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Guide to Freelancing in Portugal

Lara Silva
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Guide to Freelancing in Portugal

Freelancers in Portugal have more rights than ever before. From protections such as parental leave and illness allowance, the Social Security system ensures you are taken care of when necessary. There are also a few exemptions, such as not having to pay for social security for your first year and a VAT exemption for those making less than €10,000 a year. For non-habitual residents who have not been tax residents in Portugal in the last five years, the benefits are even higher. Some NHRs are taxed at a flat rate of 20% on their income and are exempt from paying taxes on global income. Take a look at this guide to find out if you are eligible.

However, being a freelancer in Portugal can be confusing and you must make sure you are making the right social security contributions and tax payments as these will not be taken care of by a company. Luckily, this guide to freelancing in Portugal has everything you need to know, from taxes to registering as a trabalhador independente.

How to Register as a Freelancer in Portugal

If you’re looking to become a freelancer in Portugal, make sure you meet all the legal requirements and register with the necessary institutions. Let’s go through the steps of becoming and registering as a freelancer in Portugal.

  • First off, make sure you can legally reside and work in Portugal. If you are not an EU citizen, take a look at our guide to visas in Portugal. 
  • You must then get your tax number called a NIF which is free and open a bank account. You can do this remotely but this will cost you some money as you will need to pay for a representative with power of attorney. When you get your NIF, ask for your password to log in to the tax authority’s website, known as Portal das Financas.
  • Get your social security number (NISS) by calling 300 502 502 to make an appointment or head to your closest social security office. To obtain one, you need to show your residency card, NIF, and identification. It can take a few months until you obtain your social security number.
  • You can then register as a freelancer, either online or at a tax office near you. If you do this online in the Portal das Financas, search for “beginning of activity”, “Services > Activity > Beginning of Activity”, and then “deliver the certificate”. This will include the service you provide which for most freelancers falls under Article 151 of the CIRS, the date of the beginning of your activity, the amount you estimate you will earn between January to December (for VAT exemption), and your IBAN.
  • You will then also need to choose your accounting regiment: simplified or organized.
  • The simplified regiment is the default one you get from the tax authority where you do not need an accountant. You can only have this regiment if you make less than €200,000 a year. This regiment allows you to pay taxes on 75% of your overall income and the remaining 25% is offset with expense receipts.
  • Under the organized regiment, you are obligated to have an accountant. In this regime, all your expenses count, not just 25%, and your accountant takes care of social security and tax payment. This regiment is like a freelancer being an actual company in a way with added costs such as accounting and you will need complex tax files.
  • You have now officially “opened activity”, a process that allows you to bill and send invoices to your clients through recibos verdes which we will address later. This will inform the tax authority about your income.

Tax System for Freelancers in Portugal

Green Receipts Invoice System: What are Recibos Verdes in Portugal?

Recibos verdes means green receipts or invoices. This is the way freelancers officially invoice clients and declare income for tax and social security. You need these recibos verdes to know how much you must pay monthly for social security and how much you must pay for income tax (IRS). After you have successfully registered as a freelancer and have access to your Portal das Financias (tax platform online), you can start issuing recibos verdes.

Step By Step: How to Invoice Clients Using Recibos Verdes

So, how do you issue a recibo verde? The whole portal is in Portuguese and is complex for even Portuguese speakers. We recommend doing this with a friend who knows the language until you get the hang of it. Here are the steps to issuing a recibo verde:

  1. Go to the Portal das Financas and log in with your NIF and password.
  2. Under services, pick “Faturas e Recibos Verdes” and then “Emitir”.
  3. You will then choose between a “Fatura ou Fatura-Recibo” which is the classic recibo verde and a “Recibo” (this is a receipt if you have already sent the bill and want to confirm you received the money).
  4. You then choose the service or activity you provided and the date of the service.
  5. Insert the client’s Portuguese tax number known as NIF. If your client is not in Portugal, select their country first and then fill in their tax number.
  6. Under the “Importância recebida a título de:” you can choose “pagamento dos bens ou dos services” (payment of goods and services). This field just asks why you are charging your client.
  7. Then describe the service in the “Descricao” box.
  8. Insert the value in “Valor Base”.
  9. Select the VAT (IVA) regiment under the field “Regime de IVA”. This is either exempt or normal, we will address this later on.
  10. Under the “Base de Incidencia em IRS” choose “isento” (exempt) if you did not make more than €10,000 or choose 100% if you made more than that a year.
  11. The “Imposto de Selo” (tax stamp) is usually 0.
  12. Then just click the blue “Emitir” button, print the document, sign it, and send it to your client! All done!

Freelancers Under Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Tax Regime

While there is some confusion surrounding this, freelancers can enjoy the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, if they fit the requirements. The NHR tax regime was introduced in 2009 and is available to all new tax residents in Portugal that were not tax residents in Portugal for the 5 years prior. Some NHRs are taxed at a flat rate of 20% on their income and are exempt from paying taxes on global income.

Those who work in Portugal (freelance or regular employment) under the NHR tax regime only pay a 20% flat rate on personal income tax (IRS). To be considered “high value”, the job must be related to activities of scientific, artistic, or technical character. Considering the general tax rate for those making over €25,076 is 37% and for those making over €39,968 is 45%, this is an astronomical tax benefit.

You will also not pay any tax on dividends, interest, royalties, capital gains, rental income from real estate outside Portugal, and income from employment in another country. These will be paid in the source country if your country has a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with the country/ These benefits only last 10 years.

Guide to the NHR Tax Regime

Income Tax (IRS) as a Freelancer in Portugal

If you are eligible for the NHR tax regime, you will not have to pay the general income tax rate. However, even if you obtain this type of residency, you will have to be the general income tax rate after 10 years. In Portugal, self-employment income is classed as category B for income tax (IRS). You will have to submit your annual IRS declaration between April 1 and June 30 of the year after. However, you do not have to pay your IRS only once a year. Using the “retencao da fonte”, your can pay your IRS in “installments”.

You can also deduct business expenses such as the rent of your office and utility bills, which will not be calculated in your taxable income. However, there are limits to this. Expenses for travel and entertaining clients can only be deducted if they amount to less than 10% of your overall income. If you work from home, you can claim expenses up to 25% of your overall income.

Freelancers can also take advantage of the simplified regime where they pay income tax on 75% of their overall income and the remaining 25% is offset with expense receipts. If you make over €200,000 you aren’t eligible for the simplified regime.

VAT (IVA) as a Freelancer in Portugal

In Portugal, there are two situations for freelances concerning VAT: regime normal (normal regime) and regime de isencao (exemption regime). To be exempt from paying VAT or IVA, you must not have a turnover of more than €12,500 on taxable goods and services. If you need to charge your clients IVA, then you must send a declaration every three months to the tax authorities online. The VAT rate is 23% in mainland Portugal, 18% in the Azores, and 22% in Madeira.

Social Security Contribution as a Freelancer in Portugal

You will also have to pay social security which will one day assure you a retirement pension. The Portuguese Social Security is a system that also secures the basic rights of citizens and ensures equality in opportunities, providing measures of support such as unemployment allowances, paternal leave, and other financial support. HOWEVER, you are exempt from paying social security in your first 12 months as a freelancer in Portugal.

Get your social security number (NISS) by calling 300 502 502 to make an appointment or head to your closest social security office. To obtain one, you need to show your residency card, NIF, and identification. It can take a few months until you obtain your social security number.

Freelancers under the simplified regime (which is the most common) pay 21.4% to social security on 75% of their income. You must pay this yourself between the 10th and 20th of the following month.

Social security in Portugal is a system that assures basic rights to citizens. Contributing to social security is mandatory and guarantees the following benefits: unemployment allowance, retirement pension, sickness benefit, parental allowance, and more.

Guide to Taxes: The Tax System in Portugal

Four injured in fire in Colombo mall in Lisbon

Lara Silva
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0
Four injured in fire in Colombo mall in Lisbon

A fire in Colombo Shopping Mall in Lisbon broke out on Monday afternoon, injuring four people and leading to the evacuation of the building. The four people injured were transported to Santa Maria Hospital.

Three of the injured suffered smoke inhalation, with one being run over and another suffering a sprain, while escaping the shopping mall. 

According to the Sapadores Firefigthers of Lisbon, the fire originated from an electrical post in the parking lot. “For precaution, the electricity and gas services were cut and the mall was evacuated, according to the instructions of authorities”, said the firefighters.

The fire at Colombo Shopping Mall was extinguished in less than two hours. The fire alert was provided at 1:36 PM, mobilizing 35 firefighters and 12 vehicles.

The Colombo Shopping Mall will only reopen on Monday. The administration of Colombo said that due to the incident, workers need time to ventilate and clean the space, in order to provide safe conditions for visitors.

Minor earthquake registered near Madeira

Lara Silva
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0
Minor earthquake registered near Madeira

An earthquake of 3,6 magnitude on the Richter scale was registered today, 55 kilometers from Deserta Grande Island on the Madeira Archipelago.

The Madeira earthquake occurred at 12:10 PM. It is still unclear whether the earthquake was felt by those in Madeira, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA).

According to the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified as micro (1-1.9), minor (2-3.9), light (4-4.9), moderate (5-5.9), strong (6-6.9), major (7-7.9), and great (8 and above).

As seen below, the IPMA is asking those in Madeira to fill out a questionnaire about whether they felt the earthquake.

Guide to Madeira

Leiria

Lara Silva
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1
Leiria

Located between the Castle and the River Lis, Leiria is a city in Central Portugal with a population of 128,000 people. Leiria is a popular tourist destination due to its historical significance, as well as its outstanding beaches, rivers, forest, and architecture. An affordable city to visit, Leiria is rich in cultural traditions such as traditional crafts and rich cuisine. The name Leiria derives from “leira”, meaning an area with small farming pots from the medieval Galician-Portuguese.

Leiria has been inhabited for centuries, being first occupied by the Suebi in 414 until they were forced out by the Romans. The Moors later occupied this area, but in 1135 during the Reconquista, the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Enriques re-captured Leiria. The king rebuilt the walls of Leiria, as well as the castle. Major developments occurred in the centuries to come such as the plantation of the famous Pine Forest of Leiria and the Cathedral of Leiria. However, only in the 19th century did the city of Leiria enter a time of development like no other with the diversification of industries, as well as the work of the architect Ernesto Korrodi which enhanced the city. Today, Leiria is an expanding industrial center and a hotspot for tourism in Portugal.

Things to do in Leiria Portugal: 7 Best Things To Do in Leiria

1. Leiria Castle

The Castle of Leiria is a medieval castle from the 12th century that was built to defend against reconquest by the Moors. Built by D. Afonso Henriques, the castle includes iconic historical attractions such as a former royal palace and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena. The castle has four floors, a loggia that has eight aches and offers panoramic views of the city, as well as a Royal Hall with a total of 130 square meters that was used for receptions by royals. The architecture of the castle has been influenced by many architectural periods, such as 12th century Romanesque, 14th century Gothic Dionysus, early 15th century Gothic Johannine, as well as restoration trends of the late 19th and early 20th century. Tickets cost €2,10 and children up to 10 years old have free access.

Photo by Jocelyn Erskine-Kellie (Flickr)

2. Leiria Cathedral

The Cathedral of Leiria was built in 1559 and is a Catholic church, also known as the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. This historic cathedral was partially destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and was renovated. The cathedral was then damaged again during the Peninsular War in 1811 where French troops set fire to the cathedral, destroying much of the interior decoration. Knowing all the damage this building has been through makes it special to visit and appreciate its beauty and resilience. You can visit the cathedral for free, just make sure to not make much noise as this is considered disrespectful.

Photo by Vitor Oliveira (Flickr)

3. Praça Rodrigues Lobo

If you are visiting Leiria, you cannot miss Praça Rodrigues Lobo, in the heart of the city. The square is the epicenter of socialization in the town, with restaurants, cafes, and bars filling the corners of the square. The square features Portuguese paving and houses notable monuments such as the Town Hall, a former prison, and the Notary’s Palace. The square is named after a notable 16th-century poet from Leiria, Francisco Rodrigues Lobo. We recommend finding a local cafe and drinking an espresso in the square while people-watching – the best way to get to know a city in Portugal.

4. Monastery of Batalha

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the Monastery of Batalha is located a 15-minute drive from Leiria. Also known as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory, the monastery was erected in commemoration of the 1385 Battle of the Aljubarotta and is the burial church of the 15th-century Aviz dynasty of Portuguese royalty. The monastery was constructed in a Manueline style, as well as Late Flamboyant Gothic architecture. The monastery has different chapels and cloisters with their own styles. The Royal Cloister has an intricately carved decor of arches and columns featuring symbols of flowers, pearls, and shells. The Founder’s Chapel is Portugal’s royal pantheon and has the tomb of King Joao I and his English wife with statutes of the two holding hands, representing the relationship between England and Portugal. The tickets to visit the monastery cost €6 and Portuguese residents do not pay on Sundays and holidays.

Photo by dynamosquito (Flickr)

5. Explore nearby Fatima

A 25-minute drive from Leiria, Fatima is a hotspot of religious tourism welcoming over 8 million pilgrims a year. Home to the Sanctuary of Fatima, the city is the home to the miracle of Fatima that was allegedly witnessed by 70,000 people in 1917. There are many accounts of what this miracle consisted of but most say that after a period of rain, the skies cleared and the sun appeared as a spinning disc in the sky with radiant colors. The miracle was declared an official miracle by the Catholic Church in 1930. Fátima is not only known as a religious site but the city is also filled with cultural activities. From lighting a candle at the sanctuary for a loved one to visiting local villages, the city has a lot to offer. We recommend visiting the sanctuary, as well as the Natural Monument of Dinosaur Footprints, the Wax Museum, and the Moinhos Velhos Cave, a 9-kilometer cave. Take a look at our guide to Fatima here which includes the best tours, hotels, and restaurants in the city.

Photo by Natacha de Hepcée (Unsplash)

What happened at the Miracle of Fátima?

6. Museum of the Moving Image

Known as the m|i|mo, the Museum of the Moving Image is a space of dialogue between art and science, presenting exhibitions about cinema and photography. The collections represent the evolution of cinematography and the museum also regularly hosts creative activities. The museum gained recognition in 2011 from the Portuguese Association of Museology in the category of Best Portuguese Museum. Tickets cost €2,10 and children up to 10 years old do not pay. Portuguese residents can visit for free on Sundays and holidays.

7. Beach day

A part of Leiria’s charm is that along with the historical and quaint feel of the city, visits are also close to beaches, about 20 to 30 minutes away. Taking a day off from exploring the city to discover some beaches is a great way to blow off some steam. Head to Praia da Concha, a cozy cove beach near the town Marinha Grande that is surrounded by cliffs and almost never busy. Praia da Vieira is also a great beach to visit which is surrounded by delicious restaurants, as well as a nearby waterpark. You can also book some surfing classes for a fun activity.

Book Tours & Experiences in Leiria

5 Best Restaurants in Leiria: Where to eat in Leiria?

1. Casinha Velha

Features in the Michelin Guide, Casinha Velha feels like a home, your ven ring the bell to enter the restaurant. The rustic-style restaurant is wine-themed and offers an extensive wine list, with over 1,000 labels. Open for over 20 years, guests can enjoy home-cooked meals and over 15 starting such as a cheese pastry with a wine reduction, as well as delicious desserts such as the Leite Creme. The restaurant also follows a farm-to-table concept, with vegetables and produce being local.

2. O Convite

Located in Fatima, 20 minutes from Leiria, O Convite is a Michelin guide favorite and is located in a nice hotel. The restaurant has been around for over 50 years and features a classic dining room. Serving quality meals from quality products such as fresh fish from the Nazare beach and meat from Serra de Aire. We recommend the codfish tempura with garlic mayo and the chocolate cake with tangerine sorbet.

3. Mata Bicho Real Taverna

Located in the historical center of Leiria, Mata Bicho Real Taverna serves traditional food from Portugal, as well as international cuisine. Guests can enjoy Portuguese tapas, a traditional meal, or a wood-fired pizza, all made of high-quality Portuguese products. We recommend trying out their cheese and presunto platter, the octopus, and sardines. The restaurant features a cozy dining room with small tables, as well as an outdoor terrace with sun umbrellas.

4. Vista Bistro & Restaurante

A relatively recent restaurant in Leiria, Vista Bistro & Restaurante serves delicious comfort food inspired by both Portuguese and French cuisine. Using fresh and local ingredients, Chefs São José Oliveira and João Caseiro have created menus adapted to the season that have been highly rated by the community. We recommend trying the duck and risotto, as well as the Pavlova for dessert.

5. Luna

Serving affordable Mediterranean cuisine with a French touch, Luna is a top-rated restaurant in Leiria. While it is best to drive here as it is not located in the center of Leiria, the short drive is worth it. With a modern interior, particularly romantic at night Luna is an inviting space with equally delicious food. We recommend the duck tenderloin and the fresh fish with the herb olive oil. For dessert, the red fruit crumble and the apple pie are also amazing. Make sure to book as Luna is always full.

Transportation in Leiria: How to get around Leiria

Our favorite part about Leiria is that despite a population of over 120,000 in an area of 560 square kilometers, the city is easily explored by foot. Leiria also has quality bus routes, with bus stops all over the city that display timetables and maps. Buses operate from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm during the week and until 1:30 pm Saturdays. However, there are no buses on Sundays. Beware that some monuments such as the castle are located on hilltops and are not accessible by local buses and you will have to either walk or drive. If you are looking to visit nearby towns and visit monuments that are not accessible by bus, we recommend renting a car as Leiria has loads of free and affordable parking.

5 Best Hotels in Leiria: Where to stay in Leiria?

1. Porta 20 Boutique

Founded by three founders with experience in the hotel industry, Porta 20 Boutique is located in the Leiria historic center and offers stunning views of the Castle and Senhora da Encarnacao Chapel. The guesthouse was built in the 1940s and features 15 rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and toiletries. Most of the rooms also have a fully equipped kitchenette. Private parking and Wi-Fi are free. The Leiria attractions are only a few steps away from this boutique, making it perfect for those who love walking.

2. Magnolia B&B

At Magnolia B&B, guests can choose to book the private six-bedroom house that sleeps 15 people or rent private rooms. This family-run property is located 4 kilometers from Leiria train station and features a large swimming pool with comfortable sun loungers and a hammock, surrounded by a green garden. The garden also features barbecue facilities and a picnic area for sunset meals. The house has a billiards table and games area, as well as a shared lounge with a TV.

3. Lisotel Hotel

Lisotel is a 4-star hotel & spa, 7 kilometers away from the center of Leiria and 30 kilometers away from Fatima. An eco-friendly hotel, the hotel features a large swimming pool, a fitness, center, a children’s playground, as well as a Spa and Wellness center that is available at an extra cost. There is also a Portuguese restaurant on-site and a daily breakfast served with fresh orange juice. The hotel was built for maximum sustainability, making use of a geothermal system and solar panels to power the hotel.

4. D. Dinis

An intimate hotel, D. Dinis is located in the city center of Leiria and features rooms with private balconies overlooking the river. The rooms include a private bathroom and free luxurious toiletries. A delicious breakfast is served every morning which can be served in your room for a relaxing meal. The hotel’s central location is perfect for exploring the city and award-winning restaurants are only 150 meters away.

5. Hotel Casa da Nora

Located 5 kilometers from the center of Leiria, Hotel Casa da Nova is a quaint hotel that features lush gardens, tennis courts, and a relaxing outdoor pool. The hotel has an in-house restaurant that serves traditional food in an authentic setting with stone walls and stained-glass windows. The hotel features a water mill by the river that provides a historic atmosphere. The rooms come equipped with a flat-screen TV, private bathrooms, and views of the surroundings.

Zelensky fires ambassador of Ukraine to Portugal

Lara Silva
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0
Zelensky fires ambassador of Ukraine to Portugal

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, signed a decree on Friday to fire the ambassador of Ukraine to Portugal, Inna Ohnivets. The ambassadors in Georgia and Slovakia were also fired.

During a visit to a school in Lisbon, Inna Ohnivets told Sic Noticias that this decision was already set and relates to a “scheduled rotation” between ambassadors. She was informed of the decision two days prior in a conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs from Ukraine.

The ambassador said she was not fired due to “ineffective actions” of her service in Lisbon. Ukraine has not released any other justifications surrounding Ohnivets or the other ambassadors.

A source of the Ministery of Foreign Affairs told Expresso that this is a normal procedure. First, ambassadors are informed of their exit, then the decision is officially communicated to the country where the ambassador works in, and then the accreditation request for the new ambassador is done. 

Zelensky’s decision was officialized on Friday when he signed a degree and announced it on Saturday. 

Inna Ohnivets is 59 years old and studied Law and Languages at Kyiv University. She was born in Zhovti Vody, a city in the region of Dnipropetrovsk. She has been the Ukrainian ambassador to Portugal since October 2015. 

This week, the ambassador celebrated the European Union’s decision to grant Ukraine candidate status, calling it a “symbolic decision” that is a “direct path” for the country to become a member state.

Portuguese politicians react to overturn of Roe v Wade

Lara Silva
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0
Portuguese politicians react to overturn of Roe v Wade

At least half of US states are now predicted to overturn their abortion rights as the constitutional right to an abortion is no longer in place. When asked about the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade on Friday, the president of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa preferred to not “comment on a decision taken by an organ of sovereignty”. Other politicians such as Prime Minister Antonio Costa took a stronger stance. 

However, the President went on to say that “it is best we are not surprised if, in the future, the Supreme Court takes similar positions in other areas, in the political or ideological sphere”.

Marcelo says that “this turn in the Supreme Court translates to a conservative position in the case of guns and a doctrinal one, I won’t say ideological, in the case of abortion”. 

Antonio Costa, the Socialist Prime Minister of Portugal showed his disappointment toward the decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion in the US. He wrote on Twitter that it is “impossible to not be disappointed by the decision of the Supreme Court of the US that paves the way to the criminalization of abortion”.

“I have always defended against the criminalization of questions of a political, religious, and ethical conscience. These are rights of women that every state must respect”, Antonio Costa wrote.

The leader of the Left Bloc, Catarina Martins said that the decision is a “setback for women’s rights” and that feminism is the fight for human rights which we must fight for every single day.

The Liberal Initiative sent out an official statement criticizing the overturn of Roe v Wade. “In the view of the Liberal Initiative, the decision by the Supreme Court of the USA represents a setback in the rights, freedoms, and guarantees of citizens, particularly women”, says the party.

Ines de Sousa Real, the only member of parliament for People Animals Nature (PAN) wrote on Twitter that access to abortion “does not push anyone to have an abortion, it allows abortions to be done safely”. She goes on to criticize how the right to bear guns is an “untouchable” right, but the safe access to abortion is not.

The party FREE, known as LIVRE in Portugal also took to Twitter to say that the Supreme Court decision “signifies a civilizational regression and limits the fundamental freedom of millions of women and girls”.

FREE goes on to say that overturning Roe v Wade will result in “perverse effects such as the worsening of socio-economic inequalities and in the access to education and employment”.

The US Supreme Court voted on Friday to overturn Roe v Wade, a landmark decision from 1973 that granted Americans the constitutional right to an abortion. The decision to overturn Roe v Wade was made in a 6-3 ruling, with all judges voting for it being conservative. Some Republican states will ban abortion immediately, while others will do so later. 

Is abortion legal in Portugal?

Yes. Abortion became legal in Portugal in 2007 through a national referendum where more than half of Portuguese voters voted to legalize it. However, abortions are only legal up to 10 weeks of pregnancy in Portugal (except for certain cases such as rape).

Since 2015, a mandatory three-day “reflection” period is in place and psychological counseling before ending a pregnancy became recommended, due to pressure from religious groups. 

Are abortions free in Portugal? Yes. However, they are not carried out in private hospitals, only in official public hospitals and establishments. Only the pregnant person can request an abortion. However, if they are mentally incapable or under 16 years old, a legal representative will need to request an abortion.

Women’s Rights in Portugal

Monkeypox cases rise to 348 in Portugal

Lara Silva
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Monkeypox cases rise to 348 in Portugal

The Directorate‑General of Health of Portugal (DGS) confirmed on Friday that there are 20 more cases of Monkeypox in Porto. There are currently 348 cases of monkeypox in Portugal, predominantly in Lisbon and Vale do Tejo. There are also cases in the north, Alentejo, and the Algarve.

All of the infected are men between the ages of 19 and 61, with most being under 40. All men remain under clinical supervision and are stable.

“The information collected through the epidemiological inquiries is being analyzed to contribute to the evaluation of the outbreak at a national and international level”, said DGS. 

The DGS said that an infected person only stops being contagious after all the scabs of the dermatological lesions have fallen which can take over four weeks.

Portugal is currently waiting for 2,700 doses of the vaccine Imvanex, a third-generation vaccine that is currently approved in Europe to prevent smallpox, but that is also effective against Monkeypox.

The vaccine is set to arrive by the end of June, but it is still unclear how it will be distributed to residents. 

Those with suspected symptoms should avoid “physical contact with other people and sharing clothes, towels, sheets, and personal objects while having lesions or other symptoms”, according to the DGS.

Monkeypox is contagious and can be transmitted through a wound, the respiratory tract, or the eyes, nose, or mouth. 

More than 3,200 confirmed cases of monkeypox and one death have been reported to the World Health Organization in the current outbreak, according to Reuters. 

How to Open a Bank Account in Portugal as a Foreigner

Lara Silva
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13
How to Open a Bank Account in Portugal as a Foreigner

Opening a bank account in Portugal as a foreigner is quite a simple process. While many countries make it difficult to open a bank account, opening one as a non-resident in Portugal is easy. All you need is to obtain your NIF number (your tax identification number) and head to a bank to open your account. There are also ways to do all of this remotely – although it will cost you more money.

Why should you open a bank account in Portugal as a foreigner? Banks in Portugal offer low maintenance and transaction costs, with many not charging at all for ATM withdrawals, SEPA transfers, and more. Having a Portuguese bank account also allows you to use your account anywhere in the eurozone. Additionally, if you are thinking about investing in property in Portugal to qualify for a Golden Visa or looking at other visa options, you will probably need to open a bank account. This guide will guide you through the process of opening a bank account in Portugal as a foreigner.

Documents Required for Opening a Bank Account in Portugal

The documents necessary for opening a bank account in Portugal vary depending on the bank, but generally, here is the main paperwork required:

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of address (the address can be overseas if you are a non-resident)
  • Proof of employment (Contract or payslip)
  • Proof of Portuguese tax number, known as NIF (we will address this in the next section)
  • There might be additional documents needed such as proof of enrolment in a university if you are getting a student account
  • A deposit is sometimes required, around €250

Steps for Opening a Bank Account in Portugal

There are two main steps to opening a bank account in Portugal as a non-resident: getting a NIF and applying for your account with a chosen bank.

Before applying for a bank account, you need to get a fiscal number, or Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). You obtain one of these from the tax authority physically in Portugal with a passport and proof of address. However, there are companies online that will attribute you a fiscal representative for a price and request your NIF on your behalf, without you having to visit Portugal.

Once you have your NIF, head to the local branch of the bank of your choice and ask for English-speaking staff. Bring all your documents: proof of identity, proof of address, proof of employment, NIF, and cash to deposit into your new account. This is a fast process and your bank account should be ready in less than an hour. However, if you are not physically present in Portugal, you can once again, pay for a fiscal representative with your power of attorney that will open the bank account for you. Moreover, there are some banks that allow you to open certain accounts remotely such as Novo Banco and Santander, although this is still uncommon in Portugal.

If for some reason the bank refuses your application and you think this decision is unfair, you can submit a complaint to Banco de Portugal which is the central bank in Portugal.

Can you open a bank account in Portugal online?

You can open a bank account online with a financial representative or lawyer with a power of attorney who will obtain your NIF for you and open the account with your bank of choice. You can also choose to obtain your NIF via power of attorney and then set up a bank account online. While most banks in Portugal require you to visit in person, there are some banks where you can open accounts online such as Novo Banco and Santander, for certain accounts.

Banks in Portugal

There are multiple national and international banks operating in Portugal, including private national banks, regional cooperative banks, and public retail banks. Here are the most popular banks in Portugal:

  • Caixa Geral de Depósitos
  • Novo Banco
  • Banco BPI
  • Barclays
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  • Activo Bank
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Bank Services in Portugal

Portuguese banks provide a number of services for both personal and corporate accounts. The most common services include checking accounts, loans and overdrafts, mortgages, savings and investment, trading services, and insurance. All banks offer digital and online banking, as well as mobile banking. Portugal also has an interbank network system called “Multibanco” which unites Portuguese banks through a common network. This includes over 12,000 ATMs across the country where you can withdraw money without paying fees. Also, most banks will charge clients a monthly fee for an account, usually costing around €5 a month.

Police seize over 8 tons of cocaine in Setubal

Lara Silva
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Police seize over 8 tons of cocaine in Setubal

The Judiciary Police (PJ) detained 8.13 tons of cocaine in the Port of Setubal, one of the largest drug seizures in Portugal, reports RTP News. The cocaine was hidden in banana containers from Colombia and arrived in Portugal by sea.

The PJ announced on Thursday that this operation named “Bananero” has been in place for the last three weeks. As of now, no arrests have been announced. In collaboration with Europol, an investigation is underway as the drugs were destined for other European countries.

The PJ said that the cocaine that arrived at the Port of Setubal was stored in a large number of boxes of bananas on three ships that connected Colombian ports to European ports on a weekly bases. The shipment was destined to fuel the drug circuits in various European countries and was headed to major cities. 

The operation was supported by national and international organizations, including the Portuguese GNR.

Since the beginning of the year, over 12,000 tons of cocaine have been seized. Compared to the number of drugs seized in all of 2021, this represents an increase of 22.7% only in the first semester of 2022.

Back in May of 2022, 250 kilos of cocaine were seized in the Port of Setubal, hidden in boxes of pineapples. 

Little girl killed in Setubal due to 400 euro debt

Lara Silva
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0
Little girl killed in Setubal due to 400 euro debt

The mother of Jessica, a three-year-old girl killed in Setubal, owed the murder suspects 400 euros. The mother owed money to the three detained suspects who kidnapped the toddler and beat her, leading to her death on Monday, reports JN.

The suspects kidnapped the little girl for six days and after a severe beating, she ended up passing away at her house in Setubal, after her mother got her back. 

The mother of the child, Ines, had already been previously involved with the three suspects who are part of the same family. Her husband, Paulo Amancio, had told JN that he had threatened to leave her if she kept getting involved with the family. 

However, Ines owed money to the family once again, without telling her husband. To settle her debt by herself, Ines gave her daughter to the family on June 14. 

Joao Bugia, the coordinator of the Judiciary Police (PJ) of Setubal told JN that one of the suspects, a woman now detained “convinced the mother to take her child to her home in the pretext that the girl would stay playing with her granddaughter, of the same age”.

Ines was not allowed to take her child back home and was given until July 7 to pay the debt or her child would not be returned. She hid this from her family, telling her family and husband that Jessica was in a summer camp until July 7.

On Monday, she decided to pick up Jessica and found her in a moribund condition. The mother took her child back home and told her husband that the child had fallen at the summer camp and was sleeping as the psychologist had prescribed her a sedative. Later that day, Jessica died and Ines contacted the police with the truth. 

On Wednesday, the PJ detained the main loaner of the money (52 years old), her partner (58 years old), and her daughter (27 years old). They are being accused of qualified murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and extortion. The mother and her partner were interrogated but were not made defendants. The autopsy showed no signs of sexual violence against the child.

CNN Portugal reports that Ines owed the family money for “witchcraft” services such as prayers. 

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