Offshore Tax with HTJ.tax

If you’ve moved to Portugal or become tax resident there, one of the most common questions is: “Do I have to declare my assets abroad?” The answer is yes — but it’s important to understand what that really means.

Key Requirement:

Under Portuguese law, residents must file the “Modelo 10 – Declaração de Início de Atividade e Identificação de Contas e Aplicações no Estrangeiro.”

This is an informational declaration, not a tax ret...

If you’re earning income from more than one country, one of your biggest fears is being taxed twice. The good news? Portugal has strong safeguards in place to prevent that. In this episode, we break down how double taxation relief works for expats and international investors.

Key Frameworks for Relief:

1. Double Taxation Treaties (DTTs):

Portugal has signed DTTs with over 80 countries, most following the OECD Model Convention....

Becoming a tax resident in Portugal doesn’t just change your address—it changes your entire tax universe. Once you’re classified as a Portuguese tax resident, all of your worldwide income becomes subject to Portuguese taxation. In this episode, we explain exactly what that means, who it affects, and what planning opportunities exist.

How It Works:

Once tax residency is established, Portugal consolidates all global income and appl...

When is the smartest time to move to Portugal from a tax perspective? Timing your move can make the difference between a seamless transition and a year of double taxation headaches. In this episode, we unpack the tax “ghosts” that follow people who move too soon — or too late.

Major Pitfalls and Residency Traps:

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• The “You’re Still Resident” Trap: Even if you’ve left physically, tax authorities may still consider you re...

Owning property in Portugal doesn’t automatically make you a tax resident — but it can create financial obligations you need to understand. In this episode, we break down the key taxes and costs tied to property ownership in Portugal.

Key Financial Considerations:

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• Property Transfer Tax (IMT): A one-time tax paid at purchase, based on the higher of the purchase price or taxable value. Rates range from 0% to 8%, with lu...

Portugal’s tax system includes a split-year rule — an important provision for anyone moving into or out of the country. Instead of being taxed as a full-year resident, Portugal lets you divide the tax year into two parts.

How It Works:

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• Non-Resident Period: This covers the time you were still a tax resident elsewhere. During this period, only your Portugal-sourced income is taxable in Portugal.
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• Resident Peri...

Tax residency is the key factor that determines when your income becomes taxable in Portugal. While the 183-day rule is the most widely recognized test, Portuguese law also considers where your home, work, and personal life are centered.

You Are Considered a Tax Resident in Portugal If You Meet Any of the Following:

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• Spend 183+ Days in Portugal: Staying in Portugal for more than 183 days — consecutive or not — within a...

Portugal’s tax landscape is entering a new phase of transition. While the previous government focused on the housing crisis and tightening tax benefits for foreigners, the current administration has signaled a clear pivot toward supply-side reforms — prioritizing lower personal and corporate taxes to drive investment and growth.

Key Policy Changes Under Consideration:

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• Personal Income Tax: Reduction in brackets from se...

Banking in Cyprus has a complex history, shaped by a dramatic crisis and a remarkable transformation. The Cypriot banking sector has emerged from that period leaner, stronger, and far more resilient. Although it no longer functions as a high-risk, high-liquidity offshore hub, it has successfully repositioned itself as a credible and well-regulated European financial centre.

Today, Cyprus stands as an attractive destination for inter...

In this episode, we unpack the rules that determine personal tax residency in Cyprus, one of the most sought-after jurisdictions for individuals looking to optimize their global tax position.

Cyprus offers two distinct routes to tax residency — the classic 183-day rule and the flexible 60-day rule, making it a uniquely accessible and compliant destination for entrepreneurs, investors, and internationally mobile professionals.

We’...

In this episode, we explore why Cyprus has become one of the most attractive jurisdictions for establishing international trusts, particularly for high-net-worth individuals and families seeking to manage wealth efficiently and securely.

We’ll break down the Cyprus International Trusts (CIT) Law, highlight the tax advantages, and explain how Cyprus balances asset protection, tax neutrality, and international compliance — making it a...

In this episode, we explore how Cyprus’s new defensive tax measures are reshaping the landscape for non-resident companies. These measures, including a General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR) and new substance requirements, target artificial structures designed to route payments through low-tax jurisdictions without real economic presence.

We unpack what this means for corporate groups, holding structures, and international tax compliance — ...

In this episode, we explore the General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR) introduced in Cyprus under the EU’s Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD). The GAAR serves as a broad safeguard against aggressive tax planning that may fall outside specific anti-avoidance rules like transfer pricing, CFC, or interest limitation provisions.

We break down how Cyprus applies the GAAR to non-genuine arrangements, what counts as “economic reality,” and how th...

In this episode, we unpack Cyprus’s Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rule — a key anti-avoidance measure that ensures profits shifted to low-tax jurisdictions remain subject to taxation where real economic activity occurs.

We explain how Cyprus applies its CFC rule under the EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD), what counts as a “non-genuine arrangement,” and when exemptions apply.

🧩 Key Topics Covered

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• Purp...

In this episode, we break down Cyprus’s Interest Limitation Rule (ILR) — a cornerstone of the EU’s Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD) framework.

The rule is designed to curb profit shifting through excessive interest deductions and ensure Cyprus remains a transparent, compliant, and competitive jurisdiction.

We’ll explain how the 30% EBITDA cap works, what the main exemptions are, and how businesses can manage compliance effectively...

In this episode, we explore Cyprus’s new defensive tax measures targeting payments to low-tax and EU-blacklisted jurisdictions, set to take effect from 1 January 2026.

These measures mark a major compliance shift, aligning Cyprus with OECD and EU anti-tax avoidance standards while fulfilling commitments under the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan.

We’ll break down what’s changing, how these rules apply to dividends, interest, and r...

In this episode, we unpack Cyprus’s Non-Domicile (Non-Dom) tax regime — one of the most strategic tax residency options in Europe for high-net-worth individuals. Introduced in July 2015, this regime continues to position Cyprus as a compliant, transparent, and highly attractive jurisdiction for international relocation and wealth structuring.

We’ll explain what it means to be a “non-dom,” how to qualify, and the real tax advantages ...

In this episode, we break down Portugal’s newly updated list of “tax haven” jurisdictions for 2025, which now excludes Hong Kong, Liechtenstein, and Uruguay. These updates reflect Portugal’s ongoing effort to align its tax transparency framework with OECD and EU standards, while maintaining one of Europe’s more comprehensive blacklists.

We explore what this means for investors, companies, and advisors working with Portuguese structu...

In this episode, we break down Portugal’s newly updated list of “tax haven” jurisdictions for 2025, which now excludes Hong Kong, Liechtenstein, and Uruguay. These updates reflect Portugal’s ongoing effort to align its tax transparency framework with OECD and EU standards, while maintaining one of Europe’s more comprehensive blacklists.

We explore what this means for investors, companies, and advisors working with Portuguese structu...