OPTIMISING YOUR WEALTH IN PORTUGAL

At a recent event in Palmela’s Lisbon office, experts from law firm MdME offered extensive local knowledge on Portugal's evolving regulatory landscape. They also shared information on relocation, tax optimisation strategies, real estate opportunities, and high-level structuring tactics.  

The event was attended by foreign investors and locals alike, with informed and passionate discussions on recent policy changes, the investing landscape, and how to optimise your wealth in Portugal.   

TOM P. M. MEGANCK
16.05.2023

the key takeaways from our “Optimising Portugal” event, co-hosted by Palmela and MdME.

• The Golden Visa is alive and well: While rumours about impending cancellation abound, the Golden Visa programme is still active for non-EU citizens. The Golden Visa is a residency by investment scheme designed to attract foreign capital into Portugal. The programme has proved a great success since its inception in October 2012, with plenty of opportunities to capitalise. Individuals can qualify for residency with one of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe, with low minimum annual stays (seven days per year on average) and a five-year path to citizenship—one of the quickest available in the EU. Other options are also available to non-EU citizens, including the Entrepreneur Visa.   

• Ample investment opportunities: The Portuguese market continues to be attractive to high-net-worth EU and non-EU citizens, with unique investment opportunities in the real estate, finance, and technology sectors. Real estate in particular is booming, as Portugal provides favourable conditions for trade, excellent quality of life, and a low cost of living.  

• NHR status for tax optimisation: Resident-not-habitual (NHR) status in Portugal offers significant opportunities for tax optimisation. Foreign investors with a Golden Visa can optimise their taxes by applying for NHR status, which allows tax exemption on nearly all foreign source income and special personal income tax treatment over ten years, with no minimum stay requirement and no wealth tax. Tax exemption for inheritance to direct family members is also included in the regime, which aims to attract investors and other professionals who might contribute to Portugal’s economy and culture.  
  
  
• Portugal remains a hotspot: Millionaires continue to prefer Portugal as one of the most attractive countries in the world. In Europe, Portugal ranks third for the highest growth in millionaire residents. Between the ample opportunity for profitable investments, a favourable climate, a safe society, and welcoming citizens, it is no wonder why expatriates looking to relocate to Europe rank Portugal as one of their top choices. 
  

Our local presence in Lisbon and industry expertise make us the perfect partner for optimising your wealth in Portugal. Get in touch to learn how we can help facilitate your move.