Looking to purchase a property in Portugal?

Purchasing property in a foreign country can be a complex process. Our team of experienced lawyers can provide you with comprehensive support through every step of your real estate investment journey in Portugal.

Why Invest in Portuguese Real Estate?

Portugal is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreign real estate investors. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, favorable climate, and robust property market, it offers excellent opportunities for both residential and commercial investments.

Our team of experienced legal professionals will provide the necessary support and guidance through every step of the process, including:

Property Search and Due Diligence: We help you find the right property and conduct thorough legal checks to ensure a secure investment.

Legal Advice and Representation: We provide expert legal consultation, draft and review contracts, and represent you in all real estate legal matters.

Financial and Tax Advice: We offer advice on tax implications and financial aspects of your investment, including financing options and currency exchange.

Post-Purchase Services: If you're purchasing a property to invest, we assist with property management, drafting rental agreements, and provide ongoing legal support for any post-purchase issues.

As an added benefit, Franco Law can represent you in the process of purchasing a property with a Power of Attorney, if you can't be physically present in Portugal.

FAQ

What are the steps involved in purchasing property in Portugal?

The steps involved in purchasing property in Portugal include:

Property Search: Finding a suitable property that meets your investment criteria.
Due Diligence: Conducting legal and technical checks on the property.
Preliminary Agreement: Signing a promissory contract (”Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda” in Portuguese) and making a down payment.
Final Deed: Signing the final deed (”Escritura de Compra e Venda”) in the presence of a notary and paying the remaining balance.
Registration: Registering the property with the Land Registry (”Registo Predial”) and updating the records at the Tax Office.

Are there any restrictions on foreign property ownership in Portugal?

No, there are no restrictions on foreign property ownership in Portugal. Foreign investors enjoy the same rights as Portuguese citizens when it comes to buying property.

What taxes and fees are associated with buying property in Portugal?

The main taxes and fees associated with buying property in Portugal include:

Property Transfer Tax (IMT): Varies based on the property value and type.
Stamp Duty: Generally 0.8% of the property's purchase price.
Notary and Registration Fees: Fees for the notary, registration, and other administrative costs.

How long does the property purchase process take?

The property purchase process typically takes between 30 to 90 days from the signing of the promissory contract to the final deed. The exact timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction and how quickly the necessary documents are processed.

Can I finance my property purchase in Portugal through a mortgage?

Yes, foreign buyers can obtain mortgages from Portuguese banks. Typically, banks offer financing up to 70-80% of the property's value. It is advisable to get pre-approval for a mortgage to streamline the purchasing process.

What are the benefits of hiring a legal advisor for my property purchase?

Hiring a legal advisor ensures that:

All legal aspects of the transaction are handled professionally.
Your interests are protected during negotiations and contract signing.
Comprehensive due diligence is performed to avoid any legal issues.
The entire process is smooth and compliant with Portuguese laws.

What happens if I decide to sell my property in the future?

If you decide to sell your property, our team can assist you with:

Legal advice on the sale process.
Drafting and reviewing sale contracts.
Ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Handling the transfer of ownership and updating official records.

How do I ensure that the property I am purchasing has a clear title?

Our legal team conducts thorough due diligence, including:

Verifying the property's title and ownership.
Checking for any encumbrances, liens, or legal disputes.
Ensuring all necessary permits and licenses are in place.

Can you help with property management after the purchase, including rental agreements?

Yes, we offer comprehensive post-purchase services, including assistance with drafting and negotiating rental agreements. We can also assist with applying for a short-term rental license.

Other Services

Company Incorporation

This service includes drafting a Power of Attorney (allowing us to act on your behalf), issuing your Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), drafting the Articles of Association, and registering your company at the Commercial Registry.Learn More

Immigration

With our expertise in immigration law, we will help you choose the most suitable visa for your situation. We will then help you gather all the necessary documents and support you throughout the process for the best outcome possible.Learn More

Portuguese Citizenship

Whether you’re applying through investment, naturalization, or ancestry, we will assist you in determining the most appropriate pathway for your unique situation.

Real Estate

Whether you're looking for an investment opportunity or a place to call home, we can help you with the process of due diligence by reviewing the property documents as well as assisting you with the real estate transaction itself.Learn More

Tax Identification Number (NIF)

Having a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF) is mandatory if you want to sign any type of contract in Portugal. We will draft a Power of Attorney so we can issue your NIF without you having to deal with any bureaucracy.Learn More

Non-Habitual Resident Status

There are several scenarios where you can benefit from the non-habitual resident status. Our team will evaluate your specific case and advise you on how to proceed. If you decide to move forward, we can apply for it on your behalf.

About

We are a team of English speaking lawyers based in Lisbon, Portugal. We provide services related to company incorporation, immigration, and taxation, always tailoring our services to your situation.

We're focused on building long-term partnerships with our clients by understanding their legal needs and providing succinct guidance with the legalese kept to a minimum.