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Archived: AmCham Webinar Series Everything You Need to Know to Live, Work, and Start a Business in Portugal

AmCham Webinar Series Everything You Need to Know to Live, Work, and Start a Business in Portugal

In collaboration with Bridge In and Relocate Now

From Compliant Team Setup to Visas: Setting Up in Portugal as an Individual or a Business

The 6th session of AmCham Portugal’s webinar series focused on the practical and legal aspects for those who wish to live, work, or invest in Portugal, from team structuring and employment models to obtaining visas and residence permits.

In the first part, led by Álvaro Araújo and Francisca Baptista from Relocate Now, the main residence permits and visas, their requirements, and timelines were analyzed:

  • D1 to D8 visas, including the Golden Visa;

  • General requirements: proof of accommodation, criminal record, travel insurance, tax identification number (NIF), and social security number (NISS);

  • Conditions for maintaining or renewing residence permits;

  • New tax residency rules, double taxation agreements, and the framework of the new IFICI+ regime (“NHR 2.0”);

  • Eligibility criteria: not having resided in Portugal for the past five years, performing qualified activities, and, in the case of freelancers or companies, earning more than 50% of income from foreign clients.

In the second part of the session, Pedro Henriques, CEO of Bridge In, addressed the main aspects of building teams and establishing companies in Portugal:

  • Employment contract types: permanent, fixed-term, and uncertain-term contracts, with trial periods of up to six months;

  • Challenges in terminating permanent contracts and related legal implications for employers;

  • Correct classification of independent contractors, with warnings about misclassification risks that can lead to fines of up to €60,000;

  • Employer of Record and subsidiary setup as flexible solutions for international companies starting operations in Portugal.

The speakers also highlighted Portugal’s competitive advantages, safety, stability, English proficiency, and strategic position in Europe, as key factors for attracting talent and investment.

This session provided a practical and comprehensive overview of how to live, work, and build a business in Portugal legally, safely, and efficiently.

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