Portugal is open to foreign buyers with no restrictions on ownership. A NIF (tax number) and Portuguese bank account are required, and most buyers engage an independent lawyer to handle searches, contracts, and the public deed.
The buying process
- 1
Get a NIF
Apply for a Portuguese tax number (Número de Identificação Fiscal). Non-EU residents need a fiscal representative.
- 2
Open a bank account
Open a local account to handle the deposit, taxes, and ongoing utility payments.
- 3
Engage a lawyer
Hire an independent lawyer (not the seller's) to run title and planning searches.
- 4
Sign the CPCV
Promissory contract (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda) with a deposit, typically 10–30%.
- 5
Final searches & funds
Lawyer confirms clean title; you transfer the balance and pay IMT and stamp duty before completion.
- 6
Escritura (deed)
Sign the public deed at a notary or via online platform Casa Pronta. Keys handed over.
- 7
Register the property
Lawyer registers the new ownership at the Land Registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial).
Typical fees & taxes
- IMT (property transfer tax)
- 0–7.5% sliding scale, based on price and use
- Stamp duty (IS)
- 0.8% of purchase price
- Notary & registration
- €500–€1,200 typical
- Legal fees
- 1–1.5% of price + VAT
- Annual IMI (council tax)
- 0.3–0.45% of tax value per year
Timeline
- Offer to CPCV
- 1–3 weeks
- CPCV to escritura
- 4–8 weeks
- Total typical timeline
- 2–4 months
What you'll need
- NIF (tax number)
- Portuguese bank account
- Passport / ID
- Fiscal representative(optional)
Required for non-EU/EEA residents
The Golden Visa programme no longer accepts residential real estate as a qualifying investment (changed 2023). Mortgages are available to non-residents, typically up to 60–70% LTV.
General guidance only — confirm specifics with a qualified local lawyer or tax adviser. Reference
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