Research country-specific NHR application deadlines and apply early to ensure a smooth process. Be aware of annual or quarterly deadlines for some countries.
To apply for Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status in Portugal, there are specific deadlines you must meet to ensure you are eligible for the tax benefits under this regime. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Timing of Application
- Deadline: You must apply for NHR status by March 31st of the year following the year in which you became a tax resident in Portugal. For example, if you became a tax resident in 2023, you have until March 31, 2024, to apply for NHR status.
- Becoming a Tax Resident: To be considered a tax resident, you must either have spent at least 183 days in Portugal during a calendar year or have a permanent home in Portugal by December 31st of that year. Your application for NHR status should follow soon after you establish this residency.
2. Application Process
- How to Apply: The application for NHR status is made online through the Portuguese tax authority's website (Portal das Finanças). You will need to provide proof of your tax residency in Portugal and other relevant documentation.
- Documentation: Common documents required include your NIF (Portuguese tax number), proof of residence, and possibly additional documents that prove your professional status or source of income.
3. Importance of Meeting the Deadline
- Loss of Benefits: Failing to apply for NHR status by the March 31st deadline of the year following your arrival as a tax resident means you could lose the opportunity to benefit from the favorable tax regime for that year and potentially the entire 10-year period.
4. Early Application
- Advantages of Early Application: Applying as soon as you become a tax resident is advisable to avoid missing the deadline. Early application also allows you to begin benefiting from the NHR regime in the first tax year of your residency in Portugal.
Summary
To qualify for NHR status in Portugal, you must apply by March 31st of the year following the year you become a tax resident. Timely application is crucial to secure the tax benefits under the NHR regime.