Buy property in Portugal with sound legal footing

Buying property as a US citizen

For American buyers, appointing a fiscal representative in Portugal is, as a rule, required for relevant tax purposes when you are not tax-resident in the EU or EEA. You will also need a Portuguese NIF (tax identification number), and a power of attorney with the correct scope if you do not travel for every act. Documents executed in the United States may need notarial certification or a Hague apostille.

Before committing to a seller, due diligence on the land registry, burdens, licensing and tax documentation is advisable — distance should not mean skipping these checks.

Read the US buyers' guide

Property in Portugal for non-residents

Whether you buy to live in, let or hold as an investment, the same Portuguese formalities apply: contracts governed by Portuguese law, registration at the land registry, and tax communications that may differ according to whether you are resident in the EU/EEA or outside it. A purchase can often be completed with a properly drafted power of attorney and local coordination.

We also advise on tenancy, sale with capital gains and the general tax framework for owners who do not live in Portugal — always subject to analysis of the concrete facts.

Property for non-residents

Inheritance with assets in Portugal

If you already own property in Portugal or expect to inherit assets here, separate rules apply. We can advise when that is relevant to your situation; our primary focus for international visitors to this page is property acquisition.

Inheritance for non-residents