Portugal is open to international buyers. You do not need to be a resident — or even to be in the country — to buy a home here. The process does, however, have a few extra steps for foreign buyers. Here is what to expect.

You will need a NIF

A NIF (número de identificação fiscal, the Portuguese tax number) is essential: you cannot buy a property, open a bank account or sign the deed without one. Buyers who live outside the EU/EEA may also need to appoint a fiscal representative in Portugal. We arrange both for our clients, usually before anything else.

A Portuguese bank account

While not strictly mandatory in every case, a local bank account makes paying the deposit, the balance, taxes and utilities far simpler. We can support you through the account-opening process.

You can buy without travelling

This is the part that surprises many people: through a power of attorney, your lawyer can act on your behalf in Portugal — signing the promissory contract and even attending the deed — so you can complete the purchase without flying over. Everything can be handled remotely and in English.

Due diligence matters even more from abroad

When you are not on the ground, an independent legal review is your protection. Before you commit a single euro, we verify:

  • Who legally owns the property and the Land Registry record
  • Licences and planning compliance
  • Mortgages, charges, debts and any third-party rights

Currency, financing and tax at home

A purchase abroad also raises questions that sit outside Portuguese law — currency transfers, whether to finance locally, and how the purchase is treated by the tax authorities in your own country. We flag these early and coordinate where needed.

How we help international buyers

At Seruya & Melo you work directly with a partner, in English (and Portuguese, French or Spanish), from first contact to the keys in your hand — due diligence, contracts, deed, registration and the tax steps that go with them.

Buying from the US, UK or elsewhere? Tell us about the property and we will set out the next steps clearly. Get in touch or see how we support buying property in Portugal.