Portugal's Golden Visa - Non-habitual Residency and Buying Process

Portugal’s golden visa for non-habitual residency aims to attract investors and professionals of great cultural and economic value to increase the international competitiveness of the country.

The system was first introduced in 2009 and can provide significant tax savings for qualified individuals. The program has been very successful and as a result, there are now more than 10,000 residents in Portugal.

The Non-habitual residency process

Non-EU / EEA / Swiss citizens who wish to apply for the NHR system in Portugal may wish to take advantage of Portugal's Golden Visa program. The following steps should be followed:

Proof of residence

The first step in applying for the habitual residence regime in Portugal is to obtain resident status in the country. To do this, you must have the legal right to reside in Portugal.

Non-EU citizens who wish to apply for the NHR regime must first obtain a residence permit to be able to settle in Portugal. This can be granted through various methods, but the most common is the Golden Visa or Passive Income.

Find a specialist for professional advice

The safest way to apply for NHR status in Portugal is to contact a specialist. This way you can ensure that you have the best understanding of Portuguese tax law and find the best solution for your needs. However, if you want to apply yourself, you can follow the steps below.

Get a Portuguese Tax Number (TIN)

Anyone who wants to live or do business in Portugal must have a TIN. This is a 9-digit number that serves as identification for tax purposes.

There are several ways to get a TIN. However, if you are already in Portugal, you can contact your municipality's tax office. To get a TIN in Portugal, you will need proof of residence (e.g. a utility bill or rental agreement), your certificate of residence or your visa, and your passport.

Register as a Portugal resident tax

After receiving your TIN, you'll need to register as a Portugal resident taxpayer.

Apply for your NHR status

If you are applying for the NHR yourself, the easiest route is online through the government finance portal. To be able to use the online service, you must first register on the website.

You will need your TIN, your tax address, your e-mail address, and your telephone number. These should be the same details that you originally used to register for your TIN. You will also be asked to ask a secret question and answer. After registration, you will receive a password by email. The arrival should take a maximum of two weeks.

When your password reaches you, you can connect to the finanças portal and register your application for the RNH program. To complete your application, you must submit the following documents:

a. A declaration stating that you have not been a tax resident in Portugal for the past 5 years

b. Tax returns for the past 5 years

c. Proof of purchase of a property in Portugal or a rental agreement

Benefits of Portugal's golden visa Non-habitually residing in Portugal

1. Benefit from special tax treatment for personal income over 10 years

2. The benefit of Portugal's golden visa- Non-habitual residency.

3. No minimum length of stay

4. Be part of a whitelisted tax environment in the EU
A tax exemption for donations or inheritances to direct family members

5. Free transfer of funds in Portugal