INSIGHTS & BRIEFS

Travelling with an expired residence card may create difficulties, especially when crossing borders. Before travelling, it is important to check whether you have valid proof of renewal, an appointment confirmation, or any other document confirming that your residence status remains pending or regularised in Portugal. In these circumstances, using direct flights from and to Portugal may also help, as this may reduce the risk of additional questions or difficulties with border authorities in other Schengen countries.

No. Family reunification is a separate procedure and requires the submission of specific documents. Even when the main applicant already holds residency, family members must still meet the applicable legal requirements.

Yes. Under the Portuguese Nationality Law currently in force, EU citizens may generally apply for Portuguese nationality after seven years of legal residence, provided that they meet the remaining legal requirements. The CRUE is normally valid for five years. EU citizens who continue to reside in Portugal should then obtain the permanent residence card provided for under Article 16. Together, these documents provide important evidence of the applicant’s legal residence history and should be reviewed alongside any other supporting documents before preparing the nationality application.

Yes. EU citizens who intend to live in Portugal for more than three months should obtain the CRUE, the Certificate of Registration of an EU Citizen. The CRUE confirms the exercise of the EU citizen’s right of residence in Portugal. A NIF, bank account, lease agreement or tax registration does not replace this residence registration.

Under Article 98 of Law 23/2007, family reunification generally requires the sponsor to have held a valid Portuguese residence permit for at least two years.

For a spouse or partner, this period may be reduced to 15 months where the couple lived together for at least 18 months before the sponsor entered Portugal. The waiting period does not apply to certain family members or to the families of investors, highly qualified workers, EU Blue Card holders and recognised refugees.

Not always. Birth in Portugal does not automatically grant Portuguese nationality. In most cases, the parents’ legal residence status and the length of their residence in Portugal are decisive. Under the current rules, at least one parent must generally have been legally residing in Portugal for five years at the time of birth.

Transitional rules may apply to applications submitted before the new law entered into force. The date of submission is therefore key to understanding which legal regime may apply to each case.

Tax residency is usually linked to the number of days spent in Portugal or to having a habitual residence available here. If you become tax resident you are obliged to declare your worldwide income in Portugal.

Portuguese tax residents may be required to report income earned abroad, even if that income was already taxed in another country. Each case should be reviewed carefully to avoid omissions or double taxation issues.

Upfront costs typically include IMT (Property Transfer Tax), which varies according to the property value, location and intended use, and Stamp Duty, generally charged at 0.8% on the taxable of thre acquisition. If the purchase is financed through a mortgage, additional Stamp Duty may apply, generally at 0.6% where the loan term is five years or more. Property owners are also liable for annual IMI (Municipal Property Tax), generally charged at a rate between 0.3% and 0.45% of the property’s taxable value, depending on the municipality. Buyers aged 35 or under may qualify for IMT and Stamp Duty exemptions when purchasing their first property for their own permanent residence, subject to the applicable legal requirements and value tresholds.

Generally, Capital Gains Tax applies if the property sale results in a financial profit. Both residents and non-residents are taxed on 50% of the net gain, which is then added to their annual income and subject to progressive tax rates. Eligible expenses, such as documented renovation costs, property acquisition costs, and real estate agency fees, can typically be deducted to reduce the taxable amount. Total or partial exemption may apply if the sale proceeds are reinvested into another primary residence within 36 months, subject to specific legal conditions.

Incorporating a company in Portugal usually requires defining the shareholders, directors, share capital, corporate purpose and location. Having these elements prepared in advance helps make the process faster and smoother.

Corporate minutes are not just a formality. They create a real record of company decisions and may be required by banks, auditors, investors or authorities when reviewing the company’s activity.

Legal due diligence helps identify registry, licensing, tax, lease, planning or condominium issues before completion. This step is essential to understand exactly what is being purchased and to avoid unpleasant surprises later.

Before signing a CPCV, buyers should carefully review the price, deposit, deadlines, conditions, licences, financing clauses and consequences of default. Once signed, the agreement usually creates binding obligations.

A payment order should not be ignored. There are deadlines to react, and failing to respond may allow the creditor to move forward with enforcement measures.

In some cases, simplified debt recovery procedures may be available in Portugal. These mechanisms can be faster than ordinary court proceedings, but the right strategy depends on the amount, documents and debtor’s position.