Money & Finance

Understanding Taxes in Portugal: What Expats Actually Need to Know

Portugal flag with a coat of arms on the left, blending into a close-up of Euro banknotes on the right, predominantly showing the 200 and 100 Euro notes.

Moving to Portugal means getting familiar with a new tax system. Whether you’re retiring here, working remotely, or starting a business, understanding your tax obligations is crucial. The good news? While Portuguese taxes aren’t the lowest in Europe, they’re often more manageable than many assume. Plus, with Portugal’s lower living costs and various tax deductions available, many newcomers find their overall expenses quite reasonable – especially compared to countries like the US, where healthcare and property taxes can take a …

A person with shoulder-length curly hair wearing a striped shirt and denim overalls is standing against a plain background with their arms outstretched and palms up, displaying a puzzled or unsure expression.

So you’re buying property in Portugal or applying for a NIF number — and someone mentions the phrase “fiscal representative.” Don’t panic. It sounds more complicated than it is, and by the end of this article you’ll know exactly whether you need one, how to get one, and what it’s actually going to cost you. Tip: Novomove offers fiscal representation for €79 Do you need a fiscal representative? Use the decision tree above to figure out where you stand. Here’s …

A brown leather wallet with a gold zipper is partially open, showing several euro banknotes in various denominations protruding from it. The wallet lies on a reflective surface, highlighting the intricate designs and holographic features of the banknotes.

Portugal’s minimum wage is €920 per month in 2026, and that number matters because it is also the baseline many people use when they first look at moving to Portugal. In some cases, if you have at least that amount in passive income, such as a pension or US Social Security, you may potentially qualify to move here on the D7 Visa. But that figure does not tell you what it actually costs to live well in a place like …

Close-up image showing receipts, Euro banknotes, and several stacks of Euro coins. The receipts display various purchase amounts, while the banknotes include denominations of 20 and 50 Euros. Coins are shown in different sizes and stacked on the receipts and banknotes.

Portugal has long been marketed as a cheap place to live, or somewhere with a low cost of living, but is that really the case? Yes and no. In Portugal, it’s possible to find a 3-course lunch menu for €10 or less (sometimes with wine and coffee included) but when it comes to other costs like cars (new and second-hand), electricity, fuel, and toiletries, Portugal is more expensive than many other European countries. Many people who visit Portugal as tourists …

An older woman and man sitting at a table looking concerned. The woman is holding paperwork and red glasses, while the man has his hand raised and is looking at a calculator. A pink piggy bank is placed in front of them on the table.

If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, you are probably wondering how much money you need to have in order to live there. This is quite a difficult question to answer, but it can be broken down into two parts: Income Requirements for Residency Moving to Portugal long-term involves obtaining residency there. There are different processes depending on whether you hold EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship (e.g. you have a French or Irish passport) or whether you hold a citizenship from the rest …

A white pickup truck loaded with boxes and miscellaneous items is parked in front of a rustic, stone-walled building with a red-tiled roof. The building has several small windows and a wooden door. Steps lead up to the door, and the sky above is clear and blue.

Portugal is still a very affordable country by Western European standards, but the cost of living has increased over the past few years — in particular, the cost of renting and buying a property. This is especially true in Lisbon, which has become one of the most desirable places to live in Portugal, but those increasing costs are also increasing all over the rest of the country, particularly in Porto and the Algarve. Looking at the cheapest places to rent …

A person with light pink nails holds a pen poised over a stack of documents on a black desk. The documents appear to have text and sections for signatures. Another hand rests nearby, seemingly guiding the writing process.

Let’s talk about something that might not be the most exciting part of your Portuguese adventure, but it’s definitely worth getting right: estate planning. Whether you’ve got a lovely villa in the Algarve or a bank account in Porto, having a clear plan for your assets can save your loved ones a lot of headaches down the road. Do You Need a Portuguese Will? While there’s no legal requirement to have a Portuguese will, here’s the deal: if you own …

Portugal has become one of Europe’s most talked-about destinations for relocation — and for good reason. The culture is warm, the weather is excellent, and by Western European standards the cost of living has historically been lower. But if you’re considering a move here for work, or you’re weighing up a job offer, the question of what wages actually look like is crucial. Here’s what you need to know. What Is the Minimum Wage in 2026? As of 1 January …

A close-up of a person's hand using a calculator. The person is holding a pen in one hand and pressing the buttons on the calculator with the other. In the background, there are documents, papers, and a notebook with a spiral binding.

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme has been a topic of significant interest and controversy in recent years. Although the NHR program officially ended in 2023, the Portuguese government has since introduced NHR 2.0 (often called TISRI or the scientific and innovation regime, among other things). In July 2024, the new government announced plans to bring back the NHR regime – but crucially the new regime will exclude dividends, capital gains and pensions or social security. This article examines the …

Understanding Taxes in Portugal: What Expats Actually Need to Know

Do You Need a Fiscal Representative in Portugal?

Cost of Living in the Algarve: What a Month Actually Costs

Cost of Living in Portugal: What You’ll Actually Spend Month to Month

How Much Income Do You Need to Live in Portugal?

Where Are the Cheapest Places to Live in Portugal?

Wills in Portugal: What Expats Need to Know Before It’s Too Late

Portugal’s Minimum Wage in 2026: Should You Move Here for Work?

Does Portugal Still Have An NHR Tax Regime?