Life Abroad in Portugal with Bob Tapper 🇵🇹

Bob Tapper
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Hosted by American expat Bob Tapper, Life Abroad in Portugal is your go-to resource for navigating life in one of Europe’s most welcoming countries. Each episode dives into the real questions people ask when considering the move:  — How do immigration laws and residency options work? — What’s the process of starting a business in Portugal? — How do you handle insurance, banking, and taxes as a foreigner? — What are the cultural traditions, local events, and hidden gems worth exploring? Whether you're actively planning your move or just curious about the expat experience, this podcast offers practical advice, up-to-date information, and the occasional fun story from life on the ground in Porto.

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  1. S6:Ep1 - From Porto to Portimão: My Portugal Journey

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    S6:Ep1 - From Porto to Portimão: My Portugal Journey

    Send me a Text Message! JANUARY 2025 It’s a new year and a new season for the podcast! A big thanks to those of you who tune in regularly and those who drop by for an episode that catches your interest. This year is shaping up to be different—probably less travel and more focus on settling into life in Porto, Portugal. But that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped exploring! I kicked off the year by heading south to the Algarve, trading Porto’s northern charm for the beach vibes of Portimão. And let me tell you—the contrast between the two couldn’t be more striking. Being here has made me realize just how connected I feel to Porto. Portimão is beautiful, especially Praia da Rocha beach, and I can only imagine how packed it gets in the summer. But for me? It’s a great place to visit—not home. This month wasn’t just about travel, though. I tackled some big visa-related tasks—getting fingerprints done at the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, opening a bank account, and moving through the process step by step. It’s exciting, a little nerve-wracking, but all part of the adventure. Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com In this episode: Traveling the distance of PortugalLife in PortimãoMuseu de PortimãoPraia da Rocha BeachAirBnb Book your stay! Museu de Portimão The Museu de Portimão brings the rich history of Portimão to life inside a restored sardine canning factory. From prehistoric artifacts and Roman trade routes to the rise of the fishing industry, the museum showcases the region’s past through immersive exhibits. Praia da Rocha – Portugal’s Stunning Coastal Escape Praia da Rocha is one of the Algarve’s most breathtaking beach destinations. With its endless golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, this spot is perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Support the show

    9분
  2. S6:Ep2 - Moving Abroad: My Portugal Visa Journey & Expat Life Updates

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    S6:Ep2 - Moving Abroad: My Portugal Visa Journey & Expat Life Updates

    Send me a Text Message! February 2025 This month was a whirlwind! I started in Portimão, soaking up the Algarve sun (when it wasn’t cloudy) before making a long trek back to the U.S. for my visa appointment. After trains, flights, and plenty of travel days, I finalized everything, spent time with family, and made it back to Porto—officially moving into my new apartment! Now, it’s all about getting settled before a quick trip back to Albania while I wait for my residency. The journey continues—join me for the adventure! Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com In this episode: Last days in Portimão, PortugalSlow travel back to the U.S. for my visa appointmentFinalizing my Portugal visa process and spending time with familyBack to Porto, then onward to AlbaniaLooking forward to expat life in PortugalAirBnb Book your stay! Support the show

    2분
  3. S6:Ep3 - From Porto to Tirana: A Visa Pause & a Whole Lot of Flying

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    S6:Ep3 - From Porto to Tirana: A Visa Pause & a Whole Lot of Flying

    Send me a Text Message! MARCH 2025 Hey everyone—checking in from Albania! This month’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I finally moved into my new place in Porto (which felt amazing), but then had to leave Portugal until my visa is approved. Cue the Great Travel Shuffle: Porto > Madrid > Tirana > Frankfurt > US > Frankfurt > Porto. So. Many. Flights. But you know what? Tirana—and especially the Blloku neighborhood—continues to surprise me. It's my third time here and there's always more history to discover. From strong espressos and people-watching to powerful pieces of history tucked around every corner, it’s been a unique little chapter. In this episode, I’m talking about the highs, the hectic moments, the history, and what it’s like living out of a suitcase while craving a little stillness. If you’ve ever felt that mix of wanderlust and wanting to just hang your clothes up for once—you’ll get it. Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com In this episode: Moving into my Porto Apartment (for a quick minute)Pack, Unpack, Repack and back to TiranaEnver Hoxha's Home: 40 years of communist rulePostbllok MemorialLooking forward to my return to PortoAirBnb Book your stay! Former Residence of Enver Hoxha Right in the heart of Tirana is a quiet villa that once belonged to Enver Hoxha, Albania’s longtime communist leader. For decades, the entire area around it—now known as Blloku—was completely off-limits, guarded by police and secret agents. It was basically a wall-less fortress for the regime’s elite, hidden in plain sight. Today, it’s one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods, but that history still lingers. Postbllok Memorial One of the most powerful spots in Tirana is the Postbllok Memorial—a small but impactful installation created by former political prisoner Fatos Lubonja and artist Ardian Isufi. It features concrete beams from Spaç Prison, part of a military bunker, and a piece of the Berlin Wall gifted by the city of Berlin. Each element tells a story of Albania’s past under dictatorship and its long road to freedom. Support the show

    5분
  4. S6:Ep4 - Visa Victory: Back to Portugal, Albania Highlights & A New Chapter

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    S6:Ep4 - Visa Victory: Back to Portugal, Albania Highlights & A New Chapter

    Send me a Text Message! APRIL 2025 After months of waiting, it finally happened — my Portuguese visa was approved! In this episode, I share the emotional highs and lows of April: flying back to the U.S. to finalize paperwork, returning to Portugal with visa in hand, and soaking up a few last memorable moments in Albania before leaving. From a powerful mural of Mother Teresa to a surprising statue of Woodrow Wilson, I reflect on the beauty of unexpected travel discoveries — and what it feels like to finally call Portugal home. Website  I  Instagram  I  Twitter  I  LinkedIn  I  YouTube Email: actorbobtapper@gmail.com In this episode: The moment my Portuguese visa was officially approvedWhy I had to fly back to the U.S. (again) to finish the processReturning to Portugal — and what this new chapter means to meA powerful mural of Mother Teresa in the heart of TiranaThe surprising story behind Woodrow Wilson’s statue in AlbaniaLaunching www.filmmakingportugal.com and what’s ahead for my creative journeyAirBnb Book your stay! Mother Teresa and Albania A quiet moment in Tirana: a mural of Mother Teresa stopped me in my tracks.  Painted with grace and strength, her presence felt like peace in the middle of the city. No guidebook could’ve prepared me for that feeling. Just one of those travel moments that lingers. President Woodrow Wilson One of the most unexpected sights in Tirana is a statue of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson — top hat and all — standing proudly in the center of the city. It turns out that after World War I, Wilson played a key role in defending Albania’s independence at the Paris Peace Conference. The country never forgot. It's one of those fascinating travel moments that reminds you just how interconnected our histories really are. Support the show

    5분

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    S6:Ep5 - Why I Moved to Portugal + D7 Visa First Steps

    Send me a Text Message! JULY 2025 In this episode, I share the story of how I went from five years of nonstop travel to finally deciding to settle down in Portugal—specifically, in Porto. I talk about why I chose Portugal, what made Porto feel like home, and how I started the process of applying for the D7 passive income visa. If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, curious about life in Porto, or want to understand what it takes to start the D7 visa process, this episode is for you. My Consultant: Ei! Migration Agency We take care of everything from day one. All the pre departure arrangements, visas, documentations, bank accounts, transportation, health services or schools. All you need to live in Portugal. AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum The AIMA website is the official online portal for Portugal’s Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). It provides information and services related to visas, residency permits, asylum requests, immigrant integration, and other migration-related matters in Portugal. Support the show

    10분

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    S6:Ep6 - D7 Visa Approved – Inside My VFS Appointment

    Send me a Text Message! JULY 2025 In this episode, I walk you through the next big step in my move to Portugal—the VFS appointment and how I got my D7 visa approved. I’ll share exactly what the appointment was like, how I prepared, what documents I needed, and how long it took to get approved. Plus, I talk about the unexpected bonus I got with my visa—an AIMA appointment already scheduled for me, which is rare! If you’re going through the Portugal D7 visa process or planning to move to Portugal, this episode gives you a realistic look at the steps, the waiting period, and some helpful tips from my experience. My Consultant: Ei! Migration Agency We take care of everything from day one. All the pre departure arrangements, visas, documentations, bank accounts, transportation, health services or schools. All you need to live in Portugal. AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum The AIMA website is the official online portal for Portugal’s Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). It provides information and services related to visas, residency permits, asylum requests, immigrant integration, and other migration-related matters in Portugal. Support the show

    7분

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    S6:Ep7 - AIMA Document Prep (and avoiding a last-minute mistake!)

    Send me a Text Message! AUGUST 2025 Getting ready for my AIMA appointment meant double-checking every detail—bank statements, proof of income, lease agreement, and even my boarding pass. Thankfully, my consultant caught a small address issue before it could become a big headache. The meeting’s in Viana do Castelo, about an hour from Porto, so I’m making it an overnight trip. Hopefully, I’ll be celebrating that my residency permit is on its way… and enjoying a little time in one of Portugal’s prettiest coastal towns. My Consultant: Ei! Migration Agency We take care of everything from day one. All the pre departure arrangements, visas, documentations, bank accounts, transportation, health services or schools. All you need to live in Portugal. AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum The AIMA website is the official online portal for Portugal’s Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). It provides information and services related to visas, residency permits, asylum requests, immigrant integration, and other migration-related matters in Portugal. Support the show

    6분

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    S6:Ep8 - AIMA Meeting (CANCELLED?!) + One Big Tip You Must Know

    Send me a Text Message! My much-anticipated AIMA appointment has been postponed! Instead of August, I’ll now be waiting until the end of October. It’s also been moved to Porto, not Viana do Castelo. In this episode, I share what this delay means for me: expired visas, travel restrictions, healthcare, taxes, and even the risk of moving apartments before my residency card arrives. It’s frustrating, sure, but it’s also part of the process here in Portugal. I talk about why hiring a consultant is so valuable, the patience this journey requires, and how I’m choosing to set it aside for now and just enjoy daily life in Porto. My Consultant: Ei! Migration Agency We take care of everything from day one. All the pre departure arrangements, visas, documentations, bank accounts, transportation, health services or schools. All you need to live in Portugal. AIMA: Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum The AIMA website is the official online portal for Portugal’s Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). It provides information and services related to visas, residency permits, asylum requests, immigrant integration, and other migration-related matters in Portugal. Support the show

    5분
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Hosted by American expat Bob Tapper, Life Abroad in Portugal is your go-to resource for navigating life in one of Europe’s most welcoming countries. Each episode dives into the real questions people ask when considering the move:  — How do immigration laws and residency options work? — What’s the process of starting a business in Portugal? — How do you handle insurance, banking, and taxes as a foreigner? — What are the cultural traditions, local events, and hidden gems worth exploring? Whether you're actively planning your move or just curious about the expat experience, this podcast offers practical advice, up-to-date information, and the occasional fun story from life on the ground in Porto.

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