Life in Portugal Post Brexit, Has the World Moved For You❓

[nortada]

There are people arriving daily at Faro from all over.

True the 50 odd a/c arriving at Faro today are all from within Europe, which begs the question what is the total confirmed number of Coronavirus victims in Europe?

As of 12 Feb, understand 43 cases have been reported in the EU and the UK and to answer the original question none in Portugal. EU population 513 million

The current risk assessment for the EU/UK is considered very low and I would suggest the Western Algarve must be near the bottom of this spectrum of risk.

 

[nortada]

There are people arriving daily at Faro from all over.

True, the 50 odd a/c arriving at Faro today are all from within Europe, which begs the question what is the total confirmed number of Coronavirus victims in Europe?

As of 12 Feb, understand 43 cases have been reported in the EU and the UK and to answer the original question, none in Portugal. EU/UK population 513 million

The current risk assessment for the EU/UK is considered very low and I would suggest the Western Algarve must be near the bottom of this spectrum of risk.

 

[greeny]

I tried for this in 2016 as was under the impression (from various internet sources) that it applied to pension income. The advice I got, from various officials in Financas including the local head of tax, was that it is for people who are employed in specified skilled occupations. There is a list of employment classifications that qualify for the scheme. The fact that I was employed in the UK in a qualifying area was not relevant as I am not employed in that field in Portugal. Incidentally, all the officials I had contact with were polite and helpful, but admitted that they were not familiar with Non Habitual Residency.

Having made a total mess of my own tax returns and facing a significant charge I went to an accountant who sorted the whole thing out so that I do not pay Portuguese tax on my UK pensions. All for the princely sum of 20 Euro + IVA. I now get him to file my zero tax return each year and regard his nominal fee as an insurance payment as he will also resolve any subsequent questions by the tax authorities.

I second the comment by 25931 regarding professional advice being a good idea.

+1
Anyone considering this needs to get advice from a knowleadgable source right now. I heard on Portuguese, English speaking radio about three weeks ago that the NHR scheme was being closed down and that the Portuguese government had closed the scheme for new customers. Existing recipients could see out their 10 yrs benefits but no more applications can be granted. Like I said, you need to check this out proffessionally, don't take my word for it. The scheme has been under fire for a number of years now from both the Portuguese people and the EU to some degree so it comes as no surprise.

 

[Graham376]

Having made a total mess of my own tax returns and facing a significant charge I went to an accountant who sorted the whole thing out so that I do not pay Portuguese tax on my UK pensions. All for the princely sum of 20 Euro + IVA. I now get him to file my zero tax return each year and regard his nominal fee as an insurance payment as he will also resolve any subsequent questions by the tax authorities.

I second the comment by 25931 regarding professional advice being a good idea.

We just don't bother filing any returns, never had a problem with Finances.

 

[nortada]

We just don't bother filing any returns, never had a problem with Finances.

Although you have a fiscal number,a frequent visitor from the UK, they probably don't even know you exist. More important they probably don't care. ?

Living proof of how to conduct one's affairs in Portugal but a bit difficult if you want to avail yourself of Non Habitual Residency rules or the Golden Visa House Purchase Scheme - can't really expect to have it both ways .

 

[shan]

Friends have pointed out that it has become increasingly apparent that every EU country will do it's own thing post Brexit so a generic thread covering life after Brexit would be far too broad. Therefore I am floating this thread to share information between Expats and Long Term Brit Visitors to Portugal.

Possibly I should add, for me, Expats are those who plan to live permanently in Portugal and possibly cut all ties with the UK, while Long Term Visitors are those, who hope to maintain their status in the UK.

I suspect a lot of boat owners are in the second category.

I had a quick scan of the title and at first thought it said: Wife in Portugal Post Brexit, Has the World Moved For You.

 

[Graham376]

Although you have a fiscal number,a frequent visitor from the UK, they probably don't even know you exist. More important they probably don't care. ?

Living proof of how to conduct one's affairs in Portugal but a bit difficult if you want to avail yourself of Non Habitual Residency rules or the Golden Visa House Purchase Scheme - can't really expect to have it both ways .

They know we exist, having bought property, having a bank account and running a car. They just accept we have no income here and advised not to bother doing tax returns.

 

[srm]

We just don't bother filing any returns, never had a problem with Finances.

As I spend more than six months a year in Portugal I choose to follow their rules as best I can. This paid off when getting my permanent resident card as I was asked for my Poruguese tax filings.

This thread has a number of examples of how different offices apply the rules differently. Unfortunately, this also raises the possibility that a change of official will result in a change of the interpretation and application. This actually happened when I was buying my house and land. It took two and a half years from making the offer to completion. Fortunately, my offer was subject to immediate access . Part of the delay was due to a change in the official at Financas who rejected the transfer paperwork agreed by their predecessor and applied a strict interpretation of the inheritance laws.

 

[Graham376]

strict interpretation of the inheritance laws.

Inheritance laws should be studied by anyone considering having property in a foreign country, as wills are often useless by being overruled by law. The State governs how an estate has to be split between wife and children - legitimate or otherwise. The sensible option for Brits is to have the Brussels 4 declaration in wills, which allows estates to be handled under home law, not country of residence. Also bear in mind that property in Portugal (maybe other States as well?) is a taxable asset when sold, with quite a large lump going to the tax man unless it's rolled over into another property. Estate agents here are nearly as greedy as boat brokers

 

[srm]

Interesting possible development:
Portugal considers subsidising UK tourists' post-Brexit healthcare

 

[25931]

Inheritance laws should be studied by anyone considering having property in a foreign country, as wills are often useless by being overruled by law. The State governs how an estate has to be split between wife and children - legitimate or otherwise. The sensible option for Brits is to have the Brussels 4 declaration in wills, which allows estates to be handled under home law, not country of residence. Also bear in mind that property in Portugal (maybe other States as well?) is a taxable asset when sold, with quite a large lump going to the tax man unless it's rolled over into another property. Estate agents here are nearly as greedy as boat brokers

It is advisable to get legal advice re your inheritance situation.
The tax man´s lump can be reduced by the estate agents fee