Buying a home in Portugal: the main steps

Buying a home in a new country is easier when you know the order of the steps. This is the usual path in Portugal.

Before you start

Tax number (NIF). You need a Portuguese tax number to buy. People who live outside the EU usually need a tax representative in Portugal to get one.
A Portuguese bank account. It makes payments, taxes and utility bills much simpler.
A realistic budget. Remember that the price is not the only cost (see below).

The usual steps

Search and visit. Decide the area, type and budget, then visit the properties that fit.
Check the documents. For any property, ask for the land registry certificate (certidão permanente do registo predial), the tax record (caderneta predial), the use licence (licença de utilização) and the energy certificate. For an apartment, also ask about the building's condominium situation.
Make an offer. When you agree a price, the property is usually taken off the market while the contracts are prepared.
Promissory contract (contrato-promessa). Buyer and seller sign a contract that sets the conditions and the date of the deed. A deposit (sinal) is normally paid at this point.
Taxes before the deed. The property transfer tax (IMT) and stamp duty (imposto do selo) are paid before the deed is signed.
The deed (escritura). It is signed in front of a notary or at a public registry service, and the sale is then registered in your name.

Costs to expect

Besides the price, plan for IMT, stamp duty, notary and registration fees, and professional fees. After the purchase there is an annual municipal property tax (IMI).

Who does what

We advise, help you prepare and organise the documents and help you search for suitable properties. Legal checks of the property are done by a lawyer, and regulated estate agency work is done by a licensed agent. Where you need either, we work with licensed partners.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and procedures change, so check the current requirements with the authority concerned or a licensed professional.