GUIDE · FOREIGN BUYERS

Buying property in Portugal as a foreigner

Yes, any foreigner can buy property in Portugal on the same terms as a Portuguese citizen. You need a NIF (tax number), ideally a Portuguese bank account, and you pay IMT, stamp duty and registry. Since October 2023 (Law 56/2023) buying property no longer grants a Golden Visa (investment residence permit).

Updated 13 November 2026 · Metastate, licensed real estate agency (AMI 22076)

The steps

  1. Get a NIF. The Portuguese tax number is required to buy. It is issued by the Tax Office; residents outside the EU/EEA may need a fiscal representative.
  2. Open a Portuguese bank account. It makes payments, the deposit and any mortgage easier. Not mandatory, but almost always simpler.
  3. Choose the property and check the documents. Tax record (caderneta predial), land registry certificate, habitation licence and energy certificate. The agency should have them before the promissory contract.
  4. Promissory contract (CPCV). Sets price, deadline and deposit (usually 10% to 30%). A lawyer representing the buyer is recommended.
  5. Pay IMT and stamp duty. Before the deed. See the amounts in the purchase costs guide.
  6. Deed and registration. Signed at a notary, lawyer or Casa Pronta. Registration in your name completes the purchase.

What you pay

Taxes are the same for residents and foreigners. See the amounts in purchase costs. In Lisbon, buyers from abroad paid a median €6,325/m² over the last 12 months, more than residents (€5,000/m²), a sign they target the most expensive areas and homes.

How Metastate helps

Service in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French; video viewings; documents checked before the contract; and trusted lawyers, banks and removal companies. See properties or talk to a consultant.

Sources

General information, not legal or tax advice. For your specific case: talk to a consultant.