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Introduction from Clara Silva da Costa
As Clara Silva da Costa, a Portuguese lawyer with over 14 years of legal experience, I have advised international buyers, high-net-worth individuals, multinational corporations, family offices, and embassies on complex property transactions throughout Portugal.
I am a member of the Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados), Bar Number 45229L, a member of the European Association of Lawyers, and hold a Degree in Law, alongside postgraduate qualifications in Registries and Notarial Practice and Labour Law. My professional experience includes work as a Real Estate Lawyer at Bellver and Candela Group, legal advisory work at the United Nations Law and Justice Research Institute, and more than a decade managing a private client and business law practice founded in 2009.
"When international clients approach me to purchase property in Portugal, they are often looking for more than legal assistance. They want confidence. They want clarity. Most importantly, they want to know that their investment is protected. That is precisely what my team and I provide."
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Portugal?
Yes. Portugal allows foreign nationals to purchase property with the same ownership rights as Portuguese citizens. There are generally no restrictions preventing non-residents or non-EU nationals from buying:
- Residential apartments and houses
- Commercial properties
- Land and development opportunities
- Investment properties
- Luxury and high-value real estate
Whether you live in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Asia, or elsewhere, you may legally acquire property in Portugal. However, while foreign ownership is permitted, the legal process requires careful attention to documentation, compliance, and due diligence. Buying without independent legal representation can expose buyers to avoidable legal and financial risks.
Why Legal Support Matters When Buying Property in Portugal
Many international buyers assume the estate agent, seller, or notary will protect their interests. Unfortunately, that is not their role. A Portuguese real estate lawyer represents you—and only you. My responsibility is to verify every legal detail of the transaction, identify risks, negotiate protective terms, and ensure that the property can be safely transferred into your ownership.
Hidden debts attached to the property, ownership irregularities, or invalid building licenses.
Illegal construction modifications, planning or zoning restrictions, and unfavorable contract terms.
Tax registration errors and delays in registration or transfer can jeopardize your rights.
"A property may look perfect on the surface while carrying serious legal complications beneath. Our role is to uncover those issues before you commit."
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Portugal
Ensuring your acquisition is legally secure from beginning to end
1. Obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)
Before purchasing property in Portugal, you will need a Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF)—your Portuguese tax identification number. This is required for: Signing contracts, Opening a Portuguese bank account, Paying property taxes, and Completing property registration.
For non-residents, a legal representative may be required in certain circumstances. Our office assists clients with obtaining their NIF efficiently, often remotely.
2. Open a Portuguese Bank Account
Although not always legally mandatory, having a Portuguese bank account is highly recommended. It simplifies: Deposit payments, Purchase funds transfers, Mortgage payments, Utility and condominium payments, and Tax settlements.
Legal Coordination Support:
We often coordinate this process for international clients as part of a broader legal support package.
3. Conduct Legal Due Diligence
This is one of the most important steps in the entire transaction. Before you sign anything, we perform a full legal review of the property, including:
Ownership Verification
We confirm that the seller is the lawful owner and has legal authority to sell.
Land Registry Review
We analyze the Certidão Permanente to identify: Mortgages, Liens, Easements, Ownership history, and Legal restrictions.
Tax Registration Review
We verify the Caderneta Predial to confirm tax records align with legal ownership and physical reality.
Licensing Compliance
We assess Habitation licenses, Municipal approvals, Renovation permits, Building legality, and Urban planning restrictions. This protects buyers from inheriting legal problems.
4. Sign the Promissory Contract
The Contrato-Promessa de Compra e Venda is a binding preliminary contract that sets the terms. It typically includes: Purchase price, Deposit, Completion date, Conditions precedent, Seller warranties, and Penalty clauses.
"Many buyers sign documents they do not fully understand—we negotiate contractual protections to safeguard your position."
5. Complete the Final Deed (Escritura)
The final purchase is completed through a formal deed signing. At this stage: Remaining funds are transferred, Ownership is formally conveyed, Taxes are paid, and Registration begins.
Presence Note:
If you cannot be physically present, we can often represent you through a properly drafted Power of Attorney.
6. Register Ownership
Following completion, ownership must be formally registered with: The Portuguese Land Registry and Portuguese Tax Authorities. Without proper registration, your ownership rights may not be fully protected.
Our team manages this final stage to ensure your acquisition is fully completed.
Taxes and Costs When Buying Property
Foreign buyers should understand the primary costs involved. These may include:
Property Transfer Tax (IMT)
A variable tax based on: Purchase price, Property type, Intended use, and Buyer status.
Stamp Duty
Typically payable on the transaction value as part of the formal legal requirements.
Notary and Registration Fees
Administrative costs related to legal completion and formal ownership registration in Portugal.
Legal Fees
Professional legal guidance protects your investment and can prevent far more costly future problems.
"We provide transparent fee structures and explain expected transaction costs clearly from the outset."
Common Risks for Foreign Buyers
Over the years, I have helped many clients avoid issues that can jeopardize a large financial commitment. Independent legal advice is often the difference between a secure investment and an expensive mistake.
A Legal Team Built for International Clients
Together, we provide efficient, discreet, and highly personalized service to clients across the world.
Ana Estevas
Partner Support
Provides exceptional support on cross-border legal matters, tax planning, and property structuring. Essential for navigating multiple jurisdictions.
Rita Pinheiro
Due Diligence Specialist
Specializes in due diligence, legal inspections, and real estate transactions. Her precision ensures every detail is verified before signing.
Mila João
Operations Excellence
Ensures operational excellence through advanced legal data management and secure administrative coordination across all cases.
Buying Property in Portugal With Confidence
Portugal offers outstanding opportunities for foreign buyers—but successful property acquisition requires careful legal planning and trusted guidance. As Clara Silva da Costa, I combine 14+ years of legal experience, international advisory expertise, and a strong professional team to ensure that every client can invest in Portugal with clarity and confidence.
From obtaining your tax number to completing the final registration, we protect your interests at every stage. If you are considering buying property in Portugal as a foreigner, professional legal advice is not simply helpful—it is one of the most important investments you can make.