Unlocking Tax Benefits: Which Professions Qualify for Portugal's New Tax Incentives?

New Tax Incentives in Portugal

The previous regime for non-habitual residents (NHR) has been replaced by the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI+). This new framework aims to attract highly qualified professionals to Portugal.

Eligible Professions

Under the IFICI+, the Portuguese government has identified eight highly qualified professions eligible for tax benefits. These professions are listed in an ordinance published in the Official Gazette of the Union and include:

• General director and executive manager of companies
• Directors of administrative and commercial services
• Directors of production and specialized services
• Specialists in physical, mathematical sciences, engineering, and related techniques
• Industrial product or equipment designers
• Doctors
• University and higher education professors
• Specialists in information and communication technologies (ICT)

Registration Process

As stated by the Minister of Economy, there is a transitional regime allowing new residents in 2024 to register for tax benefits until March 15, 2025. Following this initial year, the registration deadline will shift to January 15 for those who became residents in the previous year.

Tax Rate Details

The new tax regime aims to attract qualified workers, particularly in scientific research, applying an IRS rate of 20% on income from both dependent and independent work (categories A and B).