When someone dies owning assets in Portugal, one legal step is often unavoidable: the habilitação de herdeiros. In this episode, we explain what this procedure is, why it matters, and when families must complete it to move forward with estate administration.Understanding this process early can save time, reduce friction among heirs, and prevent costly delays.🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:1️⃣ What the Habilitação de Herdeiros IsIt is the formal declaration of heirs under Portuguese law, identifying:• All legal heirs• Their respective inheritance sharesThis declaration creates legal certainty and allows third parties—banks, registries, and authorities—to act.2️⃣ When the Procedure Is RequiredThe habilitação de herdeiros is necessary to:• Transfer or register immovable property• Release bank accounts and financial assets• Administer or transfer titled assetsWithout it, estates cannot be properly settled.3️⃣ Extrajudicial vs. Judicial Routes• Extrajudicial (Balcão Heranças):Available when all heirs are in agreement. This route is faster, simpler, and more cost-effective.• Judicial inventory:Required when heirs disagree on shares, asset allocation, or administration. This process involves the courts and can be significantly more complex.4️⃣ Why It Matters for Cross-Border FamiliesFor international families, this step often intersects with foreign wills, multiple jurisdictions, and property registrations—making early legal guidance essential.This episode offers a practical overview of one of the most important steps in Portuguese succession law, helping families and advisors understand what is required—and why.

Navigating inheritance procedures in a foreign country can feel overwhelming, especially when real estate is involved. In this episode, we unpack the very first step families must take when someone passes away owning property in Portugal.The Portuguese succession process has specific legal requirements, and understanding them early can prevent delays, disputes, and costly mistakes.🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:1️⃣ Why the Will Certificate MattersThe process begins with requesting the will certificate from the IRN (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado).This crucial document confirms:• Whether a Portuguese will exists• Whether there are any testamentary dispositions affecting the estate• Which succession rules must apply2️⃣ When “Habilitação de Herdeiros” Is RequiredIf a will exists—or if one does not—the certificate helps determine whether the heirs must initiate the habilitação de herdeiros procedure, the formal process of identifying and recognizing the legal heirs.3️⃣ Why This First Step Is EssentialObtaining the will certificate sets the legal foundation for:• Confirming heirs• Completing inheritance tax obligations• Proceeding with property registration• Ensuring the estate transfer complies with Portuguese lawThis episode provides a simple, practical explanation of the first step families and advisors must take when dealing with Portuguese estate matters—especially for foreigners or those with cross-border assets.

As global transparency frameworks expand to include real estate, many high-net-worth families and advisors are reassessing how property ownership structures intersect with international reporting obligations. In this episode, we explore how common legal structures—such as SPVs, holding companies, and trusts—affect visibility under emerging information-exchange systems like the IPI MCAA.We focus on the principles, not loopholes: understanding what is reportable, how ownership layers are treated, and why relying on non-participating jurisdictions raises significant regulatory, ethical, and reputational considerations.🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1️⃣ How Property Ownership Structures Interact With Reporting RulesWe examine the use of:• Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)• Custodial institutions• Holding companies• Trusts and Persons of Significant Control (PSC)and how each layer affects what tax authorities may receive under expanding exchange-of-information standards.2️⃣ Why Transparency Is Increasing — Regardless of StructureEven when property is owned indirectly (e.g., through a UK limited company or other entity), beneficial ownership reporting requirements continue to tighten, especially in jurisdictions aligned with global transparency initiatives.3️⃣ The Role of Non-Participating JurisdictionsSome jurisdictions opt out of frameworks like the IPI MCAA. While this may reduce automatic reporting obligations, we explore:• The legal limitations of relying on non-participating jurisdictions• The growing scrutiny on center-of-life and substance tests• The risks of banking, compliance, and cross-border tax disputes• Why “privacy” is increasingly difficult to guarantee4️⃣ Substance, Compliance, and Risk ManagementListeners will gain insight into:• Why legitimate structuring must withstand regulatory review• How global tax authorities assess ownership intent and economic substance• The importance of compliance, documentation, and transparent governance5️⃣ Strategic TakeawayProperty ownership structures should

As countries adopt the IPI MCAA framework, one of the most important questions is: What exactly will be shared?In this episode, we break down the full scope of information exchanged between tax authorities regarding immovable property—covering the asset itself, its transactions, its owners, and any related income.This is the most detailed international real estate reporting standard ever proposed, and understanding its components is essential for advisors, compliance teams, and internationally mobile individuals.🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1️⃣ Information About the Property ItselfJurisdictions will exchange key details that identify and describe the asset, including:• Property address• Unique reference number• Type of immovable property• Property value and date of last valuation• Type of ownership or rights held• Fraction or share of ownership2️⃣ Transaction-Level InformationWhen properties change hands, tax authorities will receive data on:• Purchase or sale price• Dates of acquisition or disposal• Mode of transfer (sale, gift, inheritance, etc.)• Financing details• Capital gains and the relevant tax year• Taxes paid on the transaction3️⃣ Legal Ownership InformationFor individuals:• Full name• Tax residence jurisdiction• Local address• Tax Identification Number (TIN)• Date of birthFor entities:• Entity name and type• Jurisdiction of tax residence• Local address• Entity TIN• Business identification number4️⃣ Beneficial Ownership InformationWhenever available, jurisdictions will exchange:• Name of the beneficial owner• Type of beneficial owner• Tax residence jurisdiction• Local address• TIN• Date of birthThis adds transparency in cases where property is held through companies, trusts, or other struc

How often will countries exchange real estate information under the new transparency framework? In this episode, we break down the reporting timelines built into the IPI MCAA (Immovable Property Information Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement)—and what they mean for tax authorities, advisors, and internationally mobile property owners.The agreement sets out two types of exchanges: a one-off exchange of historical property holdings and annual exchanges covering new acquisitions, disposals, and recurrent income. Understanding the timing requirements is crucial for compliance and system readiness.🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• The one-off exchange deadlineWhen two jurisdictions activate the IPI MCAA, they must exchange information on pre-existing property holdings by 31 January of the following year.This buffer period gives tax administrations enough time to collect, verify, and prepare data before sharing it.• Annual exchange timelinesEvery year, participating Competent Authorities are expected to automatically exchange information on:– New property acquisitions– Property disposals– Rental or other recurring income from immovable propertyThey should aim to complete these exchanges by 31 January, but must do so no later than 30 June.• What “preceding year” means for reportingThe annual exchanges must include all real estate information that became readily available to the tax administration during the previous calendar year.• Why timing mattersClear deadlines help ensure:– Predictable reporting cycles– Consistent international cooperation– More effective use of the exchanged data for tax compliance and enforcementThese timelines also give jurisdictions a workable structure for implementing the IPI MCAA without overwhelming their administrative systems.

Reciprocity sits at the heart of global tax transparency. Without it, information exchange systems would be unbalanced, inconsistent, and difficult to implement. In this episode, we unpack how reciprocity works specifically within the IPI MCAA (Immovable Property Information Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement) and what makes this framework unique.Unlike other exchange-of-information agreements, the IPI MCAA allows jurisdictions to provide Readily Available Information on an “as is” basis while letting receiving jurisdictions decide whether they want to participate in one or both of the reporting modules. This flexibility makes the system more inclusive—while still preserving the essential principle of reciprocity.🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why reciprocity matters in international tax cooperationIt ensures fairness: if a country expects to receive information, it must also be prepared to provide information under the same framework.• How reciprocity functions in the IPI MCAAParticipating jurisdictions send whatever relevant property information they already have, while receiving jurisdictions can choose the scope of data they want—Module 1 (holdings & acquisitions), Module 2 (income & disposals), or both.• Why bilateral exchanges may differBecause jurisdictions vary in how much information they hold and which modules they opt into, the flow of real estate data can differ from one bilateral relationship to another. This flexibility reflects the practical realities of differing administrative capacities.• Avoiding fragmentation: a simplified approachTo prevent complexity and inconsistencies across dozens of exchange relationships, a jurisdiction can join the IPI MCAA as long as it is willing to send all information items in the Annex that it has readily available.This ensures:– Maximum transparency– A coherent system design– Predictability for receiving jurisdictions– Reduced administrative burdenThe result is a streamlined, effective global framework that balances fairness, practicality, and the growing need for cross-border visibility into property ownership.

As governments work to strengthen global tax transparency, the exchange of real estate information has become a new priority. But instead of creating complex new reporting systems, the IPI MCAA (Immovable Property Information Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement) takes a more practical approach: it focuses on Readily Available Information—data that tax authorities already possess and can share quickly.In this episode, we break down why this approach was chosen, what counts as “readily available,” and how the framework works in practice.🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:• Why the IPI MCAA prioritizes existing dataWhile full due diligence rules could improve consistency, they would require major legislative and operational changes. By relying on information jurisdictions already store—property registers, tax databases, and beneficial ownership systems—the pathway to greater transparency becomes much faster and more achievable.• What qualifies as “Readily Available Information”This includes electronically captured, searchable, and sortable data such as:– Property holdings– Acquisitions and disposals– Recurring income from real estate– Beneficial ownership records (where accessible)Non-electronic files are typically excluded—but jurisdictions may include them if they consider them truly “readily available.”• Why visibility over foreign real estate mattersCountries tax immovable property differently—some tax capital gains and rental income heavily, others exempt them entirely, and many do not impose wealth or inheritance taxes. Access to foreign property data helps tax authorities verify whether offshore income or wealth is correctly reported or taxed.In some cases, the information may also support cross-border tax collection.• How the IPI MCAA is structured: the two-module systemThe agreement allows jurisdictions to choose what type of information they want to receive:1️⃣ Module 1: Holdings & Acquisitions• One-off exchange of historical acquisitions when a bilateral relationship begins• Annual exchanges for new acquisitions going forward

As global tax authorities continue to strengthen transparency frameworks, real estate has emerged as a critical area in need of more consistent reporting. Many jurisdictions already hold valuable property data—transactions, ownership records, and recurring income—but these details are often siloed, inaccessible, or exchanged inconsistently across borders.In this episode, we explore how developing a common legal and operational approach can dramatically improve short-term tax transparency by enabling governments to share Readily Available Information on immovable property more efficiently.At the heart of this effort is the Immovable Property Information Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (IPI MCAA)—a voluntary framework designed to standardize how real estate information is exchanged internationally.🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• What “Readily Available Information” means in the context of property ownership• Why jurisdictions are seeking a unified system for sharing real estate transaction and income data• How the IPI MCAA works and why it’s a milestone for global transparency• The role of the new XML schema and user guide in ensuring consistent, secure, and automated information transmission• What this shift means for tax authorities, advisors, and anyone holding property across bordersThis episode breaks down a highly technical topic into clear, practical insights—helping listeners understand why real estate reporting is becoming central to global tax compliance.

Over the past decade, global tax transparency has undergone a major transformation. Since 2010, new international standards and agreements have dramatically lowered the barriers to sharing tax information across borders. Now, with real estate increasingly recognized as a vehicle for hiding undeclared wealth, governments are moving to strengthen reporting frameworks even further.In this episode, we unpack the legal foundation behind the exchange of real estate information—focusing on the emerging Immovable Property Information (IPI) MCAA, a multilateral agreement designed to enhance collaboration among jurisdictions that choose to participate.🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:• How post-2010 reforms paved the way for broader information exchange• What the IPI MCAA is and why jurisdictions are adopting it• The types of real estate data tax authorities will exchange, including:(i) Property holdings(ii) Acquisitions of immovable property(iii) Disposals or transfers of ownership(iv) Recurring income derived from real estate• Why this agreement represents the next major step in closing transparency gaps left by financial-asset-focused frameworks like CRS• What this shift means for international property owners, advisors, and globally mobile individualsThis episode provides a clear, accessible breakdown of a complex but important development reshaping global tax compliance—and the responsibilities of those holding real estate across borders.

Global tax transparency didn’t happen overnight—it began with a bold statement from G20 leaders in 2009 to end bank secrecy. That declaration set the stage for the Exchange of Information on Request (EOIR) standard, empowering tax authorities to access key financial data, accounting records, and even beneficial ownership details tied to assets like real estate.In this episode, we explore how the movement toward transparency has evolved, and how India’s persistent advocacy has pushed the conversation even further. Building on years of requests, the G20 in 2023 officially recommended expanding the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) to include property and related recurring income—a major shift in global tax governance.🔎 What You’ll Discover in This Episode:• How the G20’s 2009 anti–bank secrecy stance transformed global transparency• What EOIR allows tax authorities to access—and why real estate matters• India’s central role in pushing for AEOI coverage of immovable property• The 2023 G20 recommendation that could redefine cross-border tax reporting• What expanded real estate transparency means for international property owners and advisorsThis episode offers a concise, insightful look at the evolution of tax transparency—and why real estate is now firmly on the global agenda.

Why is real estate becoming the next major focus in global tax transparency? In this episode, we break down the growing push—led strongly by India within the G20—to include non-financial assets like property in the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) framework.For years, the global system has focused almost exclusively on financial accounts through CRS. But new data shows a rising challenge: cross-border property ownership is increasing and is often underreported, creating blind spots that allow undeclared wealth to slip through existing reporting rules.🔎 Inside This Episode:• Why India is pushing for real estate to be added to AEOI• What the 2023 G20 report reveals about the surge in cross-border property holdings• How immovable property is used to hide undeclared assets outside CRS visibility• The major gap in today’s AEOI framework — and how governments plan to close it• What expanded reporting could mean for globally mobile individuals and property ownersThis episode is essential listening for tax advisors, international investors, and anyone managing or owning property across borders. As transparency rules evolve, understanding these changes is critical to staying compliant—and prepared.

Around the world, governments are quietly shifting their tax strategies — moving away from corporate taxation and turning their attention to private wealth. As inequality widens and traditional tax bases shrink, high-net-worth individuals, global entrepreneurs, and mobile “tax nomads” are finding themselves increasingly under scrutiny.In this episode, we break down why wealthy families are becoming the new tax target, what governments are planning next, and how internationally mobile individuals can protect themselves through smarter planning and stronger compliance.🔎 What You’ll Learn:• The global pivot toward wealth taxes• How new rules may redefine personal income — even taxing unrealised gains• Why nomads are under the microscope: center-of-life tests, information-sharing, and tougher residency scrutiny• The rise of exit taxes and cross-border enforcement• Practical steps HNWIs must take: anticipate regulatory shifts, strengthen substance, and prioritize transparencyWhether you manage global assets, advise wealthy families, or live across multiple jurisdictions, this episode gives you the clarity and foresight needed to stay ahead of a rapidly changing tax landscape.

In this episode, we unpack everything you need to know about Power of Attorney (POA) validity in the UAE—how long it lasts, when it expires, and why keeping it updated is crucial.📝 Key Highlights:A POA in the UAE stays valid until the death of either the principal or the agent—unless it’s time-bound.You can set your POA for 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or any duration you choose.Some UAE government departments require a recently issued POA, especially if yours is older than 3 years.Major life changes—marriage, divorce, relocation, new assets—may require updating your POA immediately.Keeping your POA current helps avoid delays, legal hurdles, and government processing issues.💡 Why This Matters:A valid POA ensures the right person can legally act on your behalf—smoothly, confidently, and without complications.🎧 Tune in to learn:How to check your POA validityWhen you should update itWhat UAE authorities typically requirePractical tips to stay compliantShorter Show-Note Version (for IG/X):🎙️ New Episode!Understanding POA validity in the UAE is essential.✔ Valid until the death of either party✔ Can be set for 6 months–3 years✔ Government may require a recent POA✔ Update after major life changesStay protected—keep your POA updated.

Timing matters when it comes to probate in the UAE—and having a Will can make all the difference.✅ With a WillProbate is streamlined, usually wrapping up in 6–8 weeks (about 2 months). If the death certificate comes from outside the UAE, allow an extra month for attestations. The process is clear, predictable, and much less stressful for your loved ones.⚠️ Without a WillThings get complicated. Sharia law inheritance rules, identifying legal heirs, and family discussions can extend probate to 6 months or more. Without clear instructions, the risk of delays, extra costs, and disputes increases significantly.Key takeaway: A properly registered Will isn’t just paperwork—it’s a way to protect your family, reduce stress, and speed up the process when it matters most.

Your life changes—and your Will should change with it.As a general rule, it’s smart to review your Will every 5 years. If you like to stay especially organized, a 3-year check-in works even better. Most UAE Wills already include backup beneficiaries, executors, and guardians, but a periodic review ensures everything still reflects your real-world situation.🔔 When You Must Review ImmediatelyCertain life events shouldn’t wait for the next check-in. Update your Will right away if you experience:Marriage or divorceThe birth (or adoption) of a childMajor changes in assets or financial circumstancesA change in your preferred executors or guardiansA quick update today can prevent major complications later. Reviewing your Will regularly keeps your estate plan accurate, protective, and fully aligned with your wishes—so your loved ones are taken care of exactly as you intend.

Life circumstances change, and your Will may need to be updated. How you do this depends on where the Will is registered:DIFC WillCan be amended at any time for a small fee of AED 575 per amendment.Allows flexibility to adjust assets, beneficiaries, or other clauses without revoking the entire Will.Mainland Courts (ADJD & Dubai Courts)Direct amendments are not allowed.To update, you must revoke the existing Will and register a new Will.It is recommended to include a clause in the new Will stating that all previous Wills are revoked for clarity.Summary: DIFC offers more convenience and flexibility, while mainland courts require full re-registration for any updates.

Preparing a Will in the UAE is a straightforward process, whether you choose DIFC, ADJD, or Dubai Courts. The key is gathering the correct documents before registration. Here’s what you need:1. Identification for All Individuals Named in the WillYou must provide ID for every person mentioned in the Will, including:Emirates IDPassportResidence visaIf someone doesn’t have an Emirates ID, a passport copy is sufficient. All documents must be clear scanned copies with all four corners visible. These can be emailed—no in-person meeting is required at this stage.2. Current Residential AddressThe testator must provide their full residential address in a single line.This appears in the Will and becomes part of the official court record.3. Asset Information (Only If Distribution Is Not Generic)Most people prefer generic distribution, such as:All assets to the spouseIf the spouse has passed, assets shared equally among childrenFor these generic clauses, no asset list is required.However, if certain assets must go to a specific beneficiary, detailed asset information must be provided.Example: If a property should pass directly to a child rather than first to the spouse, full property details are needed so the Will can specify this with backup beneficiaries.4. Remote or In-Person OptionsAll documentation can be submitted by email.Clear scanned copies are sufficient—no physical documents or in-person checks are required during the drafting phase.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is often confused with a Will, but the two serve entirely different purposes.POA vs. WillA POA is valid only during the lifetime of both the person granting it and the person receiving it.If either party passes away, the POA becomes immediately invalid. At that point, the Will takes over for probate and asset distribution.This means a POA cannot be used for post-death matters and does not replace a Will in any way.When a POA Is UsefulIn the UAE, a POA is commonly used when someone is:TravellingHospitalized or unable to moveFacing temporary or permanent mental incapacityNeeding assistance with a specific transaction (e.g., property transfer, business setup, bank matters)Once registered with the court, the appointed representative can act on behalf of the grantor strictly within the powers authorized.

A UAE Will can cover a wide range of assets, giving individuals full control over how their estate is distributed and ensuring a smooth probate process. Wills are typically drafted broadly so that both current and future assets are included without requiring frequent updates.Common Assets Included in a UAE WillIn the UAE, the assets most commonly covered include:Real estate properties – Often the primary asset for expatriates and investors, including freehold and leasehold properties.Bank accounts – Both personal and corporate accounts across any UAE bank.Company shares or business ownership – Including shares in mainland companies, free zone entities, and offshore structures.Investments and securities – Such as brokerage accounts, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial instruments.End-of-service benefits (gratuity) – A significant asset for employees that forms part of the estate upon death.A properly drafted and registered UAE Will ensures that all these assets are transferred according to the testator’s wishes, providing certainty and protection for beneficiaries.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most useful legal tools in the UAE, but it is often misunderstood. A POA does not replace a Will, and the two documents serve completely different purposes.POA vs. WillA Power of Attorney is valid only during the lifetime of both:the grantor (the person giving authority), andthe attorney/agent (the person receiving authority).If either party dies, the POA becomes automatically void.A Will, on the other hand, takes effect only after death, governing the distribution of assets and guardianship arrangements and guiding the probate process.Key point:A POA cannot be used to distribute assets or manage affairs after death. Only a Will can do that.When a POA Is Useful in the UAEPOAs are widely used by residents and non-residents for situations where someone needs to act on their behalf. Common scenarios include:Travel: Allowing a representative to manage property, banking, or legal matters while abroad.Medical situations: When someone is hospitalized or physically unable to attend appointments or manage affairs.Mental incapacity: A POA can authorize a trusted person to act if the grantor becomes temporarily or permanently incapacitated.Specific transactions: Real estate sales, company setup, bank dealings, vehicle transfers, and court appearances often rely on a POA.Once notarized and registered with the relevant UAE court or notary public, the appointed agent can act strictly within the scope of powers granted.A POA is therefore a living-authority tool, while a Will is a post-death planning tool. Both