Israel vs Portugal Tax (2026)
Thinking of relocating between Israel and Portugal? Here is an honest 2026 side-by-side of the headline taxes — and the two new-resident regimes that usually matter far more than the standard brackets.
Side-by-side: the headline numbers
Every figure below comes from WizeTax’s verified dataset:
| 🇮🇱 Israel | 🇵🇹 Portugal | |
|---|---|---|
| Top income-tax rate | 50% | 48% |
| Income-tax basis | Progressive 10%→47% + 3% surtax | Progressive, up to 48% |
| Capital gains (financial) | 25% (30% if ≥10% holder) | 28% |
| Dividend tax | 25–30% | 28% |
| Standard VAT | 18% | 23% |
| Corporate tax | 23% | 21% |
| New-resident regime | Oleh: 10-yr foreign-income exemption | IFICI: 20% flat / 10 yrs |
| Exit tax on leaving | Yes (Section 100A deemed sale) | No general exit tax |
Source: WizeTax verified dataset · PwC Israel · PwC Portugal
Standard taxes: closer than people think
Top marginal rates are similar: Israel reaches an effective 50% (the 47% top bracket plus a 3% surtax on annual taxable income above ILS 721,560), while Portugal tops out at 48%.
Portugal’s VAT (23%) is higher than Israel’s (18%), and Portugal taxes capital gains and dividends at a flat 28% versus Israel’s 25% (30% for ≥10% shareholders).
On the standard regimes alone, neither country is a clear “low-tax” winner — the real decision is driven by the special regimes below.
The regimes that change everything
Israel’s oleh chadash regime gives new immigrants (and long-returning residents) a 10-year exemption on foreign income — with no reporting requirement. Ideal if you live off foreign assets, dividends or a remote foreign salary.
Portugal’s IFICI (the post-NHR regime) taxes qualifying Portuguese professional income at a flat 20% for 10 years — ideal for high-skill workers earning locally in eligible fields.
And don’t forget the exit side: leaving Israel can trigger Section 100A exit tax on unrealised gains, which can erase years of relocation savings if unplanned. Portugal has no comparable general exit tax.
Run it on your real numbers
See your actual take-home in each country with your income and assets.
Open the Relocation Analyzer →Frequently asked questions
Is Portugal lower-tax than Israel?
It depends on income and regime. Top rates are close (50% vs 48%). The bigger lever is the special regimes — Portugal’s IFICI 20% flat vs Israel’s 10-year oleh foreign-income exemption.
Top income-tax rate in each?
Israel effectively 50% (47% + 3% surtax above ILS 721,560); Portugal 48%.
How does capital-gains tax compare?
Israel 25% (30% for 10%+ holders); Portugal 28%. Israel also has a Section 100A exit tax on emigration.
VAT in each?
Israel 18% (up from 17% on 1 Jan 2025); Portugal 23%.
Which is better for newcomers?
Israel’s oleh regime suits people living off foreign income; Portugal’s IFICI suits high-skill local earners. Model both for your income mix.