Are you interested in learning about the rules that help prevent forest fires and keep the land safe and tidy? In Portugal, there have been concerns about the significant number of fires in recent years, and it’s important to take steps to manage the risk of such disasters. By following proper fuel management techniques and rules for clearing land, we can work together to prevent devastating situations. If you own land with undergrowth, it’s important to remember that you have a legal obligation to maintain and clean the area, which helps prevent fires. Don’t worry though, I’m here to help you ..read more

Are you planning to move to Portugal with your furry friend? You must learn how to take them on the plane. The good news is that Portuguese airlines allow dogs, cats, and ferrets to travel with their owners. Want to know how? Pet Travel Documents & Requirements for Portugal Travelling with a pet to Portugal requires certain documents and adhering to specific requirements. Ensure all necessary pet travel documents, including health certificates and vaccination records, are obtained and carried. Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip and vaccinated against rabies with ..read more

The Algarve, a region in Portugal, has seen growth in its economy due to the investments made by wealthy expats and investors who have taken advantage of programs like the Golden Visa scheme and the Non-Habitual Residency Tax regime (NHR). However, recent elections have created uncertainty about potential changes in policies, which can pose both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders. Regarding the investment environment, the victory of the center-right party, the Democratic Alliance, is a positive sign for those who want investment continuity. Programs such as the Golden Visa and NHR t ..read more

Blog by Laura Minor from Sprintfunding (https://sprintfunding.com) Entering the world of home buying can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when navigating the complexities of the real estate market. As you embark on the journey to find your dream home, it’s crucial to be mindful of common mistakes that many first-time home buyers make. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can safeguard your investment and maximize your satisfaction with your purchase. One of the most significant steps to ensuring a successful home-buying experience is thorough research and preparation. From underst ..read more

Q – Which constructions are exempt from licensing? A – Buildings that add extra floors to their existing structure are exempt from obtaining a license if the building’s exterior remains unchanged. This rule applies to buildings situated in areas that have been divided, have a detailed plan, or are part of a development with urban design. Q – What is the fine for building without a license? A – If you plan on working on a property located in a classified protection zone or a property in the process of being classified, or if the work you’re doing will increase the height of the building or the ..read more

A new legislation for building permits, called Simplex, came into effect beginning of 2024. The law brings about several changes in housing, ranging from bureaucratic simplification to land reclassification and the appearance of houses themselves. The majority of the 26 measures that change the rules of building permits and land reclassification include a new kind of prior communication. According to the new law, councils will now have between 120 and 200 working days to decide on permit applications. The time limit varies depending on the gross construction area, with 120 working days being g ..read more

United Airlines will launch the first non-stop route between New York/Newark and Faro, bringing Portugal and the United States closer from June 2024. The airline will operate four flights a week between Ponta Delgada in the Azores and Faro. United Airlines has taken a significant step towards boosting tourism in the Algarve by introducing a new route connecting the USA and the region. This move is seen as a positive development by the Algarve Tourism Association (AHETA) in terms of enhancing tourism and improving network connectivity in the Azores. The introduction of this new route is a resul ..read more

The government has made changes to the way capital gains on real estate are taxed. These changes are effective from October 2023 and relate to the conditions for tax exemption. In this article, we will explain the main changes to the law and the transitional rule that will be effective until the end of 2024. Capital Gains: Reinvestment with Tighter Rules One important change pertains to the exclusion of capital gains from selling a primary residence. This exclusion applies if the money is reinvested in another property for the same purpose. However, two new requirements have been added to bene ..read more

Water tariffs in the Algarve will rise by 15% to 50% from March 2024. Municipalities are required to reduce water consumption by 15%, and fines will be applied for excessive use. The first tier of consumption is exempt from price rises, while the second, third, and fourth tiers will have price increases of 15%, 30%, and up to 50%, respectively. Non-domestic consumption will experience a 15% price hike. Of the 16 Algarve municipalities, only Silves has expressed its intention not to implement the price increase. Municipalities are already implementing measures such as reducing watering in green ..read more

The Monte Rei luxury golf resort in Algarve is planning to expand by adding a second 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course. However, the expansion project can only proceed if it uses treated wastewater for irrigation. The resort has requested an extension of a license that expired on December 20th, 2023. The request is currently under public consultation until Thursday. Monte Rei is an important asset for the economic development of the municipality. The proposed expansion will use only treated wastewater for irrigation and will not depend on any surface or underground water source. The City Counc ..read more