Can I buy property in Portugal as a foreigner?

Yes — Portugal has no restrictions on foreign property ownership. You can purchase property as a non-resident with just a passport and a Portuguese tax number (NIF), which takes about 30 minutes to obtain at any Finanças office or remotely via an authorized fiscal representative.

The process typically takes 8–12 weeks. Cash and mortgage purchases are both supported. Foreigners can also obtain Portuguese mortgages, usually capped at 60–70% LTV for non-residents.

The Golden Visa via property was significantly restricted in October 2023 — residential property in Lisbon, Porto and coastal regions no longer qualifies. Investment funds, science/research funding and cultural heritage donations are the current Golden Visa routes.

Closing costs: 6–8% of purchase price (IMT transfer tax progressive 1–7.5%, stamp duty 0.8%, notary/registry ~0.5%, legal ~1%).