UK Inheritance tax is no longer something that affects only the very wealthy. For many UK families, particularly those with property, pensions, investments and accumulated savings, the IHT position has become steadily more relevant over the past decade. With nil-rate bands frozen for many years, asset values having risen significantly, and further changes to pension treatment on the horizon, more people are realising that their estate may be far more exposed than they first

For a number of years, Portugal’s original Non-Habitual Resident regime made the country especially attractive to internationally minded individuals moving from the UK. Retirees, business owners, remote workers and families were all drawn by a combination of lifestyle, safety, climate and, of course, favourable tax treatment. That original regime has now closed to new applicants. In its place sits what is commonly referred to as NHR 2.0 , although its formal name is the Tax I

For many British nationals living overseas, the UK can still feel like home even after they have built a life elsewhere.  So when there is unrest abroad, family pressure, a health issue, a business matter, or simply a desire to come back for a short period, the instinct is often the same:  I’ll just return to the UK temporarily and sort things out. The problem is that HMRC does not look at that casually. In many cases, a short return can have major tax consequences. And for s

One of the most powerful inheritance tax exemptions in the UK tax code is also one of the least understood. It’s called  “Normal Expenditure Out of Income.” Under  Section 21 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 , it allows someone to make  unlimited gifts during their lifetime, without triggering inheritance tax — even if they die within seven years. That’s unusual, because most lifetime gifts fall under the  seven-year rule for Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs). But this exemp

One of the biggest misconceptions I come across is this: “Once I’m out of the UK, the UK is basically out of my financial life too.” Unfortunately, that is very rarely true. For many UK nationals moving to Portugal, the real planning work does not begin after the move. It begins before it, by understanding which parts of your wealth still remain tied to the UK, how those assets are treated once you become Portuguese tax resident, and what needs to change before small issues b

When people think about moving to Portugal, they often focus on the obvious things first. Visas. Property. Schools. Healthcare. Whether they will like the area. Whether they are making the right lifestyle decision. But in my world, the questions usually sound a bit different. They are nearly always about pensions, tax, investments, timing, income, and whether the decisions being made now could create unnecessary problems later. And in truth, the questions people ask  before  

When people look at Portuguese property tax, most of the attention tends to go to  IMT  — the upfront transfer tax paid on purchase.  And yes, that still matters. For 2026, the IMT bands for residential urban property have been updated by 2%, which means IMT on a main home generally only starts above  €106,346 , up from  €104,261 . For younger buyers up to age 35 purchasing their first permanent home, IMT generally only starts above  €330,539 , up from  €324,058 .  But for ma

If you’re a UK national living in Portugal (or planning the move), the 2026 tax year is broadly a ‘steady as she goes’ update: a small easing of Portuguese income-tax bands, no headline change to investment tax rates, and ongoing planning opportunities around property and estate structuring. Quick headlines Portuguese IRS income-tax brackets increased by 3.51% and rates reduced by 0.3 percentage points for the 2nd–5th bands. Solidarity surcharge remains 2.5% (EUR 80,000–250,0

And the “Portugal tax resident impact”. The UK still doesn’t charge a single, formal “exit tax” when you leave. But the practical reality is that moving abroad can trigger loss of reliefs , timing traps , and anti-avoidance rules  that create exit-style costs, often at the exact moment you’re trying to simplify life. This guide focuses on the UK side and  (crucially) what changes once you’re Portuguese tax resident . Losing UK allowances and planning headroom What changes whe

Welcome to the Atlas Bridge Wealth guide to pension planning in Portugal - 2025. This guide explains how UK pensions are taxed when you become resident in Portugal. It breaks down the treatment of State, occupational, government, and personal pensions under the UK–Portugal Double Taxation Agreement, including the powerful 85/15 Category H rule that can reduce effective tax to as little as 3–4%. It also covers the NT (No Tax) code process, lump-sum withdrawals, voluntary UK Na

Steve Thompson - Founder & CEO @ Atlas Bridge Wealth November 25, 2025 The story behind why we built Atlas Bridge Wealth Moving to Portugal isn’t simply a lifestyle decision, it’s also a financial one. For many British nationals, the appeal is obvious: year-round sunshine, lower living costs, beautiful coastlines, and a pace of life that feels healthier and more grounded. Yet behind the dream often sits a complex financial reality. The moment you become a Portuguese tax resi

Consider these points before you leave... By Atlas Bridge Wealth Relocating from the UK to Portugal is an exciting lifestyle decision, but it’s also one of the most significant financial transitions you’ll ever make. The tax systems don’t align neatly, and without the right planning at the right time, many British expats unintentionally create avoidable tax bills, lose valuable allowances, or miss out on opportunities available  only before  they leave the UK. At Atlas Bridge

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