SarahMiller

Dear all,

I couldn't find any relevant thread via the search function, but if there is, I'd appreciate being directed to it Otherwise here goes my question:

I'm currently employed here in the UK, but will be moving to Portugal. I will continue to work with the same employer.

In this scenario, where do I pay tax & social security contributions?

If you know of any specialist (lawyer) that you could recommend also to advise on this, that would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Ukkram

https://www.blevinsfranks.com/Portugal

SarahMiller

Thanks for the link Ukkram!

comcasca

Don't use Blevin Franks is my advice.

Are you going to be living and working in Portugal full time? i.e. not working in the UK at all.

Is the company posting you here (to Portugal) or are you moving by choice and they are hoping to accommodate you?

Ukkram

Could you please explain why? BF is a reputable international firm with a large office in PT. They often hold seminars for Brit expats. Or do you have a vested interest in this?

comcasca

The information they sell you is freely available if you have the time and inclination to find it. If one wants to spend the money and the situation is complex enough to warrant the cost then use them by all means.

I have no vested interest in this but I did receive from them some information prior to moving here that was contradicted by more than one other source that I went to.

In any case, I went through a similar information gathering process to the OP (at some expense) before moving here and I am willing to offer it here freely if it might help the direction of further inquiry.

That is all.

Ukkram

Then please share. We are here to help each other.

macliam

I spent some time talking to BF and going through their process - then spoke to an English tax lawyer who contradicted much of what they'd told me and warned me against investing in the Eurobond they were keen to sell me. He said their interest is the easy money they make from the sale and maintenance of these bonds and the rest is window dressing.

Then got their "report" and, sure enough, the main focus was telling me how my UK assets would be best sold and invested in a eurobond through them......

Ukkram

BF is a cross border tax specialist company. You cannot get info from a normal accountant that does not specialize in this. The OP is not interested in investing at all. All accountants have their own vested interest in investment products they are re-sellers of.

macliam

I explained badly, the English tax lawyer was in Portugal, lives here and specialised in international tax issues.

With BF I went specifically to speak about residency and Portuguese tax issues, but the report produced was as I stated.

That is my actual experience, if yours is different, do tell.

Ukkram

I have never used them but I do know for a fact that their cross border chartered accountants hold seminars for Brit expats in the Algarve often.

A lawyer is a lawyer and will not be an expert on tax matters. This is a job for cross border tax chartered accountants.

macliam

Why are you so defensive of a company you've never used? I agree with your first statement, that's why I contacted them. However, a TAX lawyer deals with Tax, not conveyancing, and one specializing in Portuguese tax will have more knowledge than a number cruncher.... or a glorified salesman. There are other options.

Ukkram

Most tax lawyers are quick to say they don’t prepare tax returns, but beyond that it’s unclear what they do beyond tax litigation or wrongful tax.
If you do happen to find one then they would be very expensive or only do corporate tax litigation and not individual taxation litigation.

Best to stick with chartered accountants that specifically deal with cross border taxation and not number crunching bookkeepers.
BF and even our Tony here are perfect for the task.

macliam

Jeez man, I am NOT suggesting that you use a tax lawyer - just that one advised me to be wary of BF and I found his freely-given advice to be correct. I do not doubt BFs ability to prepare generalised information, but when you require specific advice they are less forthcoming - in my experience. I have not deat with Tony, but he sounds a better bet than BF ..... but again, that's just from the comments I read.

SarahMiller

Hi comcasa,

It's my choice to move to Portugal. My company is happy for me to do so, but they are not posting me there and we have no Portuguese branch. Our company lawyer said that as I was no longer resident in UK (I will probably come back 3-4 times a year for a couple of days each, but won't keep a flat.... rents are just too high for that here).

Thanks

Sarah