Yes. Portugal places no nationality-based restrictions on who can own property. Any foreigner — resident or non-resident, from the EU or outside it — can buy a house, apartment or plot of land on exactly the same legal terms as a Portuguese citizen. The transaction itself is identical; what differs is the paperwork you prepare beforehand.
Are there restrictions on foreign buyers?
No. There is no limit on the type of property you can buy, no cap on how many properties you may own, no minimum price and no residency requirement. Urban apartments, coastal villas and rural land are all open to foreign ownership. Portugal has welcomed foreign buyers for decades, and they make up a significant share of the market.
What you need to buy as a foreigner
- A Portuguese NIF (numero de identificacao fiscal, or tax number) — mandatory for any property transaction. Here is how to get a NIF.
- A bank account — not legally required, but strongly recommended for paying taxes, deposits and bills. See do you need a Portuguese bank account.
- A fiscal representative — generally required if you are a non-EU citizen who is not tax-resident in Portugal. Read our fiscal representation guide.
- An independent lawyer — not legally mandatory, but the single best protection a foreign buyer has. See why you need a property lawyer.
Does buying property give you residency?
No. Buying a home does not grant the right to live in Portugal. The Golden Visa real-estate route — which once linked property investment to residency — was removed in October 2023. To live in Portugal, most foreign buyers apply for the D7 visa (passive income) or the D8 digital nomad visa. You can still own a holiday home and visit — non-EU nationals may stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
The buying process, in brief
A typical purchase runs: accepted offer, then a promissory contract (CPCV) with a deposit, then due diligence by your lawyer, then the final deed — the escritura — before a notary, and finally registration. Start to finish, it usually takes two to four months. Our step-by-step buying guide covers each stage.
What it costs
Beyond the purchase price, budget roughly 6–8% for acquisition costs: IMT (transfer tax), stamp duty, notary and registration fees, and legal fees. Use our IMT calculator for an exact figure, and see the full breakdown in our cost of buying guide.
Get matched with a licence-verified professional
ExpatPropertyHub connects foreign buyers with English-speaking, licence-verified estate agents and lawyers across Portugal. It is free for buyers. Tell us what you are looking for and we will introduce you to the right professional.
