Moving to Portugal offers an attractive blend of mild climate, rich culture, and high quality of life. For U.S. citizens considering this transition, understanding the residency process is crucial. Below, we outline the key steps, visa options, and legal requirements to make your move smooth and compliant.

With the official announcement of the end of the Golden Visa program in Spain, the debate about the future of these investment programs has returned to the spotlight. But what changes (or not) for Portugal? And how can the country continue to attract qualified foreign investment, now focusing on innovation, funds, and business creation?

Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) are essential instruments for foreign investors looking to acquire property in Portugal, as they ensure that income is not taxed twice – both in the country of residence and in Portugal. These agreements are fundamental for efficient tax management, allowing resident and international investors to optimize their tax burden.

Acquiring Portuguese nationality is a crucial topic for foreign residents who see Portugal as their home. With the publication of Organic Law No. 1/2024, a fundamental change was introduced in the calculation of the legal residency period required to obtain Portuguese citizenship by naturalization.

The Land Registry Regime arises from an undeniable need to understand our territory. Although Portugal is a relatively small country, the exact geometry and ownership of many properties remain unknown, which, of course, hinders the proper administration of our land.

With Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 elections, many Americans, especially those from the states of Washington, Oregon, and Colorado, have been considering relocating to Portugal to seek a new lifestyle and avoid the politically polarized climate in the United States.

Whether you're relocating for work, retirement, or investment opportunities, understanding the requirements and procedures for permanent residency will ensure a smooth transition to life in this beautiful country.

Below, we answer the most common questions about obtaining permanent residence in Portugal.

On 23 October 2024, Decree-Law no. 76/2024 brought significant changes to the legal framework for establishing local accommodation establishments in Portugal. This law, which came into force on 1 November 2024, gives new powers to municipalities, defines new rules for condominiums, and strengthens supervision of the sector.

Significant changes have recently been made to the legal regime governing the reclassification of rustic land into urban land in Portugal. These changes aim to alleviate the shortage of land for construction and promote accessibility to housing. They also aim to reduce bureaucracy, increase the supply of land, and create conditions for affordable housing while maintaining ecological and social balance.

Due diligence is a process of in-depth investigation and analysis of a property before a purchase is made.

On 28 June 2024, Law 31/2024 was published, introducing significant changes to the IRS Code, the Stamp Duty Code and the Tax Benefits Statute (EBF).

As of 19 August 2024, obtaining the European Certificate of Succession (CSE) has become easier and faster in Portugal.

This article explores the different scenarios and the options for short-term rentals as alternatives and complements to LA.

The recent Decree-Law no. 41-A/2024 of 28 of June 2024 introduces a one-year extension (until 30 of June 2025) to the validity period of documents and visas for foreign citizens in Portugal.

Recently, the government accepted the Superior Council of the Judiciary’s proposal to create a court specialising in immigration and asylum issues.

The government’s new housing programme – “Construir Portugal: Nova Estratégia para a Habitação” (Building Portugal: New Strategy for Housing) – with 30 measures to respond to the housing crisis, was presented last Friday, May 10.

On March 4, Decree-Law 10/2024 of January 8 – SIMPLEX – came into force, promising to simplify town and country planning administration.

On March 5, 2023, Organic Law no. 1/2004 was published, which made the tenth amendment to Law no. 37/91 of October 3, approving the Nationality Law.

CEAL will be payable from 2024 by those who hold licenses for short-term rental activity on independent units or autonomous divisions of buildings that are licensed for habitation purposes.

In this article, we will look at the “Mais Habitação” campaign and discuss what it means to the Portuguese housing market and to those willing to move to Portugal.

Urban Rehabilitation, in the modality of building rehabilitation, involves the requalification of degraded or functionally inadequate buildings, restoring safety, cleanliness and aesthetic appeal through works and other improvements.

After being approved in generality in May 2023, the Mais-Habitação Policy was subject to amendment proposals by the parties with parliamentary seat until last June 16.

The main goals of this new legislation are to increase the offer of real estate intended for habitation, to simplify the licensing procedures, to increase the number of houses in the renting market and to fight speculation.

The relationship between companies and employees has transformed dramatically in the last few years, working remotely is becoming more common every day, and this trend has also led to a growing number of 'Digital Nomads' – workers who conduct their activity in a totally remote way.

Portugal has become one of the most appealing countries for those looking to relocate, and it continues to live up to its fame.