Portugal among OECD countries with real wage growth
Pre-tax wages increased in 35 countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), including Portugal, between 2024 and 2025, according to the latest data released by the international organisation.The average wage rose in all OECD countries between 2024 and 2025 in nomina
Birth rate vs. death rate: what is happening in Portugal?
In May 2026, 9,216 deaths were recorded in Portugal (37 of which were of residents living abroad), 209 fewer (-2.2%) than in the previous month and 445 fewer (-4.6%) than in the same month last year. The figures were released this Friday (12 June 2026) by the National Statistics Institute (INE) and also show that the birth rate is declining.
11.4 million people reside in Portugal: 1.6 million are foreigners
Portugal’s National Statistics Institute (INE) has updated the number of residents in Portugal to over 11.4 million people, following the inclusion of 1,597,539 foreign nationals.
Housing tax package: what changes for tenants and landlords?
The new housing tax package approved by the Government aims, in broad terms, to respond to the housing and access-to-housing crisis currently affecting the country. There is an urgent need to increase the supply of homes on the market at prices that most people can afford, both to buy and to rent.
Municipal Property Transfer Tax (IMT) in Portugal for foreigners
Buying property in Portugal involves more than agreeing on a purchase price.
How much does it cost to maintain a house?
Buying or renting a place of your own is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Living alone brings plenty of upsides, like freedom and privacy, but it also comes with responsibilities that are easy to underestimate.We’re talking about the monthly and annual costs of maintaining a home.
Changes to Nationality Law hinder US investment decisions
Filipa Pinto Carvalho, co-founder of RedBridge Lisbon, admits in an interview with Lusa that changes to the Nationality Law have been a factor that has somewhat hampered investment decisions from the US. Created four years ago, RedBridge is a community of entrepreneurs, professionals and investors and is consolidating itself as a platform between Portugal and the US.
The new Nationality Law in Portugal: what changes
The recent revision of the Nationality Law, approved by Parliament in April and since enacted, introduced a broader and, in several respects, more demanding set of changes than those foreseen in earlier drafts, particularly the versions discussed in June and October.The final decree is more detailed
Portugal ranks 5th in the EU for longest working hours per week
Portugal is the fifth-highest in the European Union for weekly workload, averaging 39.7 hours per week.
Mortgage: 6 steps to take in case of divorce
Proceeding with a divorce when the couple has a joint mortgage can trigger some issues, especially at the bureaucratic level. In a country where there are approximately 17,000 divorces per year, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), it becomes essential to know what to do in these cases.
Land registration free until September and RGG now required in deeds
The government has approved a decree amending the legal framework governing the simplified cadastral information system and the Single Building Service Desk (BUPi).
Capital gains tax in Portugal: how property sales are taxed and who is exempt
Few issues create as much confusion and stress as the capital gains tax when selling a house. Understanding whether you need to pay capital gains tax, and how much, is essential before completing a property sale. In simple terms, capital gains refer to the profit made on the sale of a property.
Housing crisis affects the economy by driving young people away from cities
The housing crisis affects people and also economic growth by driving young people away from urban centers and hindering productivity, warned the director of the European Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in an interview with Lusa.
Key documents you need to file your tax return in Portugal
For most residents who file their tax return in Portugal, the Tax Authority already holds much of the information needed for the automatic IRS return, based on invoices and data reported by employers, banks and other entities. However, some types of income and deductions are not filled in autom
How to file IRS in Portugal in 2026: 9 steps for your tax return
Filing your IRS tax return in Portugal is rarely anyone’s favourite task, but the system is more straightforward than it first appears.
IRS in Portugal 2026: dates, rules and who has to file their tax return
In Portugal, the 2026 IRS season for income earned in 2025 runs from 1st April to 30th June, when residents must file their annual personal income tax return online.During this window, taxpayers who are resident in Portugal must submit their annual IRS return online via the Portal das Finanças, eith
Lisbon surges in Europe’s investment rankings – but is it the continent’s next property hotspot?
The Portuguese capital rockets up 97 places as GDP growth, global property investment and migration boost its appeal
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Portugal?
Dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle? If you're finally in the position where you can actually make the move, then Portugal might be calling for you.But before you pack your bags and book that one-way ticket, it's crucial to have
Portuguese Government launches task force for affordable housing
The Portuguese Government has set up a task force to focus on affordable housing, aiming to “define guiding principles for investments supported under Portugal 2030” in this sector, according to a decree published in the Diário da República.Dated 3 March, the decree explains that the group will also
Real estate now captures almost half of foreign investment in Portugal
Foreign investors poured €3.9 billion into Portugal’s property market in 2025 — a 10% increase over 2024 and a new record, according to the Bank of Portugal (BdP).Even after the end of golden visas for real estate at the end of 2023, international interest shows no signs of slowing.
Lisbon’s traditional cafés are disappearing as rents soar and tourism surges
Lisbon’s traditional neighbourhood cafés — once central to daily life in the Portuguese capital — are disappearing. Dozens of long-standing pastelarias and coffee shops have shut down in recent months as commercial rents climb and tourism reshapes entire districts. In many cases, historic businesses are being replaced by international food chains, short-term rental properties or tourist-focused shops.
Minimum wage in Portugal remains below the European average in 2026
Portugal’s national minimum wage increased to €920 gross per month in 2026, continuing a trend of annual rises. However, the country remains below the European average.
Portugal launches new phase of Porto–Lisbon high-speed rail
Portugal has launched the tender for the second public-private partnership (PPP) of the Porto–Lisbon high-speed rail line, covering the Oiã to Soure section.
The cost of retiring in Portugal: a comprehensive guide for 2026
Portugal continues to attract retirees from around the globe with its affordable cost of living, high quality of life, and welcoming atmosphere.
Cost of living in Portugal in 2026
Is it expensive to live in Portugal? How much do you actually need each month to feel comfortable, rather than counting every coffee?