For many, buying property in Portugal represents an attractive investment. However, especially with cross-border real estate transactions, careful preparation is essential to minimize risks. In this article, I explain the most important aspects to consider when buying property in Portugal and provide practical recommendations on how to avoid potential pitfalls. Key aspects of risk minimization when buying real estate Minimizing risk when buying real estate begins with a thoro

The Portuguese land register (Registo Predial) makes the legal status of real estate public, thereby increasing security in real estate transactions. Among other things, it shows who the owner is, what encumbrances (e.g. mortgages) exist and which entries are current or still pending. The digital Certidão Permanente (permanent land register certificate) can be viewed online. 1) Legal nature of the register: presumption rather than acquisition of rights The Portuguese land re

The Portuguese Budget Law for 2026 has updated the tables used to calculate the real estate transfer tax to be paid in the context of the purchase of a residential building:   A.    Mainland:   a)     For own and permanent residential purposes: Calculation amount (real estate price in euros) Marginal rate to be applied Amount to be deducted Up to 106 346 From more than 106 346 to 145 470 From more than 145 470 to 198 347 From more than 198 347 to 330 539 From more than 330 53

If you are not resident in Portugal and sold a property in 2021 or 2022 , you probably paid 28% income tax on the entire capital gain on the property . In contrast, tax residents in Portugal were only taxed on 50% of their property gains . The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that this unequal treatment violates EU law , in particular Article 63 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union , which guarantees the free movement of capital . As a result, Portug

Die wichtigsten Fragen und Antworten zum Immobilienkauf in Portugal

On January 8, 2024, Government Law No. 10/2024 came into force, simplifying various procedures in public building law and spatial planning law. One of the most important changes concerns the elimination of the requirement to submit the occupancy permit (or a certificate of the corresponding exemption) and the technical building description when concluding purchase agreements. This exemption has been in effect since January 1, 2024 . What does this mean for purchase contr