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Legal News

Daily newsletter of legal and judicial news.

Edition summary

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN 60 SECONDS

Criminal justice: The trial of two PSP officers from Olhão has commenced in Faro; the defendants are charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping and qualified homicide. Both have denied responsibility for the death of the Moroccan national.

Immigration and labor: The Public Prosecutor's Office has charged two individuals and a Spanish company with facilitating illegal immigration and the illegal recruitment of labor, seeking the forfeiture of proceeds exceeding 324,000 euros.

Personal Income Tax (IRS) and pensions: The Government has announced an extraordinary supplement for pensions up to 1,611.13 euros and a reduction in IRS rates for brackets up to the 6th level; these measures, still subject to legislative implementation, have an estimated fiscal impact of 800 million euros.

Lease/Tax: The Tax and Customs Authority (AT) has notified 33,381 landlords regarding contracts registered as active, non-renewable, or already terminated; those who have already communicated the termination should verify their status via the Finance Portal to confirm the registration.

SATA: Eight interested parties have advanced in the privatization process for at least 75% of Azores Airlines; non-binding bids from qualified candidates are expected by September 21.

AI and emerging technologies: The Bureau of the CDNET of the Council of Europe held its inaugural meeting on September 8, continuing the European work on the governance of AI and emerging digital technologies.

Official Gazette (DR) and DGSI: The Diário da República No. 175/2026, of September 9, publishes four acts, including the new regime for the recruitment and progression of court officials; regarding DGSI, notable decisions address digital platforms, the non-attachability of salaries, and donations made from the available quota.

1. Justiça e Tribunais

Faro - PSP officers from Olhão stand trial for aggravated kidnapping and qualified homicide

Two PSP officers from Olhão began their trial on September 8th at the Faro Court. The Public Prosecution Service charges them with two counts of aggravated kidnapping and one count of qualified homicide, maintaining that in March 2024, they transported two Moroccan citizens in a patrol car outside the city, where one of them, Aissa Ait Aissa, was violently assaulted and subsequently died following hospitalization. The defendants denied criminal liability. During the hearing, forensic and police evidence was presented that the prosecution argues is incompatible with the initial theory of a vehicle collision.

Why it matters

The trial centers on critical issues regarding forensic evidence, causation, the assessment of circumstantial proof, and the criminal liability of law enforcement officers. The accusatory nature of the facts requires maintaining a clear distinction between the Public Prosecution's theory, the evidence presented at trial, and the court's final ruling.
Source:Diário de Notícias / RTP / LusaView source

Public Prosecutor's Office indicts network for aiding illegal immigration and cross-border labor exploitation

The Évora Regional DIAP has filed an indictment against two foreign nationals, aged 42 and 32, and a corporate entity based in Spain for acts potentially constituting crimes of aiding illegal immigration and the solicitation of illegal labor. According to the indictment, between October 2021 and January 2022, in the Elvas area, irregular entries into Portugal were facilitated through promises of employment and document regularization that were never intended to be fulfilled. The Public Prosecutor's Office has further requested the forfeiture of proceeds identified in an amount exceeding 324,000 euros. The period for a potential request for judicial instruction is currently ongoing.

Why it matters

The case involves transnational criminality, immigration, labor exploitation, and asset forfeiture, including charges brought against a legal entity. It is particularly relevant for labor and immigration compliance within cross-border recruitment and subcontracting chains.
Source:Ministério Público - DIAP Regional de ÉvoraView source

2. Regulação Económica, Fiscalidade e Empresas

Government announces extraordinary supplement for pensioners and further reduction in personal income tax (IRS)

The Prime Minister has announced an extraordinary supplement for pensioners receiving monthly benefits up to 1,611.13 euros, with an estimated cost of 400 million euros, scheduled for payment with the December pension installment. Additionally, a reduction in personal income tax (IRS) rates up to the 6th bracket was announced, also estimated at 400 million euros, with the intent to take effect in November’s withholding tax, including the Christmas bonus. The Minister of Finance subsequently indicated that the specific values will be detailed in the legislative proposal to be submitted to Parliament.

Why it matters

This remains a political and budgetary announcement rather than legislation currently in force. Companies, payroll departments, and taxpayers should await the formal approval of legal instruments and the issuance of new withholding tax tables before adjusting procedures. The final interplay between tax rates, withholding at source, and progressive tax brackets will determine the effective benefit per household.
Source:RTP / RenascençaView source

Portuguese Tax Authority notifies 33,381 landlords regarding lease agreements registered as active despite having expired

The Tax and Customs Authority has issued alerts to 33,381 taxpayers concerning lease agreements currently registered as active, non-renewable, and with an expiration date prior to April 1, 2026, requesting the regularization or confirmation of the information by September 30. The Authority acknowledged that, due to the temporal gap between data selection and the issuance of these alerts, there may be instances where the termination has already been reported. In such cases, the taxpayer must verify on the Finance Portal whether the registration is effectively updated; no further action is required if the termination is correctly recorded.

Why it matters

This alert carries immediate practical significance for property owners and asset managers: it is imperative to review the electronic file of the lease, maintain proof of the termination notice, and rectify any discrepancies before the deadline specified by the Tax Authority. The presence of outdated data may impact declarative obligations and the integrity of the tax information associated with the property.
Source:ECO / LusaView source

Azores Airlines - Eight expressions of interest in the privatization of at least 75% of the capital

SATA Holding has announced receipt of eight expressions of interest regarding the privatization process of SATA Internacional - Azores Airlines. The procedure entails the divestment of at least 75% of the share capital. The interested parties have submitted their Suitability and Compliance Form, a declaration of financial capacity, and a declaration of effective interest; SATA is now proceeding with the verification of participation requirements. Qualified candidates will be invited to submit non-binding proposals by September 21st.

Why it matters

The current stage is particularly significant regarding matters of privatization, due diligence, suitability, compliance, and financial capacity. This procedure fulfills commitments within the restructuring plan approved by the European Commission and will determine the subsequent negotiation phase.
Source:SATA Holding / RTP AçoresView source

Agricultural diesel - Government prepares to extend the 10-cent-per-liter discount until the end of the year

The Government has indicated its intention to approve, at the Council of Ministers meeting on September 9th, an amendment to Decree-Law no. 80-A/2026 of March 31st, extending the 10-cent-per-liter discount on colored diesel until December 31st, 2026. The measure is expected to cover the agricultural, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors and will entail an additional budgetary cost exceeding 15 million euros. As of press time, formal approval and publication had not yet occurred.

Why it matters

This measure may have a direct impact on production costs and the pricing of food products; however, it should not be treated as a vested right prior to the approval and publication of the amending legislation. It is essential to monitor the final text, the scope of beneficiaries, and the eligibility criteria.
Source:RTP / Antena 1View source

3. IA, Tecnologia e Legaltech

Council of Europe - New structure for AI and emerging digital technologies commences Bureau operations

The Bureau of the Steering Committee for New and Emerging Digital Technologies (CDNET) of the Council of Europe held its inaugural meeting on September 8, 2026. CDNET succeeds the working cycle of the former Committee on Artificial Intelligence, which concluded the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and the HUDERIA methodology for assessing risks and impacts on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The new structure addresses new and emerging digital technologies and the implementation of previously developed instruments.

Why it matters

For public and private organizations, European governance of AI and emerging digital technologies establishes compliance and governance standards that are expected to influence internal policies, audits, and stakeholder relations concerning fundamental rights.

Source:Conselho da Europa

4. 3 ACÓRDÃOS EM DESTAQUE - JURISPRUDÊNCIA DGSI

TRL - Digital platform, fleet intermediary, and the presumption of employment

Lisbon Court of Appeal - Social Section | 07.09.2026 | Case No. 30037/23.5T8LSB.L2-4 | Reporting Judge: Susana Silveira | Decision: Unfounded. Descriptors: Digital platform - presumption of employment - Article 12-A of the Labor Code - intermediary/fleet. The Court of Appeal held that the presumption established in Article 12-A of the Labor Code applies to the relationship between a digital platform and the individual providing paid labor; however, the mere organization of the platform and its operation via software fall within the scope of the rule and are insufficient, in themselves, to satisfy the factual basis of the presumption. In this case, the courier operated through an intermediary company, was not compensated by the platform, was not subject to its powers of direction, supervision, or discipline, and did not utilize work tools provided by the platform; therefore, no employment contract was recognized with Bolt Operations OU.

Why it matters

This decision is particularly relevant to 'fleet' intermediation models, the judicial recognition of employment relationships, and the contractual structuring of digital platforms. The judgment demonstrates that judicial analysis remains heavily dependent on the actual relationship concerning payment, control, and the exercise of labor-related authority.
Source:DGSIView source

TRL - National Minimum Wage as an Absolute Threshold for Unseizability in Enforcement Proceedings

Lisbon Court of Appeal - 6th Civil Section | 07.09.2026 | Case No. 28592/23.9T8LSB-A.L1-6 | Reporting Judge: João Brasão | Decision: Partially upheld. Descriptors: Salary - unseizability - Article 738 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) - ex officio cognizance - separate incident. The Court of Appeal qualified the national minimum wage as an absolute limit of protection in enforcement proceedings and concluded that the court may ex officio address a wage garnishment that violates the minimum threshold of unseizability provided for in Article 738, paragraphs 1 and 3, of the CPC, ordering its release. Even if the opportunity to raise the issue in the opposition to the attachment has been exhausted, the debtor may request its assessment through an autonomous incident, precisely because it involves a matter subject to ex officio cognizance.

Why it matters

This guidance is operationally significant for enforcement, wage garnishment, and the debtor's defense: it distinguishes the untimeliness of ordinary opposition remedies from the permanent control of a legal limit aimed at safeguarding minimum subsistence conditions.
Source:DGSIView source

Lisbon Court of Appeal - Donations charged against the freely disposable portion are exempt from collation, but do not eliminate the requirement to inventory and value the asset

Lisbon Court of Appeal - 2nd Civil Section | 07.09.2026 | Case No. 1058/22.7T8MTJ-B.L1-2 | Reporting Judge: Rute Sobral | Decision: Dismissed Descriptors: Donation - freely disposable portion - collation - compulsory share - inofficiousness - inventory. The Court of Appeal ruled that when a donor explicitly declares that a gift is to be charged against their freely disposable portion, the intention is to benefit the descendant beyond their compulsory share; consequently, the collation provided for in Article 2104 of the Civil Code is waived. Nevertheless, the donated asset must still be listed and valued in the inventory, as this is necessary to calculate the compulsory share and to assess any potential inofficiousness of the gift.

Why it matters

This judgment clarifies a recurring distinction in probate inventory proceedings: an exemption from collation does not render a donated asset irrelevant for succession purposes. Its description and valuation remain mandatory to preserve the integrity of compulsory shares and to allow for a potential reduction due to inofficiousness.
Source:DGSIView source

5. DIÁRIO DA REPÚBLICA - 1.ª SÉRIE

Decree-Law no. 180/2026 - Commitments and Overdue Payments of Public Entities

The Diário da República no. 175/2026, Series I, of September 9, publishes four acts. All are considered in this edition, ensuring full continuity of legislative coverage since ATMJ edition no. 12. It updates Decree-Law no. 127/2012 to the new framework of Law no. 24/2026. It recalibrates the definition of overdue payments and the determination of available funds, assigns the Budgetary Entity the responsibility for communicating relevant limits, and clarifies the creditor's right to legal default interest upon the expiration of applicable deadlines, without the need for prior formal notice. It enters into force on the day following its publication.

Why it matters

It has a direct impact on public budgetary management, the assumption of commitments, and collection from public entities. For suppliers and contractors, the coordination between payment deadlines, the triggering of default, and legal interest warrants special attention.
Source:Diário da RepúblicaView source

Decree-Law no. 181/2026 - recruitment and career progression for judicial officers

Establishes the recruitment framework for admission to the position of judicial technician and for promotion to the position of clerk, as well as the appointment to the roles of superior court secretary and judicial secretary. Admission is contingent upon a competitive selection procedure and a specific training course; for judicial technicians, degrees in Law, Public Administration, and Management are accepted. The diploma also regulates the probationary period, tenure, secondments, and substitutions in management positions.

Why it matters

This represents a structural change for the operation of judicial offices and for the capacity for recruitment and career advancement. Its implementation may impact the availability of judicial officers, the organization of units, and the courts' response times.
Source:Diário da RepúblicaView source

Council of Ministers Resolution No. 177/2026 - extraordinary support for Douro winegrowers

Establishes an exceptional measure to support the income of winegrowers in the Douro Demarcated Region who are unable to distribute their production during the 2026-2027 season. Authorizes expenditure of up to 12 million euros, funded by the Agriculture and Sea programs and a centralized allocation from the Ministry of Finance, and mandates the submission, by December 31, 2026, of a proposal for a Sustainability Fund for the Douro Demarcated Region.

Why it matters

Relevant to de minimis State aid, public support for the wine sector, and the structuring of a permanent mechanism for surplus management and market stabilization in the Douro region.
Source:Diário da RepúblicaView source

Ordinance No. 427/2026/1 - Revenue from Tobacco Tax in the Autonomous Regions

Approves the rules for the allocation of tobacco tax revenue collected or generated in the Azores and Madeira, as well as the respective per capita regime. The revenue earmarked for regional health services is determined by a formula based on the resident population, with transfers made in provisional monthly installments and adjusted following the General State Account. This ordinance enters into force on the day following its publication and is effective as of January 1, 2026.

Why it matters

Clarifies the territorial distribution of tax revenue earmarked for the prevention and control of smoking, as well as the financial mechanism applicable to regional health services, with retroactive effect to the beginning of the year.
Source:Diário da RepúblicaView source

Editorial criteria

ATMJ EDITORIAL CRITERIA

This edition covers exclusively the period since the close of ATMJ edition No. 12, at 10:00 AM on September 8, until 10:12 AM on September 9. The selection prioritizes legal-professional utility, primary sources, and cross-verification. Previously published matters are only revisited if there is a new substantive development. Regarding pending proceedings or trials, our editorial process strictly distinguishes between charges, allegations, evidence produced, and facts definitively established. Jurisprudence was verified directly via DGSI, and the Diário da República was reviewed at the time of closing.