If you’re looking for the hottest events and activities happening in the city this week, you’ve come to the right place. Lisbon is a vibrant and dynamic city with something for everyone, whether you’re into fairs, cinema, or food events. Let’s take a look at events and activities in Lisbon this week, between September 18 and 24.
Feira da Luz
Feira da Luz is an annual fair in Carnide, known not only for its musical artists, workshops, and more. However, one of our favorite things about this fair is the artisanal products available. You will find all kinds of handmade products, including beautiful plates, cups, and mugs at incredible prices.
This week, the Feira da Luz is going on from September 20 to 24. On Sunday, Portuguese “popular” music artist José Malhoa will be performing.
Dine at Avenida da Liberdade restaurants with special prices
From September 19 to 25, there are discounts and special menus available at 20 restaurants on Avenida da Liberdade. This gastronomic event is aimed at revitalizing Avenida da Liberdade. Some of the featured restaurants with special menus include JNcQUOI, Cervejaria Liberdade, É Um Restaurante, and Seen.
You can enjoy an unbeatable Michelin-starred restaurant menu, a complete experience at JNcQUOI, oysters and champagne at a five-star hotel, or an affordable lunch menu at a restaurant that also serves as a social reintegration project called É Um Restaurante.
See the full list of restaurants and their special prices here.
Avenida da Liberdade. Photo by Alice Kotlyarenko (Unsplash)
Night Stories at the National Museum of Science & Natural History
Night Stories is a night market that promises lively evenings and good food every Thursday until October 5th. Recognized as the Top New Event of the Year by Time Out in 2021, this event is making a comeback, featuring a month-long blend of music, street food, and fashion. This time around, it’s taking place at the Museum of Natural History and Science in Príncipe Real.
Among the featured street food vendors, you can savor offerings from places like Smack Burgers, Oysters & Margaritas, Fried Me to The Moon, Secret Oven Pizzas, Kitchenette, and Nonna Goes Crazy. Additionally, there will be two bars on-site, one offering a selection of Altano wines and the other serving up cocktails.
The fashion section will showcase well-known brands such as Mustique, Ivory World, Chulé, and Nor Project.
In terms of music, you can expect a fresh lineup every Thursday, featuring live performances followed by DJ sets. Some of the talented acts on the roster include Time for T, Indi Mateta, Ritmos Cholulteka, Jamimoi, Gelato, and Balnearico.
From September 12 to 18, an International Horror Film Festival is taking place in Lisbon for its 17th edition. These seven days include over 100 films and take place in the beautiful São Jorge Cinema in the center of Lisbon.
This week, there are many film screenings to look out for, including Home for Rent and Perpetrator.
Based on a true story, “Home for Rent” is the latest horror film by Sophon Sakdaphisit, the director of the first Thai series on Netflix (“The Stranded”).
Premiered at the 73rd Berlinale, Jennifer Reeder treats us to a feminist perspective in her second experimental and surrealistic film called “Perpetrator.”
Bloco de Esquerda (Left Bloc), one of the Portuguese left-wing political parties, has proposed a series of measures aimed at fighting the current housing crisis.
According to Mariana Mortágua, the leader of the party, the housing crisis has become a ‘social pandemic’. The current prices are way above Portuguese wages, and citizens are being left with little to no option.
For that reason, the political party is calling for a ban on selling houses to non-residents, (except to emigrants), for effective rent control, and for a reduction of banks’ interest rates. A similar measure has been adopted in Canada.
In an interview, Mortágua makes it clear that this is not “a ban on sales to foreigners”. “Foreigners can buy a house in Portugal as long as they reside in Portugal”.
Moreover, under the proposed law, there are exceptions such as “any person who has a spouse or is in a de facto union with someone who lives in Portugal, a refugee who lives in Portugal and wants to find a home, and, obviously, anyone who has a residence visa in Portugal”.
These measures, which were defined by the party leader as very urgent, intend to help those who cannot afford to leave their parents’ house, those desperate for a house suitable for their family, those facing eviction, and those who cannot pay their mortgages, and for those who are left with nothing after paying their rent.
The goal is to offer some relief to Portuguese citizens, and hopefully dissuade many from emigrating. According to the party, this can be done by providing them with solutions that enable a sustainable living situation.
A small Portuguese town was flooded with millions of liters of red wine after the explosion of two distillery tanks.
The streets of São Lourenço do Bairro, a town located in the center-north of Portugal, were literally painted red on Sunday. There are videos circulating online showing the red torrent flowing through the town.
The amount of wine spilled (2.2 million liters) was almost enough to fill an Olympic pool (2.5 million liters). Levira Distillery, the wine company that owned the tanks, posted a statement on Facebook saying it “deeply regrets the incident”, and that it takes “full responsibility” for it, and for everything associated with it. Authorities are investigating the causes.
For precaution, the responsible fire department diverted the wine, which was gushing downhill, to stop it from contaminating the nearby river. However, because of that, the red stream flowed into a nearby field. As a result, the wine-soaked soil has been taken to a special treatment plant to avoid future problems.
Given the peculiarity of the incident and the unique images it produced, São Lourenço do Bairro and Levira Distillery have been mentioned internationally.
The streets of Levira, Portugal were flooded with red wine after a distillery’s 2.2 million liter tanks burst.
As Autumn gets closer, a new week of exciting events in Porto begins. Whether you are looking to enjoy a live music performance or relax at the beach, there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy in Porto. Let’s take a look at events in Porto this week from September 11 to 17.
Casa da Musica’s Children’s Choir
The Children’s Choir of Casa da Música is making its debut on a grand city stage, facing its most significant challenge yet – celebrating cultural diversity and the richness of musical traditions from various countries. Each piece promises to be a delightful surprise, taking the audience on a magical journey through harmonies and rhythms.
The choir is composed of approximately 50 children, is the youngest resident ensemble of the institution. They will be performing on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday this week at Casa da Musica.
“The Storm” Orquestra at Casa da Musica
Another Casa da Musica event this week, the Symphonic Orchestra of Casa da Musica will be performing “A Tempestade” which translates to “The Storm” on Friday. This concert revolves around the theme of “The Blue Planet”. It explores the Romantic influence of Shakespeare in a symphonic poem by Tchaikovsky. Frank Bridge, from a coastal town in southern England, crafted an orchestral piece inspired by the sea’s ever-changing nature, effectively capturing its diverse states.
Photo by Andrey Konstantinov (Unsplash)
RDZ presents ‘The Dream Team’ at WOW
The promoters RDZ are presenting a night out at World of Wine on Saturday from 3 pm to 2 am. Featuring a beautiful view of Porto from Gaia, you will get to dance as the sun sets. The lineup includes David Moreira, Diana Oliveira, Freshkitos, João Azevedo, Klin Klop, Tiago Carvalho, Rui Vargas, and Miguel Nery.
Photo by Dominik Mecko (Unsplash)
Yoga class at the beach
This Friday is the last day to head to an incredible yoga class at a beach in Gaia. Promoted by Adritem, through the project Urban Farmers, spend a relaxing hour by the water. This event is happening on three different beaches in Vila Nova de Gaia, a few minutes from Porto, at different times throughout the day: Aguda (4 pm), Atlântico (5 pm), and Madalena (6 pm).
The second week of September brings exciting new events in Lisbon, without hoards of tourists and with milder temperatures. Should you find yourself in the city this week, allow us to guide you to some of the best events happening in the coming days. Let’s take a look at the best events and activities in Lisbon from September 4th to 10th.
Fado concert in Amália Rodrigues’ garden
Arguably the most iconic fado singer to have ever lived, Amália Rodrigues passed away in 1999. However, her legacy remains at Casa da Amália, the house in Rua de S. Bento where she lived for 44 years. This week, an outdoorfado event is happening on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday where you can enjoy a live performance of this genre in her outdoor garden.
Amalia Rodrigues. Photo by Piano Piano! (Unsplash)
MOTELX – International Horror Film Festival
If you’re a horror fan, look no forward. From September 12 to 18, an International Horror Film Festival is taking place in Lisbon for its 17th edition. These seven days include over 100 films including the worldwide primers of “Infinity Pool” and “Hood Witch”. The festival takes place in the beautiful São Jorge Cinema in the center of Lisbon.
Photo by Felix Mooneeram (Unsplash)
Lx Rural – Farmers market
Lx Rural is a farmers market taking place on Sundays in Lx Factory from 10 am to 6 pm. A bunch of farmers from all over the country gather here to display and sell their produce. You can find all times of seasonal produce from traditional, sustainable, and biological farming. From fresh vegetables to honey and even homemade bread, take home with you incredible products.
Lx Factory, where the farmers market is hosted is also great to explore. There are plenty of restaurants in this outdoor compound, including Cantina and Matchamama, a Peruvian and Asian cuisine fusion place. There are also cool stores such as Brandz and Kare Design.
Lx Factory. Photo by Maxence Bouniort (Unsplash)
Changing the Guard in Belem National Palace
Many think the Changing of the Guard is reserved for Buckingham Palace in London, but this isn’t the case. A similar event happens on the third Sunday of every at Belem Palace in Lisbon at around 11 a.m., where the military guard performs this ceremony. This event is performed by the military guards that take care of the permanent security of the official residency of the President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
160 military personnel from the National Republican Guard participate. The ceremony begins with a fanfare on the palace balcony, followed by a military parade and a musical performance by the band, featuring military marches.
At the end of the ceremony, the Mounted Brass Band performs in the Vieira Portuense Garden, showcasing impressive horse maneuvers while the riders entertain the audience with musical interludes.
This week, the Portuguese Government announced two measures to increase the purchasing power of Portuguese citizens.
First, on Wednesday, the Portuguese Prime Minister announced, among other things, that for each year spent working in Portugal, the Government will return the proportional tuition fees that were paid by the university student.
This measure targets young people. It was designed as an incentive for new graduates to stay in the country, as well as a mechanism to provide them with more purchasing power when they finish their studies and start working. Note that this measure only entails public universities. Tuition fees of private universities are not included.
This measure, which came into effect in April this year, exempts 46 food products from VAT. The products were carefully selected given the guidelines for healthy eating provided by the Ministry of Health.
The Government assessed the five previous months and concluded that extending the measure was an effective way of dealing with inflation and providing some relief to Portuguese citizens.
In less than twenty-four hours, the newly installed speed traps caught 6,000 drivers going over the speed limit.
There are 37 new speed traps operating throughout the country since the beginning of the month. Of the 37, 12 are able to record the average speed. This technology is new in Portugal.
Contrary to other speed traps, which take note of the speed in one specific location, at one point in time, these assess the time a vehicle spends going from point A to point B and calculate the average speed.
By the end of September 1st, 6,000 drivers had already been caught. The tickets have not been processed yet, but the authorities estimate that if each driver pays the minimum amount possible (60 euros), the total revenue for the state will be around 360,000 euros.
However, considering that the amount due depends on how much above the speed limit the driver was, it could be more than that. The 37 new speed traps are spread across the country, from north to south on highways, national, and complementary roads. Most were placed along national roads, in specific locations, but the new technology was specifically chosen for the main highways.
If you want to know where the speed traps are located, take a look here.
When it comes to taxes, Americans moving to Portugal find themselves navigating a unique set of rules. Unlike many countries, the United States is among the few nations that tax their citizens on their global income, regardless of where they reside. This means that even if you pack your bags and establish a new life in Portugal, your U.S. tax obligations remain a constant.
However, these overarching tax principles are just the tip of the iceberg. Every situation is different, and it’s crucial to remember that what applies to one person may not apply to another.
We recommend that to fully understand your unique tax situation, seeking personalized guidance from a tax advisor is a wise step.
In this article, we will explore the essential tax considerations Americans should consider when making Portugal their new home. Let’s take a look!
Want to become part of the large community of US expats in Portugal? Sign up for Holborn Assets’ live webinar on the challenges facing US connected clients moving or living in Portugal. Find out all about the financial perks of moving to Portugal and have all your burning questions answered. The event is scheduled for May 16 at 5 pm (Lisbon Time) / 12 pm EST. If you would like to schedule a one-on-one call instead, you can book one here.
The American tax system relies on citizenship rather than residency, so individuals with US citizenship are subject to taxation on their income worldwide, regardless of their place of residence. Nevertheless, there are tax advantages accessible to US citizens residing overseas like in Portugal.
Let’s take a look at the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), and the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedure, advantages that Americans moving to Portugal can use.
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)
The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion allows US citizens living in Portugal to exclude a portion of their foreign-earned income from US taxes, up to $120,000 for 2023. This amount is adjusted with inflation yearly.
According to the IRS, to be eligible for these benefits, you must meet specific criteria:
You must have income earned in a foreign country.
Your primary place of work for tax purposes must be in a foreign country.
You must fall into one of the following categories:
A U.S. citizen who has established genuine residency in a foreign country for an unbroken period, including a full tax year.
A U.S. resident alien who is both a citizen or national of a country that has an active income tax treaty with the United States and who has established genuine residency in a foreign country for an unbroken period, including a full tax year.
A U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien who has been physically present in a foreign country for at least 330 complete days within any 12-month consecutive period.
Photo by Green Chameleon (Unsplash)
The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)
The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) is a protection available to U.S. expats to prevent double taxation on the same income. The FTC provides a means for U.S. expats to offset, dollar for dollar, the foreign taxes they have paid overseas, but it’s important to note that this credit only pertains to income taxes.
If you have already fulfilled your income tax obligations in a foreign nation, the FTC grants you a credit that can be applied to reduce your U.S. tax liability.
To calculate your tax credit, you’ll divide your foreign-sourced taxable income amount by your total taxable income, then multiply that result by your U.S. tax liability.
The Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedure
Many expats living abroad for years might not have realized their obligation to file annual US tax returns. If you find yourself in this situation, there’s no need to panic. The IRS has introduced a solution called the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures, which allows you to catch up on your taxes without incurring penalties.
To be eligible for the Streamlined Offshore Filing program, you must meet these requirements:
Demonstrate that your previous non-filing was “Non-Willful”: You must attest, under penalty of perjury, that your failure to comply with U.S. tax requirements was unintentional, stemming from either a mistake or a lack of understanding of your obligations.
Not have had a residence in the U.S. for one or more of the last three tax years.
Have been physically present outside the United States for a minimum of 330 full days during one or more of the three most recent tax years.
Possess either a Social Security Number or a Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not qualify for a Social Security Number and do not already have an ITIN, you can apply for one when submitting your tax documents under the Streamlined program.
Portuguese Tax System for Americans
Understanding the Portuguese tax system is extremely important as an American moving to Portugal. Keep in mind that if you stay in Portugal for 183 days consecutive or interpolated within a single calendar year, the Portuguese tax authorities will classify you as a tax resident.
Being recognized as a tax resident of Portugal entails the obligation to pay taxes on your income from all sources worldwide.
Let’s take a look at the NHR program which grants you tax cuts, as well as the social security system, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax in Portugal.
Portugal. Photo by Manuel Costa (Unsplash)
The Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) Program
Portugal introduced a favorable tax program in 2009 called the Non-Habitual Residency Program to attract skilled individuals and wealth to the country. Under this program, eligible individuals won’t have to pay taxes in Portugal on their foreign income for 10 years. Those working in Portugal can enjoy a 20% flat tax.
This tax program is open to all newcomers in Portugal who haven’t been Portuguese tax residents in the 5 years before. Once approved, the tax benefits last for 10 years and cannot be extended.
To become a non-habitual resident, you must meet the following criteria:
You cannot have been subject to taxation in Portugal during the five years preceding your application.
You need to apply for a tax residence certificate, which requires either residing in Portugal for more than 183 days (which do not need to be consecutive) within a 12-month period, living in Portugal for fewer than 183 days but purchasing property in Portugal during that same 12-month span, or holding a position in the service of the Portuguese state for the past 12 months.
The Portuguese Social Security system secures citizens’ basic rights and ensures equality in opportunities, providing support measures such as unemployment allowances, paternal leave, and other financial support.
When you are employed in Portugal, you will need to contribute to the social security system which in turn, grants you access to the national health service, for example.
These contributions are divided between the employer and the employee. The employer covers 23.7% of the employee’s total salary, while the employee contributes 11%. If you are self-employed, you are responsible for paying your own contributions, which are higher at 21.4%.
Photo by Martha Dominguez de Gouveia (Unsplash)
Capital Gains Tax
As a general rule, Portugal taxes capital gains at a rate of 28%. However, there are a number of exemptions and deductions available.
For example, if you sell your primary residence in Portugal and reinvest the proceeds in another primary residence within a specified timeframe, you won’t be subject to capital gains tax on the profit from the sale.
Keep in mind that under the NHR regime, you will not have to pay any tax on capital gains from outside Portugal.
Inheritance Tax
Portugal abolished its inheritance tax in 2004. However, a 10% stamp duty tax applies when assets are gifted or passed on at death. Still, spouses and children are not liable for stamp duty when they inherit assets.
Moreover, your US assets will be exempt, as this only applies to inheritances in Portugal.
5 Quick Tax Tips for Americans Moving to Portugal
Seek Expert Guidance: Connect with a tax advisor well-versed in the Portuguese tax system. Their expertise can help you navigate the complexities and ensure compliance with local tax laws.
Study the Portuguese Tax System: Take the time to thoroughly research and understand the intricacies of the Portuguese tax system. Being informed will empower you to make well-informed financial decisions.
Maintain Detailed Records: Keep records of your income and expenses while living in Portugal. This record-keeping is invaluable for accurate tax reporting and deductions.
Timely Filing and Payment: It’s vital to meet tax deadlines. Make sure to file your taxes promptly and settle any taxes owed on time to avoid penalties and interest.
Utilize Tax Incentives: Familiarize yourself with available tax incentives, such as the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime, which can offer substantial tax benefits.
Additionally, we’ll discuss tax implications, investment strategies, and how to maximize your financial potential in your new home. Join us to gain valuable insights and ensure a secure financial future in Portugal here.
September brings a bunch of special things to do and fun events in Porto. If you’re going there this week and wondering what’s happening, we’ve got your back. Let’s check out the cool stuff you can do from September 4 to 10. From concerts to games, get ready for a unique time in Porto!
Experience an authentic evening of Fado, the soulful essence of Portugal, on Monday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Hosted by Fado na Baixa, this event invites you to savor Pedro’s family-owned Tawny Port while our musicians demonstrate traditional Portuguese Guitar techniques. Live male and female Fado singers will serenade you with Lisbon’s intense Fado and the touching Coimbra Fado, a tradition upheld by university students.
Fado museum. Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)
Basilar Festival
From Thursday to Sunday, Basilar Festival takes place in Porto close to a beautiful lake. Basilar is a cozy event in Northern Portugal for music lovers. It’s all about techno music and bringing people together. With one stage, artists can focus on their music and create a close-knit vibe. The event has longer DJ sets and a small community, to promote a bonding environment.
Cocktail making class
Cocktails. Photo by Kobby Mendez (Unsplash)
For a unique experience, head to this cocktail-making class on Thursday at Maison Cocorico. You will be able to create your very own cocktail and acquire the skills of incredible barmen. Cocorico is a luxurious guesthouse, situated a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral of Porto.
Outdoor orchestra concert at Avenida dos Aliados
Porto is known for its iconic avenue, Avenida dos Aliados. This Saturday, you will get to enjoy an outdoor concert at this prestigious avenue performed by the Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música. An event to bid farewell to summer, this concert includes music from incredible films such as James Bond and Schindler’s List. It’s also free to attend!
As September begins, Lisbon offers many exciting events. If you’re visiting the city this week, we’re here to help you discover the top things to do. Join us as we explore the best activities and events happening from September 4 to 10 in Lisbon.
Operafest Lisboa 2023
Operafest Lisbon 2023, with the Belém Cultural Center, is showcasing “Great Singers for Today’s Opera” on Wednesday. It’s part of the Marathon Opera XXI contest promoting modern Portuguese opera. Young singers perform excerpts from recent Portuguese operas, aiming to strengthen the tradition of singing in Portuguese and support new generations of performers. Winners receive the Carlos de Pontes Leça Prize.
Rodrigo Amado & Chris Corsano
Zé dos Bois in Lisbon is hosting performers Rodrigo Amado and Chris Corsano on Wednesday. After six years, they come together again following a successful show and a shared album. Amado remains a key European saxophonist, while Corsano ventures across diverse musical landscapes.
Brunch Electronik #7
Another Brunch Electronik event is happening this week, an electronic music event that runs from 2 pm to 10 pm on Sunday. Along with incredible music and a vibrant environment, you can enjoy a variety of food at the trucks available. This week’s line up includes:
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