Portugal continues to attract high-net-worth investors seeking exclusive properties in regions such as Lisbon, Cascais, and Algarve.
Even after the changes to the Golden Visa, the luxury real estate market continues to grow, driven by entrepreneurs, executives, and international families who choose the country as their base in Europe.
In this context, purchasing a property cannot be treated as a simple transaction, legal protection is essential to avoid risks, fraud, and significant financial losses.
Golden Visa: What has changed and what remains relevant
With the end of the possibility of obtaining the Golden Visa through real estate purchases, many investors have reassessed their strategies.
However, this has not reduced interest in the Portuguese real estate market.
On the contrary, investors entering through other routes, such as the D2 Visa, D8 Visa, or investment funds, continue to acquire high-end properties as part of their asset structure and lifestyle.
In other words, real estate is no longer a gateway to the visa, but it remains a strategic asset.
The purchase process:
Acquiring property in Portugal follows a formal process that requires attention at every stage:
- Legal due diligence
Before any commitment, it is essential to analyze the legal status of the property, including registration, licenses, encumbrances, and urban compliance. - CPCV (Promissory Purchase and Sale Agreement)
This contract formalizes the agreement between buyer and seller, usually involving a deposit payment. Poorly structured clauses can create significant risks. - Public deed
This is the final step of the purchase, carried out before a notary, where the official transfer of ownership takes place.
Each of these stages requires technical analysis and specialized guidance to ensure full security in the transaction.
Costs and taxes involved
In addition to the property price, the buyer must consider mandatory additional costs:
- IMT (Municipal Property Transfer Tax): varies depending on the property value and type
- Stamp Duty: applied to the acquisition
- Notarial and registration costs
- Professional fees (legal and advisory)
These costs must be planned in advance to avoid surprises and ensure a financially structured acquisition.
Without proper legal guidance, the risk is not only overpaying—but potentially compromising the entire investment.
AM International Lawyer provides rigorous due diligence, detailed contract analysis, and full support throughout the process, ensuring that each acquisition is carried out with security, transparency, and alignment with the client’s interests.
Author: Anna Miranda – Immigration Lawyer in Portugal
Anna Miranda is an immigration lawyer specialized in Portuguese citizenship, residence permits and international mobility.