How to buy property in Portugal
A practical guide for buyers (including foreigners): step-by-step process, purchase costs, annual taxes, financing and quirks in Portugal. Informational, verified August 2026 — not legal advice.
Can foreigners buy?
No restrictions on foreigners. You need a NIF (tax number) and, in practice, a Portuguese bank account.
The process, step by step
- 1Get a NIF (directly or via a fiscal representative)
- 2CPCV (promissory contract) with 10–20% deposit
- 3Checks: certidão predial, caderneta, use licence
- 4Escritura at the notary + payment
- 5Registration at the Registo Predial
Purchase costs (on top of the price)
| IMT transfer tax (progressive, up to) | 0–7,5% |
| Stamp duty | 0,8% |
| Notary + registry | ~1% |
Annual taxes: IMI 0.3–0.45% of taxable value (urban); AIMI above €600k per person.
Financing as a non-resident
Banks typically lend non-residents 60–70%.
Quirks that surprise buyers
- ⚠️ Under the CPCV: if the seller withdraws they repay DOUBLE the deposit; if you do, you lose it
- ⚠️ Check the use licence (habitação) — without it you cannot legally live there
- ⚠️ Tax regimes for new residents change often — check the current one before relocating
Frequently asked questions
- Can I buy property in Portugal as a foreigner?
- No restrictions on foreigners. You need a NIF (tax number) and, in practice, a Portuguese bank account.
- What costs and taxes do I pay when buying in Portugal?
- IMT transfer tax (progressive, up to): 0–7,5%; Stamp duty: 0,8%; Notary + registry: ~1%. IMI 0.3–0.45% of taxable value (urban); AIMI above €600k per person.
- Can I get a mortgage in Portugal as a non-resident?
- Banks typically lend non-residents 60–70%.