Frequently Asked Questions

When purchasing property in Portugal, you typically need to pay IMT (property transfer tax), which varies from 0% to 8% depending on property type and value; Stamp Duty (Imposto do Selo) at 0.8% of the purchase price; and potentially VAT (IVA) at 23% for new properties. Additionally, there are notary and registration fees, typically around 1% of the purchase price. After purchase, property owners must pay annual IMI (municipal property tax) ranging from 0.3% to 0.45% of the property's tax value.

Yes, all property buyers in Portugal must obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF - Número de Identificação Fiscal) before completing a purchase. This is a straightforward process that we can assist with, requiring your identification documents and, for non-residents, appointing a fiscal representative in Portugal.

Yes, there are no restrictions on foreign citizens purchasing property in Portugal. The legal process is the same for both foreigners and Portuguese citizens. This open policy makes Portugal an attractive destination for international property investors.

The typical process involves property selection, initial due diligence, securing a Portuguese tax number (NIF), signing a reservation agreement with a small deposit, comprehensive legal due diligence, signing a promissory contract with a larger deposit (usually 10-30%), and finally the deed execution before a notary with full payment. The entire process usually takes 1-3 months depending on complexity.

While not legally required, it is strongly recommended to engage a qualified Portuguese lawyer for property transactions. A lawyer protects your interests by conducting proper due diligence, reviewing contracts, ensuring the property has no undisclosed issues or debts, and navigating Portuguese property law and tax implications.

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to obtain residency permits through qualifying investments in Portugal. Successful applicants and their family members receive residency cards that allow them to live in Portugal and travel freely within the Schengen Area, with a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after five years.

As of 2024, the available options include: investment funds (minimum €500,000), job creation (at least 10 jobs), research activities (€500,000 minimum contribution), cultural heritage support (€250,000 minimum contribution), and commercial companies (€500,000 investment with creation of 5 permanent jobs). Residential real estate investments are no longer eligible for the Golden Visa program.

The process typically takes 6-12 months from initial investment to receiving your residency card. This timeline includes making the qualifying investment, gathering documentation, submitting the application, biometrics appointment, and final approval. Renewal applications typically take 2-3 months to process.

Golden Visa holders must spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal during the first year, and at least 14 days in each subsequent two-year period. This minimal stay requirement makes the program particularly attractive for investors who cannot or do not wish to relocate permanently.

Yes, you can include your spouse, dependent children (including those over 18 if they are unmarried and enrolled in full-time education), and dependent parents (yours or your spouse's) if they can demonstrate financial dependency. Family members receive the same rights and benefits as the main applicant.

To qualify for Portuguese citizenship, you typically need to: legally reside in Portugal for five years; demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level); have no criminal record; and show ties to the Portuguese community. There are also special routes based on Portuguese ancestry, marriage to a Portuguese citizen, or naturalization by special decree.

You may qualify for Portuguese citizenship if you have a Portuguese parent, grandparent, or in some cases, great-grandparent. The process involves proving your family connection through birth, marriage, and death certificates, and in some cases, additional documentation showing continued ties to the Portuguese community. Different rules apply depending on when your ancestors left Portugal.

Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of Portuguese at the A2 level (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This can be proven by taking an approved language test at a certified center, or through certain exemptions for applicants from Portuguese-speaking countries or those who completed education in Portuguese.

Yes, Portugal fully allows dual or multiple citizenships. You are not required to renounce your original citizenship when becoming a Portuguese citizen. However, you should check whether your current country of citizenship allows dual nationality, as some countries do not permit their citizens to hold multiple passports.

Portuguese citizenship provides numerous benefits including: an EU passport with visa-free access to 188 countries, the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, access to Portugal's healthcare and education systems, the ability to pass citizenship to your children, and protection under EU laws and regulations.

Diana Gondim provides comprehensive legal services focusing on Portuguese real estate law, immigration (including Golden Visa applications), and citizenship matters. Services include property transaction support, legal due diligence, contract preparation and review, tax planning, residency applications, citizenship pathways, and general legal counsel for international clients in Portugal.

Yes, we provide services in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. This multilingual approach ensures clear communication and eliminates language barriers that often complicate international legal matters.

Our fee structure varies depending on the service provided. For real estate transactions, we typically charge a percentage of the property value or a fixed fee based on complexity. For immigration and citizenship services, we generally work on a fixed-fee basis with clear milestones. All fee structures are transparent and agreed upon before commencing work.

Many aspects of our services can be handled remotely through video consultations, electronic document signing, and secure file sharing. However, certain processes (like biometric collection for residency permits or deed signing for property purchases) may require your physical presence in Portugal. We clearly communicate which steps require in-person attendance.

The process begins with an initial consultation (in person or virtual) to discuss your needs and objectives. Following this, we provide a detailed proposal outlining our services, fees, and timeline. Once you decide to proceed, we establish a formal client relationship through an engagement letter, collect an initial retainer if applicable, and begin work on your matter.