30/11/2025
🇵🇹 Thinking about buying a home in Portugal as an expat?
Portugal continues to attract expats from all over the world — young professionals, digital nomads, retirees and investors.
If you're considering buying here, these are the essential requirements and documents you’ll need:
✅ 1. Get your NIF (Portuguese Tax Number)
This is the first step for any foreign buyer.
You need a NIF to:
• Open a bank account
• Sign a purchase contract
• Pay taxes and complete the deed
You can obtain it in person or via a legal representative.
✅ 2. Open a Portuguese bank account
Most property transactions require payments through a local bank.
To open one, you’ll usually need:
• Passport / ID
• Proof of address
• NIF
• Proof of income (for financing)
✅ 3. Prepare the required documents
When buying in Portugal, expect to need:
• Valid ID or passport
• Fiscal address
• Bank statements (if applying for a mortgage)
• Source-of-funds documentation (compliance requirement)
✅ 4. Understand the buying costs
Besides the property price, budget for:
• IMT — Property Transfer Tax
• IS — Stamp Duty
• Notary & registration fees
• Mortgage-related costs (if applicable)
• Lawyer/solicitor fees (recommended)
✅ 5. Mortgage for expats? Yes — it’s possible.
Banks in Portugal typically offer mortgages to non-residents with:
• 20–30% down payment
• Proof of stable income
• Clean financial history
✨ Thinking about buying in Portugal — especially in the Azores?
I’m here to guide you through every step and help you find the right home with confidence.
Send me a message — let’s start your Portugal journey!
̃oMiguel