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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, Retire, Visa
Marc Martin - Portugal
How to secure your Portugal D7 Visa in 2024: an ...

Exploring the serene landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming communities of Portugal is a dream for many. If you're from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, the Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, offers an excellent pathway to enjoying life in this charming country. This detailed guide provides everything you need to know about securing your D7 Visa, from eligibility to benefits and beyond. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm going to tell you how to secure your Portugal D7 Visa.

How to secure your Portugal D7 Visa in 2024: an exhaustive guide
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

Finance

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5 mistakes to avoid when working as a freelancer in Portugal

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5 mistakes to avoid when working as a freelancer in Portugal

Going to live in Portugal and working there as a self-entrepreneur is an intensely exciting adventure. Every day new opportunities, ideas and challenges come to expats who are tempted by the freelance adventure in Portugal. One of the most important challenges as an expatriate in Portugal is of course the language. When it comes to important topics like your career as a freelancer it is essential to avoid some mistakes that can sometimes be very expensive. So that your "portuguese dream" does not end earlier than expected, Lisbob has gathered for you the 5 mistakes to avoid as a self-employed person in Portugal. With these tips no doubt you will already have fewer (bad) surprises and you can focus on your success.

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Contribuente: Why giving your NIF can make you money (and even more)

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Contribuente: Why giving your NIF can make you money (and even more)

"Contribuente on the bill?" This question comes back eternally when one lives in Portugal and for those who do not know this subtlety of the Portuguese system are surprised and do not necessarily understand everything on this subject. Is it obligatory to communicate it? What is the risk if we do not give it? What can be earned by giving it? Lisbob answers you right away.

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Taxes : How to register invoices in Portugal step by step ( and receive a larger tax refund )

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Taxes : How to register invoices in Portugal step by step ( and receive a larger tax refund )

Did you know that you can have tax refund just by giving your NIF while doing groceries ? Indeed in Portugal, every year you have to confirm all expenses you have done . You have communicated your Numéro de Contribuente for each purchase made or service ordered, so you have made halfway to claim a tax refund. In Portugal giving your NIF is not the only thing that you have to do. It is necessary to register receipts on the website of Finanças and to give sort them by category. Why should you give your NIF when you buy stuff ? How to register your bills in Portugal on the website of Finanças ? Which information to communicate ? How to optimize your invoices registration to receive an even greater tax refund ? Lisbob, expats assistant in Portugal, tells you everything.

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All types of companies and businesses in Portugal, individual and collective

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All types of companies and businesses in Portugal, individual and collective

If you have the project to undertake in Portugal, then one of the key steps in starting a business is the legal choice of the entity to be formed. It is important to know all the types of companies that can be incorporated in Portugal, in order to choose the best option to ensure the success of your business. Indeed, even if the legal forms are similar to what can be found in other European countries, Portugal has its peculiarities which make a bad choice of status can lead to many setbacks.

You must always consider the strengths of the future company, the assets to be allocated, the type of responsibility, and the required capital investment. Last but not least, you must decide if it is an adventure that you intend to conduct alone or with other partners. What are the different legal forms for companies and businesses in Portugal? What status to take if the activity is for an individual or for a group? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything in this comprehensive guide to all legal forms of business and society, individual or collective in Portugal in 2020.

 

In this way, to help you make this decision, it follows a list of different legal forms of companies, divided into two categories - individual and collective.

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The average salary in Lisbon is at € 1,174 but 17% earn less than € 600, the number of bankruptcies down sharply

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The average salary in Lisbon is at € 1,174 but 17% earn less than € 600, the number of bankruptcies down sharply

The Union of Trade Unions of Lisbon, the USL, unveiled last Friday the latest figures concerning the remuneration of workers in the Portuguese capital. The average salary in the district of Lisbon is currently 1,171.9 euros monthly, but 17.7% of workers receive less than 600 euros and 29.2% earn between 600 and 900 euros. These figures, to which everyone can say what he wants, show in any case large wage inequalities in a capital whose cost of living has continued to explode in recent years, to become ultimately more expensive than other European capitals. Also, corporate bankruptcies have halved since the peak of 2015, but remain at a high level. What are the wage figures of the Lisbon workers? What is the wage trend in the Portuguese capital? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about these figures released by the USL.

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Sick leave in Portugal : complete guide to medical leave in 2020

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Sick leave in Portugal : complete guide to medical leave in 2020

If you are working in Portugal, then at some point you may need to be on sick leave. Not that the weather in Portugal is wetter than you thought (though), but that it's okay to get sick and sometimes essential to let your body or mind rest and heal. Whether you are an employee or a self-employed person, it is possible to take leave for medical reasons. It is important to know your rights as well as your duties with the Portuguese social security, especially when you do not master the language or the laws of your country of expatriation. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, we have gathered the essentials of what you need to know in terms of sick leave and sick leave in Portugal. Who has the right to take sick leave? How much do you receive health benefits in Portugal? How to go on medical leave? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the sick leave and sick leave in 2020.

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How to obtain proof of address and certificate of fiscal residence in Portugal on finanças website in 9 steps

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How to obtain proof of address and certificate of fiscal residence in Portugal on finanças website in 9 steps

When living in Portugal, it is common for us to be asked for proof of tax domicile or proof of address from the Portuguese tax authorities. This administrative approach has become over the years a mere formality thanks to new technologies. Indeed, it is now possible for any taxpayer, even a foreign expatriate, to request and receive a proof of tax residence that serves as proof of address in Portugal. This free document, which is obtained online, certifies your home in Portugal and can be requested on several occasions during your life of expatriate: to contract services or recurring services, to open a bank account, to make a loan or credit or to enroll his children in a Portuguese school. The majority of people use water or electricity bills as proof of address or proof of address, but the personal information on these documents means that some people simply prefer to provide proof of tax domicile. How to get a proof of Portuguese tax domicile ? How to request and receive proof of tax address in Portugal ? Lisbob, expats assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about how to have proof of residence in Portugal directly on the website of financas, in 9 steps.

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Electricity in Portugal: suppliers, price and contract opening

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Electricity in Portugal: suppliers, price and contract opening

As an expat in Portugal and once the property is found, sometimes you have to deal with the issue of energy and more specifically electricity. Whether choosing the cheapest or the most efficient supplier, to the process of opening an electricity contract, it is important to know the rules of the energy market in Portugal. EDP, Iberdrola or Endesa are the best known, but there are also alternative electricity suppliers. What is the price of electricity in Portugal? Who are the different Portuguese energy suppliers? How to open an electricity contract in Portugal? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you everything about the suppliers, the prices and the procedures for opening an electricity contract in Portugal.

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How to request and obtain your password from the Finanças website in Portugal

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How to request and obtain your password from the Finanças website in Portugal

When settling in Portugal, obtaining your NIF (fiscal number) is one of the first steps to take, but the request for the Finanças portal password is just as important. Indeed if you have never registered on the Finanças portal (the Portuguese tax authorities), it is essential that you start by asking for your password. This is the most direct (in some cases the only) way to manage certain tax services. For example, via the website of the Finanças portal, it is possible to file your tax return, issue recibo verde or register and validate your invoices. Having a Finanças password is therefore essential, because many of these services and procedures are only possible via the Internet. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, shows you how to request and obtain your password from the Finanças site in Portugal.

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Real Estate : All taxes when buying a house or property in Portugal

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Real Estate : All taxes when buying a house or property in Portugal

When you decide to move abroad and buy a house or other property in Portugal, it is essential to weigh all the costs associated with it. In addition to notary fees and administrative costs, you should pay particular attention to taxes on the purchase of goods. Indeed, Portugal is famous for its “hidden” taxes that everyone should take seriously before to decide to buy a house. While putting aside the financial weight of a home loan, it is true that all the other costs associated with buying a home in Portugal mean that the total amount of the purchase of the property becomes much higher. The first step will be to find financing tailored to your needs and your payment capabilities. What are the taxes when buying a house in Portugal ? What taxes to pay when you buy a property ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about real estate taxes in Portugal.

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Capital gains in Portugal : Everything you need to know about taxes when selling your real estate

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Capital gains in Portugal : Everything you need to know about taxes when selling your real estate

In Portugal, capital gains from real estate assets correspond to the profit obtained from the sale of a house. They consist of the difference between the price at which someone bought a property and the price to which this same property has been sold. If there is a loss instead of profit, then there is no tax. In Portugal, the sale of real estate can sometimes have unpleasant surprises. Real estate gains are heavily taxed, and their calculation is important to take into account before any final decision. Selling your house in Portugal is not easy. Whether buying or selling property in Portugal, taxes are as usual. How to calculate the capital gain on real estate assets in Portugal ? How to calculate the taxes on the capital gain in Portugal ? How to benefit from a tax exemption for the resale of your property in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the capital gains of real estate assets and taxes related to the sale of house in Portugal.

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How to calculate the net salary from gross in Portugal?

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How to calculate the net salary from gross in Portugal?

When it's time to make the decision to come to live and work in Portugal, topics such as real wages and purchasing power come back regularly. Calculating net take-home pay in Portugal is a different exercise than in other countries and it is important to know it in advance in order to live serenely. If you are planning to come to work in Portugal then this article is for you. What is the average salary in Lisbon and other cities? How to calculate the net salary from gross in Portugal? Bob, the Expats Personal Assistant in Lisbon and Portugal tells you everything.

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How to file and submit your online IRS income tax return in Portugal, step by step

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How to file and submit your online IRS income tax return in Portugal, step by step

Since few years the IRS income tax declaration is entirely online in Portugal. The automatic IRS option is undoubtedly an option that greatly facilitates this obligation since it allows you to validate your declaration in a few clicks. If you want, you can trust fiscal authorities and let the declaration fill in automatically : you will just have to validate the declaration at the end of the process. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about how to complete your automatic IRS tax return online, step by step. Because the sooner you validate and submit your return, the sooner you will receive a refund if you are entitled to it.

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Minimum wage will rise to 665 euros gross per month in Portugal in 2021

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Minimum wage will rise to 665 euros gross per month in Portugal in 2021

The Portuguese government confirmed on Wednesday its intention to increase the national minimum wage by 30 euros, currently 635 euros gross monthly, in order to bring it to 665 euros. This increase is lower than that which took place in 2020 (+35 euros), but remains in line with Antonio Costa's goal of raising the minimum wage to 750 euros gross per month at the end of his mandate. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the increase in the Portuguese minimum wage.

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Rent freeze in 2021 in Portugal due to deflation

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Rent freeze in 2021 in Portugal due to deflation

This is one of the consequences of the deflation that is taking hold in Portugal: residential and commercial rents will not increase in 2021. Indeed, after 5 consecutive years of increase, the inflation rate was zero (-0, 03%) in August, the National Institute of Statistics (INE) confirmed this Thursday, September 10. This zero or negative rate forces the executive to declare a freeze on rental values ​​in 2021. As a result, landlords will not be able to increase their tenant's rent for next year. Lisbob, the # 1 expatriate assistant, tells you all about the rent freeze in Portugal in 2021.

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Portugal will lower the VAT on electricity to 13%

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Portugal will lower the VAT on electricity to 13%

Portugal has decided to lower the VAT rate on electricity, currently at 23%, for homes with low consumption. This is a measure that has been expected for several years and which is intended to favor households that consume little. The total estimated cost of the measures is 150 million euros and "will cover around 5.2 million contracts (86% of low voltage customers)", details the press release from the Portuguese Council of Ministers. The drop should be implemented in December. Lisbob, the # 1 expatriate assistant, tells you all about the drop in Portuguese electricity VAT.

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

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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.

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Portuguese tax authorities ordered to reimburse full ISV tax for the first time

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Portuguese tax authorities ordered to reimburse full ISV tax for the first time

Between Portugal and the ISV tax, it's a great love story. This tax (impostor sobre veiculos) concerns vehicles imported from abroad, and often represents an unpleasant surprise for expatriates who come to settle in Portugal. Being able to easily reach several thousand euros, this tax is disputed by taxpayers but also by Europe. For the first time, the Portuguese tax authorities were ordered to reimburse the full ISV tax collected for a used car imported from Germany. 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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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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ISV tax : Portuguese tax authorities once again lose a constitutional court case

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ISV tax : Portuguese tax authorities once again lose a constitutional court case

Portugal is keen on its ISV tax and will not give up, despite the setbacks that are accumulating. After losing the case before the Arbitral Tribunal, where the Portuguese tax authorities have already been ordered to reimburse the ISV tax on four occasions, the Portuguese tax and customs administration (TA) suffered another setback, this time before the Constitutional Court. Indeed, it was felt that with the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal, there was no question of a violation of a constitutional rule. However, the Court nevertheless invited the Portuguese tax authorities to reformulate their request, but the latter ended up presenting no new arguments and the appeal was considered to have been abandoned. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new defeat of the Portuguese fiscal authorities regarding the ISV tax.