Getting a Mortgage in Portugal: The Process & Timeline
How getting a mortgage in Portugal works, step by step — from your first consultation to signing the deed — and how long each stage takes.
Getting a mortgage in Portugal is very doable — including as an expat or non-resident — once you know how the process runs and what each stage involves. Here’s the full journey, with realistic timings.
Who can get a mortgage in Portugal?
Both residents and non-residents can borrow in Portugal. Living abroad isn’t a barrier; it mainly affects the deposit you’ll need and the terms on offer. We regularly arrange financing for buyers with complex income too — the self-employed, company owners and people paid in dividends. If you’re buying from abroad, our mortgages for foreigners & non-residents page covers the specifics.
The process, step by step
- Initial consultation (day 1). A conversation about your goals, budget and situation. You’re matched with a dedicated advisor who stays with you throughout.
- Document collection (2–5 days). Clear guidance on what’s needed and why, shared through secure, GDPR-compliant channels. See our guide to the documents you’ll need.
- Your profile goes to the banks (about 4 hours). We prepare a complete dossier that presents you in the best possible light.
- Banks return their offers (5–10 days). We work with nine banks and lenders in Portugal, with experienced, dedicated managers at each of them.
- Proposal & selection (1–3 days). We lay the offers side by side, explain the trade-offs, and you choose.
- Finalisation & deed (10–20 days). We coordinate the bank and notary; taxes are paid, and the escritura (deed) is signed. The home is yours.
What it costs
Our service is free to you — we’re paid by the lender. On top of the purchase price, budget for purchase taxes and costs. As a non-resident buying a home, that means IMT at a flat 7,5% (unless you have been a Portuguese tax resident before), stamp duty of 0,8% on the higher of the price and the property’s tax value (VPT), and stamp duty of 0,6% on the mortgage amount, plus notary, registration and bank set-up costs. For example, a 350.000 € home with a 245.000 € mortgage, assuming the price is not below the VPT, carries 30.520 € in purchase taxes. See the property purchase tax guide or estimate your own with the cost-of-buying calculator.
Ready to start?
The first step is a free, no-obligation conversation. You can also run a quick simulation to see indicative numbers before you talk to anyone.