Real Estate Legal Services for British Buyers
Expert guidance for United Kingdom citizens buying property in Portugal
Important Information
Post-Brexit, British buyers must apply for a visa if planning to stay more than 90 days in any 180-day period. The D7 visa is the most popular option for retirees. Healthcare is no longer automatically covered, so private health insurance or registration with Portuguese health service is essential.
Visa & Residence Options
- D7 Visa (Passive Income/Retirement) - most popular for retirees
- Golden Visa (Investment-based residence)
- Digital Nomad Visa (Remote workers)
- D2 Visa (Entrepreneurs)
- 90-day tourist stays (no visa, Schengen rules apply)
Why Portugal?
- • Transparent buying process
- • No restrictions on foreign buyers
- • Strong legal protection for buyers
- • Excellent quality of life
How British Buyers Purchase Property in Portugal
Step-by-step guide tailored to your nationality
Step 1
Obtain NIF (can be done remotely with fiscal representative)
Step 2
Open Portuguese bank account
Step 3
Engage solicitor/lawyer familiar with UK-Portugal transactions
Step 4
Sign reservation agreement and pay holding deposit
Step 5
Sign promissory contract (CPCV) with typically 10-30% deposit
Step 6
Complete surveys and legal checks
Step 7
Sign Escritura (deed) and pay remaining balance plus taxes
Need help with any of these steps? Our team has extensive experience working with international buyers.
Contact UsTax & Legal Considerations for British Buyers
Important tax and legal factors specific to your nationality
Double Tax Treaty
Yes - Portugal has a double tax treaty with your country
The UK-Portugal Double Tax Treaty prevents double taxation. Post-Brexit, British buyers need to consider visa requirements for stays over 90 days.
Need Expert Guidance?
Our team specializes in helping British buyers navigate Portuguese property law and taxation.
Schedule a ConsultationCommon Concerns
- Post-Brexit visa requirements for long stays
- 90-day Schengen rule for non-residents
- Healthcare access (no longer covered by EHIC)
- Currency exchange GBP to EUR
- UK pension taxation in Portugal
- Inheritance tax planning between UK and Portugal
Popular Locations for British
Explore the most sought-after areas for United Kingdom buyers
Frequently Asked Questions for British
Common questions from United Kingdom citizens about buying property in Portugal
Can British buy property in Portugal?
Yes, British can freely purchase property in Portugal without any restrictions. The process is straightforward, and Portugal welcomes foreign investment in real estate. You will need to obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a Portuguese bank account to complete the purchase.
Do British need a visa to buy property in Portugal?
Post-Brexit, British buyers must apply for a visa if planning to stay more than 90 days in any 180-day period. The D7 visa is the most popular option for retirees. Healthcare is no longer automatically covered, so private health insurance or registration with Portuguese health service is essential.
What taxes do British pay when buying property in Portugal?
British pay the same taxes as Portuguese citizens: IMT (property transfer tax) ranging from 0-8% depending on property value and type, Stamp Duty at 0.8% of the purchase price, and annual IMI (municipal property tax) between 0.3-0.45%. Portugal has a double tax treaty with United Kingdom, which helps prevent double taxation on property income and capital gains.
How long does it take for British to buy property in Portugal?
The typical property purchase process for British takes 1-3 months from initial offer to final deed signing. The timeline depends on factors like mortgage approval (if applicable), due diligence complexity, and notary availability. Our team can help expedite the process by ensuring all documentation is properly prepared.
Do British need a Portuguese lawyer to buy property?
While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that British engage a qualified Portuguese lawyer for property transactions. A lawyer conducts thorough due diligence, reviews contracts, ensures clear title, identifies any encumbrances or debts, and protects your interests throughout the purchase process.
What are the main concerns for British buying in Portugal?
Key concerns for British include: Post-Brexit visa requirements for long stays; 90-day Schengen rule for non-residents; Healthcare access (no longer covered by EHIC). Our legal team specializes in addressing these nationality-specific concerns and ensuring a smooth property transaction.
Ready to Buy Property in Portugal?
Schedule a consultation with our legal experts who specialize in helping British buyers navigate Portuguese real estate law.
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