Offshore Property

Portugal, like any other country in Europe, has an array of taxes that relate to property. Some are connected to possession of the property, others to different forms of related income, while others refer to its transmission. What was that proverb about Death and Taxes?

If the value of the property is less than Euro 1million, one may want to consider owning the property in one’s own name.  Benefits: The costs of running a corporate structure are avoided. No risk of beeing subject to pay the “locked in Capital Gains Tax“ No risk of beeing subject to legislation changes regarding offshore taxation

Easier handling: Transfer of property is a very simple and tax efficient procedure; a transfer of shares conducted in English via a Share Purchase Agreement. ie facilitates asset management …

In 2003 changes in local legislation meant that countries outside of Portugal (sometimes referred to as Offshore Centres) were classified by an international body known as OECD as either Black List or White List jurisdictions. The Black List jurisdictions were for the most part countries that offered beneficial tax regimes that were out of line with the White List countries. The intention being that those on the Black List would be encouraged to fall into line with White List jurisdictions.

When owning a property in an offshore corporate structure there are mainly two risks involved. Read about those risks here:

When investing in a property in an offshore corporate structure, severall additional costs will come up. This article briefly summarizes all costs related to the purchase of a corporate owned offshore property.

Many residential luxury properties in countries with a high stamp duty, and especially in Portugal and Spain, are owned by a corporate structure.