As an English-speaking lawyer based in Portugal, I've helped many expats deal with inheritance matters in Portugal. One question comes up more than any other: "Do I have to pay inheritance tax in Portugal?" The short answer might surprise you – Portugal officially abolished inheritance tax in Portugal in 2004.Â
However, don't stop reading this article just yet! There's much more to understand about how Portugal handles inheritance and the tax liability that might still apply to your Portuguese assets and worldwide assets. Portugal is one of several countries without inheritance tax systems that attract foreign residents, though stamp duty still applies in certain situations.
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1. Understanding Portuguese Succession Law
Portuguese succession law follows a civil law system, which differs significantly from common law countries like the UK and US.Â
The most significant difference is Portugal's forced heirship rules, which guarantee certain family members a fixed portion of estates valued at any amount, regardless of what a Will might state. This approach shares some similarities with the succession tax Spain implements, though with notable differences in application.
When death occurs while a person is resident in Portugal, their Portuguese assets generally pass to their direct legitimate heirs – spouse, children, parents, and close relations, in that order. Many Portuguese citizens don't even create Wills because they're comfortable with these default rules of the law of your country. However, for expats from many countries, these forced heirship provisions can create unexpected complications.
Under Portuguese inheritance law, legitimate heirs (children, spouse, and direct ascendants such as parents) are entitled to a legally protected share of the inheritance. For example:
- If the spouse is the only legitimate heir, they receive half of the inheritance
- If both spouse and children are heirs, they're entitled to two-thirds of the estate
- If there's no spouse, children receive half to two-thirds of the estate, depending on how many descendants there are
- With no descendants but a spouse and ascendants, the legitimate quota is two-thirds
This means you can freely dispose of only a portion of your estate through a Will, with the remainder automatically allocated according to these rules. The value of this protected portion is determined by Portuguese law, not by domicile law of your original country.
The Portuguese Wills Registry System
When creating a Will in Portugal, it's important to understand the country's centralised Wills Registry (Registo Central de Testamentos). This registry maintains records of all officially registered Wills in Portugal, making it easier for heirs to locate the most current valid Will after a death.
While registering your Will isn't mandatory, it's highly recommended as it provides an additional layer of security. Unregistered Wills can potentially be challenged or overlooked during the succession process, especially if multiple Wills exist or if family members are unaware of a Will's existence.
The registration process involves submitting details of your Will to the registry through a notary. This doesn't mean the contents of your Will become public – only information about its existence and location is recorded. When properly registered, your Will becomes more difficult to contest, providing greater certainty that your wishes will be respected.
2. The Reality of Inheritance "Tax" in Portugal and Inheritance Tax Rates
While Portugal proudly proclaims no inheritance tax, there is a 10% stamp duty that functions similarly to what would be called estate tax in other jurisdictions. However, this stamp duty includes important exemptions that benefit many families:
Direct family members including spouses, children, parents, and grandparents are exempt from paying this stamp duty. This means many inheritances effectively remain tax-free, with no tax paid regardless of the value transferred.
However, other beneficiaries such as siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins (the person receiving who isn't exempt) must pay a flat 10% stamp duty on inherited assets. For property inheritances, there's an additional 0.8% stamp duty, bringing the total to 10.8%. Unlike progressive inheritance tax rates in many countries, Portugal maintains this flat rate regardless of the wealth transferred. This is just one aspect of property taxes Portugal applies to real estate holdings.
Many expats breathe a sigh of relief when they learn about these exemptions, but cross-border inheritance situations can quickly become complex. UK nationals, for instance, might still be subject to UK inheritance tax on their worldwide assets, even while living in Portugal. This creates a potential dual tax liability that requires careful planning.
Navigating Cross-Border Taxation Through DTAs
Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) play a crucial role in international inheritance planning. Portugal has established DTAs with numerous countries, including the UK, US, and many EU nations. This is especially important when comparing taxes in Spain and other neighboring countries. These agreements help determine which country has taxing rights over specific assets and can prevent the same inheritance from being taxed twice.
For British nationals with assets in both Portugal and the UK, the Portugal-UK Double Tax Treaty offers crucial protections, but with significant limitations most expats miss.
First, understand that the UK taxes worldwide assets of UK-domiciled individuals, even if you've lived in Portugal for decades. Your "domicile" isn't simply where you live – it's your permanent home in the eyes of HMRC, and changing it requires more than just moving abroad.
Under the treaty, physical assets like property are typically taxed where they're located. This means your Portuguese home would face stamp duty rules in Portugal, while UK property would fall under UK inheritance tax. But for intangible assets like bank accounts and investments, taxation depends on your domicile status.
I recently worked with a British couple living in the Algarve for eight years who assumed their Portuguese bank accounts would escape UK inheritance tax. They were shocked to discover their UK domicile status meant these assets remained within HMRC's reach. By properly documenting their permanent intention to remain in Portugal and restructuring certain assets, we managed to strengthen their domicile position and significantly reduce potential UK tax liability.
The treaty also includes specific provisions for avoiding double taxation through tax credits. If your heirs pay Portuguese stamp duty on certain assets, this payment can offset UK inheritance tax liability on those same assets, preventing the worst-case scenario of paying tax twice.
With the UK's planned abolition of the non-domiciled tax status, British expats must now be even more vigilant about their estate planning. This change will pull many more worldwide assets into the UK tax net, making treaty protections more important than ever.
3. Tax Planning for Portuguese Residents
Residency and Inheritance Rules
For those who become a Portuguese resident, understanding how Portuguese inheritance rules interact with your home country's laws becomes essential for tax purposes.Â
Under EU Regulation 650/2012, the courts of the country where the deceased had their habitual residence have jurisdiction over the entire succession. Establishing tax residency in Portugal can offer advantages, especially for those enrolled in the NHR program in Portugal which provides preferential tax treatment for qualifying individuals.
Your tax residency status fundamentally shapes your inheritance tax position in ways that many expats fail to appreciate  -until it's too late!
Location Matters More Than You Think
In Portugal, tax residency typically applies if you:
- Spend 183+ days in Portugal during a calendar year
- Have a habitual residence in Portugal (a permanent home you intend to use regularly)
While Portuguese tax residents benefit from Portugal's no-inheritance-tax system for direct family members, this doesn't disconnect you from your home country's tax regulations. Your previous country might still claim taxing rights based on factors beyond residency – such as domicile, citizenship, or property location.
For Portuguese tax residents, foreign-source inheritances generally face no taxation in Portugal. This means a Portuguese resident inheriting assets from relatives abroad typically won't pay Portuguese tax on those inheritances. However, the source country might still impose its own inheritance taxes.
Non-residents inheriting Portuguese assets face a different situation. While the same exemptions apply for close family members, proving relationships and claiming these exemptions can involve additional paperwork. Non-resident heirs often face longer processing times and more scrutiny from Portuguese tax authorities.
Golden Visa Considerations
For holders of Portugal's Golden Visa program, inheritance planning carries additional considerations:
- Golden Visa investors enjoy the same inheritance tax benefits as other residents
- Their unique residency status (requiring only 7 days of presence in Portugal per year) can create complex cross-border inheritance situations
- Limited physical presence in Portugal might affect the determination of their 'habitual residence' for succession purposes
- Despite maintaining tax residency elsewhere, their Portuguese assets remain subject to Portuguese succession rules unless they've expressly chosen their national law in their Will
This makes proper estate planning particularly important for Golden Visa investors with significant Portuguese property investments.
Choosing Your National Law
You can choose the law of your nationality to govern your succession. This choice must be expressly made in a Will or similar legal document. Without this express choice, Portuguese law automatically applies to Portuguese residents at the time of death.
When choosing to apply the law of your nationality:
- A Declaration of Law becomes an essential document
- This formal declaration explicitly states your intention to have your national law govern your estate
- For foreign Wills to be fully recognized in Portugal, they may need to be:
- Accompanied by this Declaration of Law
- Properly certified
- Potentially translated into Portuguese
This can be advantageous for financial planning purposes. For example, a UK national living in Portugal might specifically choose UK law to govern certain aspects of their estate to avoid Portugal's forced heirship rules. However, this won't necessarily exempt them from UK inheritance tax.
The declaration must meet specific legal requirements to be considered valid by Portuguese authorities. This step is particularly important for expats who wish to maintain full testamentary freedom according to their home country's laws while living in Portugal.
Effective financial planning requires understanding both systems and portuguese tax rates. While Portugal offers advantages with no inheritance tax, your worldwide assets might still be subject to taxation in your original country, creating a complex situation requiring specialist advice to properly transfer wealth and minimize liability.
4. Stamp Duty and Other Considerations
When dealing with inheritance in Portugal, keep these practical considerations in mind:
- All inherited assets must be declared to the Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira) within the third month after death occurred, even if no tax is due
- You'll need a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) to process any inheritance
- Payment of stamp duty can be divided into as many as 10 installments, making it more manageable for beneficiaries who must pay tax
- For property inheritances, beneficiaries should consider future capital gains tax and income tax implications if they later sell the property. Understanding Portugal capital gains tax regulations is essential for beneficiaries planning to eventually sell inherited property
- Foreign assets inherited by Portuguese residents generally aren't taxed in Portugal (but may be taxed in their country of origin)
For UK nationals particularly, Brexit hasn't changed Portugal's inheritance tax rules, but it has altered some estate planning considerations for those who retire to Portugal from UK. British expats remain liable for UK inheritance tax on worldwide assets in many cases. Understanding the customs authority requirements in both jurisdictions is essential for a smooth transfer of funds and assets. Those considering property investments should also understand the implications if they need to sell property in Spain while resident in Portugal, as this creates additional tax considerations across multiple jurisdictions.
5. How Portugal Compares: A Global Inheritance Tax Perspective
Portugal stands out as one of the most inheritance-friendly jurisdictions in Europe, but how does it really compare to other popular expat destinations?
Unlike Spain, where inheritance tax rates can reach 34% with relatively modest exemptions that vary by region, Portugal's system offers remarkable simplicity and generosity for close family members. I've had numerous clients who purchased property just across the Portuguese-Spanish border specifically to benefit from Portugal's more favorable inheritance framework.
Switzerland offers a similar approach to Portugal, with inheritance tax applied at the cantonal level and spouses typically exempt. However, children may face taxation in certain cantons, unlike in Portugal where they enjoy complete exemption.
Italy imposes inheritance tax ranging from 4-8% with exemptions for close relatives, making it less favorable than Portugal's system but still moderate compared to northern European countries.
The UK stands in stark contrast with its 40% inheritance tax on estates exceeding the nil-rate band (currently £325,000), though primary residences can qualify for additional exemptions. This substantial difference explains why many British retirees choose Portugal as their final home.
In practice, these differences create significant planning opportunities. Consider relocating assets to Portugal before death (when possible) to benefit from Portugal's exemptions. But timing matters - transfers shortly before death may be scrutinized as tax avoidance in your home country.
For those with global assets, Portugal offers a compelling option within a diversified estate planning strategy. The key is understanding where each jurisdiction claims taxing rights and structuring your affairs accordingly, rather than viewing any single country's system in isolation.
6. Practical Steps for Protecting Your Portuguese Legacy
While minimising tax certainly matters (see below), protecting your legacy involves much more than tax planning. From my years helping expats, I've found these practical steps make all the difference:
- Create a Portuguese Will alongside any existing Wills in your home country
- Consider using a Declaration of Law to apply your national law (avoiding forced heirship)
- Register your Will with Portugal's Central Wills Registry
- Ensure all heirs have Portuguese tax identification numbers (NIFs)
- Keep detailed records of asset purchases and improvements (particularly for property)
Remember that Portuguese inheritance proceedings can move slowly. I've seen cases where heirs waited over a year to access inherited assets due to missing documentation or procedural delays. Proper planning now prevents these frustrations later.
The most successful estate plans I've helped create look beyond just the tax implications to consider family dynamics, asset protection, and administrative simplicity during an already difficult time for loved ones.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing your affairs are in order is perhaps the greatest benefit of all.
7. Estate Planning and Tax Efficiency
Smart estate planning can legally minimize the tax burden on your heirs. Some strategies worth considering include:
- Using lifetime gifts strategically to transfer wealth (though be aware of the 10% gift tax unless the recipient is a direct family member)
- Creating a Portuguese Will alongside any existing Wills in your home country
- Considering company structures or trusts for holding certain assets (though these require specialist advice)
- Understanding how double taxation agreements might apply to your situation
- Organizing your funds and Portuguese assets to maximize exemptions
Remember that declaring inherited assets is mandatory in Portugal, even when no tax is due. Failing to make this declaration within three months can result in fines and penalties. The declaration must be filed with the Tax and Customs Authority regardless of the estate's value.
For detailed financial planning around inheritance, consulting with a specialist who understands both Portuguese succession law and your home country's tax system is invaluable. This is especially true for estates valued over certain thresholds that might trigger significant taxation in your home country.
UK expats should be particularly attentive to recent changes in the UK's non-dom tax regime. The UK's planned abolition of the non-domiciled tax status will significantly impact inheritance tax planning for British nationals living in Portugal.Â
Previously, non-doms could potentially shield certain foreign assets from UK inheritance tax, but these protections are being phased out. This means UK expats in Portugal need to reassess their estate planning strategies, as their worldwide assets may now fall within the UK's inheritance tax net regardless of their residency status. This is especially concerning for UK residents receiving inheritance from abroad who must navigate multiple tax systems simultaneously. Consulting with tax professionals familiar with both jurisdictions has become even more crucial for effective wealth transfer planning.
8. When To Seek Professional Help
Inheritance matters involving multiple countries require specialized knowledge. I strongly recommend consulting with a lawyer who understands both Portuguese succession law and the inheritance rules of your home country.
Common situations that demand professional guidance include:
- Owning property in multiple countries
- Having family members in different jurisdictions
- Wanting to avoid Portugal's forced heirship rules
- Planning to pass significant assets to non-exempt beneficiaries
- Concerns about double taxation between Portugal and your home country
Without proper planning, you risk your heirs facing unexpected tax bills or lengthy legal disputes. The Portuguese legal system can be slow and bureaucratic when handling contested inheritances, especially those involving foreign elements.
9. Understanding the Taxation Process
When inheritance tax in Portugal was replaced with stamp duty, the procedure for handling estate taxation became more straightforward but still requires attention to detail. Here's what happens after death:
- The heirs must obtain a tax identification number if they don't already have one
- A declaration must be submitted to the Tax and Customs Authority within three months
- If stamp duty is payable, the Tax and Customs Authority calculates the amount based on the declared value
- For property transfer, additional documentation will be required
- Payment of any tax liability must be arranged, either in full or in installments
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties and interest charges, making it important to address these matters promptly when a family member passes away.
In Portugal's legal system, Notary Publics (Notários) play a central role in inheritance matters. Unlike in some common law countries where notaries have limited authority, Portuguese Notaries are highly trained legal professionals with significant powers. They authenticate documents, certify signatures, and oversee the proper execution of Wills and inheritance procedures.
When dealing with inheritance in Portugal, you'll inevitably interact with a Notary Public for several critical steps: creating a Portuguese Will, registering a Will with the central registry, executing a Declaration of Law to choose your national law, and transferring property ownership to heirs. The Notary ensures all documentation meets legal requirements and helps prevent future disputes by properly formalizing the inheritance process. While their services include fees, the legal certainty they provide is invaluable for cross-border inheritance situations.
10. Creating Your Portuguese Inheritance Plan
Every situation is unique, which is why off-the-shelf solutions rarely provide optimal results for complex cross-border inheritance planning. Your nationality, residency status, family situation, and asset mix all influence the best approach for your circumstances.
Start by asking yourself these key questions:
- Who do I want to inherit my Portuguese assets?
- Do these wishes align with Portuguese forced heirship rules?
- What tax exposures exist in both Portugal and my home country?
- Have I documented my intentions clearly through properly structured Wills?
The answers will reveal where your current plans may fall short and what specific steps you should take next.
Portuguese inheritance matters blend legal, tax, and family considerations in ways that demand specialist guidance. I've seen too many families discover costly mistakes only after a loved one has passed, when options for correction are limited or nonexistent.
Getting your inheritance planning right isn't just about saving money – it's about providing clarity and security for your loved ones when they need it most. And in that sense, it might be the most important financial planning you ever do.
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11. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portugal's inheritance tax free?
Yes, Portugal abolished inheritance tax in 2004. However, a 10% stamp duty (Imposto do Selo) applies to most inherited assets located in Portugal. Direct family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, are exempt from this tax. Non-residents inheriting Portuguese assets may still be subject to stamp duty, depending on the circumstances..
What is the inheritance system in Portugal?
Portugal follows a forced heirship system, meaning that a portion of an estate must go to legitimate heirs (spouse, children, and sometimes parents). By law, at least 50% of the estate must be reserved for these heirs, increasing to 60% if there are multiple heirs. The remaining portion of the estate can be freely allocated through a Will. If no Will exists, the estate is distributed according to Portuguese succession laws, prioritizing close family members.
What is the 10 year tax rule in Portugal?
The 10-year tax rule in Portugal refers to the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime, which grants tax benefits to qualifying new residents for 10 years. Under NHR, most foreign income (such as pensions, dividends, and rental income) may be exempt from Portuguese taxation, depending on tax treaties. Income earned in Portugal from high-value professions is taxed at a flat 20% rate, instead of progressive tax rates. However, the NHR regime has undergone recent reforms, with some benefits changing for new applicants from 2024 onward.
Does owning property in Portugal make you a tax resident?
Owning property in Portugal does not automatically make you a tax resident. You become a tax resident if you spend 183+ days per year in Portugal or have a habitual residence, meaning a permanent home you intend to use as your main residence. Meeting either condition can require you to pay tax on worldwide income in Portugal.
