In depth · Property
Buying property in Lisbon: the steps for buyers
The official steps for buying a home in Lisbon. It is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Updated October 2026
Your Portuguese tax number
Every buyer needs a NIF (número de identificação fiscal), issued by the Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira; see portaldasfinancas.gov.pt.
The contrato-promessa
Buyer and seller usually sign a promissory contract with a deposit before the deed. Have your own lawyer read it before you sign.
The deed and Casa Pronta
The sale is completed by the deed (escritura), or through Casa Pronta (casapronta.pt), the government service that completes the purchase and its registrations in one place.
IMT, stamp duty and IMI
The buyer pays the property transfer tax (IMT) and stamp duty; owners pay the annual municipal property tax (IMI). The Portal das Finanças explains each.
Living in Portugal
Residence permits are handled by AIMA (aima.gov.pt). Buying a home does not by itself give the right to live in Portugal: check the current rules there.
Where people live
See our property guide for Lapa and Estrela, Príncipe Real and Chiado, the Avenida, the Parque das Nações, and Cascais and Estoril. We don’t publish prices or yields.
Questions and answers
Do I need a Portuguese tax number to buy?
Yes: every buyer needs a NIF from the Autoridade Tributária.
Does buying property give me residence in Portugal?
Not by itself. Check the current rules with AIMA (aima.gov.pt).
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Confirm every step with a Portuguese lawyer.