Ex-pat laws

With the COVID-19 pandemic stealing the headlines in recent months, Brexit seemed to take a back seat. Now in 2021 in the blink of an eye, the Brexit transition period has ended, as of 1st January 2021, the UK is no longer a member of the EU, and we are now living in a post-Brexit world.

Portugal's new nationality law has been passed by the President of the Republic. This means that the children of immigrants who have been living in the country for at least a year, even illegally, can become Portuguese at birth.

The end of issuing so called "golden visas" in the metropolitan areas of Lisbon and Porto, which was approved in detail following a proposal to amend the State Budget for 2020 (OE2020), will finally becomea reality later this year. The decision to change the rules of the scheme (in major urban centr

Portugal is often referred to as one of the best countries in the world to retire to. This so called 'golden age' is the time to enjoy a hard earned life of leisure and leave the world of work behind. 

We’ve been a little distracted lately with the surprise of the COVID-19 pandemic filling the headlines in Portugal and across Europe.

The children of immigrants who have been living in Portugal for a year may be able to get Portuguese nationality if an amendment to the nationality law, which is under discussion in Parliament, is approved.

The Portuguese parliament has approved a measure which will limit the issuance of what are known as ‘golden visas’ for real estate investments made across the Portuguese coastline, including in Lisbon and Porto.

Will I still be able to access healthcare in Portugal after Brexit? This is a question asked by many British citizens in the wake of the Brexit deadline, both by tourists and expat residents in Portugal.

Besides plans to end golden visas in Lisbon and Porto, the ruling Socialist Party in Portugal has introduced an amendment to this year's state budget which will levy a 10% income tax (known in Portuguese as IRS) on the foreign revenue of foreign pensioners who move to Portugal.

Launched in 2009, the regime for non-habitual residents in Portugal adds up to more than 27,000 beneficiaries and has been a strong driver of property investment in Portugal, especially in recent years.

With Brexit finally here, one of the biggest questions being asked by British expats is about residency in other countries. If you’re a British citizen living in Portugal and are worried about possible Brexit consequences, then we’re here to put your mind at ease.

This is just one of the many questions on the lips of British expats in Portugal and throughout the EU now that Brexit is finally a reality.