The escritura — in full, the escritura publica de compra e venda — is the public deed of purchase and sale. It is the document, signed before a notary, that legally transfers ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. It is the final step of a property purchase in Portugal.
What happens at the escritura
Buyer and seller — or their representatives acting under a power of attorney — meet before a notary. The notary verifies everyone's identity, checks the property's land registry and tax records, and confirms that the transfer taxes (IMT and stamp duty) have been paid. The balance of the purchase price is paid, the deed is signed, and the keys are handed over.
Escritura versus CPCV
These two contracts are often confused. The CPCV (contrato de promessa de compra e venda, or promissory contract) is the binding agreement to buy and sell, signed earlier in the process, when the deposit is paid. The escritura is the completion — the deed that actually transfers ownership. The CPCV is the promise; the escritura is the delivery.
What you need for the escritura
- Your NIF and valid identification.
- Proof that IMT and stamp duty have been paid.
- The property documents: the caderneta predial, the land registry certificate, the habitation licence and the energy certificate.
After the escritura
Ownership must be registered at the Land Registry (Conservatoria do Registo Predial) and the tax register updated. Your lawyer or the notary handles this — it is what makes your ownership enforceable against third parties.
Can you sign remotely?
Yes. If you cannot attend in person, you can grant a power of attorney to your lawyer to sign on your behalf. This is common and entirely standard for foreign buyers.
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