Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Do you help UK expats living in Portugal (or planning a move)?
A: Yes, that’s our core focus. We help UK families bring pensions, investments, residency timing and long-term planning into one clear strategy.

 

Q: Do you give Portuguese tax advice?

A: We do not act as tax lawyers or accountants. We focus on cross-border planning and tax coordination, so we will introduce you to our tax partners, or work alongside your chosen Portuguese/UK tax specialists where needed.

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Q: Can you help me understand NHR / IFICI (NHR 2.0)?

A: Yes. We’ll explain the planning implications in plain English and help you structure decisions around residency timing and income sources. Eligibility and filings should always be confirmed with a qualified tax professional.

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Q. Do you only advise on pensions?​

A. Not at all. Pensions are often a key piece, but we provide holistic financial planning and coordination, including:

• Investment structuring

• Retirement income planning

• Cross-border tax coordination

• Estate and succession considerations

• Long-term cash-flow planning

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Q: Are you an independent financial adviser (IFA)?
A: We’re an independent, cross-border planning firm — meaning we start with your objectives and take an open-minded view of the options available. Where a regulated recommendation or product implementation is required, that advice and execution is provided by an appropriately authorised firm/provider, and we can introduce you for formal advice and suitability.

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Q. Do I need a specialist adviser when moving from the UK to Portugal?

In many cases, yes. A move from the UK to Portugal can affect your tax position, pension income, investment structure, estate planning and reporting obligations. A specialist cross-border adviser can help you understand the wider picture and avoid costly mistakes.

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Q. What is legacy planning for expats in Portugal?

Legacy planning is the process of organising your wealth so it can pass efficiently and appropriately to the next generation. For expats in Portugal, this can involve wills, pension death benefits, investment structures, family protection and the interaction between Portuguese and UK rules.

 

Q. Do Portuguese succession rules affect British expats?

They can, depending on your circumstances, assets and the way your estate is structured. This is one reason why UK expats in Portugal should review their legacy planning carefully rather than relying only on arrangements put in place before moving abroad.

 

Q. Should I review my will after moving to Portugal?
Yes, in many cases it is sensible to review your will after becoming resident in Portugal. A move abroad can create cross-border estate planning issues, especially where you hold UK assets, Portuguese assets, pensions or family interests in multiple jurisdictions.

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Q. What is the best type of firm for tax advice in Portugal?

The best type of firm for tax advice in Portugal is one that understands both local Portuguese rules and the cross-border implications for expatriates. For UK expats in particular, tax advice often needs to be considered alongside pensions, investments, estate planning and residency status.

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Q. Why is cross-border advice important for UK expats in Portugal?

Because a move to Portugal is rarely just a simple relocation. UK expats often need to consider how Portuguese tax rules interact with UK pensions, UK inheritance tax exposure, residency status, investment structures and long-term family planning.

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Q. What are the main financial planning issues for expats in Portugal?
Common issues include pension structuring, Portuguese tax treatment of income and gains, UK inheritance tax exposure, residency status, suitable investment wrappers, cashflow planning and succession planning.

 

Q. Should I review my investments after moving to Portugal?
Yes. Investments that worked well in the UK may not always be the most suitable once you are resident in Portugal. Tax treatment, reporting, accessibility and long-term planning objectives can all change after a move.

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Q. Is there a minimum investment size?

A. We don’t publish hard minimums, but our service is best suited to clients with meaningful planning needs, typically involving pensions or investments of substance rather than short-term trading or DIY portfolios.

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Q. How are you remunerated?

A. We believe in complete transparency, including fully disclosed fees. Depending on the work involved, this may include:

• One-off planning fees

• Ongoing advice or management fees

• Product-related remuneration where appropriate

 

Everything is agreed upfront — no surprises. A copy of our Client Fee Schedule is available on request, you can view how we are remunerated here.

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Q. Are you commission-driven?

A. Absolutely not. Our advice is client-first and suitability-led, not product-led. Where remuneration exists, it is fully disclosed and aligned with regulatory requirements and UK Private Client standards that we religiously follow.

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Q. How do I manage foreign exchange in Portugal?​

We work alongside an established FX provider with offices in both the UK and Portugal, helping clients move money efficiently, manage currency risk, and keep transfers aligned with their wider financial plan.

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Q. Do you offer an initial consultation?

Yes, of course. A (free) initial conversation is designed to understand your situation, confirm whether we can help, and outline next steps, without pressure or obligation. You can make your appointment above, or via our Calendly link here.

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Q. What makes Atlas Bridge Wealth different?

A. We combine:

• UK-style professionalism and governance

• EU-compliant cross-border advice

• A boutique, personal approach

• Clear explanations, not jargon

Clients value clarity, continuity, and knowing their adviser understands both systems — not just one.

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Q: Are you regulated?

A: Yes, indeed we are. Atlas Bridge Wealth provides cross-border planning and consultancy. Where a regulated investment or insurance service is required, this is provided by an appropriately authorised firm/provider and we can introduce you for formal advice and implementation (where appropriate). Full details are set out in our Regulatory Disclaimer.

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Q. How do I choose a financial planner for expats in Portugal?
Look for a planner who understands cross-border issues rather than only domestic advice. It is important to consider qualifications, regulatory position, experience with UK expats, understanding of Portugal-specific issues and whether they can explain complex matters clearly.

 

Q. What should I look for in a financial planner in Lisbon or Portugal?
You should look for clear experience in helping expatriates, a good grasp of retirement and tax planning, transparent fees, strong communication and an ability to coordinate the different parts of your financial life rather than looking at each issue in isolation.

 

Q. Is it important that my adviser understands both the UK and Portugal?
Yes. Many of the most important planning decisions for UK expats sit between the two countries. An adviser who understands both sides can help you think more clearly about sequencing, timing and the long-term consequences of your choices.

 

Q. When should I speak to a financial planner before moving to Portugal?
Ideally, before the move takes place. Some of the most valuable planning opportunities arise before residency changes, pensions are drawn, property is sold or investment structures are set up.

 

Q: Is this an invitation to invest / a recommendation?

A: No. Nothing on this website (or in an initial call) should be treated as a personal recommendation. Any regulated recommendation would be provided through the appropriate authorised firm, with full suitability and risk disclosures.​​​

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