Portugal is an alternative to Brexit

Brexit’s current political situation in the United Kingdom has contributed to the increased interest of British citizens to obtain residence permits in other countries, mainly within the European Union (EU), and Portugal is one of the main options.

The Portuguese government has been increasingly providing guarantees to British citizens regarding Brexit, ensuring them uninterrupted residence, health and voting rights for citizens who have resided in the country before 31 December 2020, even UK to leave the EU without agreement (read more here).

What does Portugal offer?

•  Political stability: The Financial Times recently wrote that Portugal brings hope to Europe. Affirms that its political and social stability in an age of uncertainty is seen as a competitive advantage in attracting more foreign investment to the country;
• Quality of life: According to InterNations, Portugal is the 2nd country with the best quality of life (Read more here). Overall, foreigners living in Portugal are impressed with the quality of the environment (96%) and the climate (94%);
• Security: The Global Peace Index considered Portugal as the 3rd safest country in the world (read more here). The Portuguese are peaceful people and seek to avoid conflict;
• Leisure, cuisine and cultural offer: From north to south, Portugal offers options for all tastes and all ages. The Portuguese cuisine, besides being very diverse is also one of the best;
• Ease of travel around Europe: Portugal is two to three hours from major European cities and offers a large number of airlines, many of them low cost;
• Climate: Portugal has more than 200 sunny days a year. In general, the climate in Portugal is hot, temperate and humid, with rainy winters and dry summers.

Tax Benefits for British Citizens

Non-habitual Resident

a tax status intended for Portuguese or foreign citizens who already reside legally in Portugal and who cumulatively fulfil the following requirements:

• Have not been considered as residents in Portugal in the last five years;
• Are considered residents in Portugal, which occurs by:
  (i) Remaining more than one hundred and eighty-three consecutive or non-consecutive days within any period of twelve months, beginning or ending in the relevant year; or
  (ii) In case of remaining for a shorter period of time, having a housing on any day within the twelve-month period in such conditions that will lead to the assumption of intending to be kept and occupied as an habitual residence.

Portuguese emigrants or Portuguese-descendant

Programa Regressar

A program that seeks to support the return of all emigrants or Portuguese-descendants who wish to return by offering them 5-year tax benefits and financial support.

People interested in participating need to be aware of these aspects:

• Must be out of country at least since December 31, 2015;
• Must be emigrated for at least 1 year;
• You need to have an employment contract from 1 January 2019 until December 2020. Emigrants returning to Portugal cannot be applied for work.

Note: After 5 years living in Portugal, you are entitled to Portuguese nationality.

If you would like to know more about how to obtain a residence permit or Portuguese nationality, please visit our website and contact Lamares, Capela & Associados.