What Portuguese taxes will those living in or planning to move to Portugal in 2019 face on income, investments, capital gains and wealth?
How will expatriates in Portugal be taxed in 2019? Here we outline Portuguese taxes on income, investments, capital gains and wealth, as well as a new tax relief for returning residents.
Another new year, another new tax regime. Generally, there were no major changes to the Portuguese Budget from October 2018, which came into effect on 1 January and largely kept tax rates and rules the same.
So what does the 2019 tax landscape look like for Britons living in or thinking about moving to Portugal?
Income tax
The minimum and maximum income tax rates remain the same as last year (and have actually been static since 2013). The two new income tax bands that were introduced in 2018 are also unchanged. So, as before, tax starts being levied on income up to €7,091 at 14.5% and the 48% top rate applies to income over €80,641.
| INCOME € |
TAX RATE |
| 0 – 7,091 |
14.5% |
| 7,092 – 10,700 |
23% |
| 10,701 – 20,261 |
28.5% |
| 20,262 – 25,000 |
35% |
| 25,001 – 36,856 |
37% |
| 36,857 – 80,640 |
45% |
| 80,641+ |
48% |
Investment income
As previously, interest and income on investments (such as shares, securities and bonds) is taxed at a flat rate of 28%. If you are resident here, you can choose to be taxed at the scale rates instead if this proves more beneficial.
Note that if the bank account or investment is in a jurisdiction deemed to be a ‘tax haven’ by Portuguese authorities, income is taxed at a higher rate of 35%. Before 2017, you could identify blacklisted jurisdictions from an official list, but it is now defined on a case-by-case basis. Generally, if a jurisdiction’s tax rates are less than 60% of the equivalent Portuguese taxation, it may be blacklisted. This definition currently includes Gibraltar, the Isle of Man and Jersey.
Non-Habitual Residency (NHR)
Portugal’s NHR regime remains in place as before, continuing to provide new residents with very attractive tax benefits for their first ten years here.
Britons with non-habitual residency can receive most UK pension income, rental income and certain capital gains tax-free in Portugal. Interest and dividends can also be exempt from taxation, with any UK tax deducted reclaimable. The key exceptions are UK government service pensions and UK rental income, which always remain taxable in the UK.
More about the advantages of the NHR regime
However, new Portuguese legislation potentially affects those taking lump sums from UK pensions. Under the new ruling, if an entire pension fund is withdrawn in one or more payments over a period of less than ten years, it may be reclassified as investment income. This would make it subject to income tax, even for non-habitual residents who would normally qualify for tax-free UK pension income.
If you are concerned this may affect you, or not sure how you can get the most benefits from your UK pensions here, take specialist advice from a UK-regulated adviser with in-depth understanding of the Portuguese tax regime.
Wealth tax
The Adicional Imposto Municipal Sobre Imóveis (AIMI) has applied since 2017 to higher valued Portuguese property, wherever the owner is resident. There has been one change to this tax in 2019 in the form of an additional rate of 1.5% for properties valued in excess of €2 million. The other rates remain at 0.4% for properties held by companies, 0.7% for individuals and 1% for those owning property valued over €1 million.
A €600,000 allowance per person is deducted from the value of all Portuguese properties. So if you and your partner jointly own one Portuguese home, the property will only attract AIMI if it is worth over €1.2 million, and then only on the value above this. Alternatively, someone owning three properties worth €500,000 would be liable for tax on €900,000 – the combined value minus the allowance. Some companies are not eligible for the allowance.
Capital gains tax
Rates and rules remain the same, with 50% of worldwide gains liable to income tax rates for Portuguese residents and a main home exemption within the EU. Last year’s new 25% corporation tax on property owned by non-resident companies still applies.
See more about capital gains tax in Portugal
Tax incentives for returning residents
A new regime has been introduced to attract former residents back to Portugal, offering a 50% reduction in employment and self-employment income tax for five years, including the first year of arrival.
To qualify, you must have been Portuguese resident at any point up to 31 December 2015 and not resident within the last three Portuguese tax years. You then have until 31 December 2020 to resume residence under this regime. Note, however, that there is no overlap with the non-habitual residence scheme; you can either apply for this or NHR – not both.
Brexit implications
Of course, 2019 also sees the UK’s exit from the EU in one shape or another. While there is still much uncertainty, Brexit is unlikely to affect your tax treatment in Portugal if you are officially resident here. So if you are still thinking about moving to Portugal, act fast to secure your position.
See more about preparing for Brexit
In any case, it is sensible to review your financial planning to ensure your assets and investments are structured in the most suitable way for your family’s circumstances and goals. Portugal offers many opportunities for residents, so take personalised, cross-border advice for the best results.
Contact us to arrange a financial review
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.
