Chapter 18 of 21

Taxes & Tax Returns

IRS, IMI, IUC & annual obligations

Taxes & Tax Returns

IRS, IMI, IUC & Annual Obligations

This chapter is for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional.

Sources: portaldasfinancas.gov.pt | at.gov.pt

IRS — Income Tax (2026)

Taxable IncomeRate
Up to €8,34212.50%
€8,342 – €12,57817.40%
€12,578 – €17,83822.40%
€17,838 – €22,31924.10%
€22,319 – €28,25932.15%
€28,259 – €41,33337.00%
€41,333 – €54,23343.50%
€54,233 – €86,63445.00%
Above €86,63448.00%

Filing a Tax Return

  1. Validate invoices on e-fatura (before Feb 25)
  2. Check pre-filled return (mid-March)
  3. Submit: April 1 – June 30
  4. Early submission = faster refund (2-3 weeks)

Deductions

CategoryDeductionMaximum
Health15%€1,000
Education30%€800
Housing (rent/interest)15%€900/€296
General expenses (NIF)35%€250 per person
Restaurants/hotels15%€250

NIF On Every Invoice

ALWAYS request an invoice with your NIF. No NIF on invoice = no tax deduction. The e-fatura system automatically registers all invoices with your NIF.

Annual Tax Calendar

DateAction
January 31Report family changes to Financas
February 25Validate e-fatura invoices
March 15Clear vegetation around property (fire prevention)
March 31Submit IFICI application (only qualified professionals)
April 1 – June 30Submit IRS tax return
April / July / NovPay IMI (split if > €100)
Vehicle registration datePay IUC via Financas portal
OngoingNIF on every invoice!

Double Taxation Treaty NL-PT

The Netherlands and Portugal have a tax treaty (DTT) to avoid double taxation. Main points: • Government pension (ABP): usually taxed only in the Netherlands • Private pension: usually taxed in Portugal • Rental income from Dutch real estate: taxed in the Netherlands • Dividends: withholding tax in country of payment + credit • Capital gains: depends on type and treaty Always consult a tax advisor familiar with both Dutch and Portuguese tax law. The interaction between the two systems is complex.

Other Taxes

  • IMI — Property tax: 0.3-0.45% of VPT. Annual
  • IUC — Road tax: annually on vehicle registration date
  • IMT — Transfer tax on purchase: 0-8%
  • IFICI (successor to NHR) — 20% flat tax, but ONLY for highly qualified professionals in specific sectors (tech, R&D, startups, innovation). Not for all expats. Apply before March 31
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Glossary
  • NISS (Social Security Number)

    The Portuguese social security number. You need your NISS if you plan to work in Portugal or start as a freelancer. It is also required for access to certain social benefits and allowances.

  • SEF/AIMA (Immigration Service)

    The former Portuguese immigration service SEF was replaced by AIMA in 2023 (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). AIMA handles residence permits, visa applications and all immigration matters. Wait times can be long, so start your application early.

  • IRS (Personal Income Tax)

    Portuguese personal income tax. The IRS return is filed annually between April and June. Rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on income. Tax residents must declare their worldwide income.

  • ISV (Vehicle Registration Tax)

    Tax when registering or importing a vehicle in Portugal. The ISV amount can be substantial, especially for older or polluting vehicles. EU citizens who relocate may be eligible for exemption under certain conditions.

  • CPCV (Promissory Purchase Agreement)

    The preliminary purchase contract when buying property in Portugal. Upon signing you typically pay a 10-20% deposit (sinal). If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they must repay double the amount.

  • CertidĂŁo de Teor (Property Registry Extract)

    An extract from the Portuguese property registry at the ConservatĂłria. The CertidĂŁo de Teor shows who owns a property and whether there are mortgages or liens on it. Always check before purchasing a property.

  • Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council)

    The local administrative body at neighborhood level, comparable to a Dutch district council. At the Junta de Freguesia you can request an Atestado de ResidĂŞncia (proof of residence) among other things. It is often your first point of contact for local matters.

  • ConservatĂłria (Registry Office)

    The Portuguese registry office for property and civil status. At the ConservatĂłria, property transfers, marriages and births are registered. For property purchases, registration at the ConservatĂłria do Registo Predial is mandatory.

  • TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia (Residence Permit)

    The Portuguese residence permit card, comparable to a Dutch residence permit. After approval of your visa application, you receive a TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia allowing you to legally live and work in Portugal.

  • Multibanco

    The Portuguese payment network and ATM system. Multibanco is not only used for cash withdrawals, but also for paying bills, taxes and even concert tickets. It is an essential part of daily life in Portugal.