The Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP) has approved 390 applications for an extraordinary fund aimed at job maintenance, totaling over 11 million euros. This fund was established in response to the severe impact of bad weather, particularly from storms Kristin, Leonardo, and Marta, which have caused significant destruction and loss of life in Portugal. The approved applications will support 3,840 workers, with the majority coming from the Central region, which was the hardest hit. The manufacturing and retail sectors are the primary beneficiaries of this financial aid.

The process of allocating pensions that combine contributions from Social Security and the Caixa Geral de Aposentações (CGA) is currently complex and takes an average of seven months. The president of the Social Security Information Institute has indicated that improvements are expected by the end of June.

Buying real estate in Portugal involves more than just a property transaction for international families; it is a strategic decision that encompasses tax implications, succession law, and asset management.

The Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE) has mandated that electricity and gas suppliers must allow affected customers to split their bills into manageable payments. This decision follows a consultation process and aims to alleviate financial pressure on those impacted by Storm Kristin. Suppliers are required to issue a credit note before sending a second bill to customers who opt for this payment plan.

Economist Filipe Garcia emphasizes the necessity for changes in tax collection to finance the PTRR, suggesting that without adjustments, funding will need to come from increased taxes or cuts in other areas.

Contributions from foreigners to Portugal's Social Security have seen a significant increase, rising eightfold over the past decade. The positive balance between contributions and benefits has grown more than nine times in 11 years, with the number of contributing women increasing 4.5 times and men 6.1 times. Starting this Friday, monthly statistics will be available, highlighting the growing role of foreign contributions, particularly from Brazilians, who contributed 6 billion euros since 2015.

Press review: Storms in January and February have pushed the food basket to a four‑year high, with prices rising consecutively since early 2026 as greenhouse destruction and higher transport costs bite, warns Deco Proteste. Jornal de Notícias and other outlets flag further deterioration in vegetable and fruit bills, while the state faces millions in costs to recover at‑risk companies. Coverage also notes a controversial overlap in business figures linked to a human‑trafficking case, a resigning INEM training director earning €5,700 while working remotely, and the ongoing hardship in Amor, Leiria, where residents describe daily struggle after the storms.

The CEO of BCP, Miguel Maya, emphasized the urgent need for action to protect businesses and jobs in the wake of severe weather that has caused significant destruction. With the bank holding €24.6 billion in exposure to the most affected areas, the financial implications are substantial, highlighting the critical situation faced by both the economy and the banking sector.

Portugal is seeking to enhance its appeal to Middle Eastern investors, particularly from Qatar, by shifting its marketing strategy beyond just its favorable climate. In Doha, representatives from Startup Portugal are engaging with local entrepreneurs to promote investment opportunities in the country.

A recent European study indicates that a significant majority of seniors in Portugal, specifically 78%, feel that inheritance and donation taxes are excessively high. This sentiment is echoed across Europe, where 69% of seniors share the same concern regarding these taxes.

The one billion euro credit line for companies is designed to support investment and alleviate the effects of economic downturns. It has been clarified that this credit line does not fall under the de minimis state aid regime, meaning it is not subject to the same limitations. In contrast, the 500 million euro treasury line is the only component that is considered within the state aid limits, as confirmed by the CEO of the Bank in a statement to ECO.

The Golden Visa program in Portugal is increasingly seen as a strategic investment tool amidst economic uncertainty in Europe. It has demonstrated that intelligent investments can lead to widespread prosperity, benefiting both investors and the local economy.

Major banks are facilitating the application process for clients impacted by storm Kristin, enabling them to suspend loan payments for a period of 90 days, with the moratorium set to last until 28 April.

The government is in a unique financial position with a significant budget surplus, allowing it to allocate resources effectively in response to the ongoing disaster.

This article discusses the conditions required to receive financial support for house reconstruction, which can amount to up to 5,000 euros without the need for an inspection. The support is intended for expenses related to permanent housing and temporary relocation, with local authorities tasked with estimating the costs.

Analytical guide to February tax and reporting deadlines for businesses and households in Portugal, compiled by EContas. The piece maps key obligations to the Tax and Customs Authority (AT) and Social Security — notably the Day 2 submission of Corporate Income Tax (IRC) and Personal Income Tax (IRS) model declarations — and flags other relevant liabilities such as IUC (vehicle tax) and AIMI (additional municipal property tax).

Although tax returns can only be submitted from April, taxpayers — including expatriates — should prepare now by checking and verifying invoices and other documentation. Timely and accurate reporting to the tax office helps secure entitlement to IRS benefits, reduces the risk of errors and penalties, and speeds up processing once the filing window opens. Follow the prescribed steps to organise records and confirm filings when submissions begin.

The Court of Auditors has criticised the Government for failing to update the Code of Mutual Associations, leaving a regulatory and supervisory gap that jeopardises financial stability and the protection of Montepio members. The audit highlights weaknesses in oversight of mutual banking structures and calls on the Government to enact legal and regulatory reforms urgently to close the supervision gap and reduce risks to depositors and members, including expatriate stakeholders. The ruling frames the omission as a systemic threat requiring targeted reform of governance, prudential rules and supervisory resources.

Net income on retirement can fall by up to 23%, with higher earners suffering the largest cuts and lower earners seeing monthly budgets drop by about 13%. The shortfall reflects pension replacement rates, changes in social security entitlements and rising cost-of-living pressures, including distinct impacts for expatriates; households should review retirement income projections, savings and benefit claims to manage the gap.

Nuno Leal, co‑CEO of Doutor Finanças, says the tax measures in the government’s housing plan — due to be debated in Parliament on Friday — should help increase supply in the market. He concedes the package tends to favour property owners and landlords but considers it “relatively balanced”, noting the measures are centred on those who hold property while aiming to ease supply constraints. The assessment focuses on likely effects on rental supply and owner incentives rather than specific legislative detail.

Economist Vera Gouveia Barros argues that the most effective element of the Construir Portugal programme is tax relief on rentals, citing an ‘almost mechanical effect’ from a proposed 10% autonomous IRS rate for rents up to €2,300. She suggests this tax cut will directly influence rent levels and landlord behaviour, with likely quick transmission into the market. However, the package omits a dedicated room‑rental option — a gap that could limit lower‑cost housing supply and options for students, workers and expats. Barros’ analysis implies policymakers should pair fiscal incentives with targeted measures for small‑unit and shared accommodation and monitor market adjustments to avoid unintended rent inflation or supply imbalances.

The latest episode of the weekly podcast 'Ao trabalho!' examines lingering uncertainty over tuition fee refunds and the implications for pay awards that recognise qualifications. Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento’s response on the pay-award question is discussed alongside fast-moving items on labour policy, employment law and the state budget, with analysis of what these developments mean for workers and expats. The short, under-five-minute episode aims to distil key takeaways and policy consequences for those following workplace rights and public spending.

The State’s €1,550 million fund to guarantee up to 100% housing finance for young people is almost fully committed: €1,460 million (94%) has already been allocated to banks, leaving under €90 million available for future distributions. The near-exhaustion of the guarantee reduces headroom for new beneficiaries and shifts pressure onto banks and policy makers to consider whether to broaden, renew or restrict the scheme, with implications for the housing market and public finances.