Latest news and stories about donations in Portugal for expats and residents.
Donations raised within the scope of a public petition are not subject to VAT, provided there is no associated consideration and they do not fall under an economic activity of the beneficiary. This position is stated in a binding information issued by the Tax and Customs Authority (AT) on March 31, 2026, and published on the Finance portal this Monday.
Initiatives are taking place across the country to help victims of the severe weather.
Practical advice on supporting communities hit by Storm Kristin, including how to donate to relief funds, volunteer safely, offer temporary shelter, check on elderly neighbours, secure property, and follow official safety and evacuation guidance.
Blankets, roof tiles and building materials are the most sought-after items by those affected by Storm Kristin. People from across Portugal are travelling to the city to help.
Websites have been set up to gather requests and offers of assistance; donations are also being collected via the GoFundMe platform.
Águeda, Albergaria-a-Velha, Alcácer do Sal, Aveiro, Estarreja, Ílhavo, Murtosa, Ovar and Sever do Vouga are now covered by the measure. In addition, Leiria City Council again appeals for donations of goods.
At the stadium in Leiria, tiles, tarpaulins, medicines and food continue to arrive, brought by volunteers and donors from various parts of the country. This is the case of Nuno Evangelista, who came from the Algarve. In remarks to CNN Portugal he describes the scene as 'a sadness' and says that 'only those here on the ground are seeing the reality', while families urgently try to cover their roofs.
On Saturday the council said that the donated food and hygiene items had already exceeded needs and asked the public to stop delivering them.
A company in the Algarve is delivering tarpaulins and roof tiles to Leiria. An appeal to the public for donations has been launched on social media.
The fund is financed by donations collected via MB WAY, bank transfer or online donations.
Members of the public can donate at Fórum Braga, the Municipal Civil Protection Centre and the Braga Sapadores fire station.
Leiria — where the low-pressure system entered the country — along with Coimbra and Santarém are the districts reporting the most damage.
Between 27 November and 9 December, 4,446 people donated basic goods worth a total of €190,000, which will be distributed to 2,500 charitable organisations.
