The latest Portuguese Budget has kept tax rates and rules the same for 2021. If you are already familiar with Portuguese taxes, this makes things a lot easier! However, with full Brexit now in place, this is one significant change that could bring new tax implications for UK nationals and anyone with UK assets in Portugal.
Whether you have been living in Portugal for a while, recently moved, planning to relocate or just own a holiday home here, make sure you understand how Portuguese taxes may affect you in 2021.

Income tax
For residents in Portugal, worldwide employment earnings, pension, rental and most other income over the year is added together to calculate your income tax bill. For non-Portuguese residents, only income sourced from Portugal is taxable here.
Portugal’s sliding scale of income tax ranges from 14.5% to 48%. All seven income tax rates remain the same this year (and have actually been unchanged since 2018), and the income bands are also the same as 2020’s.

2021 INCOME - €TAX RATE
0 – 7,112 - 14.5%
7,113 - 10,732 23%
10,733 - 20,322 28.5%
20,323 - 25,075 35%
25,076 - 36,967 37%
36,968 - 80,822 45%

Investment income
The tax rules are different for interest and investment income, such as shares, securities and bonds, which attract a flat rate of 28%. However, if you are a Portuguese resident, you have the option to pay tax at the scale rates instead if that works out cheaper for you.

Note that if a bank account or investment is within a jurisdiction classed as a ‘tax haven’ by Portuguese authorities, income is taxed at a higher rate of 35%. This currently includes investments in Gibraltar, the Isle of Man and Jersey.

Capital gains tax
All rates and rules remain the same as last year.

If you are a Portuguese resident and sell property or assets – anywhere in the world – 50% of the gain is added to your annual income and taxable at the relevant income tax rate. Crucially, however, you won’t be taxed if you sell a main home and reinvest the proceeds to buy a new main home in Portugal or elsewhere in the EU/EEA. Post-Brexit, UK property is now classed as a non-EU/EEA asset, so you can no longer receive this exemption if reinvesting proceeds into a main home in the UK.

Retirees or residents aged over 65 can avoid Portuguese capital gains tax when reinvesting into an eligible insurance contract or pension fund – great news for downsizers. You must do this within six months of sale to qualify.
Meanwhile, non-residents face a flat 28% charge on 100% of any gain from Portuguese assets.

Non-habitual residence (NHR)
Portugal’s NHR regime continues to offer new residents highly attractive tax benefits for their first ten years here. If you have recently moved to Portugal and not been resident within the last five years, apply at your local tax office to lock in these significant benefits.

Under NHR, most foreign income, certain capital gains, interest and dividends can be taken tax-free in Portugal. Key exceptions are UK government service pensions and rental income, which remain taxable in the UK. Non-habitual residents employed or self-employed in Portugal in certain ‘high added value’ professions can also benefit from a flat 20% income tax rate.

Since last year, NHR includes a flat 10% tax on foreign pension income and withdrawals (including lump sums). However, those who secured non-habitual residency before April 2020 can continue to receive most UK pension income tax-free for the remainder of their ten-year period.

Wealth tax
Portugal’s Adicional Imposto Municipal Sobre Imóveis (AIMI) continues to apply a wealth tax of sorts to high-value Portuguese property, regardless of where the owner is resident. You are only liable if your stake in Portuguese properties is over €600,000, and then only on the value above that. So, 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.

Succession and gift tax (‘stamp duty’)
Portugal’s version of inheritance tax remains fixed at 10% and applies only on Portuguese property and assets inherited or gifted outside of the direct family. Beware, however, that unless you take action, Portugal’s ‘forced heirship’ succession law will automatically pass portions of your estate according to your bloodline, regardless of your written wishes.

Also remember that many UK expatriates continue to remain UK-domiciled, so take care to review your position regarding UK inheritance tax.

Tax planning for Portugal
It is sensible to regularly review your financial planning to ensure everything is optimised for your family’s circumstances and goals. The way you structure your assets and wealth can make a big difference to your tax bill, so take personalised, cross-border advice to explore suitable tax-efficient opportunities.

Blevins Franks has 45 years’ experience providing cross-border tax, pensions, estate planning and investment advice to expatriates in Southern Europe, with advisers based in Portugal for over two decades. Our local team is ready to help you and your family secure financial peace of mind so you can really make the most of living in Portugal.

Tel: 289 350 150
Email: portugal@blevinsfranks.com
Website: www.blevinsfranks.com

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.