6 | PROPERTY NEWS 2017
BUYING A PROPERTY IN PORTUGAL Investment advantages Non Habitual Residents (NHR) This regime allows for tax exemption on almost all income from foreign sources and a flat income tax rate of 20% on the majority of revenue sources, such as salaries. Some other advantages of this special tax regime include: • Tax exemption on pensions • Tax exemption on inheritance • Tax exemption on capital income • Tax exemption on dividends and interests
Portuguese Residency Visa Permit – – The Golden Visa This special residency card is aimed at any non EU nationals who are looking to gain a visa to allow free travel in the European Union and Schengen Countries. The Golden Visa is granted to individuals who: • Buy a property in Portugal of a value equal to or greater than €500.000. • Complete a minimum period of stay in Portugal of 7 days in the first year
Property Taxes & Costs There are a number of costs related to buying property in Portugal that you need to budget for. In order to help you make your decision, we have collated some important information which you should be aware of when buying and owning properties in Portugal. Property Purchase Tax (IMT) Purchase Transfer Tax is a property purchase tax which is to be paid by the buyer before completion. It is calculated by the higher value of either the value of the deeds (sales price) or on the VPT (Valor Patrimonial Tributário - rateable value of property attributed by the tax authorities to calculate property taxes). IMT rate is variable and depends on the type of property and the value of the property -according to a sliding scale, varying between 1% and 8%. For urban plots for construction, the tax rate is fixed at 6,5%. Stamp Duty, Notarial, registration fees and Legal fees The stamp duty is calculate at 0,8% of the declared value of the deal. In the event that the sales price is lower than the VPT, the tax is calculated based on the highest amount. Notarial and registration fees are generally circa €1.500.
• Complete a minimum stay of 14 days during the subsequent periods of 2 years • After the 6th year a definitive permit shall be issued with the opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship
Taxes applicable to buying, selling and owning property in Portugal
Annual council tax on real estate property (IMI) The IMI tax is payable annually. The tax is calculated upon the taxable value (VPT) of the real estate property. The IMI rate is determined by the competent Municipality Assembly for the next year. The applicable rate ranges between 0,3% and 0,45% for urban property and 0,8% for non-urban properties.
Capital Gains Tax All acquisition costs can be offset against future capital gains tax liabilities (currently 28% for non-residents and 25% for companies (non-resident) as so are some refurbishments and improvements made to the property, providing they are properly documented, so it is important to keep and file records carefully.
Additional Municipal Property Tax (AIMI) The AIMI is applicable to apartments, houses and plots for construction, excluding non-urban properties and properties of commercial/ service nature. The taxable value to which the AIMI relates is the sum of the Taxable Patrimonial Value (VPT) of the properties held by each taxpayer, as of January 1st of each year. The AIMI is applicable when the sum of the VPTs is over €600.000 for privately owned properties as follows: • Sum of VPTs from €600.000 to €1.000.000: rate of 0,7% applies on the difference. • Sum of VPTs above €1.000.000: rate of 0,7% on €400.000 + 1% on the value in excess of €1.000.000. • Company owned properties: rate of 0,4% on the total value
Inheritance Tax There is no inheritance tax in Portugal for non-residents and for immediate family. On gifts a 0,8% stamp duty is calculated on the VPT. In other cases, a 10% stamp duty will be applied Mortgages in Portugal Mortgages for property in Portugal are normally available for up to 75 percent of the value of the bank valuation (loan to value LTV). This generally means you’ll need to find a 25 percent deposit and be able to prove your income. Mortgages in Portugal are available over periods of between 5-30 years. Lending criteria & rates vary between mortgage companies. Note: The above information is in accordance with the official information available at the date of issue. For specific advise you should contact a lawyer or tax advisor.