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MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES

The Portuguese minimum wage increases from €565.80 to €589.16 (4%), to take effect from 1 October. The minimum wages in Portugal remained unchanged since 2010. The average monthly wage in Portugal in 2013 was €984.

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WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON FORM OF SECURITY TAKEN OVER REAL ESTATE IN PORTUGAL?

There is three standard security taken over real estate: voluntary mortgage, retention of title and seizure. Concerning mortgage, it should be formalised through public deed or by a certified private document. To produce its legal effects, a mortgage must be registered at the land registry office. As for the retention of title, it should be incorporated using a duly authenticated contract or public deed and is also subject to registration at the land registry office so it can be used against any third parties. Finally, a seizure is done through a lawsuit and is not subject to specific conditions. The mortgage is by far the most widely used security.
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Corporate tax rate reduction

The State Budget for 2015 lowered the corporate income tax rate to 21% (it was 23%). Corporate tax is a tax levied on profits derived by both resident and non-resident entities. This decrease corresponds to a loss of tax revenue of around EUR 200 million. The aim is to create conditions to attract foreign investment. It is important to note however the adding of the state tax (between 3% and 5%, depending on the amount of taxable income) and the municipal surcharge (up to 1.5%) wich give a real tax rate of around 25%.
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WHAT IS A TRADEMARK AND WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO REGISTER IT IN PORTUGAL?

A trademark is a sign that identifies products or services that exist or is going to be launched in the marketplace. Trademarks enable us to distinguish a company’s products or services from those of other companies. A trademark can comprise letters or words (verbal trademark), but may also be composed of pictures (pictorial trademark), or both (mixed trademark). It is also possible to register sounds as trademarks (recorded graphically on staves - sound trademark), as well as three-dimensional shapes (three-dimensional trademark). Trademarks can also be made up of advertising slogans, independently of any Copyright protection they may enjoy. If the trademark is pictorial or contains a mix of words and pictures, you need to attach a picture of the trademark for publication in the Industrial Property Bulletin. This should be on A4 paper, no larger than 8cm x 8cm, and no smaller than 3cm in at least one of its dimensions. The image for publication should be of good technical quality
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WHAT IS A PLEDGE?

A Pledge is a security for an obligation to ensure that payment will be made by selling some specific assets of the debtor. Under Portuguese law, a pledge (penhor) may be created over cash or fungible securities. To be valid, a pledge depends on delivery of the asset or assets to the creditor or the third party as a trustee or bailee. There are two types of pledge: civil and commercial. A commercial pledge is a pledge between entities or individuals subject to the regulations of the Commercial Code. These will be individuals with the capacity to carry out commercial acts or entities that engage in commercial activities. In general, the requirements for a civil pledge are somewhat stricter than those for a commercial pledge. A civil or commercial pledge may be used depending on the status of the parties. In practice, a civil pledge is more likely to be used.
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I FOUND THAT THE PROPERTY I PURCHASED HAS DEFECTS, WHAT CAN I DO NOW?

Every consumer purchase is covered by a mandatory legal guarantee. As long as you are a consumer, no seller can claim otherwise. Legally, the property must not suffer from any defect which has a negative impact on its value or which renders its regular use impossible. If these warranties are breached, the consumer can choose between repair, replacement, refund or a price reduction. However, the buyer must notify the seller of defects within one year of their discovery. If the property is newly built, the purchaser will also benefit from a five-year warranty period. According to Art. 1225 of the Civil Code, the seller is liable for damages in respect of certain defects during five years, if he has also constructed, repaired or modified the building.
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