What is the Portugal NHR 2.0? 

In 2024, Portugal introduced its new NHR 2.0 tax regime with the purpose of attracting highly qualified talent and companies to come and settle down in Portugal. It was enshrined into Law via Ordinance 352/2024/2 of December 23rd 2024.

The regime is officially known as IFICI – Incentivo Fiscal à Investigação Científica e Inovação (Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation), and it offers significant tax benefits to professionals in certain fields of industry.

Under this regime, qualified individuals are taxed under a flat rate of 20% for 10 years for all income derived from employment or self-employment income, as opposed to the progressive rates that can go up to 53%.

However, don’t let yourself be fooled by the program’s name, as its scope is far more comprehensive than it suggests.

Who Can Apply for the Portugal NHR 2.0?

The Portuguese NHR 2.0 regime still provides tax benefits, but the qualification requirements are different, limited to a more specific range of activities and professions. However, this isn’t to say that you can’t still apply, as the scope remains larger than you might initially think.

If you:

Work or are hired by a Portuguese company in the following highly qualified roles:

• CEOs and Managing Directors
  
  
• Directors of Administrative and Commercial Services
  
  
• Directors of Production and Specialized Services
  
  
• STEM and Information and Communications (ICT) Specialists
  
  
• Industrial Design Experts
  
  
• Medical doctors
  
  
• Professors at Universities and Higher Education Institutions

Or if you work in the following companies that work in these industries or provide specialized services:

• Extractive industries
  
  
• Transformative or manufacturing industries
  
  
• Information and Communication Activities
  
  
• Research and Development
  
  
• Higher Education
  
  
• Human Health Activities
  
  

There are further requirements beyond fulfilling job criteria, which you can fully to know by contacting Investment Visa directly.

Read more:
Best Countries to Start a Business: A Dedicated Guide for Entrepreneurs

What’s the Difference Between Highly Qualified Positions and Industrial and Services Companies?

The Portugal NHR 2.0 regime establishes two different ways to qualify:

• One based on the individual's profession;
  
  
• Another based on the employer’s economic activity.

Highly qualified professionals must fall within the job classifications listed in Annex I of Ordinance 352/2024/1 issued on December 23 2024, which references the Portuguese Classification of Professions (Classificação Portuguesa de Profissões - CPP).

Meanwhile, individuals working in companies operating in specific industrial or service sectors, listed in Annex II, as defined by the Portuguese Classification of Economic Activities (Classificação Portuguesa de Atividades Económicas - CAE), may also qualify, provided those companies meet export or investment thresholds.

With this dual-criteria approach, Portugal further paints itself as a hotspot for highly skilled talent and strategically important business activity that drives innovation, exports, and economic growth.

Think You Don’t Qualify for the NHR 2.0? Think Again

If the requirements to apply and benefit from the NHR 2.0 seem that they currently don’t match your situation, we have the solution for you.

At Investment Visa, we do more than help you relocate. We build smart, tax-efficient migration strategies. That’s why our exclusive €155,000 Residency solution is the perfect addition to enjoy Portugal’s new NHR 2.0 tax regime. By relocating with us, you can:

• Secure legal residency in Portugal starting at just €155,000
  
  
• Apply for the NHR 2.0
  
  
• Benefit from flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese income for 10 years
  
  
• Legally structure your move without giving up global flexibility
  
  
• Get EU Residency & Citizenship, all while optimizing your tax position

We connect you with the legal, tax, and corporate partners needed to guarantee both your investment and your NHR 2.0 filing are fully compliant.

>> Get the NHR 2.0 with Investment Visa’s Exclusive €155,000 Residency Solution <<

What are the Requirements to Apply for the Portugal NHR 2.0?

To qualify for Portugal’s IFICI (Incentivo Fiscal à Investigação Científica e Inovação), applicants MUST:

• Not have been a tax resident in Portugal in the previous 5 years
  
  
• Become a tax resident in Portugal from 2024 onward
  
  
• Submit application by January 15 of the year following residency
  
  
• Provide documentation, including:
  - Employment contract
  - Updated commercial certification if applicable
  - Proof of qualifications
  - Records of income

Bear in mind the previous list is merely indicative and not exhaustive, and that several more documents will likely be requested as part of your NHR 2.0 application.