Today, the Touchdown team is thrilled to announce the launch of a new kind of offering in the Portuguese market: NHR by Investment. This makes it possible, for the first time ever, for those looking to move to Portugal to secure NHR 2.0 (IFICI) status without meeting the traditional qualification criteria of having an active working income in a qualifying sector and a university degree.

In partnership with Ventures.eu, a European venture capital fund with a strong focus on Portugal, this offering allows expats, retirees, passive income earners and founders to invest into a Portuguese venture fund and become a start-up board seat holder in a certified Portuguese startup. 

These board seats subsequently qualify investors to apply for Portugal’s NHR 2.0 regime, giving them NHR 2.0 status for ten whole years. This means a flat rate on any working income of 20%, with a further full exemption on foreign sourced capital gains, dividends and interest (0% tax).

Why did we build this?

We found that some very talented and accomplished people moving to Portugal were not qualifying to the NHR for one reason or another.

Sometimes, they were very successful serial entrepreneurs with previous exits, who couldn’t meet the degree qualification criteria that non start-up companies require, because they hadn’t followed the traditional university path.

Other times, they were people at retirement age who didn’t want to open a company in Portugal, but had very impressive careers and could add a lot of value to a Portuguese start-up as an advisor.

How does it work?

• We verify if you are capable of adding value to one of the Portuguese start-ups.
• You become a Board member and advise the start-up.
• You make an investment of 200.000€ into the ventures.eu VC fund. This investment is treated like another investment in the fund, with an impressive anticipated return profile.
• You can apply for the IFICI Regime.

About the NHR 2.0 (IFICI)

Portugal’s NHR 2.0, or IFICI, is considered one of the best tax regimes in Europe. Unlike Spain, Switzerland, France, or Italy, Portugal offers far more benefits to foreign tax residents.

It's part of a broader push to attract high-value talent to the country: from startup founders and tech specialists to scientists, creatives, and remote executives.

At Touchdown, we specialise in helping globally mobile talent relocate to Portugal smoothly and strategically. From choosing the right business setup to navigating visas, tax, and compliance: we do the legwork so you can focus on building your life and business here.

Who is the NHR for?

If you’re looking for a way to secure NHR 2.0 (IFICI) status and you either don’t have a working income and work in a qualifying sector, lacking the required higher education or simply want a more straightforward way to qualify, then NHR by Investment is perfect for you.

Portugal’s NHR regime fully exempts foreign sources of income. It’s a good fit for you if:

• You have overseas entities that generate dividends
• You earn interest from assets
• You own businesses that you want to sell 
• You have equities, stocks shares or crypto that you hold

This is because, for 10 years, the NHR exempts you from taxes on these things: that’s right - zero. It’s probably the best tax regime in the developed world.

And here's a quote from Fernando Ferreira, General Partner at Ventures.eu:

About Ventures

Ventures.eu is a European venture capital fund investing in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies across Europe, with a strong focus on Portugal. Built on Dealflow.eu’s pan-European innovation ecosystem, Ventures.eu combines capital with structured access to corporates, public and private stakeholders, and cross-border innovation networks.

Through this integrated approach, Ventures.eu supports the long-term development and international scaling of high-potential European companies while contributing to the strength and competitiveness of Europe’s innovation economy. Further information on Ventures.eu’s investment approach and partnerships is available at Ventures.eu.

About Touchdown

Portugal’s tax regimes are world class: but only if you know how to make them work for you. That’s where Touchdown comes in. 

We specialise in relocation, tax strategy, and business setup for entrepreneurs, business owners, retirees and expats landing in Portugal.

Join a growing, connected international community that is thriving in some of the fastest growing corners of the world. Portugal - now; Spain - soon; the rest of the world - to come.

If you’re considering the Non Habitual Residency (NHR 2.0 or IFICI scheme), we recommend you book a free introduction call directly with our in-house legal team.