Author Archives: madamejune
Long Term Rentals in Portugal
Renting is the practical choice for Portugal visitors who want more than a vacation but have no long-term plans. There are two main types to choose from: short-term or long-term rentals. If you see yourself settling here for at least the next year or so, long term rentals in Portugal may be your best bet.
A rental is usually considered long-term in the country if it lasts six months or more. Long-term rentals are more common in urban areas and inland suburbs, as resort communities attract more buyers than renters. In areas where they flourish, the choices range from simple studio apartments to luxury homes complete with exclusive pools and wine ...
Posted in Business Travel
Leave a comment
Finding Work in Portugal
Portugal attracts workers from all over Europe with its low property prices, good weather, and laid-back vibe, despite the fact that it’s in a rough economic patch. People who come here to work range from youngsters fresh out of university to those at the height of their careers, either looking for advancement or a change of pace.
The Portugal job market can be challenging, however, especially with many industries shrinking as a result of the recent bailout. The travel and service sectors account for more than half the jobs, making it especially ideal for sales, marketing, tourism, and engineering graduates. Indeed, even in this economic environment some areas continue to flourish—for ...
Posted in Business in Portugal
Leave a comment
Portugal Living
Portugal has long been a top choice for workers and businessmen looking to live in mainland Europe. Its economic issues notwithstanding, it’s a great place to live—it’s got beaches, historic sites, great food, and a lively culture. But it’s one thing to visit and another to pack up and settle down—and a surprising number of expats seem to miss the difference.
The first hurdle is the web of technicalities involved in becoming a resident. If you’re from Europe, you have to take your passport to Portugal’s immigration office, the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), and sign a statement that you are working and studying in the country. You will also ...
Posted in Business Travel
Leave a comment
Tax in Portugal: An Overview
Tax in Portugal applies to residents and foreign nationals alike earning income in the country, either as employees or self-employed individuals. The latter are usually required to pay taxes only in Portugal. Those who have met the requirements for foreign residency for at least 183 days are taxed on income earned both in Portugal and overseas.
The Portugal tax year ends on December 31 of every year. The filing deadline is April 30 for individuals and May 31 for companies. Taxpayers can make up to three advanced payments in July, September, and December, with a fourth payment of 1% allowed on the day of the filing.
Like most countries, Portugal computes tax ...
Posted in Business in Portugal
Leave a comment
Slow Economy Drives Emigration in Spain, Portugal
Young Portuguese and Spanish professionals are beginning to cast their dreams overseas and/or on online jobs or virtual offices. Some of them are fresh out of school, some just about to graduate, and others have years of experience to their name. But the one thing they have in common is an increasing lack of confidence in their own country.
Portugal has been in dire economic straits for the last two years, and employment was just one of many sectors that felt the pinch. Its acceptance of the euro-zone and International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout earlier this year was seen by many as the last straw. A similar ...
Posted in Portugal News
Leave a comment
Buying Portugal Houses
Portugal real estate has always held a special appeal to foreign investors, especially those in the U.K. and Ireland. Now that prices are down and the country is on a fairly stable recovery plan, home buying is on the rise, and experts agree that it’s one of the best times to jump in. But timing is only part of the deal—as a buyer, you also have to consider your options and make sure you’re up for the challenge.
Choosing a home in Portugal is a multi-faceted decision. The first decisions are fairly easy: do you want to live in the city or country, inland or on the coast, in a single-family ...
Posted in Real Estate Investing
Leave a comment
Buying Portugal Property
Portugal’s economic downturn was a bane to many investors, but to a select few, it’s an open door. Real estate prices are down, making it a good time to buy property in both the residential and commercial markets. There are risks, of course, but it can hardly be denied that prices like today’s—down as much as 40% in some areas—are few and far between.
The election of Pedro Passos Coelho, a Social Democrat, as the country’s new prime minister marks a period of austerity for the country. Passos Coelho is widely expected to make good on his promise of meeting the terms of the EU-IMF bailout it accepted in mid-May, which ...
Posted in Real Estate Investing
Leave a comment
New Portuguese PM Promises Stable Government, Fast Recovery
Less than two weeks in the seat as Portugal’s new prime minister, Pedro Passos Coelho promised to turn things around for his debt-ridden country, starting with a stable coalition government alongside the smaller conservative party, Centro Democrático e Social (CDS).
Passos Coelho, who succeeds José Sócrates, signed a political accord on June 16th with CDS leader Paulo Portas. In a press conference that followed, he said the step marked “a new cycle” in Portugal’s recovery, with a new majority government that he expects to remain on its feet over the next four years.
He also promised to regain trust in Portugal and its financial markets, and encourage investments in the country as ...
Posted in Portugal News
Leave a comment
Business Travel Tips
Whether you’re going to Lisbon, New York, or Shanghai, business travel is tricky. The risks run from not getting the best seats to running late for meetings because of delayed or missed flights. And in any business, perception is everything—and showing up frazzled isn’t the best way to make an impression. Here are some ways you can take the stress out of your next business trip.
1) Book your seats in advance. Most airlines now allow you to pre-book your flight online, or through your travel agent. Have a hard copy of your confirmation on hand in case the booking system fails (it happens more often than you think).
2) Check rules ...
Posted in Business Travel
Leave a comment
Why Learn Portuguese?
Learning the local language should be a top priority for anyone wishing to do business overseas. Although most Portuguese are conversational in English, making an effort to speak their language says a lot about your character, strengthens professional ties, and makes it easier to work in any field.
Portuguese is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world. Besides Portugal, it is an official language in its former colonies, which includes Brazil, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, Macau, and East Timor. Around 236 million people speak it as a first language, and it is a secondary language for about 40 million more.
Basic phrases such as Bom dia, ...
Posted in Business in Portugal
Leave a comment
Slow Economy Drives Emigration in Spain, Portugal
Young Portuguese and Spanish professionals are beginning to cast their dreams overseas and/or on online jobs or virtual offices. Some of them are fresh out of school, some just about to graduate, and others have years of experience to their … Continue reading
Posted in Portugal News
Leave a comment
Personal Insurance
Personal insurance plans are one of the most important things to have in the modern world. They’re not only your fall back should your plans fail, they are also one of the best places to invest your money. Personal insurance … Continue reading
Building your Business Credit
If you have a business, getting a loan package is sometimes inevitable. There are occasions when an entrepreneur needs financial assistance for various purposes like expansion of the business, additional operational funds, or funding another business venture. With a good … Continue reading
Why is Rocky Point Mexico a Popular Vacation Destination?
One of the best vacation destinations at the moment is Puerto Penasco in Mexico. Puerto Penasco Mexico weather is well-suited for individuals or couples who long for hot and luxurious environments. Mexico has the advantage of uncrowded beaches with luxury … Continue reading
Posted in Real Estate Investing
Leave a comment