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Hi @NomadMath, Welcome.

Tax benefits / IFICI NHR 2.0

The IFICI (Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation) Architecture (NHR 2.0):

1. The 20% Flat Rate: Applies only to employment or self-employment income derived from eligible activities.

1. Duration: 10 consecutive years (non-renewable).

1. Foreign Income: Generally, the exemption for most passive income (dividends, interest, rents) from abroad remains, provided they can be taxed in the country of origin under a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA).

Eligibility:

It is not enough to be a qualified professional; you must fit into one of the specific pathways:

1. Higher Education and Scientific Research: Academic careers and research centers. (*a*)

1. Contractual Investment: Jobs created within the scope of contractual benefits for productive investment  (*b*)

1. Research and Development (R&D): Qualified personnel in activities whose costs are eligible for the corporate tax incentive regime .(*b*)

1. Startups: Perhaps the most common path for those moving independently. To be eligible, the company (yours or your employer's) must be certified as a Startup by Startup Portugal. (*c*)

(*b*) Note: These R&D investments are often validated by entities / government agencies like AICEP, IAPMEI (Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency), and FCT.

AICEP

IAPMEI

FCT

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Visa

The official AIMA portal organizes information based on your reason for moving to Portugal. Since you are focused on the IFICI, you will likely be looking at categories for highly qualified work or investment.

Here are the direct links to the sections where you can audit the requirements:

1. General Requirements

For any residence permit, there is a common baseline of documents (passport, proof of means of subsistence, accommodation, etc.).

2. Application via Work

If your move is linked to an employment contract or independent activity (common for those seeking the IFICI), you should consult this area:

Note: Within this link, look for Article 90 if you are a highly qualified professional, as this is the category that typically "aligns" best with the tax regime you are studying.

(*a*) Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Docência – Art. 90.º

Residence Permit for Teaching Activity – Art. 90

(*b*) Autorização de Residência para Atividade Altamente Qualificada – Art. 90.º

Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Activity – Art. 90

Autorização de Residência para Atividade Cultural – Art. 90.º

Residence Permit for Cultural Activity – Art. 90

(*c*) Autorização de Residência para Atividade Altamente Qualificada Exercida para Empresa Certificada – Art. 90.º – "Tech Visa"

Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Activity Carried Out for a Certified Company – Art. 90 – "Tech Visa"

Regards

@JohnnyPT

Thank you! that link regarding the ITR that you previously shared is actually where my questions begin and the very reason I am seeking clarification

It states "Income from foreign sources is, as a general rule, exempt from tax in Portugal." this is precisely what I am trying to understand. when working as a consultant with a structure established in the United States, can this "general exemption" be applied to income derived from my foreign clients?

the information I have found seems to confirm the possibility of exemption, if the income is structured in specific ways. I am trying to determine whether this is a truly viable and legal path, however, what I have seen so far appears to confirm that yes it is indeed possible

Best

@JohnnyPT

JonnyPT and moderators first of all, my apologies if I didn't follow the proper introduction guidelines! I see my post was moved to its own topic and I actually appreciate it. having this discussion highlighted is very important for me right now.

As I mentioned, I’m currently at a crossroads as I’m evaluating with my family my wife and children whether moving to Portugal is truly the right move for us. based on my research so far if the structure is set up correctly from day one it looks like a great opportunity both for quality of life and tax efficiency. however the complexity is definitely a bit daunting when you're responsible for a whole household... my wife will kill me if something goes wrong.

I’d love to hear from anyone who is currently going through this transition or has already settled in Portugal under the new IFICI/NHR 2.0 rules. Did you find that the reality on the ground matches the theoretical benefits we see in these law guides? and for those with families, has the administrative process been manageable?

Any real-world perspectives would be invaluable to help us make a final decision. Thank you in advance!

@NomadMath,

As a Data Architect, your profession falls under the category of Information and Communication Technology specialists, which makes you a strong candidate for the new Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), often referred to as NHR 2.0.

However, to benefit from the reduced 20% IRS rate, your profession alone is not enough; the employer must meet specific criteria. There is no public list of "pre-approved" company names, but rather categories of eligible entities.

Here are the types of companies where you should look for work to secure the benefit:

1. Certified Startups

This is the most common route. The company must be officially recognized by Startup Portugal.

1. Company Criteria: Less than 10 years old, fewer than 250 employees, and an annual turnover under €50M.

1. Sectors where Data Analysts are vital: Fintech, Healthtech, and AI companies (e.g., CloudWalk, Anchorage Digital, Sword Health, Feedzai).

Eg.

...

2. Companies with R&D (Research & Development) Activities

Any company with R&D projects approved by the National Innovation Agency (ANI) or those benefiting from SIFIDE (Tax Incentive System for Business R&D).

1. Where to look: Engineering centers and tech hubs of large corporations in Portugal.

1. Examples: Critical Software, CEiiA, Siemens (competence centers), Talkdesk.

Eg.

...

3. Industrial or Service Companies Exporting +50%

If the company is a major exporter, qualified positions (like Data Analyst) may be eligible.

1. Where to look: Companies in the Information Technology sectors (CAE 58 to 63).

1. Criteria: At least 50% of their turnover must come from exports.

1. Examples: International tech consultancy firms based in Portugal or shared service centers (e.g., BNP Paribas, Mercedes-Benz.io, Volkswagen Digital Solutions).

Eg.

...

4. Entities within the National Science and Technology System

This applies if you work in data analysis applied to science or at technology interface centers.

1. Examples: Fraunhofer Portugal, INESC TEC, Champalimaud Foundation.

Eg.

...

What should you validate before signing a contract?

For your IFICI application to be accepted by the Tax Authority (Finanças), you will need a declaration from the employer confirming that your role fits into one of these categories.

[!TIP] Pro Tip: When speaking with recruiters, ask explicitly: "Does the company hold a Startup Portugal certification or benefit from R&D tax incentives (SIFIDE)?" This will save you a lot of research time.

Since you are a non-EU citizen, remember that your employment contract must also serve as the basis for your residence permit, and the IFICI application must be submitted by January 15th of the year following the one in which you became a tax resident.

@JohnnyPT

Wow! thanks a lot for such detailed and organized info. This is very helpful for me and definitely clarifies the "official" routes.

however after looking into the companies you mentioned and the startup portugal path I get worried about the so called "dependency" factor. as an independent professional for me to depend on a third-party company to maintain its R&D or startup status every year just to be able to keep the tax benefit seems like a big risk. I don't like to depend on anyone to that point. if the company loses its certification I lose my 0% and with that all the advantage of moving with my family to Portugal. It's not worth it, plus there are other countries like Spain and Italy that also offer good conditions and similar climate. And I also stay within Europe which is one of the factors that interests me. things around here on this side of the ocean are not looking good at all and I'm starting to fear the worst

When I looked for a more autonomous solution I stumbled upon that technical analysis I mentioned before and that I haven't seen being discussed here or anywhere else yet.

There they describe a "Path 3" that involves a Holding structure (CAE 6420). from what I understood this could allow an independent consultant like me to guarantee total exemption on foreign sourced income without the need to be tied to a specific startup's certification or a local labor contract nor dependent on other companies or people that I dont even know. that scares me a lot!!! 😮

Has anyone here already analyzed this holding route for the NHR 2.0 ? It seems like a much safer way for someone in my position with most clients and income in the US, to move their life to Portugal with security. I’d love to hear if there are others here who think this CAE 6420 structure is solid like that site and the info from the  lawyers claims, or not. It's just that so far I haven't found anything that explains better how it all works but I want to be careful and ask those who already live there, how it is.

once again thanks for the nice tips

... things around here on this side of the ocean are not looking good at all and I'm starting to fear the worst ...

@NomadMath

I am one of those who enjoyed the old NHT regime for 10 years and was reading this thread. The above line caught my attention. What makes you think that this side of the ocean things are looking significantly better?

@NomadMath,

Good news ... but you will need to consult a lawyer / tax specialist to provide you with information, advice and assistance in setting up this company. I suggest you consult a Portuguese tax specialist for guidance. Not only are they likely to be cheaper than their British or American counterparts, but they also have a better understanding of the legislation and can offer you better advice. Non-nationals tend to rely on third parties, which increases costs.

1. Eligibility of CAE 6420

The short answer is: Yes, CAE 6420 is on the list of eligible activities, but the benefit is not automatically granted just by opening the company. There are strict requirements regarding substance and the professional’s profile.

2. The Professional’s Role

Simply being the owner of the holding company is not enough. To access the 20% IRS rate (on domestic income) and the exemption on foreign income, the applicant must serve as:

1. Administrator or Manager (senior management);

1. Highly qualified specialist (usually requiring Level 7 or 8 of the European Qualifications Framework — Master’s or PhD — or relevant high-level professional experience).

3. The Holding Structure

For the structure to be considered solid and not a mere "artificial vehicle," the Tax Authority and the entities certifying the IFICI may verify:

1. Economic Substance: The holding must have actual management activity. If your goal is to manage your own assets or invoice consulting services through it, the structure must be correctly set up to reflect that.

1. Nature of Income: The IFICI focuses on employment or self-employment income (Category A or B). If your income consists mostly of dividends from the holding, the foreign source exemption rules apply similarly, but the IFICI framework specifically protects your salary or management remuneration.

4. Advantages over the "Startups" Path

The main advantage of this path, as you mentioned, is autonomy.

You do not depend on a third-party startup’s annual certification, which could be revoked.As long as your own company maintains its activity and the eligible CAE, and you maintain your position, the benefit remains more stable.

Critical Points to Consider:

U.S. Income: The IFICI maintains the logic of exemption for foreign-sourced income (dividends, interest, rents), provided they may be taxed in the country of origin according to the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA). However, self-employment income earned "from Portugal" for the U.S. may require careful structuring to ensure full exemption.

Legal Opinion: Since this regime is recent (in effect since 2024), "Path 3" is based on a literal interpretation of the law and the CAE lists. It is highly recommended that a tax lawyer validates whether your academic background and your job description within the holding meet the "high added value" criteria required.

This route is indeed considered by many specialists as the most "robust" for international consulting profiles, precisely because it eliminates the risk of depending on third-party decisions.

___

I suggest you make the initial contact via video conference, but one or two visits to Portugal are essential to understand how your company is structured, as well as the requirements for both the company and the residence visa. Don’t conduct everything via video conference; find out who you’re dealing with, and whether the lawyer is a serious, credible person who is knowledgeable about all these tax and visa issues.

@JohnnyPT

thank you very much for the information! i appreciate your time and care.

I followed the advice and got in touch with some lawyers and consultants in Portugal to confirm if it is really possible and to ensure that the holding is structured correctly from the start. At this moment I am waiting for replies.

meanwhile i spent some more time looking for information to verify the feasibility through the CAE 6420 route and the information matches what you explained to me. there are professionals in the legal sector who point to this option as the best path for profiles like mine. i found some materials from highly recognized firms that corroborate what we discussed here:

cuatrecasas which is a major law firm explains the legal framework and the necessary requirements for the tax incentives:

[link under review]

mcs also published an article on how qualified activities work within this regime:

[link under review]

from what it seems, everything indicates that the 20% route for dependent employment is the most commonly presented option to people but  the autonomous holding structure is the ideal path for independent consultants and for asset management.

I will update this thread again as soon as I receive the replies from the lawyers. Thank you once again for all your support.

Best

@TGCampo

Honestly, I think the people who are in charge of us right now are not very sane and I'm worried about where they are taking the world. Also, if I'm not mistaken, people in portugal don't walk around with guns or keep them at home. I think it's safe to walk down the street and I just want my family and me to be able to relax 😎

@NomadMath,

It is worthwhile going to the official source of the information so that you can verify everything I have said here.

Portaldasfinancas:

This is the official website of the Portuguese tax authority, which provides information on incentives for scientific research and innovation. This refers to Article 58 of Law 82/2023 of 29 December 2023. Please read the entire document, paying particular attention to points 2 and 8.

Artigo 58.º-A Incentivo fiscal à investigação científica e inovação​â¶Ä‹

2 - O sujeito passivo que cumpra os requisitos previstos no número anterior pode ser tributado, em sede de IRS, à taxa especial de 20 % sobre os rendimentos líquidos das categorias A e B auferidos no âmbito das atividades referidas, durante um prazo de 10 anos consecutivos a partir do ano da sua inscrição como residente em território português, sem prejuízo da opção pelo englobamento.

8 - Até à aprovação da portaria prevista na alínea c) do n.º 1, consideram-se como profissões altamente qualificadas aquelas que correspondam às atividades previstas na Portaria n.º 12/2010, de 7 de janeiro, e consideram-se como empresas industriais e de serviços aquelas cujo código CAE principal corresponda a um dos definidos na Portaria n.º 282/2014, de 30 de dezembro.

____

Now take a look at this PDF (Ministerial Order No. 282/2014, of 30 December) referred to in point 8 above, which sets out the CAE codes of companies eligible for these tax benefits. On page 10 of this PDF, it is stated that CAE 6420 is eligible for these tax benefits.

Portaria n.º 282/2014, de 30 de dezembro:

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Full text of the law 82/2023 where Article 58, referred to above, was taken from. Read articles 263 and 58-A.

Decreto Lei 82/2023:

Artigo 263.º

Aditamento ao Estatuto dos Benefícios Fiscais

São aditados ao EBF os artigos 46.º-A e 58.º-A, com a seguinte redação:

Artigo 58.º-A

Incentivo fiscal à investigação científica e inovação

You can translate PDF/DOC formats into English using a Doctranslator, such as: