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If you're considering relocating to Portugal but want to avoid the hustle and high costs of Lisbon or Porto, let me introduce you to Braga , a city that perfectly balances modern living with rich cultural heritage. Here's why Braga might just be the ideal place for you: 1️⃣ Quality of Life Affordable Living : Enjoy a high standard of living without breaking the bank. Braga offers a lower cost of living compared to larger Portuguese cities. movingto.io Safety : Experience peace of mind in one of Portugal's safest cities. 2️⃣ Natural Beauty Close to Nature : Nestled near the Peneda-Gerês National Park , Braga provides easy access to lush mountains and scenic hiking trails. Beaches Nearby : With the Atlantic coast just a 30 to 45-minute drive away, you can enjoy sun-soaked beaches and fresh seafood anytime. 3️⃣ Urban Planning & Green Spaces Well-Designed City : Braga boasts thoughtful urban planning, making it easy to navigate and pleasant to live in. City of Flowers : Kno...

  Buying property in Portugal through financing is possible for both residents and non-residents, but mortgage conditions vary depending on nationality, residency status, and banking policies. Below is an overview of what to expect based on different buyer profiles. 1. Portuguese Citizens Residing Abroad (Non-Residents) Portuguese nationals who live outside Portugal but want to purchase property in the country have access to local mortgages under special conditions. Banks often classify them as non-resident buyers , meaning: ✅ Loan-to-Value (LTV): Up to 70%-80% of the property’s appraised value or purchase price (whichever is lower). ✅ Interest Rates: Generally similar to resident rates, but can be slightly higher. ✅ Income Assessment: Global income is considered, but some banks may apply currency conversion risks for non-EUR earnings. ✅ Required Documents: Proof of income, tax returns, Portuguese tax number (NIF), and credit history from the country of residence. 💡 Tip: If you h...

If you're an American expat looking to buy, sell, or rent property in Portugal, there's a crucial distinction in the real estate industry in Portugal that you should be aware of.  Unlike in the U.S., where a licensed Real Estate Agent is legally authorized to represent clients in transactions, in Portugal, most professionals you meet are actually Real Estate Consultants—not agents . 🔹 Who is a Real Estate Agent in Portugal? A licensed Real Estate Agent (Agente Imobiliário) or Private Broker, holds an official license from the Portuguese regulatory authority (IMPIC), carries professional liability insurance, and is legally responsible for transactions. The agent deals directly with clients and assumes full accountability under Portuguese law. 🔹 What about Real Estate Consultants? Most professionals working under big-name real estate franchises in Portugal are Real Estate Consultants (Consultores Imobiliários). They are contracted by the brand, not individually licensed, and op...

Deciding whether to rent or buy a property in Portugal depends on several factors, including financial situation, long-term plans, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations: Buying a Property ✅ Long-Term Investment – Property prices in Portugal have shown steady growth, making it a solid investment. ✅ Golden Visa Program – Non-EU buyers may qualify for residency through property investment. ✅ Stability & Personalization – Owning a home provides stability and the freedom to customize the space. ✅ Potential Rental Income – A property can generate income through short-term (Airbnb) or long-term rentals. ⚠ Considerations : Buying involves upfront costs (down payment, taxes, legal fees) and long-term commitment. Renting a Property ✅ Flexibility – Ideal for those unsure about long-term residence or wanting to explore different areas. ✅ Lower Initial Costs – No need for a large down payment, only a security deposit and rent. ✅ Easier Process – Faster a...

'Extraordinary' Relocation & Concierge Package  Hassle-Free Rental Experience in Northern Portugal Relocating to Portugal? Our 'Extraordinary'  Package is designed for international clients seeking a stress-free transition to the North of Portugal. From property searches to legal paperwork, we handle every step, ensuring you arrive with everything set up and ready to go . ✅ Remote Convenience – Set everything up before arriving in Portugal . ✅ Expert Guidance – Local expertise, legal insights, and personalized support. What’s Included? Pre-Arrival & Rental Assistance: 🔎 Rental Market Research – 75+ hours of research tailored to your needs. 🏡 Property Visits & Reports – 6 in-person visits by our team with detailed feedback. 📄 Lease Agreement Review – Legal verification to ensure fair terms. 📝 Translation of Lease Agreement – Bilingual if required, for full clarity. Concierge & Bureaucratic Support: 🏦 Bank Account Setup – Assistance in openin...

In the Portuguese real estate market, there is a common misconception among buyers: the idea that the presence of a  buyer's specialist  (or  buyer's agent ) increases the cost of the property. In reality, this is a myth that needs clarification. How Do Real Estate Commissions Work? In traditional real estate transactions, the commission paid for brokerage services is, in most cases, covered by the  seller , not the buyer. This commission is pre-agreed between the seller and the real estate agency representing the property. What many people don't realize is that within this commission structure,  there are usually two agents involved : The listing agent  – Represents the seller and promotes the property in the market. The buyer's agent  – Works directly with the buyer, helping them find the best option and negotiating the most favorable terms. Rather than increasing costs, the presence of a buyer's agent means that the total commission agreed with the ...

The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status is a special regime that offers reduced Personal Income Tax (IRS) for 10 years to new foreign residents (of any nationality) and Portuguese citizens who have been living abroad for more than five years . To benefit from this favorable tax regime, the non-habitual resident must either work in a profession considered to be of "high added value" or be a pensioner . This incentive aims to attract highly qualified professionals in key industries and retirees with pensions earned abroad. Pay attention to the latest updates explained below. What Does the Law Say? The NHR status was introduced in 2009 under the Investment Tax Code (Decree-Law No. 249/2009, of September 23) . The Portuguese Tax Authority has created a guide for the Non-Habitual Resident Tax Regime , which you can consult [ chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/apoio_contribuinte/Folhetos_informativos/Documents/IRS_RNH_PT...

- If you work abroad but maintain your tax residence in Portugal, you will need to declare in Portugal all income earned during the fiscal year, both in Portugal and abroad, as per Article 15 of the Personal Income Tax Code (CIRS). However, the foreign country where you work will also tax your income , which theoretically could mean double taxation, which obviously doesn't make sense.  - How to avoid double taxation? There are two mechanisms in place: either you activate the existing convention with the country in question (if there is one), or Portugal unilaterally reduces or eliminates that taxation, according to Article 81 of the CIRS . - Which countries have agreements with Portugal and how can I activate them? According to the Portal das Finanças, as of 2022, there are 77 conventions in force with countries around the world. Remember, if there is a bilateral agreement that prevents double taxation, you will need to activate it through a tax residency certificate. Here are s...

Many expats question what is the portuguese law about keeping animals in a Condo. This website has a well and thorough explanation about the issue: https://vizinhos.blog/animais-em-apartamentos-regras-a-cumprir/ Here's a transcripton: Animals in apartments: six essential questions How many animals can there be in the apartment ? What are the general conditions for having animals ? Can the condominium prohibit pets ? Can the landlord prohibit animals? The barking dog is relentless. What now ? The neighbor's animals are mistreated, what should I do ? Having animals in an apartment is a right with duties. In addition to the conditions that must be met, it is necessary to know the existing limitations and possible prohibitions. Sometimes it is difficult to see which side is right. The questions gathered here help to clarify. The resident on the first floor can't live without his dogs, the neighbor upstairs complains about their barking and the atmosphere between the two has alr...

Rental Services ✅ Comprehensive Property Search & Validation Property search, technical inspections, validations, and visits. Local area exploration. Remote calls and video walkthroughs when required. Legal procedure preparation and validation. 📜 Lease Contract & Legal Assistance In Portugal, a Licensed Agent is certified to apply for Property Registrations and all necessary lease documentation. Coordination with a Real Estate Lawyer for thorough document review and validation. Bilingual Lease Contract (PT/EN) included in the service, at no extra cost (most agencies charge around €130 for this). 📡 Utilities & Settling-In Support Assistance in setting up water, gas/electricity, phone, TV, and Internet contracts. 💰 Commission Structure Most listing agents and private landlords do not share/pay commission , meaning I act as your dedicated Rental Agent : 1 month’s rent for contracts up to 1 year . 1.5 months’ rent for contracts of 2 years or more . 🔹 Exceptions: a) ...