Portugal Immigration Update – January 2025: Visa Delays, Rising Rents & More

Introduction

January has brought significant updates about Portugal that you need to know. These changes could impact your plans to visit, move, or live in Portugal, from visa processing delays to rising rental prices and new tax policies. In this article, we’ll break down the latest developments in immigration, the economy, taxation, healthcare, and real estate. Stay until the end for expert tips to navigate these challenges smoothly.

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Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Immigration & Visa Updates

• Cost of Living & Economy

• Taxes & Legal Changes

• Healthcare & Insurance

• Real Estate & Renting

• Homicide Charge Against PSP Officer

Immigration & Visa Updates

AIMA, which replaced SEF in 2023, still faces significant backlogs, with over 400,000 pending cases. Expect long delays if you're applying for a visa or renewing residency. However, expired residency documents have been extended until June 2025, providing temporary relief.

Key visa updates:

• D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa): Requires €870/month in stable income and €10,400 in a Portuguese bank.

• D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa): Requires a monthly income of €3,480.

• Golden Visa Program: This program no longer includes real estate investment but now focuses on cultural heritage projects and venture capital funds.

Cost of Living & Economy

• Inflation: Dropped to 2.5% in January from 3.0% in December.

• Housing Costs: Increased by 3.7% in Q3 2024, the second-highest rise in the EU.

• Rental Prices:

  • Lisbon & Porto: 1-bedroom apartments now average €1,500/month.

  • Braga & Coimbra: More affordable, ranging from €700–€900/month.

💡 Looking for affordable housing solutions? Reach out to us via email for a consultation.

Taxes & Legal Changes

• NHR Program Replaced: The new IFIC Plus program offers a 20% flat tax rate for highly skilled research, tech, and innovation professionals.

• IRS Tax Brackets Updated: This could mean lower income tax for expats and remote workers.

• Corporate Tax Reduction: From 21% to 20% for companies. SMEs pay 16% on the first €50,000.

• New Incentives for Business Owners: Tax deductions for capital investment.

  📌 Confused about tax changes? Download our free guide, ‘From Nomad to Neighbor,’ for expert insights!

Healthcare & Insurance

• Public Healthcare: Accessible for residents, but wait times remain long.

• Private Insurance: A better option for faster service. Check our recommended health insurance here.

• New Healthcare Benefits: 

  • 400 new emergency professionals were hired.

  • 90% coverage for fertility treatments.

  • Free diapers for low-income families.

  • Expanded breast cancer screenings (now ages 45-74).

Real Estate & Renting

• Rent cap for 2025: Limited to 2.16% increase to protect tenants.

• Young Homebuyers (Under 35): New public guarantee covers 15% of homes up to €450,000.

• Student Housing: Increased government support.

• Sustainable Home Incentives: Grants for energy-efficient home improvements.

Homicide Charge Against PSP Officer

A Public Security Police (PSP) officer has been charged with homicide in the death of Odair Moniz, a Cape Verdean citizen, in Cova da Moura. The indictment has sparked nationwide protests against racism and police violence.

We hope you will stay with us for next month's update. Remember to sign up for our newsletter for early updates!

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