Tax Comparison
Compare Turkey's active 20-year foreign income exemption against Portugal's IFICI regime. Interactive tax estimates for expats, retirees, remote workers, and investors.
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Estimates only. All figures are illustrative ranges for planning purposes. Tax law changes frequently. Consult a qualified cross-border tax specialist before making decisions.
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Check EligibilityTurkey 2026
0–27% est. effective rate
Standard rules: 15–40% progressive on worldwide income. 20-year foreign income exemption (Law No. 7582) available for qualifying individuals — 0% on qualifying foreign income for 20 years.
Portugal IFICI
10–28% effective rate
10-year IFICI regime (20% flat or 10% on pensions). Fully operational for new residents since Jan 2024.
Verdict
Both are excellent
Turkey wins on cost and potential tax-free income. Portugal wins on certainty and EU membership.
Interactive Calculator
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Turkey effective rate
0% – 40%
Enter your income breakdown and situation — get your personalised effective tax rate range for both countries.
Figures are illustrative ranges — not a substitute for professional advice.
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Full Comparison
All key tax and lifestyle dimensions compared for expats, retirees, and remote workers.
| Category | 🇹🇷 Turkey | 🇵🇹 Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Regime | Progressive 15–40% (0% on qualifying foreign-source income if eligible) | IFICI: 20% flat / 10% pension (10 years) |
| Foreign Income | 0% on qualifying foreign-source income if eligible / 15–40% otherwise | 20% flat (IFICI) or exempt categories |
| Pension Treatment | 0% on qualifying foreign pension income if eligible / 15–40% otherwise | 10% flat under IFICI |
| Rental Income (foreign) | 0% on qualifying foreign rental income if eligible / progressive otherwise | 10–28% |
| Capital Gains (property) | 0% after 5 years | 28% (non-residents) |
| Inheritance Tax | 1–30% (low in practice) | Abolished for direct heirs |
| Annual Property Tax | 0.1–0.3% | 0.3–0.8% (IMI) |
| VAT | 20% | 23% |
| Cost of Living | 10/10 (very low) | 6/10 (moderate) |
| Retirement Score | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Remote Work Score | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Residency | Ikamet 1–2yr renewable | D7 / Digital Nomad Visa |
| Min Income Req. | No minimum | ~€760/month (D7) |
| EU Membership | No | Yes |
| Citizenship Path | $400k property | 5 years residency |
By Persona
The right choice depends on your lifestyle, income profile, and risk tolerance.
Retirees with foreign pension
Lower cost + 0% on qualifying foreign pension income if eligible (Law No. 7582)
Certainty of 10% flat rate, EU healthcare
Verdict
Turkey now leads
Remote workers
0% on qualifying foreign employment income if eligible
20% IFICI flat — operational and certain
Verdict
Turkey (if qualifying)
Property investors
Lower purchase prices, 0% CGT after 5 years
28% CGT but EU market, strong demand
Verdict
Turkey on yield
Digital nomads
Affordable cities, Istanbul infrastructure
D7 visa, EU access, strong expat network
Verdict
Portugal on flexibility
Families with children
Lower cost, good international schools
EU schools, Schengen travel, stability
Verdict
Portugal on long-term
High-net-worth individuals
0% on qualifying foreign-source income if eligible + low property tax
20% flat capped — compare against home country
Verdict
Compare carefully
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Pros & Cons
Turkey — Pros
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Portugal — Cons
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