Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Property in Portugal

Yes. Portuguese banks do offer mortgages to non-residents, although lending terms are generally more conservative than those available to residents.

Non-resident buyers can typically finance around 60–70% of the property value, with loan terms of up to 30 years, subject to the borrower’s age, income profile, and overall risk assessment.

Interest rates for non-residents generally range between 3% and 6%, depending on the bank, loan structure, and prevailing market conditions. Rates and margins are often slightly higher than those offered to Portuguese residents.

Applicants will need proof of income, tax documentation, and a credit history. The mortgage process for non-residents typically takes 6–12 weeks from application to final approval and completion, particularly where documents require translation or legalisation.

If obtaining a mortgage as a non-resident, you'll typically need a deposit of around 30% (sometimes higher depending on profile and bank) of the property value.

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For cash purchases, a reservation deposit of 10–20% is common when signing the promissory contract (CPCV), with the balance paid at completion.

No. Portugal’s Golden Visa is no longer available through property investment. As of 2023, purchasing residential or commercial property no longer qualifies for the programme. However, the Golden Visa itself still exists and can be obtained through alternative qualifying investments, including:

• Investment funds with a minimum investment of €500,000
• Capital transfers to research institutions of €500,000 or more
• Contributions to cultural heritage or arts projects starting from €250,000
• Business creation that generates at least 10 full-time jobs in Portugal

In addition, buyers planning to live in Portugal may be better suited to other residency options, such as:

• D7 Visa – for retirees or individuals with passive income
• D8 Digital Nomad Visa – for remote workers and freelancers

Choosing the right residency pathway depends on your lifestyle plans, income structure, and long-term objectives in Portugal.

The best location depends on your lifestyle and investment goals:

• Algarve: lifestyle properties, retirement, second homes (rental yields: 5–8%)
• Lisbon: city living, long-term capital growth (rental yields: 4–6%)
• Porto: strong rental demand and cultural appeal (rental yields: 5–7%)
• Silver Coast & Alentejo: better value and larger properties

A local expert can help identify the most suitable area based on your plans.

The property buying process in Portugal typically takes around 1–3 months from offer acceptance to completion, depending on whether the purchase is made with cash or financing.

• From offer acceptance to the CPCV (promissory contract) usually takes 2–4 weeks

• Legal due diligence generally takes 2–3 weeks, and up to 4 weeks in more complex cases

• Notary preparation and signing of the final deed typically takes 1–2 weeks

Cash purchases can often be completed more quickly, sometimes within 4–6 weeks. Purchases involving a mortgagemay take longer due to bank valuation and loan approval timelines.

Working with an experienced legal team and local professionals can help ensure the process runs smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

The property buying process in Portugal typically takes around 1–3 months from offer acceptance to completion, depending on whether the purchase is made with cash or financing.

• From offer acceptance to the CPCV (promissory contract) usually takes 2–4 weeks

• Legal due diligence generally takes 2–3 weeks, and up to 4 weeks in more complex cases

• Notary preparation and signing of the final deed typically takes 1–2 weeks

Cash purchases can often be completed more quickly, sometimes within 4–6 weeks. Purchases involving a mortgagemay take longer due to bank valuation and loan approval timelines.

Working with an experienced legal team and local professionals can help ensure the process runs smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

The property buying process in Portugal typically takes around 1–3 months from offer acceptance to completion, depending on whether the purchase is made with cash or financing.

• From offer acceptance to the CPCV (promissory contract) usually takes 2–4 weeks

• Legal due diligence generally takes 2–3 weeks, and up to 4 weeks in more complex cases

• Notary preparation and signing of the final deed typically takes 1–2 weeks

Cash purchases can often be completed more quickly, sometimes within 4–6 weeks. Purchases involving a mortgagemay take longer due to bank valuation and loan approval timelines.

Working with an experienced legal team and local professionals can help ensure the process runs smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

Yes. Many agencies now offer virtual property tours via video call, 3D walkthroughs, and detailed video presentations. However, we strongly recommend an in-person viewing before making an offer, or appointing a trusted representative to view on your behalf. At Rodrigues Group, we regularly view and inspect properties on behalf of our international clients.

Virtual viewings are excellent for initial shortlisting but shouldn't replace a physical inspection.​​​​​​​

Yes, but rental rules depend on the municipality and property type. Key considerations:

• Short-term rentals require an Alojamento Local (AL) license
• Lisbon and Porto have introduced quotas limiting new AL licenses in certain areas
• Long-term rentals face fewer restrictions
• Rental income is taxable at 25–28% for non-residents

Expected gross rental yields: Lisbon 4–6%, Porto 5–7%, Algarve 5–8%

It's important to understand local regulations before purchasing an investment property.

Yes, provided proper due diligence is carried out. Buyers should ensure:

• The developer has a proven track record
• Contracts include legal protections (such as bank guarantees)
• Payment stages are clearly defined (typically 20% on CPCV, progress payments, and 50% on completion)
• All licenses and planning permissions are in place

Independent legal advice is strongly recommended.

While not legally mandatory, hiring an independent lawyer is highly recommended, especially for foreign buyers. A lawyer will:

• Verify property ownership and debts
• Check planning permissions and licenses
• Review contracts and represent your interests
• Oversee the completion process

Legal fees typically cost 1% of property value + VAT. This investment helps ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

Yes. Capital gains on Portuguese property are generally taxable for both residents and non-residents. In most cases, 50% of the net gain (after allowable costs and adjustments) is added to your taxable income and taxed under Portuguese income tax rules. 

If the property was your primary residence and you reinvest the proceeds in another qualifying primary residence within the legal time limits, you may benefit from a full or partial exemption. Other exemptions may apply depending on when the property was purchased and your personal circumstances.

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Because capital gains tax depends on factors such as residency status, purchase date, costs, reinvestment, and other income, professional tax advice is strongly recommended when selling property in Portugal.

Yes. Capital gains on Portuguese property are generally taxable for both residents and non-residents. In most cases, 50% of the net gain (after allowable costs and adjustments) is added to your taxable income and taxed under Portuguese income tax rules. 

If the property was your primary residence and you reinvest the proceeds in another qualifying primary residence within the legal time limits, you may benefit from a full or partial exemption. Other exemptions may apply depending on when the property was purchased and your personal circumstances.

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Because capital gains tax depends on factors such as residency status, purchase date, costs, reinvestment, and other income, professional tax advice is strongly recommended when selling property in Portugal.

Yes. Capital gains on Portuguese property are generally taxable for both residents and non-residents. In most cases, 50% of the net gain (after allowable costs and adjustments) is added to your taxable income and taxed under Portuguese income tax rules. 

If the property was your primary residence and you reinvest the proceeds in another qualifying primary residence within the legal time limits, you may benefit from a full or partial exemption. Other exemptions may apply depending on when the property was purchased and your personal circumstances.

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Because capital gains tax depends on factors such as residency status, purchase date, costs, reinvestment, and other income, professional tax advice is strongly recommended when selling property in Portugal.

No. Buying property in Portugal does not automatically grant residency or citizenship. Property ownership alone does not give the right to live in Portugal.

However, owning property can be used as proof of accommodation when applying for certain residence visas, such as the D7 visa.

Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation generally requires:

• Several years of legal residency in Portugal under a valid residence permit (currently 5 years, but the law is subject to change and may be extended to 7 or 10 years)

• Basic Portuguese language skills (A2 level)

• A clean criminal record

• Demonstrated ties to the Portuguese community

Only time spent living in Portugal with a valid residence permit counts toward citizenship. Property ownership alone does not qualify as residency.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough due diligence check at the land registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial) to identify any charges, mortgages, or debts.

Any outstanding debts must be settled before or at completion.

The promissory contract should specify that the property will be transferred free of encumbrances.

Never complete a purchase without this verification.

While not legally mandatory, hiring an independent lawyer is highly recommended, especially for foreign buyers. A lawyer will:

• Verify property ownership and debts
• Check planning permissions and licenses
• Review contracts and represent your interests
• Oversee the completion process

Legal fees typically cost 1% of property value + VAT. This investment helps ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

Yes, provided proper due diligence is carried out. Buyers should ensure:

• The developer has a proven track record
• Contracts include legal protections (such as bank guarantees)
• Payment stages are clearly defined (typically 20% on CPCV, progress payments, and 50% on completion)
• All licenses and planning permissions are in place

Independent legal advice is strongly recommended.

While not legally mandatory, hiring an independent lawyer is highly recommended, especially for foreign buyers. A lawyer will:

• Verify property ownership and debts
• Check planning permissions and licenses
• Review contracts and represent your interests
• Oversee the completion process

Legal fees typically cost 1% of property value + VAT. This investment helps ensure a smooth and secure transaction.

Yes, provided proper due diligence is carried out. Buyers should ensure:

• The developer has a proven track record
• Contracts include legal protections (such as bank guarantees)
• Payment stages are clearly defined (typically 20% on CPCV, progress payments, and 50% on completion)
• All licenses and planning permissions are in place

Independent legal advice is strongly recommended.

Yes, provided proper due diligence is carried out. Buyers should ensure:

• The developer has a proven track record
• Contracts include legal protections (such as bank guarantees)
• Payment stages are clearly defined (typically 20% on CPCV, progress payments, and 50% on completion)
• All licenses and planning permissions are in place

Independent legal advice is strongly recommended.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough due diligence check at the land registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial) to identify any charges, mortgages, or debts.

Any outstanding debts must be settled before or at completion. The promissory contract should specify that the property will be transferred free of encumbrances.

Never complete a purchase without this verification.

Yes, provided proper due diligence is carried out. Buyers should ensure:

• The developer has a proven track record
• Contracts include legal protections (such as bank guarantees)
• Payment stages are clearly defined (typically 20% on CPCV, progress payments, and 50% on completion)
• All licenses and planning permissions are in place

Independent legal advice is strongly recommended.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough due diligence check at the land registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial) to identify any charges, mortgages, or debts.

Any outstanding debts must be settled before or at completion.

The promissory contract should specify that the property will be transferred free of encumbrances.

Never complete a purchase without this verification.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough due diligence check at the land registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial) to identify any charges, mortgages, or debts.

Any outstanding debts must be settled before or at completion. The promissory contract should specify that the property will be transferred free of encumbrances.

​​​​​​​

Never complete a purchase without this verification.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough due diligence check at the land registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial) to identify any charges, mortgages, or debts.

Any outstanding debts must be settled before or at completion.

The promissory contract should specify that the property will be transferred free of encumbrances.

Never complete a purchase without this verification.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough due diligence check at the land registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial) to identify any charges, mortgages, or debts.

Any outstanding debts must be settled before or at completion. The promissory contract should specify that the property will be transferred free of encumbrances.

​​​​​​​

Never complete a purchase without this verification.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough due diligence check at the land registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial) to identify any charges, mortgages, or debts.

Any outstanding debts must be settled before or at completion. The promissory contract should specify that the property will be transferred free of encumbrances.

Never complete a purchase without this verification.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough due diligence check at the land registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial) to identify any charges, mortgages, or debts.

Any outstanding debts must be settled before or at completion. The promissory contract should specify that the property will be transferred free of encumbrances.

​​​​​​​

Never complete a purchase without this verification.