Portugal vs South Africa
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇵🇹 Portugal — Municipal & Regional Taxes
Portugal's 18 districts and 308 municipalities levy a municipal IRS surcharge (Derrama Municipal) of up to 1.5% of taxable income on residents. Municipalities also apply the Derrama Municipal on corporate profits (up to 1.5%). Madeira and Azores autonomous regions have their own lower tax regimes: Madeira has a 14.7% corporate rate in the MIBC (international business centre). Real estate transfer taxes (IMT) are municipal. The NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) regime attracted many foreigners until 2024 when it was replaced by IFICI.
🇿🇦 South Africa — Provincial & Municipal Taxes
South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax — this is national. Municipalities levy property rates (0.5%–2.5% of assessed value/year), utilities, and refuse levies. Cape Town and Johannesburg have relatively higher municipal rates. Load-shedding prompted energy-related tax credits in recent budgets.
Portugal vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇵🇹 Portugal has a higher top income tax rate (13.25–48% vs 18–45%). 🇿🇦 South Africa is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Portugal has a higher consumption tax (6–23% vs 16%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇵🇹 Portugal offers a lower corporate rate (19% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇿🇦 South Africa taxes investment gains at a lower rate (18% vs 28%), benefiting investors.