Data from the Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority (ASF) indicates that over 50% of retirees in Portugal report a decline in their quality of life upon entering retirement.
This update is from Bica
Your quick shot of what's changing in Portugal and affecting your status, your home, your money, and whatever might disrupt your day. Short and clear updates, gathered from Portuguese sources.
No signup. No app download. Nothing to pay.
Read today’s briefing
Rising electricity costs are driving residents in Guarda to seek more affordable alternatives for energy, specifically turning to firewood and solar panels.
Homeowners can request a reassessment of their property's tax value (VPT) to potentially reduce their annual IMI tax bill. DECO PROteste advises using its online simulator before filing a request with the Tax Authority, as a reassessment can also lead to an increased valuation. Requests submitted by 31 December can affect the IMI bill due in 2027, but will not change the payments due in November 2026. The base value per square metre for valuations rose to 712.50 euros in 2026, which may offset tax reductions typically associated with a building's age.
The municipality approved a 'family cheque' (cheque-família) of 150 euros to support families with school expenses. This benefit will begin during the current school year for students in secondary and vocational education and is planned to be extended to all other school cycles in the coming years.