Can foreigners buy property in Portugal?

Yes - foreigners can freely buy property in Portugal. There are no nationality restrictions and no special permits required, whether you are a UK citizen, an EU national or a buyer from outside Europe.

What you need before signing

• NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) - the Portuguese tax number. Mandatory for any transaction. We obtain it for you, including the fiscal representative requirement for non-EU residents.
• Portuguese bank account - recommended for paying IMT (transfer tax), stamp duty, utilities and condominium fees.
• Proof of funds - particularly relevant under anti-money-laundering rules.

The transaction in three steps

1. CPCV (promissory contract) - usually with a 10%–30% deposit. This is where legal due diligence matters most: title, debts, planning, licensing.
2. Escritura - the public deed signed before a notary.
3. Registration - at the Land Registry (Registo Predial). Only after this are you the legal owner.

Taxes to budget for

• IMT - transfer tax, progressive, up to 7.5%.
• Stamp duty - 0.8% of the price.
• IMI - annual municipal tax, typically 0.3%–0.45% of the taxable value.
• AIMI - additional tax on high-value portfolios (above €600,000).

Do I need a lawyer?

It is not legally required, but it is strongly advised. The notary checks the deed - not your interests. An independent lawyer verifies title, charges, licences, urban classification and contractual terms before you commit funds.