Buying a Property in Portugal

Are you a foreign citizen interested in buying a real estate property in Portugal in 2026? This article is for you! Please explore the following lines with details on the purchase process and get in touch with our Portuguese lawyers for personalized legal advice.

Quick Facts
Overview of the real estate in Portugal	The real estate market in Portugal is stable and performing well, with a significant increase in properties sold in the last few years.
Where to find properties to buy	– real estate agencies, – web portals, – newspaper ads, – trade shows or fairs, etc.
The Golden Visa Program	The Golden Visa program offers investors the opportunity to obtain a residency and work permit in Portugal through investments. Since October 2023 real estate purchases no longer qualify; the main route is now EUR 500,000 in qualifying investment funds.
Credit loans for buying land in Portugal	You can apply for a loan that can potentially cover up to 75% of the property's total price. Contact our Portuguese lawyers if you need advice in this direction.
Deposit value when buying property in Portugal	Around 10% of the total sum
Register the property	If someone transfers the ownership of a property, it is necessary for him/her to get in touch with the Land Registry.
Real estate due diligence	Real estate due diligence involves: – verifying property documents, – analyzing previous ownerships, – checking tax payments, and examining other legal aspects etc.
Property rental in Portugal	After buying a property in Portugal, you can choose to rent it.
Documents required to buy land in Portugal	– Portuguese tax number (NIF), – photo ID (both parties), – sale-purchase contract, – payment stamps, – land register record, etc.
Priority of rights	When there are disputes or multiple claims over a property in Portugal, the Land Registry claims priority to the party who registered their its earlier.
Buying land in Portugal for British citizens	British citizens are still allowed to invest in real estate in Portugal, including buying a property in Lisbon, after Brexit. They are advised to contact our team of lawyers in Portugal for further details.
Overview of the land for sale in the Azores	– lower real estate prices, – stable market, – government incentives, – no Golden Visa through real estate since October 2023
Locations where you can buy land in Portugal	You can choose to buy land in any part of the country, including Azores, Algarve or the capital city of Lisbon.
Legal authorization of real estate agents in Portugal	All of the real estate agents are approved and licensed by IMPIC (Instituto dos Mercados Públicos, do Imobiliário e da Construção).
Advantages of buying a property in Portugal	– affordable real estate prices, – stable economy and real estate market, – opportunities through the Golden Visa Program, – rental income potential
Preliminary purchase contract	It is an agreement between the buyer and seller that outlines the terms and conditions of a property transaction (deposits, documentation, timeframes, penalties, etc.)
Sale and purchase contract	A legal agreement that officially transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer, confirming that the sale was complete.
Mortgage options	Up to 65–75% of the value of the property or sale price for non-Portuguese residents; 85–90% of the sale price for residents
Documentation for mortgage loans	– ID or passport, – address proof, – proof of income, – proof of deposit, – bank statements, – preliminary purchase contract, etc.
Construction loan	With the help of our Portuguese lawyers, you can obtain a construction loan if you already own land in the country.
Types of properties in Portugal	– apartments, – villas, – duplexes, – condominiums, etc.
Property taxes	– Municipal Property Tax (IMI) – varies on the location of the property; – Property Purchase Tax (IMT) – varies between 0% – 8% of the purchase price; – Stamp duty – 0.8% of the purchase price
Insurance	Fire insurance is mandatory in most cases in Portugal, but you can choose other types of insurance for your property too.
Physical presence required (YES/NO)	NO, our law firm in Portugal can handle the process of buying a property without you having to be physically present in the country.
Taxes for selling a property in Portugal	– 50% of the gains you make from the sale (residents), – 50% of the gain taxed at progressive rates (non-residents too, since 2023)
Exemptions from the payment of capital gains	If the property was bought before January 1, 1989; If you reinvest the sale proceeds in a new permanent home within 36 months; The reinvestment amount is counted net of any outstanding loan on the property sold.
Local bank account required (YES/NO)	NO, but recommended
Renting your property (YES/NO)	YES
Building your own home in Portugal	– obtain necessary planning permission; – check the land's usage license; – hire architect and builders
Assistance	Our lawyers in Portugal can assist in buying a property in the country, including with documentation, due diligence and additional legal services.

Are there any restrictions on foreigners in buying properties in Portugal?

No. Both EU and non-EU citizens can purchase properties in Portugal, respecting all the conditions imposed.

Do I need residency in Portugal to buy a house?

No.

What documents are needed for purchasing a property in Portugal?

valid ID/passport,
NIF, the Portuguese Tax Identification Number,
proof of funds to buy a house in Portugal,
proof of an existing bank account in Portugal to make the transaction, etc.

What is NIF, and why is it solicited for buying a house in Portugal?

NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is an important document for foreigners who relocate to Portugal for more than 90 days,
NIF is used for most transactions and administrative matters in Portugal, including for real estate purchases.

IMPORTANT! First, you will have to get a NIF and then start the formalities of buying a property in Portugal.

You might want to check the following infographic for details on this topic:

What are the stages of buying a house in Portugal in 2026?

get the NIF,
search for a property, helped by a real estate agent in Portugal, preferably,
open a bank account in Portugal,
pay a small deposit, normally about 10% of the value of the property,
sign a pre-sale contract (our Portuguese lawyers can assist),
pay the relevant taxes,
sign the final sale-purchase agreement,
register as the new owner at the Land Registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial).

NOTE! All these steps can be attentively overseen by our lawyers in Portugal. Our customers from abroad can be represented with a power of attorney.

Is due diligence necessary for buying a property in Portugal?

Yes, it is highly recommended to solicit real estate due diligence and make sure the property does not have any legal problems.

How is legal ownership proved for a house in Portugal before purchase?

With the Permanent Land Certificate that confirms the ownership. Our real estate lawyers in Portugal can help you in this matter.

Do I need an Energy Certificate when buying a house in Portugal?

Yes, the owner of the house will have to provide you with the energy certificate at the time the property is sold.

What are the taxes imposed for buying a property in Portugal?

0%-8% Property Transfer Tax (IMT), depending on price and use, paid by the buyer,
0.8% stamp duty paid by the buyer,
1%-2% as legal fees paid by the buyer,
around EUR 500 – EUR 1,000 as notary fees.

IMPORTANT! Buyers aged 35 or under who buy their first own permanent home are exempt from IMT and stamp duty up to a yearly-updated price cap (partial relief above it) when buying a property in Portugal.

Before committing to a major investment such as buying land in Portugal, it is recommended that you seek legal advice from one of our attorneys in Portugal.

The following video presentation contains information about how to buy a house in Portugal:

Is residency by investment available in Portugal?

Yes, but not through real estate: since October 2023 property purchases no longer qualify, while routes such as EUR 500,000 in investment funds remain.

Can I apply for a credit loan for a property in Portugal?

Yes, foreign citizens interested in buying a property in Lisbon can apply for a loan that can cover about 75% of the total price of the property.

How do I find a property for sale in Portugal?

Foreign citizens in Portugal can use the services of a real estate agent or access a wide range of online platforms established in the real estate sector.

What types of properties can I buy in Portugal?

Apartments, houses, condominiums, duplexes, and villas are available for sale in Portugal.

Ready to buy a real estate property in Portugal in 2026? We kindly invite you to contact our law firm in Portugal and benefit from personalized legal services in this endeavor.