News
After five months in limbo, Portugal’s golden visa platform is back on track, accepting applications for ‘ARIs’ (authorisations of residency for investment).
On the 13th of June 2022, the Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed a new Joint Declaration on Bilateral Cooperation.
In a recent interview to mark Portugal National Day, Christina Hippisley talked to NOVO Semanário about Brexit and the bilateral relationship between the UK and Portugal.
In particular, she believes that Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s trip to London on Portugal Day and the two governments signing of a joint declaration reinforces a trading relationship that in 2023 will celebrate its 650th anniversary.
In particular, she believes that Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s trip to London on Portugal Day and the two governments signing of a joint declaration reinforces a trading relationship that in 2023 will celebrate its 650th anniversary.
Portugal Ventures plans to invest in non-technological and technological projects linked to tourism
by Carolina Maia 16th May 2022
Spiralling inflation has triggered a fresh round of state intervention in Europe, with both Spain and Portugal stepping into their domestic energy markets to cut prices for consumers.
Lisbon tops the table of the best locations for an executive nomad to live, according to new research from Savills as part of its Impacts 2022 programme.
According to its official statement, "the Immigration and Border Service (SEF) operates four new generation e-gates at Lisbon Airport, ensuring a faster and more functional border control at arrivals for nationals of the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore."
The Chamber’s recent Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars, held on 31st March 2022, revealed some surprising changes in the profile of the many UK residents now researching their move to Portugal, as the restrictions caused by the pandemic recede.
by Carolina Maia 28th March 2022
Chamber member Bring Global is Silver Sponsor of the Innovate Finance Global Summit (IFGS) 2022 on 4/5th April
by Carolina Maia 21st March 2022
23 British companies operating in Portugal were distinguished at the DIT Awards organised by the British Embassy in Lisbon.
When companies are considering where to locate their premises in Portugal, Lisbon comes top of the list, according to new research.
by Carolina Maia 7th February 2022
Brexit has damaged Britain’s oldest ally, Portugal, economically and politically by impacting its trade and international influence, Pedro Siza Vieira, Portugal's economy minister told The Times.
Organized by companies and entities in the Algarve innovation area, the event "aims to position the Algarve as a global and competitive technology hub".
Renewable energy plants have produced enough power to meet 59% of Portugal's electricity demand in 2021, data from power utility Redes Energeticas Nacionais (REN) shows.
Portugal’s overall electricity consumption went up 1.4% year-on-year when compared to 2020, or 1.7% when taking into account temperature and number of working days.
Portugal’s overall electricity consumption went up 1.4% year-on-year when compared to 2020, or 1.7% when taking into account temperature and number of working days.
by Carolina Maia 19th January 2022
Ocean Winds, the 50-50 joint venture by Chamber member EDP Renewables and ENGIE, has just been selected to develop a 1 GW offshore wind project in Scotland.
From 1 January 2022, Portugal has introduced new changes to its Golden Visa Program, which will boost interest in interior areas of the country along with the islands.
Here Chamber members Global Citizen Solutions explain the changes in depth
Here Chamber members Global Citizen Solutions explain the changes in depth
The Portuguese government has agreed a target to almost double the country’s spending on R&D by 2030, taking it to the 3 per cent of GDP that has long been the target for the EU as a whole.
A resolution published on 29 December said that public spending on R&D should hit 1 per cent of GDP by 2030, with private spending making up the remaining 2 per cent.
A resolution published on 29 December said that public spending on R&D should hit 1 per cent of GDP by 2030, with private spending making up the remaining 2 per cent.
by Carolina Maia 10th January 2022
3 public tenders have been launched for Tourism of Portugal REVIVE Program
The Portuguese Secretary of State for Internationalisation, Eurico Brilhante Dias, stated that the amount of investment contracted by the Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade of Portugal (AICEP) in 2021 reached €2.7 billion, a record figure and double that recorded in 2019.
In total, 124 investment projects were contracted throughout 2021, which will be spread across 70 municipalities across the country.
In total, 124 investment projects were contracted throughout 2021, which will be spread across 70 municipalities across the country.
by Carolina Maia 9th December 2021
On Wednesday 8th December, The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Portugal held its last meeting for 2021, with a very insightful Webinar on the background to Portugal's snap elections, now due to be held on 30th January 2022.
Last night (2nd December 21) the Portuguese Chamber co-hosted a Private View Networking Reception at Galeries Bartoux in central London with luxury property and lifestyle publishers Abode 2. The event was sponsored by leading developers in Portugal Reward Properties, and the Portuguese law firm MATLAW.
by Carolina Maia 29th November 2021
US business bible Forbes interviews Chitra Stern, CEO of our Corporate members Martinhal Hotel Group, on how Portugal is coping with the latest spike in Covid cases.
Low-cost carrier Ryanair is set to open a new operational base at Madeira Airport (FNC) in Portugal, involving a $200m investment, in the third quarter of 2022, with around ten new routes will be introduced, with 40 new weekly frequencies.
Portugal has become the 4th country in Europe to stop using coal to produce electricity
UK’s Border & Protocol Delivery Group (BPDG) and Department for International Trade (DIT) will present webinars detailing the process of moving goods and trade between GB and the EU, border procedures and systems, as well as the new UK import requirements and customs controls (to be introduced from 1 January 2022 and 1 July 2022).
All information about past and upcoming webinars is available here.
All information about past and upcoming webinars is available here.
by Carolina Maia 1st November 2021
Despite surging coronavirus cases in the UK last week, visitors (suitably masked) arrived in force on Thursday, October 21 for the first live Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars organised by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK since November 2019.
by Carolina Maia 28th October 2021
The website Invest in Tourism is designed to help potential investors find all the information they need and to make investing in this resurging market as easy as possible.
by Carolina Maia 25th October 2021
Last week (18th October 2021) Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, hosted the Global investment Summit in London announcing £9.7 billion of new foreign investment in green growth in the UK.
As part of this, our Chamber members the Portuguese company EDP, through its subsidiary EDP Renewables (Euronext: EDPR), the world's fourth-largest renewable energy producer, has reaffirmed its role in the UK’s energy transition with plans to invest up to £13bn in the UK by 2030.
As part of this, our Chamber members the Portuguese company EDP, through its subsidiary EDP Renewables (Euronext: EDPR), the world's fourth-largest renewable energy producer, has reaffirmed its role in the UK’s energy transition with plans to invest up to £13bn in the UK by 2030.
Earlier this year, the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK signed a protocol relating to the Portuguese Food project, whose purpose was to promote Portuguese agri-food products in the UK market.
by Carolina Maia 8th October 2021
• British migrants to Portugal up 34.6% from 2019 to 2020
• First Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK event since 2019 will respond to emerging trend
• Portugal voted the best place to live in 2022 in latest Expats Exchange survey
• First Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK event since 2019 will respond to emerging trend
• Portugal voted the best place to live in 2022 in latest Expats Exchange survey
by Namrata Majithia 21st September 2021
With over 100 staff at its head office in Lisbon, Yunit Consulting, led by its CEO Bernardo Maciel, has vast experience in consulting and project management, helping Portuguese companies to attract new investors and manage their growth efficiently and profitably . Their mission is to support Portuguese SMEs, making them more competitive, and equipping them with the tools they need to expand.
The company has chosen the Portuguese capital to install a new hub and operations centre that will be “Uber’s main source of product and technology development in the Southern European region.”
The Times reports on the latest reasons to move to Portugal, and talks to our Chamber Corporate member John Mather from Émigré
Fibre broadband, low taxes and sun, could these Portuguese islands make you happy ever after?
Fibre broadband, low taxes and sun, could these Portuguese islands make you happy ever after?
by Namrata Majithia 13th August 2021
Are you a UK business owner interested in investing in a business similar to your own in Portugal? Are you a UK passport holder who is keen to create an EU presence for your business now the UK is no longer part of Europe? If so, read on
by Namrata Majithia 12th August 2021
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has chosen the Portuguese capital to receive the first European hub outside the UK.
Buoyed on by the switch to online work, HR tech platform Remote has raised a $150m Series B round, making it the fifth unicorn to be founded in Portugal.
by Namrata Majithia 2nd August 2021
On the 15th July, André Jordan, the man famous for his contribution to the development of tourism in Portugal, was officially named an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) during a ceremony organised by the British Embassy in Portugal.
by Namrata Majithia 19th July 2021
Portugal could have accumulated losses of 60 billion euros and up to 600,000 jobs could have been eliminated in tourism, when the sector recovers from the effects of the pandemic.
by Namrata Majithia 15th July 2021
Portugal’s presidency of the European Council got off to an uncertain start. The transition period for Brexit ended on January 1, and Portugal and Europe were plunged into a second lockdown, but despite being overshadowed by economic, political and health problems, important work was achieved.
London, 8th July 2021
UK Political, Economic and Social Update
UK Political, Economic and Social Update
The leading website Investment Migration Insider reports on Portugal’s recent approval of a fund offering the country’s first Cultural Heritage Golden Visa.
by Namrata Majithia 7th May 2021
7th May 2021
• 59% are looking to move permanently to Portugal (Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK)
• Portugal named ‘top overseas property hotspot’ with 28% increase in searches (Rightmove Overseas)
• Live Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars to recommence October 2021
• 59% are looking to move permanently to Portugal (Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK)
• Portugal named ‘top overseas property hotspot’ with 28% increase in searches (Rightmove Overseas)
• Live Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars to recommence October 2021
by Namrata Majithia 7th May 2021
Portugal is one of just 12 destinations on the 'green list', announced by transport secretary Grant Shapps last week – meaning that holidays can resume from May 17, and travellers returning to the UK will not be required to quarantine.
by Namrata Majithia 5th May 2021
• New Algarve Tech Hub harnesses ‘technological fervour sweeping the country’
• Digital nomads, entrepreneurs and tech start-ups being welcomed to Portugal
• Algarve eyes up title of world’s #1 lifestyle tech hub
• Digital nomads, entrepreneurs and tech start-ups being welcomed to Portugal
• Algarve eyes up title of world’s #1 lifestyle tech hub
Portugal's Ambassador tells the UK's Sky News that Portugal is 'hoping to welcome British holidaymakers from mid-May'
Portugal ‘reopens’ flights between UK and Brazil – but only for essential reasons
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by Namrata Majithia 30th March 2021
UK residents from England, Scotland and Wales can now claim a VAT refund on retail purchases (over €50+VAT)they make in Portugal, effective from 1st January 2021.
by Namrata Majithia 17th March 2021
Providing international schooling for children from 2 to 6 years old, L’École Trilingue opens in Lisbon in September this year and will provide immersion learning in three languages: English, French and Portuguese.
Portugal will be removed from the "red list" of countries from where travel to England is banned after 04:00 GMT on Friday 19th March, the British Department for Transport has announced.
by Namrata Majithia 11th March 2021
In February 2021, investment into Portugal resulting from the Residence Permit for Investment (ARI) or ‘golden visa’ programme totalled 52,318,353 euros.
Contrary to a controversial law passed at the end of last year (click here), restrictions to Portugal’s money-spinning ‘golden visa’ regime will not now come into effect on July 1.
The Chamber and its Corporate members Vilamoura World, Martinhal, Edge International and Ombria are all quoted in The Times today in a lengthy story about Where to Buy Property in Portugal to Get a Golden Visa by Zoe Dare-Hall. See the full story below
Portuguese Government Confirms Changes in its Golden Visa Programme: Not Necessarily Bad News, Say Stakeholders
by Namrata Majithia 30th December 2020
The British Parliament today (Wednesday 30th December 2020) voted to approve legislation that will pass the EU-UK post-Brexit deal into UK law.
The DIT’s Keep Business Moving webinar answered a wide range of questions on the new UK Portugal trading rules from 1 January 2021.
As the UK and the EU approach the final days of Brexit negotiations, the UK government has published the second edition of the DIT Portugal Newsflash, covering all aspects of the Brexit changes.
by Namrata Majithia 12th November 2020
Ascendi is a leading player in the road infrastructure market in Portugal, where they manage six concessions over 600 kilometres of motorway,
by Namrata Majithia 28th October 2020
Portugal remains vital to UK interests – the British government (DIT) wants to deliver a smooth EU Exit, build on their good existing bilateral relationships and grow trade and investment between the UK and Portugal.
by Namrata Majithia 10th October 2020
On the 8th October 2020, the UK government’s Department of International Trade published an updated version of its Border Operating Model. This new guidance provides further detail on how the GB-EU border will work and the actions that traders, hauliers and passengers need to take.
On October 5, 2020, the UK tax authority added considerably to its Brexit guidance for businesses on the value-added tax rules that will apply to goods entering Great Britain from outside the UK.
Our latest Corporate members, Durham Agrellos, are a boutique law firm specializing in sensitive and complex issues of tax law for HNWI international private clients.
In January 2021, Portugal assumes the rotating Presidency of the European Union, while facing the twin pressures of dealing with the pandemic and implementing the Brexit agreement.
The Web Summit says that an offline version of its global tech conference may yet go ahead in Lisbon in December, despite similar events being postponed due to the pandemic.
by Namrata Majithia 25th September 2020
The UK has left the EU. On 31 December 2020 the UK will leave the EU single market and customs union.
From 1 January 2021 the rules for trading with the UK will change.
From 1 January 2021 the rules for trading with the UK will change.
by Namrata Majithia 21st September 2020
Portugal's prime minister has just defined three major blocks for overcoming the crisis caused by the new coronavirus pandemic.
In the Recovery and Resilience Programme, which António Costa will present to Brussels, the State defines three
In the Recovery and Resilience Programme, which António Costa will present to Brussels, the State defines three
Even if a deal is agreed, huge changes are coming from 1st January 2021
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The Chamber team is back in the office after a few precious days on the ground in Portugal...
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by Namrata Majithia 13th August 2020
London, 13 August 2020
As the UK endures an unprecedented 10-day heatwave, with temperatures over 34 degrees in much of the country, the holiday season is well under way here.
We will be closing the Chamber for a few days holiday, and we return on 2nd September.
On our return we will be releasing our autumn schedule of webinars and other online events, which are an increasingly important part of our services to members.
As the UK endures an unprecedented 10-day heatwave, with temperatures over 34 degrees in much of the country, the holiday season is well under way here.
We will be closing the Chamber for a few days holiday, and we return on 2nd September.
On our return we will be releasing our autumn schedule of webinars and other online events, which are an increasingly important part of our services to members.
by Namrata Majithia 28th July 2020
Prime Minister Antonio Costa’s government has launched a plan aimed at boosting its export sector to alleviate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with a goal of increasing Portugal’s exports to 53% of gross domestic product by 2030, up from 44% in 2019.
As the Brexit negotiations reach an impasse, Chamber members Blevins Franks have produced an excellent 30 minute video explaining the main areas of disagreement and how they might be resolved, with special emphasis on residency, tax and pensions moving between borders.
by Namrata Majithia 21st July 2020
As reported by Natasha Donn in the Portugal Resident newspaper, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa returned from the marathon negotiations in Brussels this week waving the promise of €45.1 billion in much-needed post-coronavirus recovery funding for the country.
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17 July 2020
Our General Manager, Christina Hippisley, recently joined Dylan Herholdt of Chamber members Portugal Realty as a guest on his popular podcast called Portugal: The Simple Life.
Our General Manager, Christina Hippisley, recently joined Dylan Herholdt of Chamber members Portugal Realty as a guest on his popular podcast called Portugal: The Simple Life.
by Namrata Majithia 10th July 2020
London, 10th July
London’s Daily Telegraph newspaper carries an interesting article from Manuel Lobo Antunes, the Ambassador of Portugal in the UK, on the science behind Portugal’s current handling of the pandemic.
London’s Daily Telegraph newspaper carries an interesting article from Manuel Lobo Antunes, the Ambassador of Portugal in the UK, on the science behind Portugal’s current handling of the pandemic.
by Namrata Majithia 9th July 2020
We are a day later than usual, since yesterday saw some big announcements here in London which took some time to analyse.
In addition, the recent exclusion of the Portuguese mainland from the UK’s newly issued travel list of ‘green’ and ‘amber’ countries has caused consternation in both the UK and Portugal. The Chamber, which is also the secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Portugal in the British Parliament, is working closely with the MPs in the group
In addition, the recent exclusion of the Portuguese mainland from the UK’s newly issued travel list of ‘green’ and ‘amber’ countries has caused consternation in both the UK and Portugal. The Chamber, which is also the secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Portugal in the British Parliament, is working closely with the MPs in the group
by Namrata Majithia 9th July 2020
The recent exclusion of the Portuguese mainland from the UK’s newly issued travel list of ‘green’ and ‘amber’ countries has caused consternation in the Portuguese government.
by Namrata Majithia 25th June 2020
Germany, Portugal, and Slovenia are to hold the presidency of the European Council in succession starting from July 1, 2020, through to December 31, 2021. The three countries will have a joint programme.
by Namrata Majithia 25th June 2020
While the Covid-19 crisis has raged in the UK, there has been little time to focus on Britain's future relationship with the European Union.
However, the issue is now becoming overwhelmingly urgent in London and Brussells once again. This week, we bring you a special newsletter summarizing the view of Brexit from this side of the Channel and what will happen in negotiations over the summer.
However, the issue is now becoming overwhelmingly urgent in London and Brussells once again. This week, we bring you a special newsletter summarizing the view of Brexit from this side of the Channel and what will happen in negotiations over the summer.
by Namrata Majithia 10th June 2020
As the easing of lockdown continues and the pace of work picks up here in the UK, we will be changing the frequency of this newsletter from once a week to every two weeks from now on.
by Namrata Majithia 3rd June 2020
As the easing of lockdown continues, friends and families are meeting again and picnics outside are becoming the norm. The corona virus continues to dominate the news here, but Brexit, the Chinese threat in Hong Kong and the ongoing racial violence in the USA are also at the top of the news agenda now.
by Namrata Majithia 27th May 2020
It’s a short week here in the UK this week, with a public holiday on Monday and many people booking days off for the rest of the week. Plus (for a change) the weather is hot and sunny, and the lockdown is easing. Our spirits are slowly lifting as the British summer arrives in earnest. Here is our weekly update about the current situation here in the UK, in political economic and social terms.
by Namrata Majithia 20th May 2020
As the slow relaxation of the lockdown - which has been in place since March 23rd- continues,, here is our weekly update about the current corona virus situation here in the UK, in political economic and social terms.
by Namrata Majithia 13th May 2020
As we embrace the early stages of the relaxation of the lockdown, which has been in place since March 23rd, here is our weekly update about the current corona virus situation here in the UK, in political economic and social terms.
by Namrata Majithia 5th May 2020
Many of our Chamber members and potential members are businesses in Portugal which export goods or services to the UK market. To help them and anyone else interested in the UK market, our newsletters will now contain regular updates about the current corona virus situation here in the UK, in political, economic and social terms, plus a round up of other relevant data.
Chamber members EDGE International Lawyers have now created a dedicated website giving pragmatic updates about Portugal’s Covid-19 response and how legal and practical matters can continue in the meantime.
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Due to the corona crisis, we have suspended our usual programme of live networking and business events in the UK and Portugal until further notice. We are now working remotely and are here to help at any time – please email info@portuguese-chamber.org.uk
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Due to the corona crisis, on March 18th 2020, the Portuguese government introduced a State of Emergency which has impacted many aspects of legal contracts in Portugal.
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British Tourists, visitors and residents can continue to enjoy freedom of movement, travel, access to healthcare and recognising driving licenses in Portugal, as normal, until the end of the transition period, foreseen to be the 31st of December 2020
In tune with the new decade, our institutional partners AICEP Portugal Global, Portugal’s investment agency, have just released a new video on the best of Portugal, with an emphasis on the talent available in the country.
by Namrata Majithia 4th November 2019
Portugal IN is a task force created by the Portuguese Government, in the wake of the Brexit referendum, to further attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country, responding directly to the Prime Minister. Portugal In is specialised in supporting the expansion process to Portugal of companies operating in the UK and its main inward FDI markets (USA, China, India and Japan).
The majority of Portuguese SMEs expect and plan to up their revenues by increasing their international activity in 2019.
After 6 successful events, the demand is still high!
by Namrata Majithia 1st May 2019
Everything you need to know to prepare for a new life in the tranquility, beauty and warmth of Europe’s most westerly country.
All that’s left is to pack your suitcase.
All that’s left is to pack your suitcase.
The Portuguese are coming! In response to popular demand from Irish property buyers, the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce is bringing its Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars to Dublin on 15th May 2019.
“To reach a port, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it—but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.” We need to steer the boat, not drift! - Christine Lagarde
by Namrata Majithia 22nd February 2019
As the subject of the meeting was ‘Brexit’, the main points made by Augusto Santos Silva were:
by Namrata Majithia 30th January 2019
Invest Africa is the leading pan-African business platform that promotes trade and investment in Africa. Invest Africa will be taking a high-level investor delegation to Angola from 19th-21st February 2019.
Tasting session of Esporão olive oil at London’s top gourmet food store Fortnum and Mason!
Is your company GDPR ready?
Are you selling products or services to a Portuguese company and they are asking you to fill out the Mod 21-RFI before they can pay you the full amount they owe you?