Braga

Public Administration in Braga, Portugal: Finance and Local Services

1. Local Government Structure

• City Hall (Câmara Municipal de Braga): Responsible for local governance, public services, and community development.
• Website: Câmara Municipal de Braga

2. Key Financial Services

• Taxation:
  • Property Tax (IMI): Annual tax on property ownership. Rates vary based on property value (0.3% to 0.8%).
  • Municipal Tax on Real Estate Transfers (IMT): Paid when purchasing property, ranging from 0% to 6% based on the property value.
• Business Registration:
  • Cost: Approximately €360 for registration.
  • Procedure: Register at the local Business Registration Office (Balcão do Empreendedor).
• Social Security Contributions:
  • Self-employed: 21.4% of income.
  • Employees: 11% deducted from salary, with employers contributing an additional 23.75%.

3. Local Services

• Public Transport:
  • Braga Metro: Affordable and efficient. Tickets range from €1.20 to €2.00 depending on the distance.
  • Bus Services: Operated by Transdev, with single tickets costing around €1.50.
• Waste Management:
  • Cost: Included in property tax; additional fees may apply for excess waste.
  • Collection Schedule: Varies by neighborhood; check local schedules online.
• Water Supply:
  • Provider: Águas de Braga.
  • Cost: Average monthly bill around €30, depending on usage.

4. Procedures for Key Services

• Opening a Bank Account:
  • Documents Required: Identification (passport or ID), proof of address, and tax identification number (NIF).
  • Process: Visit a local bank branch; most banks offer English-speaking staff.
• Obtaining a Tax Identification Number (NIF):
  • Where: Local tax office (Serviço de Finanças).
  • Documents Required: Passport, proof of residence, and a completed application form.
• Registering for Health Services:
  • Where: Local health center (Centro de Saúde).
  • Documents Required: NIF, proof of residence, and identification.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

• Language: Portuguese is the official language; learning basic phrases can be beneficial.
• Cultural Norms: Punctuality is valued in business and public services.
• Public Holidays: Be aware of local holidays as they may affect service availability.
• Networking: Engage with local community groups or expat forums for support and information.

6. Contact Information

• Câmara Municipal de Braga:
  • Address: Avenida da Liberdade, 35, 4700-032 Braga
  • Phone: +351 253 201 000
• Tax Office (Serviço de Finanças):
  • Address: Rua do Comércio, 12, 4700-031 Braga
  • Phone: +351 253 205 000

This structured guide provides essential information for navigating public administration and financial services in Braga, Portugal.