The answer is: yes — and it is very common.

Portugal is one of the more open real estate markets in Europe when it comes to foreign investment. There are no nationality restrictions on property ownership. Whether or not you hold residency, and regardless of where you are from, foreigners can legally purchase residential, commercial, or land property and enjoy full ownership rights.

No Nationality Restrictions, But Some Basic Requirements

From a legal perspective, Portugal does not impose restrictions on foreign buyers. However, in practice, there are a few basic steps that need to be completed.

The most important one is obtaining a Portuguese tax number (NIF). This is required for all financial activities, including purchasing property, paying taxes, and signing contracts. In addition, most buyers will open a local bank account to facilitate payments and ongoing expenses.

These are procedural requirements rather than barriers, but they are essential first steps before entering the market.

Is It More Difficult for Foreigners to Buy Property?

This is another common concern.

Overall, buying property itself is not more complicated, but there are some differences in certain aspects of the process.

If financing is involved, non-residents are typically subject to stricter bank assessments, including more detailed verification of income, source of funds, and financial stability. Loan-to-value ratios may also be slightly lower compared to local residents. In addition, some government incentives or tax benefits may be more accessible to individuals with a tax presence in Portugal.

That said, these differences relate more to conditions than restrictions. For buyers with sufficient funds or well-prepared documentation, the process is generally straightforward.

What Costs Should You Expect Beyond the Purchase Price?

When buying property in Portugal, the total cost goes beyond the property price itself. Buyers should also consider transaction taxes and ongoing ownership costs.

In general, it is advisable to budget an additional 5%–10% of the purchase price to cover taxes and related expenses.

For a detailed breakdown of costs, you can refer to our guide: “Portugal Property Tax Guide: A Complete Breakdown of All Costs”

Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Portugal?

For many international buyers, another key question is whether it is possible to finance a purchase through a mortgage.

In Portugal, foreigners are also eligible to apply for home loans, which is an important reflection of the market’s openness to international buyers. The process typically begins with a mortgage pre-approval, followed by property selection and signing a promissory contract. The bank then conducts a valuation and final approval, with the loan being released at the time of completion.

Compared to a cash purchase, financing involves more documentation, stricter timelines, and additional planning.

If you’d like a deeper understanding, you can read our full guide: “Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Portugal?”

Or explore the full step-by-step process: “Complete Guide to the Mortgage Buying Process for Foreigners”