Buying a home in Portugal from abroad: the steps and the paperwork

Most of our buyers live outside Portugal when they make an offer. The process is the same for them as for residents, with two extra steps at the start: a tax number and, for buyers from outside the EU, a fiscal representative.

1. Get a NIF (tax number)

You need a NIF to sign the promissory contract, open a bank account and pay the taxes. A lawyer can request it for you with a power of attorney, usually in one to two weeks. Buyers from outside the EU also need a fiscal representative, which typically costs €150 to €400 a year.

2. Choose your own lawyer

Use a lawyer who works only for you, not for the seller or the agency. Fees are usually around 1% of the price plus VAT. Your lawyer checks the land registry certificate (certidão permanente), the tax record (caderneta predial), the habitation licence and any debts on the property.

3. Open a Portuguese bank account

It isn’t strictly required, but it makes paying taxes and bills much easier. Some banks open accounts remotely; others need you in a branch once.

4. Sign the CPCV and pay the deposit

The promissory contract (CPCV) fixes the price, the date of the deed and the deposit, usually 10 to 20%. If the seller pulls out, they normally return double the deposit. If you pull out, you lose it.

5. Pay IMT and stamp duty, then sign the deed

IMT and stamp duty are paid in the days before the deed (escritura). You, or your lawyer with a power of attorney, sign at a notary or a Casa Pronta desk, pay the balance, and get the keys the same day.

How long it takes

From accepted offer to keys, our buyers took a median of 9 weeks in 2025. The fastest was 4 weeks for a cash purchase of a Lisbon flat with clean paperwork. The slowest was 7 months, for a monte with unregistered barns.