Life Abroad in Portugal with Bob Tapper 🇵🇹
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.
- Update frequency
- every 12 days
- Average duration
- 7 minutes
- Episodes
- 82
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
S6:Ep10 - How Meredith & Mark Got Portugal Residency Fast: VFS to AIMA Timeline
🎙️ Meredith & Mark: The Fast-Track to Residency in Portugal
In this episode of Life Abroad in Portugal, I sit down with Meredith and Mark — fellow expats, Portugal travel consul…
S6:Ep9 - Portugal Residency & Citizenship by Descent | Morgan & Louie’s Unique Paths
Today I’m joined by Morgan and Louie Silva, and we dive into their story of moving to Portugal. Louie was able to get citizenship through his family roots, which made the move …
S6:Ep8 - AIMA Meeting (CANCELLED?!) + One Big Tip You Must Know
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. I…
S6:Ep7 - AIMA Document Prep (and avoiding a last-minute mistake!)
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…
S6:Ep6 - D7 Visa Approved – Inside My VFS Appointment
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 appointm…
S6:Ep5 - Why I Moved to Portugal + D7 Visa First Steps
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 …
S6:Ep4 - Visa Victory: Back to Portugal, Albania Highlights & A New Chapter
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…
S6:Ep3 - From Porto to Tirana: A Visa Pause & a Whole Lot of Flying
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 …
S6:Ep2 - Moving Abroad: My Portugal Visa Journey & Expat Life Updates
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 appoin…
S6:Ep1 - From Porto to PortimĂŁo: My Portugal Journey
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…
S5:Ep12 - Porto, Portugal: Reflections, New Beginnings, and a Visa
DECEMBER 2024
I’m back in Western Europe, and it feels great to be in Porto—a city that feels like home. This month, I’m reflecting on the cultural contrasts between Turkey’s au…
S5:Ep11 - Adventure and Relaxation in Tirana, Albania
NOVEMBER 2024
I’m currently in Tirana, Albania, and it’s been amazing to settle into a great routine. From savoring incredible traditional dishes to exploring breathtaking spots…
S5:Ep10 - Istanbul Moments, Tirana (Blloku) Vibes
OCTOBER 2024
I just wrapped up an unforgettable stay in Istanbul, and I can’t wait to share some highlights with you. The highlight was the golden hour boat cruise on the Bospho…
S5:Ep9 - Istanbul, Turkey: First Impressions and Challenges
SEPTEMBER 2024
This month, I’m diving into my first impressions of Istanbul. The flight from Manchester, UK was a breeze, but getting settled was a marathon—long drives, airport…
S5:Ep8 - Visiting Cologne/Bonn, Germany (Pros and Cons)
AUGUSTÂ 2024
I traveled from Manchester to Cologne, and despite the heat, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Being my first visit, I’ve put together a list of pros and cons. …
S5: Bonus - Votes Across the Rhine: Cologne's Take on U.S. Politics
I took a stroll around Cologne, Germany, near the Rhine River, where people gather, and I asked them who they would vote for in the U.S. elections—Kamala Harris or Donald Trump…
S5:Ep7 - Summer Journeying through Leeds
JULY 2024
I've settled into my routine, my allergies are gone, and I'm exploring more of the city, even though it's a bit chilly and cloudy.
I experienced an authentic British Su…
S5:Ep6 - Back in Leeds, UK: A Summer Adventure
JUNEÂ 2024
Join me as I explore Leeds this summer! Arriving on June 1st, I've settled into the vibrant Leeds Dock, a hub of modern apartments, businesses, and cultural attractio…
S5:Ep5 - Exploring Manchester, UK (England)
MAYÂ 2024
Join me this month as I explore the historic market town of Bury in Greater Manchester. We'll journey from metro to bus, ending up in Ramsbottom to focus on the iconic…
S5:Ep4 - Embracing Manchester, UK (England)
APRILÂ 2024
Embark on a scenic journey from Manchester to Pool-in-Wharfedale for a captivating acting workshop. Experience the tranquility of the countryside as you travel throu…