Portugal
The place to invest and live
One of the 20 best places to live, invest and work in Europe
It’s also one of the safest countries in the world. Politically stable and with a privileged geopolitical position, as a member of the European Union, Portugal offers access to a market of 28 countries with approximately 495 million consumers, providing an entryway into a global market of 220 million Portuguese-speaking consumers.
A safe port for
real estate investment
- Innovative and stable economy
- Incomparable investment opportunities
- Competitive business factors and conditions
- Ease of starting a business (5 days, 6 procedures)
- Ease of registering a property (1 day, 1 procedure)
- The concept of property used in Portugal is “full ownership” or “freehold”
- High productivity levels
- Clear tax rules
- Ease of obtaining residence permits
- Special tax regime for non-habitual residents
- Inheritance tax revoked in this country
- Attractiveness and quality of life
Taxation benefits
Portugal is ranked 25th among the 184 countries that comprise the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom and stands at 36th on the list of 67 economies in the 2024 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. Why? Because, among the many benefits for foreign investors, as it follows, Portugal is a great place to live.
High Quality Lifestyle
- Beautiful, diverse natural scenery
- Cosmopolitan cities with cultural attractions and a high standard of restaurants, bars, nightlife and hotels
- Very high level international and local schools
- Excellent healthcare system
- One of the safest countries in the world
- International expat network
- Healthy work life balance
- Multitude of indoor and outdoor hobbies and pursuits to suit all individuals and families
Non Habitual Resident Tax Regime (NHR)
NHR 2.0, the IFICI Regime
Portugal’s previous Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime officially ended on December 31, 2023. In its place, the government introduced a new incentive program: the Incentivo Fiscal a Investigação Científica e Inovação (IFICI), also known as the “New NHR” or “NHR 2.0.”. Effective from January 1, 2024, this regime is designed to attract highly qualified professionals and international talent to Portugal by offering substantial tax benefits.
- Flat 20% Tax Rate on Portuguese Income
Eligible professionals working in strategic sectors (such as scientific research, higher education, tech, innovation, green energy, or export-oriented industries) benefit from a reduced flat income tax rate of 20% on employment or self-employment income earned in Portugal. - Tax Exemptions on Foreign Income
Most foreign-sourced income, including dividends, interest, and capital gains, may be exempt from Portuguese taxation, provided it is taxed in the country of origin and not derived from jurisdictions on Portugal’s blacklist. - 10-Year Benefit Period
Tax advantages apply for a consecutive 10-year period from the year of registration as a Portuguese tax resident.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Become a tax resident in Portugal (spending over 183 days per year or establishing a permanent home in the country);
- Not have been tax resident in Portugal in the five years preceding their application;
- Not have benefited from the previous NHR regime;
- Exercise a profession considered of high value under the regime, such as scientific research, academic teaching, technological innovation, or work in certified startups.
Unlike the former NHR program, foreign pensions no longer benefit from a fixed reduced tax rate. Instead, they are now taxed under Portugal’s standard progressive income tax rates, ranging from 14.5% to 53%.
Newly arrived residents must apply before January 15 of the year following their move to Portugal. A transitional period allows those who became tax residents in 2024 to apply until March 15, 2025.
Portugal Golden Visa Program
The Portugal Golden Visa, launched in 2012, still allows non-EU investors to obtain a valid residency permit, with eligibility for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after 5 years. However, since October 2023, the rules have changed significantly; real estate investment is no longer a qualifying option.
Main Benefits (still applicable):
- Enter and stay in Portugal without a special visa.
- Live, work, and study in Portugal.
- Family reunification rights.
- Access to public healthcare and education.
- Travel freely across the Schengen Area.
- Apply for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years (residency requirements apply).
Eligible Investment Options (2025):
To qualify for the Golden Visa, investors must choose one of the following:
Minimum €500,000 in a Portuguese venture capital or private equity fund focused on innovation, tech, or export-oriented sectors.
Minimum €500,000 donation to scientific or technological research institutions in Portugal.
Minimum €250,000 contribution to artistic production, preservation of cultural heritage, or national museums.
Establish a business creating at least 10 full-time jobs for Portuguese residents.
Minimum €500,000 investment in a Portuguese company, with the obligation to maintain or create at least 5 jobs.
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