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  • Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel and Sé Catedral Hotel Porto triumph at “Oscars of Tourism”

    The Mercan Group‘s hotels in Portugal, managed by AHM, have been honored in the prestigious World Travel Awards 2024.

    These awards, often dubbed as the “Oscars of tourism,” recently unveiled their winners for the year, recognizing two of Porto’s newest additions: the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel as “Portugal’s Leading Business Hotel 2024” and the Sé Catedral Hotel Porto as “Portugal’s Leading Design Hotel 2024.”

    Owned by Mercan Properties and the Mercan Group in Portugal, and overseen by AHM – Ace Hospitality Management, these two establishments were celebrated at a ceremony held yesterday in Berlin, attended by their respective general managers.

    Paulo Pereira, director of the Renaissance Porto Lapa, expressed pride in receiving this recognition less than a year after the hotel’s opening. He sees it as a testament to the dedication of the entire team in establishing the Renaissance Porto Lapa as a premier hotel in the city and the country, offering a blend of 5-star service and authentic experiences.

    Bruno Miranda, director of the Sé Catedral Hotel Porto, views this achievement as validation for the hotel’s distinctive concept, designed to captivate and inspire guests. He believes that the hotel’s philosophy transcends mere decoration, embodying a relaxed, vibrant, and creative atmosphere reflective of Porto itself.

    The Renaissance Porto Lapa, part of the global Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, stands as the only property under this brand in Portugal. Situated in Porto’s historic Lapa neighborhood, the hotel offers 163 elegant rooms and suites, a restaurant, two signature bars, and 544 m2 of flexible event space equipped with state-of-the-art conference technologies.

    Meanwhile, the Sé Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marks the debut of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand in Portugal. Positioned in front of the iconic Sé Catedral, the 4-star hotel features 77 uniquely designed rooms, each inspired by diverse global influences, along with a restaurant and bar.

    Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards aim to recognize excellence in the global tourism industry, fostering competitiveness and promoting quality across the sector.

  • Breaking Boundaries: A New Chapter in Immigration Law with AIMA Collaboration

    We’re thrilled to share a groundbreaking development: the signing of a historic collaboration protocol between the Lawyers and Solicitors Bar Associations and AIMA. This significant agreement, finalized yesterday, paves the way for solicitors and lawyers to temporarily assess pending cases, thereby easing AIMA’s bureaucratic workload. Notably, this collaboration extends to processes related to granting residence with investment, including the gold visa.

    This partnership signifies a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to address the backlog inherited from SEF and modernize legal processes. It underscores our unwavering advocacy and validates prior announcements regarding the government’s proactive stance on tackling the backlog.

    Part of a larger initiative aimed at resolving the backlog, this collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to managing immigration files, aligning with our advocacy alongside the government. While specific details of the agreement are still unfolding, its existence underscores our collective commitment to driving meaningful change and enhancing legal proceedings’ efficiency.

    This announcement holds great promise for our clients, reflecting both the Government and AIMA’s dedication to alleviating the backlog and enhancing legal services. By leveraging technology and legal expertise, we anticipate significant progress in expediting processes, enhancing transparency, and delivering superior outcomes.

    Rest assured, from our side, we’re fully committed to keeping you informed every step of the way as this collaboration unfolds and further initiatives take shape.

  • Important Update: Release of the Amendment to the Citizenship Law

    We are delighted to announce that the amendments to the Citizenship Law have been officially published today. As previously communicated, these amendments bring about significant changes to the citizenship application process. One crucial aspect of these changes is Article 15, which states: “For the purposes of counting legal residence periods provided for in the present law, the time elapsed since the moment in which the temporary residence permit was requested, provided that the same will be granted.”

    There has been some ambiguity regarding what constitutes the “request” for a temporary residence permit, especially concerning the process of acquiring a golden visa for citizenship purposes. As outlined in our previous article, available here, several possibilities exist, including:

    i) The online submission date
    ii) The date of payment of the online application
    iii) The date of biometrics
    iv) The date of biometrics with no notice of further documents missing
    v) Other moments

    Given the legislator’s intention to address the backlog affecting immigration proceedings, we anticipate that the date of online submission or payment will likely be considered as the “request” for residency calculations.

    While the law is already in effect, the regulation will be implemented within the next 90 days. Once this regulation is finalized, we will have a definitive answer to the question of what moment constitutes the request for a golden visa in the context of acquiring citizenship.

    Please be assured that the team at IAS is fully committed to providing you with comprehensive support and guidance throughout this process. We will continue to keep you informed of any further developments.

  • Being part of Mercan means embodying a global presence

    As Mercan, we embody a global presence as an innovative leader in investment, development, and hospitality.

    In a dynamic world, we stand at the crossroads of vision and innovation, spearheading advancements in foreign investment, development, and hospitality.

    With over 35 years of expertise in consultancy, education, and immigration through investment, our company thrives on deep market insight. These pillars underpin our success.

    Watch the full video below:

  • Mercan Portugal was awarded the Most Efficient Operation Award at the IFM Summit Lisbon 2024

    Mercan Portugal’s Construction and Development team has once again demonstrated its leadership in innovation and operational excellence by winning the Infraspeak – Most Efficient Operation Award for the second consecutive year at the IFM Summit Lisbon 2024.

    This achievement underscores the pivotal role of technology and innovation in the competitive landscape of hotel operations management. It celebrates the exceptional performance of the Construction and Development teams in asset management, showcasing the effectiveness of employing intelligent, adaptable, and sustainable tools in asset management practices.

    In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, where challenges for the Project Maintenance paradigm are evolving under the 5.0 technology Era, Infraspeak Portugal emerges as a distinctive platform for maintenance and facility management. It seamlessly integrates teams, projects, software, and hardware, while offering modern automation and optimizing resource allocation. This results in enhanced efficiency and intuitive operations within the hospitality sector.

    This accolade not only sets a new benchmark for efficiency but also reaffirms Mercan Portugal’s leadership position in the construction and development of the hotel industry.

  • Navigating Changes in Portugal’s NHR

    Mercan Group is excited to provide you with an important update regarding Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime. In light of recent developments, including the end of the NHR regime from January 1, 2024, and the introduction of a transition period, we are pleased to announce that the Tax Authorities have issued clarification regarding the transitory regime.

    As per Article 236 of the LOE 2024, the NHR tax regime, as previously in effect, will continue to apply until the completion of the 10th consecutive year from the year of registration as an NHR. This provision applies to individuals who fall under the following categories:

    a) Individuals who were already registered as NHRs with the Tax Authority (AT) as of January 1, 2024, until the completion of their 10-year entitlement to be taxed as NHRs.

    b) Individuals who meet the conditions outlined in Article 16 of the Personal Income Tax Code (CIRS) for qualification as tax residents in Portugal as of December 31, 2023, and apply for NHR registration with effects from the year 2023 by March 31, 2024.

    c) Individuals who become tax residents by December 31, 2024, and subsequently apply for NHR registration with effects from the year 2024 by March 31, 2025, declaring their eligibility as NHRs.

    To qualify, individuals must meet one of the following criteria:

    1) Have a promise or employment contract with duties in Portugal by December 31, 2023;
    2) Hold a lease or other property agreement in Portugal by October 10, 2023.
    3) Have a reservation contract for property in Portugal by October 10, 2023.
    4) Enroll dependents in Portuguese educational institutions by October 10, 2023.
    5) Possess a valid residence visa or permit until December 31, 2023.
    6) Initiate residence visa or permit procedures by December 31, 2023.

    Taxpayers must provide supporting documents when requested by AT services to demonstrate eligibility.

    d) Be family members of taxpayers mentioned in paragraphs a), b), or c) of Article 236(3) of the LOE 2024.

    For applications submitted after March 31, 2025, NHR status will be effective from the year of application until the end of the 10th consecutive year from 2024, the year of residency in Portugal.

    It is important to note that individuals must hold professions of high added value as specified in administrative rule n.º 12/2010, dated January 7th, to access this regime.

    We trust that this information will help you better understand the recent changes to the NHR tax regime.

  • Mercan Group’s Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel has been elected as the ‘Opening of the Year’ at the Nit Awards 2024

    Mercan Group‘s Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel, known for its distinctive charm and unique character, has been honored with the ‘Opening of the Year’ award at the 2024 NiT Awards. Situated in the heart of Porto, this prestigious recognition underscores the hotel’s exceptional performance since its inauguration in 2023, marking a significant milestone in the hospitality industry.

    Driven by Mercan Properties’ vision to revitalize Porto’s Lapa district, the hotel serves as a cornerstone for broader urban renewal efforts. This initiative reflects a dedication to luxury accommodations and the revitalization of an iconic part of the city, blending five-star hospitality with cultural and community engagement.

    Guest feedback consistently praises the hotel’s meticulous attention to detail, the warmth of its staff, and the unwavering commitment evident in every aspect of service. With its impressive 17-meter infinity pool and rooftop area offering stunning views and a superb cocktail menu, the hotel provides a memorable experience for all visitors.

    Looking ahead, the hotel is focused on elevating its culinary offerings, aiming to redefine Portuguese cuisine with a sophisticated flair and establish itself as a gastronomic landmark. As a vibrant gathering place for both locals and guests, the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel is positioned to continue playing a pivotal role in Porto’s urban landscape, with ambitious plans for the future promising even greater developments.

  • Important Update: Ruling by the Constitutional Court

    We are pleased to share an important update regarding proposed changes to immigration legislation in Portugal. Recently, the Portuguese Constitutional Law confirmed the compliance of these proposed changes with the Portuguese Constitution.

    The next critical phase in this process involves the document’s final ratification by the Republic’s President, a step we anticipate will occur shortly. Upon ratification, this amendment will significantly alter the calculation of the citizenship request timeline. Specifically, the five-year period required for submitting a citizenship request will no longer commence from the issuance date of your residency card. Instead, it will begin from the date of submission of the application. It is worth noting that the specific moment of submission of the application is yet to be defined by law but will be clarified in forthcoming regulations, expected to be published within the next three months following the publication of the law.

    We are fully prepared to offer our unwavering support and assistance with any inquiries or matters you may encounter throughout this process. Our steadfast commitment ensures you are well-informed and equipped to navigate these changes seamlessly.

  • Important Update on the Portugal Golden Visa Program!

    The Golden Visa program has recently undergone some changes which end the granting of residence permits based on real estate acquisition. Investors may obtain a permit under the Golden Visa to acquire shares/units in non-real estate collective investment funds.

    Mercan Hospitality Investment Funds:

    • Bridge View Hotel
    • Hard Rock Hotel Phase III
    • Alvor Phase II

    Key Details:
    Investment Amount: 500,000 EUROS to qualify for the golden visa

    Minimum Investment Time: 6 years

    Fund Type: Venture Capital in Hospitality

    Return: Enjoy a fixed 2% return per year

    Total Inv Fund: 140M EUR

    Exclusive Benefits: Receive 7 free nights per year in a double room at any hotel within the fund’s portfolio

    Returns are exempt from taxation in PT, if clients are not tax residents.

    Apply with Mercan Group by contacting us today!


     

  • Portugal drew in €3.5 billion in foreign investment in 2023, marking the highest influx since 2016

    There have been 36 new investment decisions totaling €2.739 billion, resulting in the creation of 6,810 jobs. Among these, 14 projects are industrial in nature. Additionally, there are 12 investment projects from existing companies in Portugal, expected to generate an extra 1,500 jobs. AICEP is currently overseeing 50 PIN applications.

    Last year, AICEP secured a record-breaking €3.5 billion in investments, the highest amount since 2016. Of this sum, over €2.7 billion comes from new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), encompassing 36 confirmed leads and the creation of 6,810 jobs. Notably, the industrial projects account for 14 of these, generating 3,555 new positions. The remaining 3,255 jobs pertain to service centers.

    Additionally, reinvestment projects by foreign and domestic companies contribute over €719 million to the total, promising an additional 1,526 jobs.