Why Choose Portugal? Healthcare, Tax, and Policy Advantages (2025 Edition)

Why Choose Portugal? Healthcare, Tax, and Policy Advantages (2025 Edition) - AIAIG - AIAIG

Question

1) What is SNS? What is its level in Europe?

AIAIGAnswer

SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) is Portugal's National Health Service, equivalent to a public healthcare network based on taxes and social security, covering public hospitals, primary healthcare centers, family doctor teams, etc.

In various European healthcare assessments, Portugal often ranks in the upper-middle level: for example, in recent European Health Consumer Index reports, Portugal is positioned among the top in about 35 European healthcare systems, ranking around 13th in some years. This position indicates:
- Overall stable healthcare quality and safety;
- Generally adequate infrastructure and healthcare personnel;
- Compared to a few 'top healthcare powerhouses,' Portugal still faces challenges in waiting times and emergency pressure, but it has clear advantages in cost-effectiveness and accessibility.

Question

2) How to register for SNS? What conditions need to be met?

AIAIGAnswer

For foreigners, as long as they hold a valid Portuguese residence permit (including work visas, family reunification, some investment-based residence, etc.), they can usually complete SNS registration at a health center (Centro de Saúde) near their residence. The basic steps are:
- Register at the local health center with the residence card (or temporary residence proof), proof of address, etc.;
- Obtain a personal SNS number (Número de Utente);
- Be assigned a family doctor or family doctor team as the 'entry point' for daily health management and referrals.

After registration, you can, as a resident, schedule appointments with family doctors, receive routine check-ups and necessary referrals, and enjoy most public healthcare services.

Question

3) What services does SNS provide? What are the approximate costs?

AIAIGAnswer

SNS covers a wide range of services:
- Basic general practitioner consultations, chronic disease follow-ups, and prescription management;
- Emergency services and hospitalization;
- Obstetrics and gynecology services (including pregnancy management and childbirth);
- Child and elderly health programs;
- Mental health-related services, etc.

In terms of costs, Portugal's public healthcare typically follows a 'symbolic co-payment + mostly funded by public finances' model:
- Many basic services are free;
- Some specialist consultations, imaging tests, etc., may charge a small 'co-payment,' roughly in the range of 5–20 euros;
- Children under 18 and elderly over 65 often enjoy higher degrees of reduction or even free services in most cases.

It is important to note: dental care is traditionally not fully covered by SNS, often relying on private clinics or separate insurance.

Question

1) What is IFICI, and how is it related to the well-known NHR?

AIAIGAnswer

Portugal's earlier NHR (Non-Habitual Resident regime) was a key tool for attracting global high-net-worth individuals and professionals: for up to 10 years, it offered eligible new tax residents lower fixed tax rates and exemptions or benefits on certain foreign income.

As discussions on 'tax competition' within the EU intensified and Portugal considered tax fairness internally, the original NHR has been phased out starting in 2024, remaining effective only for those who secured eligibility before the transition period. It has been replaced by the new IFICI (Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation), often referred to as 'NHR 2.0' in the industry. Its core objective has shifted from 'broadly attracting high-income individuals' to 'focusing on scientific research, innovation, and high-value-added activities.'

Question

2) Who is generally eligible for IFICI, and what benefits can they enjoy?

AIAIGAnswer

As of 2025, IFICI's target audience mainly includes:
- Researchers, teachers, and experts engaged in scientific activities in Portugal;
- Professionals involved in technological innovation, startups, and high-value-added industries;
- Individuals employed by companies or institutions with specific qualifications, working in activities officially recognized as 'high-value-added.'

In terms of tax effects, IFICI continues the approach of 'limited duration + special tax arrangements,' generally offering a benefit period of up to about 10 years. Typical benefits include:
- Applying relatively low fixed tax rates (e.g., around 20% preferential rate) to certain eligible Portuguese-source labor or professional service income, instead of the progressive marginal rates that can exceed 40% for ordinary residents;
- Providing reductions or exemptions for specific types of foreign income, subject to double taxation agreements and anti-avoidance rules;
- Offering complementary optimizations in social security contributions and taxation on certain investment returns.

Specific applicable tax rates and covered income types require detailed calculation by professional tax advisors, based on annual fiscal laws, eligibility lists, and individual income structures.

Question

3) What does this mean for immigrant families planning to 'live in Portugal with global income'?

AIAIGAnswer

For immigrant families preparing to reside in Portugal long-term for over 10 years and with diversified income sources (e.g., dividends and interest from home or third countries, online business income, consulting service income, etc.), IFICI's significance lies in:
- Providing a predictable tax framework over a relatively long period, facilitating medium- to long-term planning for cross-border assets and income;
- If family members are engaged in scientific research, technology, digitalization, creative industries, etc., they are more likely to be recognized as eligible, thus enjoying lower tax rates on Portuguese-source income;
- Reducing the risk of double taxation by leveraging Portugal's tax treaties with multiple countries, under reasonable and compliant premises.

It is important to emphasize: IFICI does not equate to 'zero tax' or 'complete exemption.' As international regulation on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) tightens, any cross-border tax arrangement requires more professional planning rather than simply pursuing the 'lowest nominal tax rate.' For ordinary immigrant families, Portugal's appeal lies in finding a relatively balanced, transparent, and sustainable combination among cost of living, quality of healthcare and education, and tax burden.

Question

1) Is the Golden Visa still a 'buy property to immigrate' program? What other ways are there to obtain it?

AIAIGAnswer

In recent years, Portugal has gradually moved away from the 'buy property to get a Golden Visa' approach, shifting focus to:\n- Investing in compliant funds (such as those focused on innovation, corporate equity, or infrastructure);\n- Through business establishment, job creation, and supporting research and innovation projects;\n- In some cases, by providing funding for socially significant projects (e.g., affordable housing, cultural preservation).\n\nStarting in 2024, the government has also proposed extending the Golden Visa logic into a 'solidarity visa' concept: encouraging high-net-worth investors to direct funds towards projects that increase affordable housing or support immigrants and vulnerable groups, thereby alleviating housing shortages and social pressures in the country. For applicants, this means:\n- Speculative real estate purchases are no longer the mainstream path;\n- It is more suitable for investors willing to engage long-term in Portugal's economic and social development;\n- When selecting projects, it is essential to highly prioritize compliance and policy continuity.

Question

2) What should be noted about the residency paths for ordinary work, entrepreneurship, study, and other visas?

AIAIGAnswer

For most non-EU nationals (including Chinese citizens), the more common paths currently include:\n- Work residency: Being employed by a Portuguese company or providing services remotely/locally for a Portuguese company;\n- Entrepreneurship and self-employment: Establishing a company in Portugal or working as an independent professional;\n- Student visa conversion to residency: After completing a certain stage of studies, converting to work or other types of residency.\n\nAs of 2025, the Portuguese Immigration Agency (AIMA) increasingly emphasizes 'one-time completeness' of application materials when processing new residency and renewal cases: since late April 2025, only applications with complete materials are accepted, reducing the flexibility of 'submit first, supplement later' that existed in the past. For applicants, this means:\n- It is necessary to confirm the document checklist in advance with a lawyer or professional agency;\n- Do not expect to secure a spot by 'boarding first and paying later';\n- During visa and residency conversion stages, ensure sufficient time is reserved to avoid identity gaps due to scheduling and document issues.

Question

3) Will citizenship and long-term residency become more difficult? Should we worry about 'sudden policy changes'?

AIAIGAnswer

Portugal still maintains relatively clear paths for long-term residency and citizenship: generally, after meeting five years of legal residency, certain actual residence days, and basic Portuguese language proficiency, one can apply for long-term residency or citizenship (specific details vary slightly depending on the type of residency).\n\nHowever, in 2025, there have indeed been discussions about 'extending the residency period before citizenship' and 'tightening some immigration paths,' with some bills passed in parliament but then rejected or suspended by the Constitutional Court due to constitutional rights issues (such as family reunification rights). This reflects two realities:\n- From a political trend perspective, Portugal, like many European countries, is moving towards more refined management or even partial tightening on immigration issues;\n- But from a legal structure perspective, the Constitutional Court and the President still provide some checks and balances against overly radical bills, maintaining institutional continuity.\n\nFor ordinary applicants, a more practical approach is:\n- Do not assume 'it will always be five years to citizenship,' and be prepared for potential minor adjustments or even extended periods in the future;\n- At the same time, there is no need to panic excessively about 'immediate closure,' as most policy adjustments include transition periods, and cases already in process or with existing residency typically have transitional arrangements.

Question

1) Retirees and pre-retirees seeking 'stable healthcare and a slow-paced life'

AIAIGAnswer

For those who already have some overseas assets and plan to gradually step back between the ages of 55–65, Portugal's combined advantages are very clear: \n- The SNS provides relatively reliable, cost-controllable basic medical coverage; \n- Private healthcare and international insurance can supplement waiting times and high-end service needs; \n- The cost of living is lower compared to core Western European cities, with a pleasant climate suitable for a slow-paced life. \n\nThe key for this group is: to arrange cross-border medical insurance and tax matters in advance, avoiding unintentionally triggering global taxation or gaps in social security due to changes in tax residency status.

Question

2) Professionals in research, technology, digital, and creative industries

AIAIGAnswer

The IFICI was designed to attract 'high-value-added activities,' making it very suitable for: \n- Researchers and engineers employed by universities, research institutions, tech companies, and innovative enterprises; \n- Remote workers with stable overseas project income who wish to settle in Portugal; \n- Entrepreneurs who establish and actually operate tech or creative startups in Portugal. \n\nThis group can benefit from a more favorable income tax environment under the IFICI framework, while enjoying the conveniences of EU membership, such as free movement of people and research collaboration. However, it's important to recognize that qualification has certain thresholds, requiring complete materials such as academic credentials, work experience, employment or cooperation proofs.

Question

3) Middle-class families who value education and living environment

AIAIGAnswer

For many Chinese families, Portugal's appeal lies in: \n- The overall quality of the education system is decent, with increasing options for private and international schools; \n- Public safety is relatively good within Europe, with low rates of violent crime; \n- Daily life has a gentle pace, allowing for relatively free travel and study arrangements within the EU. \n\nThis type of family may not necessarily need to use the Golden Visa or IFICI; as long as they gradually establish roots in Portugal through work residence, entrepreneurship, or other legal residence paths, they can also enjoy SNS public healthcare, basic education, and social welfare. The key is: to plan language learning and career paths reasonably, avoiding the misconception of Portugal as 'purely a destination for tax avoidance and property immigration.'

WeChat

WeChat Service

Why Do Immigrants Choose Portugal? Understanding Portugal's Real Appeal from Three Aspects: Healthcare, Taxation, and Policies

I. Healthcare: The Multi-Layered Protection of Portugal's National Health Service SNS

II. Taxation Chapter: From NHR to IFICI, How Does Portugal Attract Global Talent with a "Smart Tax System"?

III. Policies and Immigration Pathways: Golden Visa, Ordinary Residence, and Recent Policy Trends

Four, Who is Suitable for Making Portugal a Long-Term Settlement?

延伸阅读

Portugal's NHR Tax Regime: A Guide with Golden Visa, D2, and D7 Visas