Buying a house in Portugal as a Foreigner: essential guide

Portugal remains one of the top destinations for those looking to live or invest abroad. Learn how to buy a home in Portugal as a foreigner, safely and with expert guidance.

1. Why is Portugal so appealing to international buyers?

With its mild climate, safety, gastronomy, natural beauty and welcoming culture, Portugal offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. But it also stands out for its luxury real estate — from premium apartments in Foz do Douro and private villas in Vilamoura to penthouses for sale in Porto and stunning properties with pools in the Algarve.
Whether you're planning to live, vacation or invest, buying a home in Portugal as a foreigner is now a transparent and legally secure process — attracting buyers from the UK, USA, Canada, France, Switzerland and Brazil, among others.

2. Who can buy property in Portugal?

Any foreign national — resident or non-resident — can legally buy property in Portugal. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership, which makes the market highly accessible and attractive compared to other European countries.
Many buyers also look for luxury properties with guaranteed rental returns, especially in high-demand areas like Albufeira, Lagos, Tavira and Vilamoura.

3. Required documents for foreign buyers

Before starting the process, make sure you have the following:

• Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF) — can be obtained through a tax representative
• Valid ID (passport or national identity card)
• Proof of address and income
• Portuguese bank account (required for transactions and tax payments)
  If financing is needed, banks may request additional documentation, especially in the case of mortgage loans for non-residents.

Related article: "Americans are the new nationality enchanted with Portugal"

4. How the buying process works

The purchase process includes several steps, ideally supported by a luxury real estate agency such as LUXIMOS Christie's:

• Choosing the property (with professional guidance and on-site or virtual visits)
• Negotiating and reserving the property
• Signing the Promissory Purchase Agreement (CPCV)
• Paying a deposit (typically 10% to 20%)
• Legal documentation review
• Final deed and property registration
  Having expert support from a lawyer or solicitor is highly recommended to ensure everything runs smoothly and your interests are protected.

5. Costs involved in buying property

In addition to the property price, consider the following:

• IMT (Property Transfer Tax) — varies by price and purpose
• Stamp Duty — 0.8% of the purchase value
• Legal and notary fees
• Bank fees (if applicable)
• Maintenance or condo fees (if applicable)

These expenses can vary significantly depending on whether you’re buying a contemporary villa in Porto or a sea-view luxury home in the Algarve.

6. Why work with a premium real estate agency?

A luxury agency like LUXIMOS Christie's offers experience, credibility and global reach. With multilingual teams and deep market knowledge, we provide:

• Carefully selected listings
• Legal and administrative support
• Tailored consultancy
• Full discretion and transparency
• An international network of buyers and investors
  From a designer apartment in Porto to a guaranteed-income property in the Algarve, we deliver a premium service focused on your goals.

Buying a home in Portugal as a foreigner is simpler than you might think — especially when guided by experienced professionals. At LUXIMOS Christie's, we combine local expertise with global insight to help you make this important decision with confidence and peace of mind.

Related article: Porto and Algarve are tax havens for foreign retirees