Portugal is often described as facing a housing shortage—yet walk through many towns and cities and you’ll see countless empty homes. So what explains this apparent contradiction? In this episode, we unpack the structural, legal, and economic reasons behind Portugal’s high number of vacant properties. 🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 1️⃣ Inheritanc…

When international families own property or other assets in Portugal, one critical question often arises: Will a foreign will be recognised under Portuguese law? In this episode, we clarify how Portugal treats foreign wills—and why careful estate planning is essential to avoid unintended outcomes. 🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 1️⃣ What Types of …

Buying property in Portugal involves more than just the purchase price. In this episode, we walk through the key taxes and fees every buyer—local or foreign—should budget for when acquiring real estate in Portugal. Understanding these costs upfront helps avoid surprises and ensures smoother transactions. 🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 1️⃣ IMT – P…

Inheritance taxation is one of the most common—and misunderstood—questions when dealing with estates in Portugal. In this episode, we clarify how Portugal actually taxes inheritances and what families should expect when assets pass to the next generation. The answer may surprise many international families. 🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: 1️⃣ Why …

When someone dies owning assets in Portugal, one legal step is often unavoidable: the habilitação de herdeiros. In this episode, we explain what this procedure is, why it matters, and when families must complete it to move forward with estate administration. Understanding this process early can save time, reduce friction among heirs, and prevent co…

When someone dies owning assets in Portugal, one legal step is often unavoidable: the habilitação de herdeiros. In this episode, we explain what this procedure is, why it matters, and when families must complete it to move forward with estate administration. Understanding this process early can save time, reduce friction among heirs, and prevent co…

Navigating inheritance procedures in a foreign country can feel overwhelming, especially when real estate is involved. In this episode, we unpack the very first step families must take when someone passes away owning property in Portugal. The Portuguese succession process has specific legal requirements, and understanding them early can prevent del…

As global transparency frameworks expand to include real estate, many high-net-worth families and advisors are reassessing how property ownership structures intersect with international reporting obligations. In this episode, we explore how common legal structures—such as SPVs, holding companies, and trusts—affect visibility under emerging informat…

As countries adopt the IPI MCAA framework, one of the most important questions is: What exactly will be shared? In this episode, we break down the full scope of information exchanged between tax authorities regarding immovable property—covering the asset itself, its transactions, its owners, and any related income. This is the most detailed interna…

How often will countries exchange real estate information under the new transparency framework? In this episode, we break down the reporting timelines built into the IPI MCAA (Immovable Property Information Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement)—and what they mean for tax authorities, advisors, and internationally mobile property owners. The a…

Reciprocity sits at the heart of global tax transparency. Without it, information exchange systems would be unbalanced, inconsistent, and difficult to implement. In this episode, we unpack how reciprocity works specifically within the IPI MCAA (Immovable Property Information Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement) and what makes this framework …

As governments work to strengthen global tax transparency, the exchange of real estate information has become a new priority. But instead of creating complex new reporting systems, the IPI MCAA (Immovable Property Information Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement) takes a more practical approach: it focuses on Readily Available Information—dat…

As global tax authorities continue to strengthen transparency frameworks, real estate has emerged as a critical area in need of more consistent reporting. Many jurisdictions already hold valuable property data—transactions, ownership records, and recurring income—but these details are often siloed, inaccessible, or exchanged inconsistently across b…

Over the past decade, global tax transparency has undergone a major transformation. Since 2010, new international standards and agreements have dramatically lowered the barriers to sharing tax information across borders. Now, with real estate increasingly recognized as a vehicle for hiding undeclared wealth, governments are moving to strengthen rep…

Global tax transparency didn’t happen overnight—it began with a bold statement from G20 leaders in 2009 to end bank secrecy. That declaration set the stage for the Exchange of Information on Request (EOIR) standard, empowering tax authorities to access key financial data, accounting records, and even beneficial ownership details tied to assets like…

Why is real estate becoming the next major focus in global tax transparency? In this episode, we break down the growing push—led strongly by India within the G20—to include non-financial assets like property in the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework. For years, the global system has focused almost exclusively on financial accounts t…

Around the world, governments are quietly shifting their tax strategies — moving away from corporate taxation and turning their attention to private wealth. As inequality widens and traditional tax bases shrink, high-net-worth individuals, global entrepreneurs, and mobile “tax nomads” are finding themselves increasingly under scrutiny. In this epis…

In this episode, we unpack everything you need to know about Power of Attorney (POA) validity in the UAE—how long it lasts, when it expires, and why keeping it updated is crucial. 📝 Key Highlights: A POA in the UAE stays valid until the death of either the principal or the agent—unless it’s time-bound. You can set your POA for 6 months, 1 year, 3 y…

Timing matters when it comes to probate in the UAE—and having a Will can make all the difference. ✅ With a Will Probate is streamlined, usually wrapping up in 6–8 weeks (about 2 months). If the death certificate comes from outside the UAE, allow an extra month for attestations. The process is clear, predictable, and much less stressful for your lov…

Your life changes—and your Will should change with it. As a general rule, it’s smart to review your Will every 5 years. If you like to stay especially organized, a 3-year check-in works even better. Most UAE Wills already include backup beneficiaries, executors, and guardians, but a periodic review ensures everything still reflects your real-world …

Life circumstances change, and your Will may need to be updated. How you do this depends on where the Will is registered: DIFC Will Can be amended at any time for a small fee of AED 575 per amendment. Allows flexibility to adjust assets, beneficiaries, or other clauses without revoking the entire Will. Mainland Courts (ADJD & Dubai Courts) Direct a…

Preparing a Will in the UAE is a straightforward process, whether you choose DIFC, ADJD, or Dubai Courts. The key is gathering the correct documents before registration. Here’s what you need: 1. Identification for All Individuals Named in the Will You must provide ID for every person mentioned in the Will, including: Emirates ID Passport Residence …

A Power of Attorney (POA) is often confused with a Will, but the two serve entirely different purposes. POA vs. Will A POA is valid only during the lifetime of both the person granting it and the person receiving it. If either party passes away, the POA becomes immediately invalid. At that point, the Will takes over for probate and asset distributi…

A UAE Will can cover a wide range of assets, giving individuals full control over how their estate is distributed and ensuring a smooth probate process. Wills are typically drafted broadly so that both current and future assets are included without requiring frequent updates. Common Assets Included in a UAE Will In the UAE, the assets most commonly…

A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most useful legal tools in the UAE, but it is often misunderstood. A POA does not replace a Will, and the two documents serve completely different purposes. POA vs. Will A Power of Attorney is valid only during the lifetime of both: the grantor (the person giving authority), and the attorney/agent (the person…

You can absolutely keep your home-country Will valid while living in the UAE. In fact, many expatriates maintain a foreign Will for overseas assets while using a UAE Will for local property and guardianship. There are two recognized methods to ensure your foreign Will remains legally effective: 1. DIFC Will Covering Foreign Assets A DIFC Will can i…

The UAE allows a broad range of individuals to register a Will, provided they meet certain basic legal criteria. To register a Will, a person must be: At least 21 years old, Of sound mind, and Acting voluntarily and without undue influence. Beyond these core requirements, eligibility depends on residency status and asset location. 1. UAE Residents …

Registering a Will in the UAE is a straightforward process, but several essential requirements must be met. The testator must be at least 21 years old, be of sound mind, and must act voluntarily, free from pressure or undue influence. UAE Wills are typically drafted in broad, comprehensive terms to cover both existing assets and any future assets a…

When registering a Will in the UAE, individuals can choose from three primary jurisdictions—ADJD, Dubai Courts, and DIFC. Each offers different advantages in terms of cost, process, language, and flexibility. 1. ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department) Best for: Cost efficiency, full virtual process, expat Muslims Cost: AED 950 Process: Fully virtual; …

When a person passes away in the UAE, the procedure that follows depends heavily on whether a valid Will is in place. With a Will If a Will exists, the process is significantly simpler and more predictable. The executor submits the Will, the death certificate, identification documents, and proof of assets to the court. After the file is opened and …

In the UAE, having a legally registered Will is not optional — it is crucial. Without one, a person’s estate is automatically governed by Sharia inheritance rules, which impose predetermined shares for heirs regardless of the individual’s personal wishes. When someone dies without a Will in the UAE, several complications follow: Sharia rules apply …

Custodial institutions and fiduciary structures may both “hold assets,” but legally they are completely different. The distinction comes down to the relationship, the level of discretion, and who is allowed to act on behalf of the owner. Under EU regulations, this difference determines why custodians remain allowed for Russians, while fiduciary ser…

Top Company (Custodial Institution) The company’s articles and memorandum allow its shares to transfer automatically to designated third parties (typically family members) upon the shareholder’s death. This mechanism does not create a trust, because there is no fiduciary relationship—only a custodial structure. Therefore, it does not fall under EU …

While custodians and fiduciaries are closely related, they serve fundamentally different roles in wealth management and trust structures. Importantly: all fiduciaries are custodians in some sense, but not all custodians are fiduciaries. 1. Custodial Institution (“Vault Keeper”) Role: Safeguard and protect client assets. Core Function: Holding asset…

In this episode, we break down the EU’s crackdown on Russian-linked trusts — now widely referred to as “zombie trusts” — following amendments to Article 5m of Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014. These rules have rendered many existing structures legally unserviceable and have effectively shut the door to new trust formation involving Russian national…

In this episode, we explore how wealthy Russians are responding to the tightening global network of financial transparency — particularly the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI). These frameworks have dramatically reduced financial secrecy, forcing individuals to adapt quickly or risk exposure to Russian…

We examine why many wealthy Russians are especially worried about global information-exchange regimes. The Common Reporting Standard (AEOI/CRS) and Exchange-on-Request (EoR) create layered visibility that can expose residency, assets, and financial flows — with consequences ranging from tax assessments to targeted investigations. Host countries tha…

In this episode, we explore how certain jurisdictions remain outside the reach of CARF (Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework) — and why Svalbard and UK non-resident trusts continue to offer unique confidentiality advantages. Key Insights: Svalbard’s Unique Legal Shield Under Article 8 of the 1925 Treaty of Svalbard, no signatory nation may receive tax …

In this episode, we explain who must report under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) — and why understanding your role is critical for compliance. Key Takeaways: RCASP Defined: A Reporting Crypto-Asset Service Provider (RCASP) is any individual or entity that enables or carries out crypto exchange transactions on behalf of clients as a bus…

In this episode, we explain who must report under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) — and why understanding your role is critical for compliance. Key Takeaways: RCASP Defined: A Reporting Crypto-Asset Service Provider (RCASP) is any individual or entity that enables or carries out crypto exchange transactions on behalf of clients as a bus…

In this episode, we break down when crypto transactions become reportable under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) — and why not every wallet movement or exchange triggers a filing. Key Takeaways: Spending Crypto Triggers Reporting: Direct purchases of goods or services with crypto remain rare. Most users must convert crypto into fiat befo…

In this episode, we unpack how the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) differs from its predecessors — FATCA and CRS — and why these differences matter for compliance and reporting transparency in the crypto era. Key Takeaways: Transaction-Based Reporting: Unlike FATCA and CRS, which focus on income and asset values, CARF requires Reporting Cry…

The Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) is designed to bring order, oversight, and accountability to the fast-moving world of digital assets. Its goals align closely with global efforts to prevent tax evasion, money laundering, and the misuse of crypto for illicit activity. Key Objectives: Increase Transparency — Shine a light on crypto asset h…

The Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) represents the next major evolution in global financial transparency. It builds upon a lineage that started with FATCA, evolved through the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), and now extends to the world of digital assets. The Evolution: FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) — Launched by the U.S., FAT…

For many expats and entrepreneurs, maintaining or managing a foreign company while living in Portugal seems straightforward — but Portugal’s corporate tax rules can make things more complex than expected. Key Point: Unlike some countries that rely heavily on the “Place of Effective Management” (POEM) as a tie-breaker rule, Portugal uses “effective …

If you’re planning to live, work, or even spend extended time in Portugal, there’s one acronym you’ll hear again and again — NIF. What Is a NIF? The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is your personal tax identification number — a nine-digit code issued by the Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira). Think of it as your finan…

It’s easier than many people think to become a tax resident in Portugal by accident — and the consequences can be significant. What Happens If You Accidentally Become a Resident: 💰 Worldwide Taxation: You’ll be taxed on all your global income — salaries, pensions, investments, and rental income. 🧾 Annual Filing Required: You must file a Portuguese …

Portugal offers a unique incentive to encourage talented professionals to return home — but it’s not widely known outside the tax and legal community. The Opportunity: If you’ve been living abroad and decide to re-establish tax residency in Portugal, you may qualify for a 50% income tax deduction for five years. How It Works: 🕒 Eligibility: You mus…

While Portugal’s tax advantages often steal the spotlight, there’s much more that makes the country one of Europe’s most desirable retirement destinations. Why Retirees Love Portugal: 🌤 Climate: With warm summers and mild winters, Portugal offers a true Mediterranean lifestyle year-round. 💶 Cost of Living: Daily life — from groceries to housing — i…

Many expats feared they missed the window to apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime after its phase-out. However, the 2024 Budget Law introduced extensions for those who had already begun their move before the deadline. If you took concrete relocation steps by December 31, 2023, you may still qualify under the old NHR regime. Who M…