Portugal remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for real-estate investment — but a safe transaction depends on proper legal guidance from the very start. Here is the essential you should know before investing.
The process in three stages
Buying a property in Portugal generally involves three main stages:
- Due diligence — a legal review of the property, including ownership, licences and any encumbrances.
- Promissory contract — signing of the contract, usually with a deposit.
- Deed of sale — transfer of ownership and payment of the remaining balance.
Costs and taxes
When acquiring a property, you should account for:
- IMT — municipal property transfer tax
- Stamp duty — 0.8%
- Notary and registration fees
- IMI — annual municipal property tax
These charges represent a meaningful percentage of the total investment and should be factored in from the outset.
Why legal support is essential
A proper legal analysis allows you to:
- Confirm the property’s ownership and legal status
- Identify charges, encumbrances or debts
- Review and negotiate the contracts
- Ensure compliance with Portuguese law
For international clients
For a foreign investor, the process may also involve:
- Obtaining a NIF (Portuguese tax identification number)
- Opening a Portuguese bank account
- Structuring the investment efficiently
- Coordinating cross-border legal and tax matters
Planning is essential
Buying a property should fit within a broader strategy. Matters such as taxation, asset protection and succession (wills) should be considered from the start.
How we can help
At Seruya & Melo we provide end-to-end legal support:
- Due diligence and risk analysis
- Negotiation and transaction management
- Representation by power of attorney
- Support on tax, structuring and succession matters
Thinking of investing in Portugal? We ensure a safe, efficient process aligned with your goals. Get in touch.