Will Portugal Pay You to Move There?

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Written by / Last updated on January 15, 2025

Ever heard those stories about European countries paying people to move there? They’re true! Sardinia’s offering €15,000 to populate its rural villages with populations of 3,000 or less, Spain’s Rubia’s dishing out monthly payments of €150 per month while Ponga is offering €3,000 to young couples willing to stay for five years, plus an additional €3,000 for each child.

But what about Portugal? Will this sunny slice of southern Europe actually pay you to make it your home? Let’s dive into the real financial incentives Portugal offers newcomers.

Incentive to Move to Rural Portugal

Yes, Portugal actually will pay you to move here – but there’s a catch (isn’t there always?). The money’s only available if you’re willing to settle in Portugal’s interior regions through the “Emprego Interior Mais” program.

Here’s how the money breaks down:

  • €2,633 base grant (plus 20% more for each family member, up to €1,316)
  • Up to €878 for moving costs
  • Up to €878 for transporting your stuff

Sound good? Here’s what you need to qualify:

  • Get a job locally, become self-employed, or start a business
  • Actually move there within 180 days of starting work
  • Apply within 90 days of signing your employment contract

The best part? This program is open to everyone – including digital nomads and those on the digital nomad visa. Whether you’re moving from Lisbon’s coast or straight from abroad, you could qualify. Unfortunately, given the job requirement, it’s unlikely to be suitable for retirees.

Other Money-Saving Perks

While Portugal might not be handing out cash left and right like other European countries, it does offer some pretty sweet financial incentives:

NHR 2.0: The Tax Break for Brainiacs

If you’re working in scientific research or higher education, Portugal might have a tax deal for you. We’re talking about a potential 20% flat rate of tax for qualifying roles. Not exactly free money, but it could save you a bundle, particularly if you’re a high earner.

Under 35? Portugal’s Got Your Back

Buying property in Portugal when you’re young just got easier:

  • Government guarantees 15% of your mortgage
  • Banks can finance up to 100% of your property
  • Works for properties up to €450,000
  • Only one partner needs to be under 35

Plus, you might dodge some serious taxes:

  • No property transfer tax on homes up to €316,722
  • Partial exemption for pricier properties up to €633,453
  • Wave goodbye to stamp duty
  • Skip various purchase-related fees

The Madeira Tax Haven

Want to start a business? Madeira’s offering a tiny 5% corporate tax rate until the end of 2028. That’s one of Europe’s lowest rates – and you get to live on a subtropical island!

What Portugal Won’t Take From You

And, unlike some of its neighbors (cough Spain cough), Portugal:

  • Has no wealth tax
  • Skips the inheritance tax (just a small stamp duty)

So, Will Portugal Pay You to Move There?

kind of! While Portugal isn’t throwing cash at everyone who shows up (sorry!), it does offer some financial incentives if you know where to look. The interior relocation grant is real money in your pocket, and the various tax breaks and incentives could save you thousands more.

But here’s the thing – most people don’t move to Portugal for the financial incentives. They move for the 300+ days of sunshine, the incredible food, the welcoming people, and the laid-back lifestyle. Consider any money you get from Portugal as the cherry on top of an already pretty sweet deal!

Another reason so many people choose Portugal over Spain, Italy, or anywhere else with these incentives? The very attainable residency visas.

The D7 visa, for example, requires a monthly passive income of just €870 for an individual. The Digital Nomad Visa, which has harder requirements, requires €3,480/month (4x the minimum wage).

Don’t forget that you can also apply for Portuguese citizenship after just five years of residency (half the requirements of Spain) and, unlike Spain, Portugal recognises dual citizenship.

Ready to make the move? Just remember that while these incentives are great, they shouldn’t be your only reason for choosing Portugal. Make sure you’re moving for the right reasons – the potential savings are just a bonus!

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