How to buy property in Portugal
Buying a home in Portugal is very doable as a foreigner — once you know the steps. Here’s the whole journey, from your tax number to the keys.
Whether you’re an expat relocating, an investor, or buying a holiday home, the Portuguese buying process is well-trodden — but it has its own steps and paperwork. This guide walks through it end to end. As you go, you can dig deeper with our cost-of-buying calculator, our glossary of Portuguese terms, and our mortgages for foreigners & non-residents page.
Buying property in Portugal, step by step
Get your NIF (and a bank account)
A Portuguese tax number (NIF) is the key that unlocks everything — you need it to open a bank account, sign contracts and buy. Non-residents can get one too, often through a fiscal representative. A local bank account makes payments and the mortgage far smoother.
Set your budget — price + costs + mortgage
Look beyond the listing price. As a non-resident buying a home, budget for IMT at a flat 7,5%, stamp duty of 0,8% on the higher of the price and the tax value (VPT), 0,6% stamp duty on the mortgage, plus notary, registration and bank set-up costs — and work out how much you can borrow. Our cost-of-buying calculator and mortgage tools give you the real numbers.
Get a mortgage decision in principle
Knowing your financing before you offer makes you a stronger buyer. We compare 9 Portuguese banks and present your profile in the best light — including for non-resident and complex-income buyers.
Find a property & sign the CPCV
Once you’ve agreed a deal, you sign the CPCV (promissory contract) and pay a deposit (the sinal), commonly around 10%. This commits both parties while the final steps are completed.
Valuation & final mortgage offer
The bank values the property and issues the final, binding mortgage offer. The loan is based on the lower of the valuation and the price — we handle the back-and-forth with the bank for you.
Sign the escritura (final deed)
IMT and stamp duty are paid first, then you sign the escritura before a notary and the property is yours. We attend to check every condition matches what was negotiated.
What will it cost on top of the price?
As a non-resident buying a home, you pay IMT at a flat 7,5%, stamp duty of 0,8% on the higher of the price and the tax value (VPT) and 0,6% on the mortgage amount, plus notary, registration and bank set-up costs. Example: a 350.000 € home with a 245.000 € mortgage, price not below the VPT, carries 30.520 € in purchase taxes. Use our 2026 calculator to estimate yours.
Estimate my buying costs