Your Buyer Journey in Portugal
Eight mandatory steps to take you from browsing to owning your Portuguese property. Each step links to the tools you need to move forward.
Get a NIF
Portuguese tax number
Your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is required for every property transaction. Non-residents can obtain one at any Finanças office or via a fiscal representative — it's free and usually issued on the spot.
Tip: Bring your passport. If you're outside Portugal, a lawyer or fiscal representative can request it on your behalf.
Open a Portuguese bank account
For payments & transfers
You'll need a local account to pay the deposit, IMT, stamp duty, and the final purchase price. Most banks require your NIF, passport, and proof of address.
Tip: Some Portuguese banks allow non-resident accounts opened remotely with a fiscal representative.
Find a property & make an offer
Browse listings & negotiate
Once you find a property, submit a formal offer. The seller reviews it and, if accepted, you move to the promissory contract stage.
Browse listingsSign the CPCV & pay deposit
Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda
The promissory contract locks in the price and terms. The buyer pays a deposit — typically 10% of the purchase price. If you default, you lose the deposit; if the seller defaults, they must return double.
Tip: The CPCV should include the final price, payment schedule, deed date, and any conditions (e.g. mortgage approval).
Pay IMT & Stamp Duty
Property transfer taxes
Before the deed, pay IMT (Imposto Municipal sobre Transmissões) and Stamp Duty (Imposto do Selo, 0.8%) via the Portal das Finanças. IMT rates range from ~1% to 8% depending on the property type and value.
Estimate your IMTSign the deed (Escritura)
Public deed before a notary
Both parties (or their legal representatives) appear before a notary, lawyer, or solicitador. The purchase price is paid, the deed is read and signed, and the notary issues a certified copy.
Tip: Bring your NIF, passport, bank transfer proof, IMT settlement document, and the seller's property documents.
Register the property
Conservatória do Registo Predial
The deed must be registered at the Land Registry Office to legally transfer ownership in the public record. This is what makes you the official owner.
Set up utilities & IMI
Final administrative steps
Transfer electricity, water, and gas to your name. The property will be enrolled for IMI (annual municipal property tax), which you'll pay each year.
This guide provides a general overview of the property buying process in Portugal. Your specific circumstances — residency status, property type, financing — may introduce additional requirements. Always consult a Portuguese solicitor (solicitador) or lawyer (advogado) for advice tailored to your transaction.