Award-Winning Portuguese Real Estate Law Firm
With offices in London and Porto, Giambrone & Partners is an award-winning full-service law firm providing expert guidance for individuals and businesses purchasing property in Portugal. Our multilingual lawyers combine strategic expertise with personalised support, ensuring your investment is secure and legally compliant.
BEST FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Finance Monthly Awards
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR IN THE ISLES
Top Legal Awards
CONTENTIOUS TRUST AND ESTATES TEAM OF THE YEAR
British Legal Awards (Shortlisted)
CROSS BORDER LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 2024
Corporate INTL
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Expert Portuguese Real Estate Services
Portugal is a popular destination for foreign buyers, particularly British nationals, looking for holiday homes, retirement properties, or investment opportunities. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership, making Portugal a flexible and attractive market.
Giambrone & Partners’ real estate lawyers have extensive experience guiding clients through both residential and commercial property purchases, ensuring full compliance with Portuguese law and protecting your interests at every stage.
How Property is Held in Portugal
Several property rights exist, allowing buyers flexibility in ownership:
- Full Ownership (Freehold): Exclusive right to possess and dispose of the property
- Surface Right: Right to build and maintain a property on third-party land, either permanently or for a defined period
- Usufruct: Right to use and reside in a third-party property for a set time, enjoying the property as the owner would
- Right of Use: Right to use a property for personal or family purposes
To purchase property, all buyers must obtain a Portuguese Taxpayer Number (NIF). Non-EU citizens must appoint a tax representative.
Costs Associated with Property Purchase
Additional costs to consider beyond the purchase price include:
- Property Transfer Tax (IMT): 1% to 8%, depending on property type, location, and whether it is a first or second home
- Stamp Duty (Imposto de Selo): Typically 0.8% of the purchase price
- Notary and Land Registry Fees: Usually between 1% and 2% of the purchase price
The Transaction Process
Purchasing property in Portugal involves:
- Due Diligence: Verifying ownership, encumbrances, debts, licenses, and property condition
- Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA): No mandatory format; can be drafted according to buyer and seller preferences. Executed as a public deed or authenticated private document and registered at the Land Registry
- Transfer of Ownership: Performed via a notary, ensuring the transaction is legally binding
Giambrone & Partners ensures all documentation is accurate, the SPA is comprehensive, and registrations are correctly executed.
Visas and Residency for Property Buyers
To live in Portugal, buyers may also require a visa. Popular options include:
- D7 Visa: For retirees or those with passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends). A minimum income of €10,440 per year is required. Family members can also join
- Digital Nomad Visa (D8): For remote workers wishing to reside in Portugal for six months to one year, with a minimum income of €3,480 per month
Our immigration lawyers provide full support with visa applications, documentation, and residency cards, ensuring compliance with Portuguese law.
What Our Clients Say
Why Choose Giambrone & Associados?
With over 20 years of experience, Giambrone & Associados is a leading Portuguese law firm specialising in real estate and cross-border transactions. Our award-winning, multilingual lawyers are trusted by clients worldwide for their professionalism, efficiency, and meticulous attention to detail.
We aim to provide every client with:
- The comfort of speaking with a lawyer in their own language
- Expert advice on both residential and commercial real estate
- Personalised, results-oriented guidance from property search to transfer of ownership
We combine the comfort of speaking to a lawyer in your own language with the convenience of offices across Portugal and the UK, making us the ideal partner for both local and international property buyers. Known for our strategic guidance, transparency, and client-focused approach, our team ensures your property purchase, from due diligence to transfer of ownership, is handled smoothly and securely.
Contact us today for tailored, multilingual advice and take the first step towards purchasing property in Portugal with confidence.
© 2022 Giambrone
© 2022 Giambrone