🇲🇽 Mexico vs 🇵🇹 Portugal

Tax residency, treaties and PE risk compared.

Dimension🇲🇽 Mexico🇵🇹 Portugal
Residency rulePermanent home in Mexico OR center of vital interests183 days OR habitual residence on 31 Dec
Day threshold183 days183 days
Warning bandfrom 90dfrom 150d
Tax range1.92–35%14.5–48% (NHR 20%)
Tax treaties60+80+
PE riskMediumMedium
Digital nomad visaNoYes
Best forRFC-registered freelancers using RESICO (1–2.5% flat)IFICI / NHR 2.0 applicants in scientific and tech roles
Common pitfallMexico uses 'permanent home' not days — owning property can make you resident.Owning or renting a home on Dec 31 can establish residency regardless of day count.

Verdict

Mexico and Portugal carry similar residency risk on day-count alone — the deciding factor is usually treaty coverage (60 vs 80) and your specific income mix.

Deep dive

🇲🇽 Mexico residency rules →

Deep dive

🇵🇹 Portugal residency rules →

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