Frequently
asked questions

The D7 Visa is often referred to as the 'Passive Income Visa' or 'Retirement Visa' as it allows you to pay 0% tax on passive income such as dividends, royalties, and rental income when combined with Portugal's Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax system on non-Portugal derived income. This also applies to pensions held outside of Portugal where you pay only 10% tax using NHR and the D7 Visa.

Portugal Pathways offers numerous tailored services to their wealthy expat clients. This includes luxury experiences, retirement planning, removals, pet care, healthcare planning, education, language tutors, insurance, real estate support, foreign currency solutions (FX), and exclusive access to events.

Our expert teams offer specialized real estate support tailored for the interests and tastes of wealthy expats. Our services offer advice and guidance on prime locations, the latest hotspots, as well as understanding local regulations associated with property investments. We are dedicated to guiding our clients through every step of the process, from thorough research to efficient transaction management, ensuring they secure the finest homes in the most desirable areas of Portugal.

Our experts provide support to the family by assisting them in finding the right international private school suited for their children and help enrol them. We also introduce the families to top tutors in Portugal to help assist with the language learning and other educational needs.

Clients can gain privileged entry to a range of exclusive events and experiences in Portugal, ranging from golf events to fine dining VIP events. This also includes cultural festivals, premier wine tasting events, luxury shopping experiences, and private club events in Portugal.

Portugal Pathways experts guide expats to receiving private and public healthcare in Portugal through any of the residency visas available. This includes healthcare planning and securing the appropriate insurance coverage to ensure peace of mind in Portugal for you and your family.

Some of the primary benefits include the freedom to live and work in Portugal, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, right to healthcare and education as well as a smooth pathway to citizenship.

Yes, immediate family members, including a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents, can also be eligible for residency under the main applicant's Golden Visa.

Initially, the Golden Visa is valid for one year and can then be renewed for two successive periods of two years each.

Any non-European Union (EU), non-European Economic Area (EEA), and non-Swiss nationals are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa programme if they meet the necessary investment requirements.

The Golden Visa programme is a residency-by-investment scheme offered by the Portuguese government to non-European Union citizens, allowing them to obtain residency and right to work in Portugal in exchange for making significant financial investments in the country.

FX rates are 0.9% - 0.2% for exchanges above €10,000, with no payment fees. Rates for exchanges below €10,000 remain competitive at 1%. The live interbank exchange rate is displayed, and the lower payment threshold is removed for accounts trading over £1 million annually. Contact our team for any questions.

DCC allows international transactions to be billed in the cardholder's home currency but often uses unfavourable exchange rates. Opting to pay in the local currency instead of your home currency may result in better rates. We ensure that you avoid this situation in all circumstances.

We provide real-time access to interbank exchange rates, safeguard your pricing within our conditions, and present the option of forward rates for hedging purposes which again can give you more certainty on the future value of your money. The ability to purchase forwards on the web and receive immediate notifications of exchange rate changes ensures that you are consistently aware of the authentic exchange rate. In contrast to most conventional brokers, our solution integrates a streamlined digital approach that accomplishes the same tasks at just a tiny portion of the traditional cost of other main providers.

Our foreign currency exchange platform is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 for the issuing of electronic money (FRN: 900199). In terms of data protection, our platform partners only deals with regulated entities and leading international technology companies to ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Regular reviews and enhancements of processes and systems are carried out to maintain security and protect your data.

Your funds are protected through our global recognised e-money partners, who are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). All accounts are held with Currencycloud who are one of the top organisations in the space. Additionally, your funds are stored in your unique multi-currency account, issued by CurrencyCloud, and held in secure accounts. This structure guarantees and adds multiple layers of security to safeguard your money during foreign currency transactions.

Exchange rates are affected not only by the market rate but also by additional fees such as transaction fees or service charges and we pride ourselves on offering the very lowest rates which are significantly lower than the major international banks and FX platforms. Especially for larger and regular transactions.

Fees can significantly impact the effective exchange rate. Always factor in any transaction fees or service charges as well as comparing rates. Our team of FX experts can help you compare rates against all of the major providers and banks. Avoid airport and hotel based FX as they usually offer less favourable rates. Beware of dynamic currency conversion and opt to pay in the local currency, not your home currency, when using a card abroad. Remember, the best approach is to be proactive and informed when exchanging currency. Our FX team of experts have significant savings for high value and volume foreign exchange. Typically, we are able to offer half the fees of the major banks through our FX partners.

As of July 19th 2023, it was announced in the Portuguese parliament that the visa by real estate investment of €500,000 or more is in the process of being discontinued. While other investments options for this Golden Visa are likely to remain, our experts believe this is likely to involve investing in Portuguese businesses which might not be as popular as real estate. The D7 Visa offers many of the same benefits, alongside the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime benefits and this remains the best route.

The Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) came in 2009 and is a tax regime designed for non-residents or individuals who become tax residents in Portugal. The NHR tax system offers 0% tax benefits on passive income for 10 years. The Non-Habitual Residency programme has been instrumental in attracting foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees to Portugal. It offers a competitive tax regime and encourages investment and economic growth in the country. However, it's important to consult with one of our tax advisors or legal professionals to fully understand the programme's requirements and how it applies to individual circumstances. This NHR works very well alongside the D7 visa which has significant tax advantages when combined.

The D7 visa scheme grants residency in Portugal to non-EU citizens and access to Schengen member countries as well as rights to education and healthcare. Eligible visa applicants must have a clean criminal record and be able to provide sufficient financial means to support themselves and their families.

The NHR Programme alongside the D7 Visa includes benefits such as 0% tax on all non-Portugal based passive income, such as dividends, royalties, rental income and 10% tax on pension income. It also offers the freedom to live and work in Portugal, travel freely within the EU Schengen area, apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years, and access to Portugal's healthcare and education systems.

In Portugal, it's important to mention that close family members such as parents, spouses, and children are exempt from paying this tax. Anyone else, is subject to taxation related to inheritance which is known as Stamp Duty. This particular tax applies to both gifts given during one's lifetime and assets inherited after someone passes away. It's worth noting that Portuguese Stamp Duty is solely applicable to assets situated within Portugal. For instance, when a property is gifted to someone outside of close family, a 0.8% Stamp Duty is required to be paid. On the other hand, if individuals receive gifts or inherit goods without any charge, a 10% Stamp Duty is levied.

No, the D7 visa in Portugal does not provide an exemption or special coverage for inheritance tax.

The D7 visa is a long-term residence visa designed for individuals wishing to live in Portugal without engaging in specific employment. It is often called the "Passive Income Visa" or "Retirement Visa." The NHR programme is a tax regime in Portugal that provides certain tax advantages to individuals who become tax residents in the country. The D7 visa and the NHR tax regime should be used in conjunction to gain maximum benefit.

The tax implications will depend on your home country. If you leave Portugal and become permanently resident elsewhere, you will be subject to your home country's tax regime and tax rates. There are ways to mitigate this if your investments and pensions are held in portable vehicles. We urge you to consult with our experts before making any decisions.

The digital nomad visa is a special visa that allows remote workers to live and work in Portugal for up to one year. Eligible applicants must prove they can work remotely, have sufficient financial means to support themselves, and have valid health insurance coverage. Applicants must also have a clean criminal record and no outstanding debt or tax obligations in Portugal.

The costs associated with the NHR programme in Portugal vary depending on individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult with one of our tax professionals who will guide you through the process and determine the exact costs. Our fee structure and costs are transparent as trust is key to our principles.

Yes, you can if you are not a tax resident in Portugal. The programme is only open to individuals who have not been tax residents in Portugal for the past five years.

Yes, there are restrictions on the income type eligible for the NHR programme. For example, income from Portuguese sources, such as rental income from a real estate property in Portugal, is unsuitable. The main benefit is on income held outside of Portugal such as pensions, rental income, dividends and royalties.

If someone is already on the Portugal Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax system, it is advisable to start tax planning at least 5-6 years before the 10-year exemption period finishes. This is because the end of the exemption period will significantly change the individual's tax status, and proper pre-planning is essential to avoid any unexpected tax liabilities. It's important to consult with our experts early to avoid serious tax consequences.

After the ten-year period of the NHR tax programme ends, you will be subject to the regular Portuguese tax regime. It is important to discuss with one our expert financial advisors regarding the implications of this, and how you can manage these changes.

The main motivating factors always considered are lifestyle, understanding what it's like to live and stay there, including culture, heritage, family and friends, and healthcare. Another major benefit is the low tax rate exemptions via the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) programme.

Yes, you can work in Portugal while on the NHR programme. However, the main tax benefits apply to passive income and pensions generated outside of Portugal.

The NHR tax programme lasts for 10 years. During this period, qualified individuals who meet the programme's criteria can take advantage of favourable tax conditions in the double taxation agreement host country. After the 10-year period of the NHR tax programme ends, you will be subject to the regular Portuguese tax regime. It is important to discuss with a financial advisor the implications of this, and how you can manage these changes.

You can apply for the NHR programme through the Portuguese tax authorities. You must provide proof of residency and details of your income and assets.

The NHR programme offers a flat tax rate of 0% on non Portugal derived income such as dividends, royalties and rental income.  Additionally, qualifying overseas pensions may be taxed at a reduced rate of 10% for a period of ten years. It is also worth talking with one of our advisors as there are ways to extend the benefits if you plan this early enough after being accepted for NHR status. We have seen clients receive significant tax savings over 18 - 20 years by following our system.

Anyone who has not been a tax resident in Portugal for the past five years can apply for the NHR programme and be a Portuguese resident. The programme is open to both EU and non-EU citizens.

The benefits of a digital nomad visa include the ability to live and work in Portugal for up to one year. This is suitable for nomad freelancers as it comes with the possibility of renewing the visa for an additional year. This visa offers access to Portugal's healthcare system and service providers and the chance to experience Portugal's culture, food, and lifestyle while working remotely.

Portugal has relatively affordable housing prices compared to many other parts of Europe, but there are a number of exclusive property enclaves where land and property comes at a premium. This is especially in the major cities, such as Lisbon, Porto and parts of the Algarve where housing prices are generally higher.

When considering the weather, it's also worth noting that Portugal boasts one of Europe's highest amounts of sunshine, with an average of 2500-3200 hours of sunlight annually. The sea temperature can also be a factor for those who enjoy water activities. Sea temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in the winter to 20°C (68°F) in the summer, depending on the region. Although a small country, Portugal offers various climates due to its geographical positioning and topography.

Popular cities and regions in Portugal for affluent expats to settle down include Lisbon and neighbouring areas such as Cascais, Oeiras, and Sintra, which are west of Lisbon. The Algarve region has some of the most exclusive places to live for affluent expats. Porto, neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia, and the emerging Silver Coast region is also starting to attract people looking for an uplifting and upmarket lifestyle in Portugal.

Portugal's education is mandatory from ages 6-18, spanning public and private schools. Higher education is provided by universities and polytechnics, aligning with the Bologna Process. The country boasts high literacy and values education. Private schools, accredited and following the national curriculum, often have smaller classes, more resources, and might offer multilingual education. Fees differ, so researching schools via one of our experts is advised. Private tuition for Portuguese exists, but many in wealthy areas speak English.

Portugal's National healthcare system, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), is universally accessible and funded through taxation and contributions. It offers high-quality care with well-trained professionals and modern facilities. Private healthcare is also available. National healthcare is the most effective in treating immediate acute healthcare issues and emergencies. GP services, regional healthcare centres, and a strong and robust private healthcare ecosystem exist.

The cost of living in Portugal is generally lower than in many other parts of Europe, including the UK and the US. However, it can vary depending on the specific location and lifestyle. According to Numbeo's Cost of Living Index, Portugal ranks in the middle of the scale in terms of the overall cost of living compared to other European countries.

Portugal is generally considered a very safe country to live in or visit, with a low crime rate and a friendly, welcoming culture. The Algarve is a safe and welcoming region for expats or digital nomads. Portugal has one of the most effective immigration authorities and border services (SEF) to ensure the safety of its residents. Being part of the Schengen region, Portugal must abide by safety rules imposed by the European Union. Overall, it has been ranked as one of the top 3 safest countries in the world by the Global Peace Index in recent years, and it is generally perceived as safer than many other parts of Europe.