Take a board seat at a certified Portuguese startup. Qualify for IFICI.
No academic qualification needed. A genuine board seat at a certified Portuguese startup qualifies you for IFICI. Confirmed working after 2025 approvals.
A genuine board position at a certified Portuguese startup qualifies you for the IFICI tax regime. 20% flat tax on local income and 0% on most foreign income for 10 years. Expatico places you.
Check my IFICI eligibility
Free consultation. No commitment. Available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
The most accessible route to IFICI
The highly qualified professions routes set a formal qualification bar: EQF Level 8, a doctorate, or EQF Level 6, a bachelor's degree, together with three years of documented professional experience. Employees, board members, and governing body members of certified Portuguese startups under Law 21/2023 are assessed differently: the qualifying basis is the company's certification together with a genuine, remunerated role, rather than sector-specific experience in a particular industry. It has been confirmed as working following the 2025 approvals, and it is the route Expatico specialises in.
Three steps from conversation to IFICI
Who takes board seats through Expatico
Beyond the board seat placement, we manage the full relocation and IFICI process.
A board role must be genuine, with real responsibilities, proper documentation, and remuneration. Arrangements designed purely to obtain a tax benefit without genuine economic substance are unlikely to withstand scrutiny from the Tax Authority. Expatico only places board members in real operating companies. This page does not constitute tax or legal advice. Speak to a qualified Portuguese tax adviser about your specific situation.
Ready to explore a board seat?
Book a free call. We will tell you within 30 minutes whether a board seat is the right route for your situation.
check your IFICI eligibility first
Assessed on the company, not your industry
The qualifying basis on this route is the startup's Law 21/2023 certification together with a genuine, remunerated role, rather than sector-specific experience in a particular industry.
The board seat route has been validated following the first wave of IFICI approvals. Applications tied to genuine roles at genuine companies are being approved.
We match you with certified Portuguese startups that fit your background. We handle the placement, the documentation, and the IFICI application.
Share your background, sector expertise, and what you bring to a board. We map you to the right startups.
We introduce you to certified Portuguese startups that fit your profile. You take on a genuine board or advisory role.
Move to Portugal, register as a tax resident, and apply for IFICI with our full support. We handle the paperwork.
Senior professionals relocating to Portugal
You have built a career in tech, finance, or operations and want to contribute to Portugal's startup ecosystem while making the most of IFICI.
You have exited or are between ventures. A board role gives you meaningful engagement with early-stage companies and a qualifying IFICI structure.
Investors entering the Portuguese ecosystem
You are relocating to Portugal and want a role that connects you to the local startup community while qualifying you for IFICI.
We match you with the right certified startup and manage the introduction.
We ensure the appointment, responsibilities, and remuneration are properly documented for IFICI purposes.
Your Portuguese tax number, sorted remotely before you move.
We register you as a Portuguese tax resident and set up your address.
We prepare and submit your application to the Tax Authority before the 15 January deadline.
We support you throughout your 10-year IFICI period.