Last updated: October 2026

Can foreigners buy property in Portugal? Yes — Portugal places no restrictions on foreigners buying property. You don’t need to be resident, and the process is the same whether you’re Portuguese, British, American or Brazilian. What makes it feel complicated is that it involves several parties and documents most buyers have never seen before. Here is how to buy property in Portugal, step by step, in the order it actually happens.

1. Define your budget — including the costs on top

Beyond the purchase price, plan for roughly 7–10% in additional costs: property transfer tax (IMT), stamp duty, notary and registration fees, and your lawyer. On a prime property the taxes alone can exceed 7%. See our separate guide to purchase taxes in Portugal for the 2026 rates.

If you need a mortgage, speak to a bank or credit intermediary early. Portuguese banks lend to non-residents, but usually on more conservative terms than to residents — a lower loan-to-value and a closer look at your income.

2. Get your Portuguese tax number (NIF)

The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is essential: you can’t sign a purchase contract, open a bank account or pay the taxes without it. It is issued by the tax authority (Autoridade Tributária). Buyers living outside the EU may need to appoint a fiscal representative in Portugal. A lawyer can obtain the NIF on your behalf in a few days.

3. Open a Portuguese bank account

It isn’t legally mandatory, but it makes paying deposits, taxes and future bills much simpler — and it’s required if you take a Portuguese mortgage. Expect the bank to ask for proof of identity, address, income and the source of funds.

4. Appoint an independent lawyer

The lawyer represents you, not the seller or the developer. They check that the property can be sold free of problems and draft or review the contracts. The key documents they verify are:

  • Certidão Permanente — the land registry record: owner, mortgages, liens.
  • Caderneta Predial — the tax registry record and the property’s tax value (VPT).
  • Licença de Utilização — the habitation licence confirming the property can be used as a home.
  • Energy certificate and, for newer buildings, the Ficha Técnica da Habitação.
  • Condominium debts and the minutes of recent owners’ meetings, for apartments.

5. Sign the promissory contract (CPCV)

Once the terms are agreed, buyer and seller sign the Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda. It fixes the price, the deadline for the deed and the conditions of the sale. On signing, the buyer pays a deposit — commonly between 10% and 30% of the price.

This deposit has real legal weight: under Portuguese law, if the buyer withdraws without valid reason, they lose it; if the seller withdraws, they must return double. For new developments, the CPCV usually sets a schedule of staged payments until completion — more on that in our guide to buying off-plan.

6. Pay IMT and stamp duty

Property transfer tax (IMT) and stamp duty must be paid before the deed, and the proof of payment is presented to the notary. Your lawyer generates the payment documents through the tax portal.

7. Sign the deed (Escritura)

The final deed is signed before a notary, at a Casa Pronta office, or as a document authenticated by a lawyer. The balance is paid, the keys are handed over, and ownership transfers. If you can’t be in Portugal, you can sign through your lawyer with a power of attorney.

8. Register the property and set up the essentials

The purchase is registered at the land registry in your name — usually handled immediately as part of the deed process. After that, transfer the utility contracts (water, electricity, gas, internet) and note that municipal property tax (IMI) is charged annually from the following year.

How long does it take to buy property in Portugal?

For a resale property with clean paperwork and no mortgage, six to ten weeks from accepted offer to deed is realistic. With a mortgage, allow more. For off-plan purchases, the deed happens at completion of construction — sometimes one to three years after you sign.

Buying from abroad?

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This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change — confirm the specifics of your purchase with a lawyer.