If you are thinking of moving to Portugal, keep in mind that you will have trouble integrating entirely unless you have a good grasp of the local language. You can start your relationship with the Portuguese language via an online course. Not only are online courses very convenient -- you choose how to organize your time, and review challenging grammar exercises as many times as you like -- but you can continue your study, no matter where you are and how often you have to travel. Another advantage is that these courses are often free. www.learningportuguese.co.uk is a user-friendly website where you can find tons of exercises for both beginners and advanced users. What is particularly … [Read more...] about Where to learn Portuguese
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Understanding Spanish culture
"Spain is different," is a typical phrase you hear from Spanish people when talking about their culture. Indeed, there is a lot to learn and understand for those arriving in Spain for the first time. Below are the main cultural habits for expats to understand, and the best ways to deal with Spanish time management, tapas, weather, and communication. Time management and at the workplace Are Spanish always late? People usually get out of the office late, and to this extent it's quite cultural. The lack of productivity, the lack of organization, but also the good practice includes leaving the office later than the normal time. It is probably another inheritance of the over exploitation of … [Read more...] about Understanding Spanish culture
Moving to Spain: A guide to get you started
As Expatica article ‘Managing your move abroad' points out, the basic things to consider during relocation are visas and permits, vaccines for family members, restrictions or taxes on shipped household items, taxes due when you ship your car, vaccines and quarantines for pets and insurance. Relocation services Find out what you can expect from by making a checklist and how to work with a relocation firm. If your company is relocating you, look at it from the HR manager's perspective on Expatica HR's Relocation section. Also, consider relocation consultants who can help you plan your move with maximum efficiency. Taxation Tax rules vary across the world for foreign-earned income so make … [Read more...] about Moving to Spain: A guide to get you started
Visas and residency permits for Portugal
Schengen Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, made up of a group of 25 European countries that have abolished all border controls between them. The countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. With a Schengen visa, you are able to travel freely amongst these countries. Who requires a visa for Portugal? In order to enter you may need a visa and a passport, or just an identity card. Nationals from the EU, Switzerland, Andorra, and Liechtenstein will only need their identity cards. … [Read more...] about Visas and residency permits for Portugal
Moving to Portugal: A guide to get you started
If you've just landed in Portugal, it's tempting to start exploring, but there are some essential tasks to get through first. Our Getting Started section offers a wealth of important information and advice. Visas and permits If you haven’t done it already, sorting out your residence permit is an essential first step. Opening a bank account Another essential step is opening a bank account. Visit our Banking section for details on banking in Portugal and to keep up to date with news from the financial world. Finding a home So you have your visa and bank account. Now you need to find a place to stay. Read Expatica’s guide to where to live in Portugal. Should you rent or buy? Expatica … [Read more...] about Moving to Portugal: A guide to get you started
How to apply for a Spanish work permit
If you are an EU resident trying to find a job in Spain, congratulations, you’re already closer than most. Since 2003 when Spain opened its borders to allow EU citizens to work in the country, EU nationals do not need a work permit to work in Spain. People from EU countries or Switzerland may enter Spain on a tourist visa and stay for up to three months. If you plan to stay for more than three months you must apply for registration in the Central Resister of Foreigners to obtain the necessary Registration Certificate (Autorización de Residencia y Trabajo). Upon doing so you become entitled to the same legislation and equal citizens as Spanish citizens, including unemployment benefits … [Read more...] about How to apply for a Spanish work permit
Tax tips for expats in Portugal
One of the biggest shockers that you will ever encounter as an expat living in Portugal is the tax system, so make sure you give it your full care and attention. If you live in Portugal and get your pension from England you are liable for tax in both countries. Also, if you do not declare it to the tax man in Portugal they actually have the right to kick you out of the country. So make sure that you are legit with your tax from the moment go! The tax system is also very different to England, so expect to have to learn a new tax system once you become an expat in Portugal. The rate of personal income tax in Portugal is below the national average of its fellow EU countries but it … [Read more...] about Tax tips for expats in Portugal
Tax in Spain
The tax regime has changed dramatically in Spain in the past decade. It is far harder now to avoid paying tax and the penalties are high. Income tax in particular has risen considerably, although it remains lower than the EU average. But it is still very difficult to get consistent advice on what you should and shouldn't be paying. The rules keep changing, the system is complicated and you may receive different advice from different tax advisers. Foreign residents would be wise to find yourself an English-speaking adviser to explain the intricacies of your tax situation as it will depend upon numerous complicating factors such as where you live in Spain, whether you are resident or … [Read more...] about Tax in Spain