The questions we
hear the most.
Grouped into six categories: tax, legal, financial, practical, rental and after the purchase. Short answers here — for deeper context, see the full guides in the knowledge base.
01Tax
The classic Non-Habitual Resident status was replaced in 2024 by the IFICI regime (colloquially "NHR 2.0"). Scientists, highly qualified professionals and investors in innovation still enjoy a favourable 20% rate for ten years.
We screen your profile together with our tax partners before you buy — useful to know in advance whether you qualify.
Progressive rate from 14.5% to 48% on worldwide income for residents. Non-residents pay 25% on Portuguese income. Under IFICI, certain income can fall under 20%.
Annual property tax, 0.3%–0.45% of the tax value (VPT). Luxury properties (>€600k) attract an additional IMI-Adicional. We always calculate it upfront.
There is no general wealth tax. There is IMI-Adicional on property above €600k. Savings and shares are not taxed as holdings.
When you emigrate, your resident tax liability at home ends. Tax on assets in your country of origin may still apply. Double-taxation treaties prevent being taxed twice. We build a personal transition plan with our tax partners.
NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is your Portuguese tax number. Mandatory for any purchase. Application takes 5–10 days and can be done from abroad — we arrange it as standard in step 4.
No. You only become resident by staying >183 days per year, or by moving your primary residence to Portugal. A second home does not automatically make you resident.
No inheritance or gift tax between partners, parents or children. To third parties: 10% stamp duty. For foreign heirs, home-country inheritance law remains relevant.
02Legal
A Portuguese lawyer handles the transaction. We coordinate as your English-speaking bridge. For home-country inheritance law (relevant for a second home) we advise adding a lawyer at home — we work fixed with two.
The notarial deed of transfer. Takes ~1 hour at the notário. We attend in person and provide a translation.
Before the CPCV we run a standard structural inspection. Hidden defects after purchase are covered by the Portuguese warranty regime — 5 years (construction) to 10 years (structure).
Due diligence at the Conservatória do Registo Predial exposes this. We never buy without a clean title. Pending matters are resolved before escritura.
Yes, via a power of attorney (procuração) at a notary or Portuguese embassy. We handle drafting and notary scheduling.
Possible, but rarely advantageous. An SPV brings annual admin costs and offers little tax benefit. We advise per situation.
03Financial
Yes. Portuguese banks finance up to 70% for non-residents, up to 90% once resident. Fixed rates, terms up to 30 years. We introduce you to three banks we trust.
Budget 7–10% on top of the purchase price: IMT (transfer tax), stamp duty (0.8%), notary (~0.5%), legal (~1%), and our advisory fee. You receive a full cost table upfront.
For Portuguese residents: progressive rate (1% to 7.5%) depending on price and use (primary vs second home). Note: from 1 September 2026, non-residents pay a flat 7.5% on residential property. We calculate the exact amount for you on every property detail page.
Via SEPA transfer to your Portuguese account (free within the EU). For large amounts we recommend Wise or a dedicated FX broker for the best rate. We introduce a party we trust.
Yes — for IMI payment, utilities and mortgage. We open one for you in step 4, remotely, via Millennium BCP, Novobanco or ActivoBank.
Budget 30% of the purchase price plus 8% costs — around 38% of the purchase price if you get a 70% mortgage. Example: on a €1M purchase you need ~€380k of your own money.
As of May 2026: fixed rates 3.4%–3.9% depending on profile and LTV. Variable is slightly lower but requires a buffer. We benchmark three banks.
04Practical
Four to eight months, from first call to keys. Speed drivers are the mortgage (6–10 weeks) and legal due diligence (4–6 weeks). Buying cash can close in twelve weeks.
The viewing trip requires a physical visit (~3 days). The rest — NIF, bank account, escritura — can be done remotely via power of attorney. We advise at least two visits: for selection and for escritura.
Buildings insurance is mandatory with a mortgage. Contents optional. We work with Tranquilidade and Fidelidade. Premium ~€200–500/year for an average property.
Part of our arrival pack. Electricity via EDP, water locally, internet via MEO/NOS/Vodafone. We arrange transfers into your name before handover.
Plenty in Lisbon, Cascais, Algarve and Porto. Carlucci American (Sintra), Oporto British School, St Julian's. Waiting lists can be long — we advise starting early.
Yes, via EU passport, microchip and rabies vaccination. No quarantine within the EU. Specific breeds (Pitbull, Rottweiler, etc.) face extra requirements.
05Rental
Short-term rental via Alojamento Local is possible but heavily regulated since 2024 — especially in Lisbon and Porto, where new AL permits are on hold. Long-term rental (>30 days) is possible everywhere.
Rental income falls under Category F (flat 25% deduction) or B (self-employed). NHR/IFICI favourable — usually ~14% effective on net. We build scenarios on request.
Algarve seasonal: 4–6% gross. Lisbon long-let: 4.5–5.5%. Porto: 5–6%. Comporta: 6–8% in season. Request our yield scan per property.
06After purchase
We have an in-house property-management division (service pack) and work with external partners. Monthly checks, garden maintenance, guest turnovers — all tailored.
We also handle sales for existing clients — often to someone from our own buyer list. Capital gains are 50% taxed at progressive rate (favourable after 5 years of residency).
State pension can be received in Portugal (without reduction). Supplementary pensions are taxed per treaty — usually in country of residence, with NHR rate around 10%.
Register at the municipality (Junta de Freguesia), CRUE application at AIMA (formerly SEF), and switch tax status via Finanças. We guide the full residency track as a service pack.
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