Joana Mendonça
Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program was a popular choice for foreign nationals who wanted to reduce their tax responsibilities in Portugal. Launched in 2009, the tax regime offered significant benefits, including reduced tax rates and exemptions for eligible residents.
Over the years, thousands have taken advantage of the NHR program, enjoying a flat tax rate of 20% on certain income and exemptions on global income. However, the original NHR scheme ended in 2023 and has been replaced by the new Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), also known as the NHR 2.0 tax regime.
In this article, you’ll learn more about these changes and also find out more about:
What is the NHR Portugal tax regime?
Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) refers to establishing tax residency in Portugal. This residency enables individuals to enjoy reduced income tax rates for 10 years. Current NHR holders are not subject to specific minimum or maximum residency requirements.
The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Portugal program is a tax regime that offers foreign residents and investors reduced tax rates and exemptions on some taxes. Introduced by the Portuguese government in 2009, NHR status allowed qualifying individuals to enjoy significant benefits, such as special personal income tax treatment over a period of ten years.
This special tax status for new residents can lead to tax exemptions on global income. In contrast, active income from high-value-added activities earned in Portugal is taxed at 20 percent.
Foreign investors with a Portugal Golden Visa can optimize their taxes by applying for NHR status. Holders of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa or individuals on the Tech Visa who aim to spend over 183 days a year in Portugal can also apply.
Is the NHR Portugal tax regime still available?
No, the NHR Portugal tax regime is no longer available as the transitional phase after the regime’s official discontinuation has ended. It was still possible to apply for NHR before the 31 March 2025 cut-off, but only if you met specific requirements, which should have been enacted in 2023.
You had to meet at least one of the following to qualify:
- Lease agreement or other contract for the use/possession of property signed by October 10, 2023
- Contract to buy property in Portugal signed by October 10, 2023
- Children enrolled or registered in a school in Portugal by October 10, 2023
- Employment contract signed by December 31, 2023
- Residence permit or visa valid from or before December 31, 2023
- Application for a residence permit or visa initiated by December 31, 2023
However, if you meet the Portuguese government’s new requirements, you can apply for the new NHR scheme. Those who qualify will benefit from a flat tax rate of 20 percent on eligible professional income from Portugal and an exemption on professional foreign-sourced income, including passive income, such as dividends, interest, capital gains, and real estate rent outside Portugal. Unlike under the existing NHR program, this excludes pensions.
Benefits of Portugal NHR
Some of the significant advantages to applying for NHR status include:
- Special personal income tax treatment over ten years
- Exemption on almost all foreign-source income
- 20 percent flat rate for certain Portuguese source incomes
- Become part of a white-listed tax environment
- Tax exemption for gifts or inheritance to direct family members
- No wealth tax
- Tax exemption on passive income from outside Portugal
- Free remittance of funds to Portugal
Portugal NHR and double taxation agreements
A key benefit of Portugal’s NHR tax regime lies in Double-Taxation Agreements (DTAs).
A DTA allows for most categories of income to be taxed in the country from which the source of income is derived. Most countries, however, choose not to apply income tax to any income earned by non-residents as they want to be seen as jurisdictions open to foreign investment.
In turn, under the NHR tax regime, Portugal will not tax most foreign-sourced income NHR individuals earn. This allows NHR residents to receive some foreign income completely free of tax.
Portugal has signed Double-Taxation Agreements with 81 countries, and the OECD model tax convention may be used without a DTA.
Who can apply for the NHR Portugal tax regime?
While the NHR scheme is closed to new applicants, you may still qualify if you meet the transitional rules and submit your application by 31 March 2025.
- Registered tax residency in Portugal by 31 December 2023 but did not apply for NHR yet
- Signed a work or business contract before 31 December 2023 but moved to Portugal in 2024
- Concluded a property purchase agreement before 31 December 2023.
- Conducted public functions or commissions for the Portuguese government abroad in the past 12 months
- A crew member of a ship or aircraft registered in Portugal on 31 December 2023
To apply for IFICI, you must fulfill the following conditions:
- Become taxable residents in Portugal
- Have not been taxable residents in the previous five years
- Earn income in certain professional categories such as:
- Teachers and scientists
- People with qualified jobs according to the tax code and members of corporate bodies within the scope of contractual benefits for productive investment
- Highly qualified professionals, which will be anyone performing one or more of the above activities and carrying them out in a qualifying entity
- People working for companies recognized by relevant government agencies — AICEP, EPE, IAPMEI, IP — or relevant to the national economy, working with investment etc.
- Research and development personnel who meet the definitions of the tax code
- People working for startups, certified by law as such
- People working in Madeira and Azores who meet the terms set by these regions
Tax Under the Non-Habitual Resident Regime in Portugal
Which professions are considered highly valuable under the NHR tax regime?
Professions of high cultural and economic worth are given generous tax exemptions and tax benefits under the NHR regime.
The following professions are considered of high added value:
General director and executive manager of companies |
Directors of administrative and commercial services |
Directors of production and specialized services |
Directors of hotels, restaurants, commerce and other services |
Specialists in physical, mathematical sciences, engineering and related techniques |
Professor of university and higher education |
Specialists in information and communication technologies (ICT) |
Authors, journalists and linguists |
Creative and performing arts artists |
Technicians and professions in science and engineering, at intermediate level |
Information and communication technology technicians |
Market-oriented farmers and skilled workers in agriculture and animal production |
Skilled forestry, fishing and hunting workers, market-oriented |
Skilled workers in industry, construction and craftsmen, including in particular skilled workers in metallurgy, metalworking, food processing, wood, clothing, handicrafts, printing, the manufacture of precision instruments, jewelers, craftsmen, workers in electricity and electronics. |
Installation and machine operators and assembly workers, namely operators of fixed installations and machines |
Workers involved in the professional activities referred to above must have at least qualification level 4 of the European Qualifications Framework or level 35 of the International Standard Classification of Education or have five years of duly proven professional experience. |
And other professional activities, including administrators and managers of companies promoting productive investment, as long as they are allocated to eligible projects and with contracts granting tax benefits |
Tax treatment of foreign-sourced income under NHR
Beneficiaries of the NHR regime in Portugal with some foreign incomes are largely exempt from taxation in Portugal due to DTAs.
If income is sourced in a country with a double taxation treaty with Portugal, the income will not be taxed in Portugal.
Employment income
- Foreign source income is taxed at a flat rate of 20 percent if it falls under the list of eligible professions.
Self-employment:
- Foreign source income is taxed at a flat rate of 20 percent if it falls under the list of eligible professions.
- This income is also subject to social security contributions (after one year of social security contribution exemptions) unless the individual in question already pays social security contributions into another system.
- Royalties, Dividends and Interests
- Typically exempt between countries that have DTAs between them
- In the absence of DTA, the OECD model convention must still be used
- If they are not exempt, they will be taxed at 28% in Portugal
- Otherwise taxed at 35 percent if the origin country is a blacklisted tax haven
Real estate income and capital gains
Real estate income is typically taxed at source, meaning it should be taxed in the country where it is earned.
Capital gains from the disposal of securities (shares, bonds, etc.) will be subject to a rate of 28 percent.
Pension income: Taxed at a flat rate of 10 percent (since March 2020). Typically, pension income is subject to withholding tax in the country of origin. After paying tax in Portugal, it is necessary to recover the tax withheld in the country of origin. You would typically need to apply for a tax refund or credit in the country where the pension income was originally taxed.
Tax treatment of Portugal-sourced income under the NHR regime
Employment and self-employment income
- Usual progressive tax rates apply if employment does not fall under the list of eligible professions.
- If employment falls under eligible NHR professions or the income comes from a high-value-added activity, a flat tax rate of 20 percent applies.
Real estate income and capital gains
- Rental income is taxed at an optional rate of 28 percent or otherwise at standard progressive rates.
- Net capital gains are taxed at 50 percent at standard progressive rates.
Pension income
- Under the NHR, pensions are taxed at the usual rates (10 percent)
Portuguese tax table for 2025
Portuguese income tax bands | Portuguese tax rate |
up to €7,703 | 13.25% |
€7,703–€11,623 | 18% |
€11,624-€16,472 | 23% |
€16,473-€21,321 | 26% |
€21,322-€27,146 | 32.75% |
€27,147-€39,791 | 37% |
€39,792-€51,997 | 43.5% |
€51,998-€81,199 | 45% |
€81,200+ | 48% |
Book a one-on-one consultation with our Portugal Tax Specialist
Step-by-Step Application Guide: Non-Habitual Resident Tax Regime in Portugal
Step 1 – Proof of residency
The first step towards applying for the non-habitual resident regime in Portugal is securing residency status there. To do so, you must have the legal right to reside in Portugal.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
EU/EEA/Swiss are allowed to register for residency without a visa. You will need certain documents depending on the municipality you are applying to/from. All that is needed to register citizens can register for residency at their local town hall (Câmara Municipal). Be sure to take the following with you:
- Passport
- Proof of address (You will need to give a current address, but will not require proof of residency)
You must find the correct ticket at the town hall to register as a “Cidadão Europeu”. The process is fairly straightforward, and the attendant should fill out the form for you. You will then have to pay a fee of around €15.
Non-EU citizens
Non-EU citizens who wish to apply for the NHR regime must first obtain a residence permit to settle in Portugal. This can be granted through a number of different methods, but the most common is the Golden Visa or the Portugal D7 Visa program.
The process occurs through AIMA or at your closest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate.
Step 2 – Find a specialist accountant for professional advice
The safest way to apply for NHR status in Portugal is with the help of a specialist. This way, you can ensure that you understand Portuguese tax law and find the best solution for your needs. However, if you wish to apply independently, follow the steps below.
Step 3 – Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Everyone who intends to reside or do business in Portugal must have a Portugal tax identification number (Numero de Identificação Fiscal). This is a 9-digit number that serves as identification for tax purposes.
There are several different ways to acquire an NIF. You can visit your local government finance office (finanças) if you are already in Portugal. To get an NIF at a finanças, you will need proof of residence (such as a utility bill or rental contract), your residency certificate or visa, and your passport.
Step 4 – Register as a tax resident in Portugal
After your NIF, you must register as a tax resident in Portugal. This can also be done at finanças provided that you show you are allowed to live in Portugal (meaning you are previously registered as a European Citizen or holder of a Residence Permit.
Step 5 – Apply for your NHR status
If you choose to apply for the NHR on your own, the easiest way is online through Portal das Finanças, the government’s financial portal. To use the online service.
You will need your NIF, fiscal address, email address, and phone number—the same details you used to register for your NIF. You will also be asked to provide an answer to a security question.
Once you have registered, a password will be sent to you by post. It should take at most two weeks to arrive.
When your password arrives, you can log into the finanças portal and register your application for the NHR regime. You can do this by accessing Aceda aos Serviços Tributários, clicking on Entregar Pedido, and then finally Inscrição Residente Não Habitual.
To complete your application, you may be required to submit the following documents:
- A declaration stating that you have not been a tax resident in Portugal for the previous 5 years
- Tax returns for the past 5 years
- Proof of purchase of property in Portugal or a rental contract
Request for further evidence
The most common reason behind NHR rejections is a failure to provide enough supporting evidence. You might be required to prove that you have not been a tax resident in Portugal within the past five years. This means submitting further evidence proving that you have been a tax resident in another country.
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Frequenty Asked Questions about Portugal's NHR Tax Regime
Who qualifies for NHR in Portugal?
You could qualify for NHR in Portugal by signing an employment contract, lease, or property purchase by specified dates, enrolling children in school, or holding a valid residence visa.
You can also qualify if you initiate a visa or permit application or are part of a qualifying household. NHR status lasts from your taxable residency date until December 31, 2033.
What is the NHR tax benefit in Portugal?
The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) in Portugal is a special tax status for new residents of Portugal. Those with this status are exempt from paying taxes on global income in Portugal for ten years. The income they earn in Portugal is taxed at a flat rate of 20 percent.
As well as the income benefits, there are also advantageous policies for inheritance tax, gift tax, rental income from real estate outside Portugal, and capital gains.
Is Portugal getting rid of NHR?
Yes, Portugal is discontinuing the NHR program on March 31, 2025. The NHR program will be replaced by the Incentivised Tax Status Program (ITS), which offers similar benefits.
However, unlike the NHR, the new system does not include a pension exemption.
Can US citizens apply for NHR?
Yes, anyone who meets the requirements can request NHR status, including US citizens.
Can a UK citizen apply for NHR?
Yes, however, following the UK’s departure from the EU due to Brexit, obtaining NHR status has become slightly more complicated for UK citizens.
Do I have to be resident outside of Portugal to be a non-habitual tax resident NHR?
No, you can live in Portugal, but the key part is that you must not have been a taxable resident for five years prior to application. Then, it is necessary to become a taxable resident in order to become a non-habitual resident.
Can remote workers and digital nomads benefit from NHR?
Remote workers and digital nomads might benefit from Portugal’s NHR program if their income comes from abroad and they meet residency requirements.
The NHR offers reduced taxes on foreign source income, potentially leading to significant savings. However, recent changes have made it less applicable to some remote work professions.
What if my income is paid in another country?
If you are being taxed by a country that has a double taxation agreement with Portugal, you will be exempt from having to pay tax in Portugal.
What if my income is earned in Portugal?
Depending on your profession or source of income, you could still be eligible for significant tax breaks. That being said, if your income is being earned in Portugal and you are a tax resident in Portugal, you’ll be subject to Portuguese taxes.
When is the best time to apply for the Portuguese NHR tax regime?
You must apply for the NHR regime before 31 March of the year following the one in which you became a taxable resident in Portugal. If you meet the conditions to apply during the grace period, you must apply by 31 March, 2025.
Can applications for non-habitual residency in Portugal be tracked?
If you are registered online at the Portal das Finanças, you can track the progress of your NHR application.
How do you know if registration as a Portuguese non-habitual resident has been accepted?
You can consult the status of your application through the finanças portal. On the website, click Aceda aos Serviços Tributários, then Consultar Pedido, and then finally Inscrição Residente Não Habitual.
How long does it take to apply for the Non Habitual Resident NHR tax regime in Portugal?
You should know within a couple of weeks whether your application has been accepted or declined.
Generally, it takes about two weeks to hear back. If your NIF was recently obtained, then it may take as little as two days.
What happens after 10 years of NHR in Portugal?
After a 10-year period with NHR status, you will no longer be tax exempt on certain income, and you will pay taxes on the same basis as Portuguese citizens if you remain a Portuguese resident.
Do I have to make a statement of assets to apply for the NHR regime?
No, you will only have to state your income on your tax returns. In your tax returns, you should report your worldwide income and any foreign bank account you own to Portuguese Tax and Customs Authorities.
How long has the Non Habitual Resident NHR regime in Portugal been available?
The Non Habitual Resident NHR scheme has been in place since 2009 and has been growing more popular every year, though it is now ended.
Is it possible to backdate my registration as a non-habitual tax resident?
Once your application is successful, your status as a non-habitual tax resident will automatically be backdated to when you first registered as a taxable resident in Portugal.
