Guide to HVA Professions for Portugal Visa and NHR Tax Regimes

Recent update regarding the NHR tax regime:

The Portuguese government announced in their state budget for 2024, that the NHR tax regime closes to new entrants on the 31st of December 2023, and only those that have applied before this date and have taken serious steps to prove intent and meet the grandfathering items laid out by the government can be eligible to receive NHR tax status in 2024.

If these requirements are not in place, it is borderline impossible for the professional supply chains in Portugal to be able to grandfather your NHR tax status application, early in 2024.

Introduction

The Portuguese government has introduced a list of High Value-Added (HVA) professions to attract highly skilled workers and investors to the country. Individuals with professions on the HVA list may be eligible for a Portugal visa and the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime.

Current HVA Professions List

The current HVA professions list includes a wide range of occupations, including:

• Architects
• Doctors
• Engineers
• IT professionals
• Lawyers
• Professors
• Researchers
• Scientists
• Teachers
• Veterinarians
• Artists
• Athletes
• Musicians
• Entrepreneurs

Changes to the HVA Professions List

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The HVA professions list has been expanded in recent years to include more occupations, such as IT professionals and entrepreneurs. However, the Portuguese government has also made some changes to the HVA professions list to make it more difficult for people to qualify. For example, in 2021, the Portuguese government removed the option for people to qualify for the HVA professions list on the basis of their experience. This means that people must now have a formal qualification in an HVA profession in order to qualify.

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Eligibility for HVA Professions List

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If you are unsure whether your profession is eligible for the HVA professions list, you can contact the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) for more information.

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Conclusion

The HVA professions list is an important tool for the Portuguese government to attract highly skilled workers and investors to the country. The list is likely to continue to evolve in the future, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest changes. If you are considering applying for a Portugal visa or the NHR tax regime, you should check to see if your profession is on the HVA list.

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Disclaimer: The guidance above should not be fully relied upon and does not constitute formal instructed professional advice. In relation to tax advice in Portugal, please engage and instruct a regulated professional for all tax advice and structured financial planning. Please contact Portugal Pathways if you would like an introduction to one of our professional advisors.

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