Azores
“The Azores are like a dream, where every island is a different kind of paradise. A place where the ocean kisses the land, and the volcanoes speak of ancient secrets. A treasure chest of wonders, waiting to be discovered.”
Fernando Pessoa
Azores
The Azores, a captivating archipelago of nine volcanic islands scattered across 370 miles of the Atlantic Ocean west of Portugal, offers an ideal retreat for those seeking freedom and personal autonomy.
Awarded the title of World’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination in 2023, the Azores are renowned for their stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Despite this accolade, the islands remain relatively unspoiled, particularly beyond the main island of São Miguel. This serene environment is perfect for those seeking a rural escape and if you’re intent on keeping a low profile, you have multiple islands to hop around on.
As part of Portugal and the European Union, it’s important to be aware of upcoming changes, such as the ETIAS travel authorisation entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals and the EES biometric data collection measures expected in late 2024. Additionally, long-term island living necessitates careful consideration of factors like increased visibility in smaller communities and the potential for isolation during future crises, such as another pandemic.
| 🌎 CONTINENT | EUROPE |
|---|---|
| 📌COUNTRY | PORTUGAL |
| 👫🏻POPULATION | 253 000 |
| 🙏RELIGION | CATHOLICISM |
| 💵CURRENCY | EURO |
| 💉C19 VAX REQUIRED | NO |
| 🔌POWER | 230V - 50Hz |
| 💰GDP PER CAPITA | €21,000 PER YEAR |
| ✈️AIRPORT | PONTA DELGADA - PDL |
|---|---|
| 🪪SCHENGEN VISA FREE | 90 DAYS |
| 🏝️LAND OWNERSHIP | ALLOWED |
| 🛜AVG INTERNET SPEED | 40 MBPS |
| 💧TAP WATER | SAFE TO DRINK |
| 🏧ATM LIMIT | 200 EUROS |
| 💳CASHLESS | MOSTLY ACCEPTED |
| 💸TIPPING | 10 PERCENT |
TAX FRIENDLINESS
Digital Nomad Tax Friendliness: 85/100
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- The Azores follows Portugal’s tax rules, including the Digital Nomad Visa program.
- Digital nomads can benefit from Portugal’s Non Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which offers significant tax advantages.
- The territorial tax system means only income from Portuguese sources is taxed for non residents.
Expat Tax Friendliness: 80/100
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- Residents are taxed on worldwide income with progressive rates from 5% to 35%.
- The Azores offers a 30% reduction on the national personal income tax rates.
- Non residents are taxed at a flat 25% rate on Azores sourced income only.
Investor Tax Friendliness: 85/100
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- Corporate income tax rate in the Azores is 14.7%, lower than mainland Portugal’s 21%.
- A reduced rate of 11.9% applies to the first €50,000 of taxable income for small and medium enterprises.
- The tax deduction rate for qualified investments in the Azores is 20%, allowing up to 20% of the investment amount to be deducted from taxable income.
Crypto Tax Friendliness: 80/100
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- The Azores follows Portugal’s crypto tax rules, which are generally favorable.
- Capital gains from cryptocurrency transactions by individuals are currently not taxed, unless considered a professional activity.
- However, professional crypto activities are subject to progressive income tax rates.
AZORES PRICE REFERENCE
AZORES HOLIDAY LETS
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Portugal Tourist Visa Requirements
Note: Portugal is part of the Schengen Area which allows visa free travel for up to 90 days within a 180 day period for citizens of many countries. If you require a visa, here are the general requirements:
Essential Documents:
- Valid passport issued within the last 10 years with at least two blank pages, and valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport sized photos meeting specific requirements.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation from a host).
- Travel itinerary including flight reservations.
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or proof of financial support).
- Travel health insurance covering medical expenses within the Schengen area.
- Visa fee payment.
Additional Documents (may be required):
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit.
- Proof of employment or studies for students or employed individuals.
- Financial sponsorship if someone else is covering your expenses.
- Criminal record certificate in some cases. May require a clean record for the past five years.
Important:
- Requirements can change so always check the official Portuguese consulate website for the most accurate and up to date information.
- Visa processing times can vary, so apply well in advance of your planned trip.
Requirements for a Portuguese Digital Nomad Visa (Includes Azores)
- Proof of income: Demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,280 (or equivalent in another currency).
- Remote work contract: Evidence of your remote work such as a contract or freelance agreements.
- Accommodation: Proof of secured accommodation in Portugal.
- Valid passport: With a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Health insurance: Comprehensive health insurance covering your stay in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record: A certificate verifying no criminal convictions. May require a clean record for the past five years.
- Financial solvency: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Visa application form: Completed and signed application form.
- Passport-sized photos: Two recent passport sized photos.
- Visa fee: Payment of the visa application fee.
Note: These are general requirements and additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances. It’s advisable to check the official Portuguese consulate website for the most up-to-date information.
Requirements for a Portuguese Retirement Visa (D7 Visa)
- Proof of passive income: Demonstrate a minimum annual income of €8,460 (or equivalent). This can be from pensions, rental income, dividends or other passive sources.
- Valid passport: With a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Health insurance: Comprehensive health insurance covering your stay in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record: A certificate verifying no criminal convictions. May require a clean record for the past five years.
- Proof of accommodation: Evidence of secured accommodation in Portugal (e.g rental agreement, property ownership).
- Financial solvency: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself for the first year of residency.
- Visa application form: Completed and signed application form.
- Passport-sized photos: Two recent passport sized photos.
- Visa fee: Payment of the visa application fee.
Note: These are general requirements, and additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances. It’s advisable to check the official Portuguese consulate website for the most up-to-date information.
OTHER NOTES
ARE ID CARDS REQUIRED
ID Cards in Portugal: Not Always Mandatory
Generally, you won’t need to show an ID card for everyday purchases or services in Portugal. This differs significantly from some other countries.
However, there are specific situations where you might be required to present identification:
- Renting a property: Landlords often require identification to verify the tenant’s identity. A passport or national ID card is usually sufficient.
- Opening a bank account: Banks typically ask for identification to verify your identity.
- Signing up for utilities: Companies providing electricity, water, or internet services might request identification.
- Large cash transactions: For purchases exceeding a certain amount, retailers might ask for identification to prevent money laundering.
- Age-restricted purchases: When buying alcohol, tobacco, or certain medications, you might be asked for proof of age.
Remember: While carrying an ID card isn’t mandatory for most daily activities, having it with you can be convenient in certain situations.
For foreigners: A passport is generally accepted as valid identification in Portugal.
ARE GM FOODS ALLOWED
EU and Portuguese GMO Legislation
The Azores, as part of Portugal and the European Union (EU), adhere to the EU’s regulations regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Here is a detailed breakdown of the relevant regulations and their application to the Azores:
EU Regulations
The EU has a comprehensive legal framework for GMOs, which includes:
- Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release of GMOs into the environment.
- Regulation (EC) 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed.
- Regulation (EC) 1830/2003 concerning the traceability and labeling of GMOs[1].
These regulations ensure that GMOs undergo a rigorous safety assessment before being placed on the market, and they mandate clear labeling and traceability to enable informed choices by consumers and professionals.
Portuguese Implementation
Portugal has transposed these EU directives into national law through various decrees, such as Decree Law 72/2003 and Decree Law 164/2004
The Directorate General for Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV) and the Portuguese Agency of Environment (APA) are responsible for the regulation and monitoring of GMOs in Portugal
Specifics for the Azores
GMO-Free Zones
The Azores have expressed a strong interest in being considered a GMO free zone. The Regional Government of the Azores has been preparing to request the European Commission to officially recognize the region as free from GMO cultivation
Similar to the Autonomous Region of Madeira, which has been declared a GMO free zone, the Azores aim to protect their unique biodiversity and agricultural practices from the potential impacts of GMOs
Current Status
While there have been experimental cultivation requests for GM crops such as Bt corn, these are carried out under strict regulations and using certified, EU-approved varieties
The regional government, supported by various political groups, continues to pursue a ban on GMO cultivation in the archipelago, reflecting the region’s cautious stance towards GMOs
Conclusion
The Azores, following the broader EU and Portuguese regulations, are stringent about the introduction and use of GMOs. The region is actively working towards being recognized as a GMO-free zone, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding its environment and agricultural heritage. Therefore, the allowance of genetically engineered food and animals on the islands is highly restricted and subject to rigorous regulatory oversight.
TRESPASSING - RIGHT TO ROAM
Trespassing Laws in the Azores
As an autonomous region of Portugal, The Azores follow Portuguese national laws regarding trespassing. Here is a detailed breakdown of the trespassing laws and the concept of the right to roam in the Azores
General Trespassing Rules
In Portugal, trespassing is generally defined as entering someone else’s property without permission. This includes private land, buildings, and other types of property.
Trespassing can lead to civil and criminal penalties, depending on the severity and circumstances of the trespass.
Marking Private Property
Private property is often marked with signs, fences, or other indicators to denote that entry is not permitted. For example, trees or rocks painted white can indicate boundaries where activities like cattle grazing or shooting are prohibited. Entering such marked areas without permission is considered trespassing.
Legal Consequences
If someone is found trespassing, they can be asked to leave by the property owner or law enforcement. Failure to comply can lead to fines or other legal actions.
In cases of repeated or aggravated trespassing, criminal charges may be filed, leading to more severe penalties.
Right to Roam
Unlike some countries that have established a legal right to roam (such as Scotland or Sweden), Portugal does not have a general right to roam. This means that individuals do not have the legal right to access private land freely. Access to private land is generally restricted unless explicit permission is granted by the landowner.
Public and Protected Areas
There are public lands and protected areas, such as national parks and nature reserves, where the public can access and enjoy nature. However, even in these areas, there may be specific rules and regulations to follow to protect the environment and wildlife.
Activities such as wild camping are regulated, and specific rules apply to ensure minimal impact on the environment.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
The Azores offer numerous trails and outdoor activities that are well-marked and maintained for public use. These trails often pass through scenic landscapes and are designed to provide access to nature without infringing on private property rights.
It’s important to stay on designated paths and respect any signs or barriers indicating private property.
420 FRIENDLY?
The Azores, as part of Portugal, adhere to the national laws regarding cannabis. Here is an overview of the cannabis-related legal landscape in the Azores:
Cannabis Laws in the Azores
Decriminalization:
In Portugal, including the Azores, the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis for personal use have been decriminalized since 2001. This means that possessing up to 25 grams of cannabis flower or 5 grams of hashish is considered a civil offense, not a criminal one.
Medical Use:
Medical cannabis is legal in Portugal since 2018, but it requires a prescription from a doctor. The use of cannabis for medical purposes is strictly regulated, and personal cultivation is not allowed.
Recreational Use:
While possession for personal use is decriminalized, recreational use of cannabis is not legal. Public consumption can lead to administrative penalties, such as fines or warnings.
Sale and Distribution:
The sale, distribution, and cultivation of cannabis without a license are illegal and subject to criminal charges. This includes trafficking, which can result in severe penalties.
Cultural and Practical Considerations
Availability:
Cannabis is not legally available for purchase in the Azores for recreational use. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis products, particularly hashish, might be accessible through informal networks or local contacts.
Enforcement:
While the laws are clear, enforcement can vary, and local attitudes towards cannabis might be more relaxed in practice. However, it remains important to adhere to the legal framework to avoid any legal issues.
