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Last updated: May 2025
Relocating to Portugal involves more than choosing a home. Understanding the legal and tax environment is essential for a smooth transition and long-term success, whether you are buying property, setting up a business, or retiring.
Portugal offers a welcoming legal framework for foreign residents, attractive tax schemes for newcomers, and a stable real estate market. Here is what every future resident or investor should know.
All EU and EEA citizens can live, work, and buy property in Portugal with minimal paperwork. However, they must register as residents if staying more than 90 days. This is done through the local town hall (Câmara Municipal) and SEF’s successor agency, AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade).
For non-EU citizens, Portugal offers various visa routes, including:
Upon obtaining a residence permit, new residents must register for a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), which is essential for tax filing, banking, and property ownership.
Taxes for New Residents
Portugal’s tax system is residency-based. Anyone spending more than 183 days per year in Portugal or maintaining a permanent home here is considered a tax resident and must declare global income.
There are several key taxes for new residents to consider:
The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Regime
Portugal’s popular Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme was closed to new applicants after 31 December 2023. However, certain individuals (such as those who initiated the visa process before the cutoff) may still qualify under transitional rules. The Portuguese government is expected to introduce a new scheme targeting skilled professionals and researchers.
Real Estate Taxes
There is no capital gains tax on the sale of a primary residence if the proceeds are reinvested into another primary residence in Portugal or the EU/EEA.
Banking and Legal Services
Opening a Portuguese bank account is a necessary step for most property transactions and visa applications. It requires a valid passport, proof of address, and a NIF. Most banks offer services in English and online banking.
Legal support is strongly recommended when purchasing property. A lawyer can assist with:
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