Property templates and checklistsPortugal

Reviewed October 28, 2026. Not legal advice. Have a notary or lawyer check your case before you sign.

Buying

1
Written offer (proposta de compra)
The buyer usually starts with a written offer, often through the seller's estate agent. The buyer needs a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
2
Promissory contract (CPCV)
When the seller accepts, the parties usually sign a contrato-promessa de compra e venda (CPCV). The law does not require one.
3
Form of the CPCV
For a building or flat, the CPCV must be in writing. The signatures must be recognised in person (CC art. 410(3)).
4
Deposit (sinal)
The buyer pays a sinal at the CPCV. A buyer who defaults loses it. A seller who defaults pays it back twice.
5
Taxes before the deed
Before the deed, the buyer pays the property transfer tax (IMT) and stamp duty of 0.8%.
6
Deed of sale
Public deed (escritura pública) by a notary, authenticated private document (documento particular autenticado) by a lawyer or solicitador, or Casa Pronta.
7
Urban title and registration
Since 3 August 2026 the deed must state whether the property has its urban title. The acquisition then goes into the land register (registo predial).

Governing law: Civil Code (arts. 1022 to 1113) and NRAU (New Urban Lease Regime, Lei n.º 6/2006). Most termination rules are mandatory.
Form, term and renewal: Written lease. A fixed term for a permanent home is 1 to 30 years. It renews automatically unless a party opposes.
Landlord's first non-renewal: Takes effect after 3 years, unless the landlord or a first-degree descendant needs the home (CC art. 1097(3)-(4)).
Deposit and advance rent: Deposit (caução) up to 2 months' rent (CC art. 1076). Advance rent up to 2 months, if agreed in writing.
Landlord's tax duties: Report the lease to the tax authority (AT) by the end of the month after it starts. Stamp duty: 10% of a month's rent.
Annual rent update: Once a year, by the coefficient published by INE: 2.24% for 2026 and 2.56% for 2027.
Notice to stop renewal: Landlord: 240, 120 or 60 days by term length (CC 1097(1)). Tenant: 120, 90 or 60 days (CC 1098(1)).