of bars and nightclubs in Portugal, but closing at 8 p.m. and without a dance floor

Since March and the start of the coronavirus epidemic, bars and nightclubs in Portugal have been closed. However, they should be able to reopen very soon: this is what the Publico newspaper reports. The rules applied will be the same as those applied to tea rooms: closing at 8 p.m. and of course no dance floor. The night sector will have to adapt. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the reopening of bars and nightclubs in Portugal.

, ,

Lisbon: A new metro line will connect Oeiras and Sacavém for 490 million euros

, ,
Lisbon: A new metro line will connect Oeiras and Sacavém for 490 million euros

Lisbon will see its public transport network disrupted in a few years, if the work is completed. This Wednesday, July 29th, the 3 cities of Lisbon, Oeiras and Sacavém, made a joint declaration to announce this new aerial metro project to link Cruz Quebrada with Alcantara and Santa Apolonia with Sacavém. The existing tram line 15 should be used between Alcantara and Santa Apolonia. No date for completion of the project has been announced. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the new skytrain line that will link Algès and Sacavem for 490 million euros.

,

Madeira imposes mandatory masks even outdoors despite no deaths since the start of the pandemic

,
Madeira imposes mandatory masks even outdoors despite no deaths since the start of the pandemic

Madeira is the first Portuguese region to make it compulsory to wear a mask, even outdoors and even when safety distances can be respected. From next Saturday, August 1st, it will be compulsory to wear a mask in all public spaces of Madeira and even in the streets. The decision of the regional government of Madeira was announced this afternoon and is part of a package of new measures that will be implemented in the archipelago in order to fight against the covid-19 pandemic, which has yet no deaths from the start. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the mandatory mask wearing even outdoors and with social distancing in Madeira.

, ,

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

, ,
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.

,

Dolphins back in Lisbon

,
Dolphins back in Lisbon

Lockdown also had positive effects. Thanks to the improvement of the Tagus waters as well as the reduction of noise pollution, dolphins have made a massive return to Lisbon Bay. Even if it is not an extremely rare event in itself, the frequency of the last visits (almost daily) as well as the number of dolphins goes out of the usual. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the return of these special visitors: dolphins in Lisbon.

, ,

Top 5 beaches with the hottest waters in Portugal

, ,
Top 5 beaches with the hottest waters in Portugal

When we dive for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal, it is often a surprise that awaits us. In fact, the waters of Portugal's coasts are rather cold compared to those of the Mediterranean Sea. A period of mental and physical preparation is necessary to enjoy a swim in the waters of the beaches of Portugal. However, there are some places where the temperature of the water is warmer and warmer. Where are the beach with warm water in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, in partnership with Mysexybackpack ,has gathered for you the top 5 beaches with warm waters so you can enjoy the Atlantic Ocean without freezing.


,

List of speed radar controls in Portugal in July 2020

,
List of speed radar controls in Portugal in July 2020

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of July 2020. 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 2020. Let’s go !

, ,

Portugal out of British "tourist" corridor, Spain in

, ,
Portugal out of British "tourist" corridor, Spain in

Boris Johnson has announced today the list of the countries that will be exempted a quarantine starting from 10th July. This list includes France, Italy and Spain, but excludes mainland Portugal. Madeira and Açores are in the “safe” list and will not have mandatory quarantine. This is a very bad news for Portuguese tourism and especially in the Algarve, where a lot of British tourists come every summer. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you everything about the Portugal out from the tourist corridor, and Spain in.

,

Border between Portugal and Spain reopened after 3 and a half months of closure

,
Border between Portugal and Spain reopened after 3 and a half months of closure

It had been since March 17th that the land border between Portugal and Spain was closed due to the coronavirus epidemic. After three and a half months, the two neighboring countries have decided to reopen their border this Wednesday, July 1st. And to mark the occasion, the 2 heads of state as well as the 2 heads of government will be present for a ceremony. It is now possible to move freely between the two countries. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the reopening of the border between Portugal and Spain this Wednesday, July 1st.

,

TAP airlines will be nationalised

,
TAP airlines will be nationalised

It was a rescue that was expected. While the coronavirus crisis strongly impacted the Portuguese airline TAP, the government of Antonio Costa decided to move forward with the nationalization of the emblematic company. TAP will be nationalized because private shareholders do not accept the conditions imposed by the Portuguese government regarding the loan of 1.2 billion euros to the airline. After losing 100 million euros in 2019 and being hit hard by the covid-19 crisis, the nationalization of TAP is likely to be expensive. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the nationalization of TAP.

, ,

New lockdown in 19 parishes of Lisbon area

, ,
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.

, ,

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

, ,
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.

,

What to do in Coimbra in 2020 : Top 7 monuments and places to see and visit in Coimbra and walking tour

,
What to do in Coimbra in 2020 : Top 7 monuments and places to see and visit in Coimbra and walking tour

Located between Lisbon and Porto, the medieval city of Coimbra was considered for a long time as the cultural and intellectual center of Portugal and is today one of the cities to visit absolutely. Indeed, the millennial city is full of places to visit and things to do, and Coimbra will not fail to surprise you as its cultural heritage is rich. You will also realize that the history of the city of Coimbra is closely linked to that of the country. The city of Coimbra dominates Rio Mondego and the fifteenth century monuments of the old city give it a special atmosphere, an existence as timeless. To visit Coimbra is to step back in time. What to do to make the most of your visit to the city of Coimbra ? What are the best places to visit and things to see during your stay in Coimbra ? Lisbob, expats’ assistant in Portugal, has prepared his list of the 7 best things to see during your visit to Coimbra and a walking tour.


,

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

,
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.

, ,

Algarve on maximum alert for fire risk until Tuesday

, ,
Algarve on maximum alert for fire risk until Tuesday

Fires are not uncommon in June in Portugal, and they can be extremely dangerous. We must remember those of Pedragão Grande 3 years ago who had claimed the lives of dozens of people. Today the IPMA (Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere) has put 4 municipalities of Algarve on maximum alert for fire risk, the highest level on the alert scale set up by the Portuguese authorities. The trend will worsen over the weekend with 7 Algarve municipalities on maximum fire alert, and the entire region at least at high risk. The Portuguese authorities call for the greatest caution. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this maximum fire risk alert.

A boat with 22 migrants intercepted on the beach of Vale do Lobo, in the Algarve

A boat with 22 migrants intercepted on the beach of Vale do Lobo, in the Algarve

A boat with 22 migrants from Morocco was intercepted in the territorial waters of Portugal this Monday morning around 5 a.m. The boat was spotted by fishermen who alerted the Portuguese Maritime Police in Vale do Lobo, near Faro in the Algarve. The whole group says they come from Morocco: they have all been taken care of by the SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) and they will all be tested with coronavirus today. Their journey lasted 3 days, and they are suspected of illegal immigration by the Portuguese police. This is the second time in a few days that a boat from Morocco has attempted to reach the beaches of southern Portugal. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the arrival of 22 migrants.