Start your life in Portugal and benefit from the NHR Status.
Portugal: high quality of life, sunhine and sea.
Would you like to emigrate to Portugal?
- Over 10 years of experience
- NHR Experts
- Specialized in International Tax and Legal Consulting
- Over 30 employees consisting of lawyers, tax consultants, accountants etc.
- On-site Assistance
We have been helping people and entrepreneurs to move their centre of life abroad for over 15 years.
The law firm DW&P – Dr. Werner & Partners has already successfully supported over 530 clients with their projects. DW&P is an international law firm. As such, we have a great responsibility towards our customers. Comprehensive advice is required before applying for NHR status.
Due to (tax-related) legal aspects or the structure of the company, we may advise you against the NHR programme and suggest other alternatives.
Portugal
Official language: Portuguese
10.33 million inhabitants
Mediterranean Lifestyle
> 300 days of sunshine a year
Favourable tax structures for immigrants
Advice and evaluation regarding which tax regime is most suitable for you
DW&P will advise you as to whether you are qualified for NHR status or whether you rather qualify for the Simplified Regime. Then we will tell you what the next steps are, that you need to take.
Applying for NHR Status & an NIF number
Using our tailor-made solutions, our tax consultants and lawyers will help you with the NIF application. We will also help you to apply for NHR status. If necessary, we can also take over the preparation of your private income tax.
Assistance with Banking Transactions
Thanks to long-standing partnerships with various banks, we can open an account for you in the shortest possible time and advise you on which account makes the most sense for your purposes.
Visa Service
For non-EU citizens, a D5 or D6 visa is required for Portugal. We will support you in applying for the right visa for Portugal. DW&P provides reliable and trustworthy legal representation and visa services.
Registration as a Freelancer
If, during the consultation, it turns out that the freelancer regulation is more suitable for you, we will support you with your registeration as a freelancer, and with any other questions that arise.
On-site Support
DW&P works with a partner company in Portugal. In addition to your personal contact at DW&P, you also have an address in Portugal that you can turn to.
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE ESSENTIALS
Emigrating to Portugal
NHR Status in Portugal
NHR status (Non-Habitual Resident) is a Portuguese tax tax scheme for foreign professionals and retirees. To qualify for this status, you must be an EU citizen or a participant in the Golden Visa programmme. You may not have been registered as a taxpayer in Portugal for the last 5 years. You must prove residency in Portugal to obtain NHR status. This offers a reduced tax burden for a period of 10 years, while certain types of income are tax-free or reduced. However, note that this status should be checked carefully, as it is not suitable for everyone. A Portuguese tax number (NIF number) is also required.
A NIF Number in Portugal
In Portugal, all persons, including companies, are required to have an NIF number. This nine-digit number, issued by the Portuguese tax authorities, is used for tax-related matters, business transactions and financial transactions. It can be obtained by registering in Portugal or by applying to the tax office. Non-Portuguese people without a domicile in Portugal can also obtain an NIF for specific purposes; however this must be approved by the Portuguese tax authorities. The NIF must be provided on bank accounts, in order to conduct financial transactions, and it must be included on business documents. Without a valid NIF, difficulties can arise with financial transactions and tax obligations. NIF numbers are unique to each person and every company in Portugal.
Private Income Tax Returns in Portugal
All residents or persons earning an income in Portugal, including those with NHR status, must file a personal income tax return by 31 May every year. Tax rates can be progressive or regressive depending on your income level. The income tax return must include all types of income, such as wages, salaries, pensions, capital income and rental income, and it must list deductions, such as income-related expenses, donations and medical expenses.
Freelancer Registration in Portugal
As a freelancer in Portugal, you must register as a self-employed worker and submit an annual tax return (approx. 20% tax) to the social security and tax offices. There is a simplified tax regime for small businesses and the self-employed, including freelancers, with an annual turnover of less than EUR 200,000. It offers a reduced tax burden, tax exemptions, expense credit, a simplified process and lower costs. In the first and second years, freelancers are exempt from taxes, up to 50% or 25%, and with a gross annual income of less than EUR 10,000, they are not subject to VAT. The basic contribution rate is 29.6% of taxable income and there is a reduced tax rate of 20% for income below EUR 35,000 per year.
D5 & D6 Visas for Non-EU and UK citizens in Portugal
D5 and D6 are visa categories for non-EU citizens wishing to work and live in Portugal. D5 is for the self-employed, and D6 is for employees. D5 visa applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to incorporate or acquire a business, and that the business is economically viable. D6 visa applicants must obtain a work permit stating that no Portuguese citizen is qualified for the position. It is important to note regular renewals and length of stay requirements. In order to stay up to date, it is advisable to seek professional help.
Why Portugal?
5 Reasons
- A pleasant climate with 300 days of sunshine a year
- Diverse landscape, ranging from beautiful beaches to majestic mountains
- Attractive tax structuring through the NHR programme
- The Portuguese are known for their hospitality
- Portuguese cuisine is rich in variety and flavour, offering a diversity of delicious dishes
NHR PROGRAMME IN PORTUGAL
Who qualifies for the NHR programme in Portugal?
Unfortunately, not all professionals can benefit equally from the NHR system in Portugal. Only “skilled” professionals of high cultural and economic value, who are considered as an added value for Portugal, receive tax advantages.
- Pensioners
- Managing directors and senior executives
- Freelancers
- The Self-mployed
- Professionals in physics, mathematics, engineering and similar technical professions
- Doctors, dentists
- Architects, engineers, geologists
- Tax consultants, auditors
- University lecturers
- Psychologists
- Technicians and practitioners of other freelance professions
- Biologists, archaeologists, researchers, developers, computer scientists, designers and journalists
- Visual artists, such as painters and sculptors
- Actors, performers and musicians for theatre, ballet, film, television and radio
- Members of corporate boards and management boards
- Providers of information and services
- Investors
- Computer programmers and software consultants
- Computer consultants and related services
- and more!
Why DW&P is the right partner for the NHR programme in Portugal
Over 30 experts in specific fields
Our legal practice employs experts in their field in all relevant areas. They are at your disposal, ready to assist you with their expertise.
Your case – your own personal contact
As our client, you will be given your own personal contact person, who is responsible for you once your company has been founded. This ensures that you always deal with someone who is familiar with your case.
Over 15 years of experience and still dynamic
Experience and dynamism combined – this is how DW&P can ensure that you receive the best advice, that is both current and up-to-date at the same time
All from a single source
Our vision: We want to be more than just a law firm to you – we strive to be your partner. That’s why we offer everything from a single source, from founding your company, to accounting, to auditing.
Up to date: Information about the latest laws
Our team is always informed about current tax laws and regulations. As soon as any change occurs that is relevant for you, we initiate the necessary processes.
Highest Data Security
Your data is well protected with us. We have a wide variety of security systems, such as IP blocking and exclusively European servers, to ensure that your data is in the best hands.
Consideration of Each Individual Case
Many factors play a role in founding a company. We look at your specific case and advise you exclusively, on an individual basis.
97% Guarantee of Success & Satisfaction
Since DW&P–Dr. Werner & Partner came into existence, 97% of all clients have remained with us in the year following the founding of their company.
Honest Advice Without Pressure
If founding a company makes no sense in your case, or if it is questionable from the point of view of taxation, we will tell you. For us, the legal feasibility outweighs the mere conclusion of a contract.
This is what our clients say about us
Using the services of DW&P proved to be very profitable for our company. Before DW&P, we had spent a lot of time and effort in, for example, compiling and filing documents with the relevant authorities, but we can now use this time for other purposes.
I can highly recommend DW&P because of the professionalism of employees hired by DW&P, the right approach towards clients, qualified personnel, in-depth knowledge of a variety of sectors. I especially appreciate the Promptness, accuracy, and reliability of DW&P and I am satisfied with choosing DW&P.
MaltaRent Ltd. was incorporated with the support and service of DW&P in 2015.
Since then we are working together in a very close and friendly business relation. We only can recommend DW&P as a competed, service orientated partner we can rely on. As in every business relationship, it only works if both sides are doing their duties, that’s why it is important to discuss the workflow, to prepare the documents needed and to communicate in a good way to get the result you are looking for.
DW&P is working flexible in finding well-suited solutions for your task. Over the past years we were in contact with many employees of DW&P and each of these individual staff members welcomed us with the sense of 100% service orientated, efficient and pleasant attitude you are looking for to have a trustworthy business partner.
We want to thank our direct contact persons at DW&P for their great job whenever we need assistance.
After living in South America for almost two decades, I wanted to move back to Europe and came across Malta as the ideal new center for my life and business. Reintegration into the EU includes a long list of legal and tax challenges that are better placed in the hands of professionals.
After long research, I found DW&P as the prime address in Malta for my concern. My personal DW&P pluses in brief: The first contact was easy (immediate appointment in the office); the introductory talk with Philipp Sauerborn was top notch (smart and focused person with a large repertoire of solutions); all processes I had to go through were smoothly organized and very well executed; the communication with the entire team is first class (always quick responses, multiligual); The document processing is fully digitalized (state-of-the-art technology, love it); the team members I work with are great (professional and pleasant)…
Bottom Line: I feel in very good hands with DW&P and – just technically speaking – their knowhow saved me already a lot of time and money.
Five stars, all thumbs up!
Dr Werner & Partner is the best that could happen to me and my business. The service and support are extraordinary and a huge help for my company. First of all, DW&P provides big expertise, professional handling and always a swift response. No matter if there are doubts and issues concerning Accounting, Banking or Maltese Law, DW&P would always help. The team is overwhelmingly friendly and almost 24/7 available. I would definitely recommend DW&P.
Before the integration of DW&P into our day-to-day operations, our potential was not optimally exploited. Communication with the authorities had cost us too much time, and the lack of location optimisation was reflected in the balance sheet. Today, it’s not just about economic performance and profit, but also about which methods are used to optimise the value-added process and maximise returns.
I came across DW&P in my search for qualified advice on tax optimisation. DW&P quickly took up our request and gave us excellent advice. The contact was trustworthy right from the start, being solution-oriented and yet very humorous. In less than two months the Maltese company was ready to work and I was 100% informed about the rules and advantages of the new solution. DW&P not only optimizes the construct, DW&P also gives tips for the general improvement of the operational processes. You could probably describe it as an incubator for even stronger companies.
With DW&P, ZUKUNFTSBLICK has achieved a much stronger balance sheet and significantly more net profit (not to be compared with the previous state).
Therefore I can recommend DW&P to any entrepreneur who wants to see a better annual result. Especially for entrepreneurs who are looking for quick, uncomplicated solutions and who do not have time to establish new companies and want to keep up to date with constantly changing legal situations, DW&P is perfectly suited.
DW&P in four words? Fast, transparent, inexpensive and efficient. Very efficient.
Thank you Philipp and thank you Jörg for six years of successful cooperation!
Setting up and running a company in another EU country requires careful consideration and preparation. The risks of putting the cart before the horse are not insignificant, and they can destroy dreams. After the first preliminary research in 2015, we had the good nose and a bit of luck to start in Malta directly with the right partner: Dr. Werner & Partner.
Competence? Expertise? Reliability? — They are given to the highest degree, as we often know it from Germany, Switzerland or Austria, but unfortunately they are not commonplace on the southern flank of the EU …
The efficient organisation of internal processes, a proactive customer information policy, the closely knit team, good networking with Maltese colleagues (lawyers, financial service providers, etc.) and authorities – these were and are decisive plus points to ensure our success.
I particularly appreciate the confidential, almost familylike relationship, in which together we were able to successfully navigate around all the obstacles. This is how sustainability in business relationships is created over the years.
Dr. Werner & Partner – a holistic service approach that fully delivers what it promises!
To move away from Germany was a risky step, which I do not regret 3 years later. Moving to another country with 3, partly small, children is not a step you just take.
I was able to take this risk because DW&P’s advice presented the full risks and opportunities of such a step, without any one-sided glossing over.
DW&P stands out for me mainly because of the uncomplicated communication, transparent and fair price structure paired with high professional competence, which I have never found before in such a combination.
DW&P abstracts the compliance of the international tax system so that I can concentrate on my core business. But this abstraction is not a one-way street – if necessary I can rely on discussing, verifying and controlling even the smallest details.
Your advisors
Roderick Galea
Roderick Galea is the Director of Accounting & Tax at DW&P. He has a Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) degree from the University of Malta and is a Chartered Accountant. Galea's extensive qualifications and experience are a great plus when it comes to advising his clients. He supports them in all questions relating to accounting and taxes. He attaches great importance to optimal accounting and tax planning for his clients, in order to guarantee the best possible success for their company.
Horst Wickinghoff
Horst Wickinghoff is an experienced solutions expert at DW&P Dr. Werner & Partners. With over 13 years of experience, he advises and supports entrepreneurs, companies and the self-employed in the relocation of their businesses. He has overseen over 1,000 company start-ups, which he believes is just a small part of his job. Wickinghoff places more emphasis on aspects such as company structure, operational location and other important factors that are of greater importance for the long-term success of his clients, than on short-term tax optimization.
Nathaniel Borg
Nathaniel Borg, Director of Audit & Advisory at DW&P, is a seasoned expert in the field of management consulting. His extensive qualifications as a certified auditor (Fellow) and Master of Business Administration are a great advanatage to his clients. Borg strives to provide his customers with comprehensive support on the path to long-term business success. Rather than just short-term tax optimization, he is particularly interested in a stable corporate structure and an optimal business location.
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