Tax advantages when you move to Portugal. With advance planning you can make the move to Portugal tax-efficient, taking advantage of opportunities to save on tax. Expert advice can help plan your tax-saving move and avoid costly mistakes. 

Blevins Franks, with offices in the Algarve and in Cascais near Lisbon, offer financial planning and cross-border tax advice, geared to each individual's unique circumstances. As there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to your finances, availing of expert knowledge and one on one consultations is the smart way to plan for your financial future, particularly if you plan to move country or to retire abroad. 

The Algarve not only offers a great lifestyle and sunny climate - there are some tax benefits to moving to Portugal too. However, advance planning is essential to ensure you reap the benefits and avoid any pitfalls.

In the article below, Dan Henderson from Blevins Franks explores how to make your move to Portugal more tax-efficient.
 

• Find out more about Blevins Franks
• See our resource centre on Moving to Portugal
• See more articles by Blevins Franks

 

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What you need to know about…Moving to Portugal tax-efficiently      
By Dan Henderson, Partner, Blevins Franks           
 
There’s no doubt that the Algarve is a fantastic place to make your home, but did you know living in Portugal can also offer financial advantages? If you are planning to move to Portugal, with early, careful financial planning you can make the most of tax-efficient opportunities and avoid potential mistakes.
 
Tax residence in Portugal
You are usually considered Portuguese tax resident after 183 days in the country, but it can be earlier if you have a permanent Portuguese home – potentially even the day you arrive.
 
Once resident in Portugal, your worldwide income and certain gains become liable for Portuguese taxation, so understand how Portugal taxation will affect you and take steps to be prepared for it.
 
A decade of tax breaks awaits
The good news is that Portugal offers generous tax benefits to new residents for their first ten years here through its ‘non-habitual residence’ (NHR) scheme.
 
Under NHR, those employed in Portugal in a ‘high value-added’ profession pay a flat 20% income tax rate, rather than the usual rates up to 48%. This regime can benefit retirees too, as foreign pension income is taxed at just 10%. Not only that, non-habitual residents can also receive most foreign income tax-free in Portugal.
 
You could qualify for NHR if you have not been Portuguese resident within the last five years, so aim to apply once you move. 
 
Minimising your tax bill 
Don’t assume what was tax efficient in the UK is tax efficient elsewhere. UK ISAs, for example, are taxable in Portugal, but Portugal can provide its own tax planning opportunities.
 
Even outside of NHR, Portugal can be a tax-efficient home, including the potential to enjoy extremely favourable tax treatment on investments. Many expatriates benefit from holding capital in a structure similar to an offshore life assurance policy or bond that acts as an investment wrapper to a conventional portfolio. No tax is payable on the underlying investment income until a withdrawal is made. Even then, only a proportion of the profit is taxable in Portugal and the effective rate of tax drops over time.
 
Limited inheritance tax
Portugal has a very benign inheritance tax regime. 
 
The Portuguese version, called ‘stamp duty’, is only charged on assets located in Portugal and the tax rate is just 10%.  Furthermore, spouses and ascendants/descendants are exempt.
 
Remember, however, that if you remain UK domiciled your estate also remains subject to 40% UK inheritance tax (subject to certain exemptions).
 
Good estate planning can help ensure your legacy goes to your chosen heirs without attracting more tax than necessary.
 
Timing your move
It’s worth exploring which is the best time to sell your UK assets (property and investments). Would you pay less capital gains tax if you sold them as a UK or a Portugal resident?   
 
Talking to a cross-border financial adviser will prove invaluable here as they will be up to date on both country’s tax regimes and the interaction between them.
 
Portugal’s wealth tax on property
If you’re thinking of buying a luxury property, bear in mind that Portugal currently imposes a ‘wealth tax’ of sorts (Adicional Imposto Municipal Sobre Imóveis (AIMI) on high-value local property, regardless of where the owner is resident.
 
However, you are only liable if your stake in Portuguese properties is over €600,000, and then only on the value above that. If, for example, you and your partner jointly own a Portuguese home, the property will only attract AIMI if it is valued over €1.2 million. Rates are 0.7% for individuals, 0.4% for companies, and 1% for properties over €1 million. Some companies are not eligible for the allowance.
 
A financially secure retirement
If you plan to retire in Portugal, take some time to weigh up your pension options and establish which is best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, you need to consider your circumstances, objectives and other accessible wealth, as well as the tax implications in Portugal. Take care to protect your retirement savings.
 
It is also advisable to review your savings and investments, including the currency you hold them in.  Your circumstances and goals change when you relocate, so take a fresh look at your financial planning to make sure everything is set up in the best way for your new life.
 
Ensure your investment portfolio is structured around your situation, time horizon, needs, aims and risk profile, and that it has adequate asset allocation and diversification to reduce risk.  At the same time, it needs to be structured to provide enough growth to beat inflation.
 
Unsurprisingly, cross-border tax and financial planning is complicated, so take personalised, professional guidance for the best results and to ensure you get the most of out of living in the Algarve.
 
Blevins Franks has decades of experience providing specialist tax, pensions, estate planning and investment advice to British families moving to and living in Portugal. Our Portugal advisers are ready to help you secure the financial peace of mind to relax and fully enjoy your new life in this lovely country.
 
Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice.
 
Blevins Franks Wealth Management Limited (BFWML) is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, registered number C 92917. Authorised to conduct investment services under the Investment Services Act and authorised to carry out insurance intermediary activities under the Insurance Distribution Act. Where advice is provided outside of Malta via the Insurance Distribution Directive or the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, the applicable regulatory system differs in some respects from that of Malta. BFWML also provides taxation advice; its tax advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. Blevins Franks Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of trusts, retirement schemes and companies. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFWML.
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