Portugal’s new immigration rules, announced on Monday, came into force at midnight following publication of the legal changes in the Official Gazette (Diário da República). The end of expressions of interest The decree-law revokes the residence permit procedures based on expressions of interest (manifestações de interesse) provided for in Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July....Read More

The Portuguese Government has announced new immigration rules, which come into force after approval by the Council of Ministers. One of the most significant changes is the abolition of the “expression of interest” (manifestação de interesse) mechanism, which has been a popular procedure among immigrants. What has changed? Until now, immigrants could use the “expression...Read More

If you are planning to buy a property, it is crucial to be informed about the taxes you will face and the possible exemptions provided for by law. Municipal Property Transfer Tax (IMT) IMT is a one-off tax calculated on the deed value or the property’s Tax Registration Value (VPT), whichever is higher. This tax...Read More

When buying a home in Portugal as a foreigner with a mortgage, it is important to be aware that the conditions offered may differ from those applicable to residents. Differences in loan conditions For resident citizens, banks usually finance between 80% and 90% of the property’s value. For foreign citizens, this percentage normally ranges from...Read More

Employees cannot waive credits at the end of the contract From 2024, the updated Labour Code provides that, when a contract ends or on dismissal, employees cannot waive credits owed by the employer, such as holiday and Christmas allowances, overtime and training. These “waivers” (remissões abdicativas) must be taken into account in calculating compensation on...Read More

Companies prohibited from outsourcing after dismissal Companies are now limited to four renewals of temporary contracts and, if the contract ends for reasons not attributable to the employee, they may not outsource the same post or role until one third of the contract’s duration has elapsed. In addition, where the contract of a pregnant employee,...Read More

Handshake, contract deal and business partnership of a b2b meeting with shaking hands. Networking, hiring and professional negotiation of onboarding collaboration and congratulations of project. Shorter probation period The updated legislation provides for the reduction or elimination of the probation period for young people seeking their first job and for the long-term unemployed. The probation...Read More

Sick leave of up to three days via SNS24 The National Health Service line (SNS24) now makes it possible to request sick leave through a self-declaration, valid for three consecutive days, on a solemn declaration basis. This measure applies only to illnesses lasting up to three consecutive days and is limited to two uses per...Read More

Remote work for employees with children with disabilities or chronic illness Employees whose children have a disability, chronic illness or cancer, regardless of age, now have the right to work remotely, provided the role allows it and the company has the necessary resources. Part-time work for informal carers An employee recognised as a non-primary informal...Read More

Accessing your bank account online, or homebanking, has become an essential convenience for managing your finances without leaving home. However, it is essential to be aware of two forms of online fraud: phishing and pharming. What is phishing? Phishing is a tactic used to obtain confidential information, such as usernames, passwords and other personal data,...Read More