The Non-Habitual Resident program was first announced in 2009, and granted over 30.000 individuals to benefit from this tax incentive, with the exceptional tax rate of 20% for 10 years requiring a minimum stay of 183 days. After undergoing various reforms, the program as it currently stands, ended last year with a transition phase to carry through in 2024.

Since the introduction of Golden Visa in October 2012, the government have granted over 12.700 Golden Visa Permits of which over 11.300 has been through acquiring real estate at the time of writing this information.

The permit allows foreign nationals outside the EU to reside in Portugal and circulate within the Schengen countries without a visa for short periods. However on July 19th, 2023 the Portuguese parliament approved the final version of the “More Housing” bill that significantly impacts the Golden Visa program through the purchase of real estate, though it is still available through other investment channels. In the meantime there are a number of additional residency permit options that have been created.