How to Buy Property in Portugal as an Indian Citizen
A multitude of factors make real estate in Portugal appealing. Rich living standards, breathtaking scenery, and a relaxed lifestyle are all offered by the country. A road to citizenship may also be available through real estate purchases, and the Portugal Golden Visa Program offers additional benefits to qualified candidates. In contrast to many other countries, Portugal has a homeownership rate of approximately 74%, higher than the global average. The Portuguese real estate market is well-established, and international buyers are not subject to any restrictions.
Buying a house in Portugal as an Indian citizen
There aren't any extra requirements or documentation needed for foreigners wishing to buy real estate locally. You need a fiscal number, also known as a Numero de Contribuinte, in order to buy real estate. This can be acquired from your local tax office or is provided to you upon opening a local bank account.
Portugal's golden visa program
Buying property in Portugal gives you the right to a resident visa, provided you stay there for at least 14 days every two years. As a result, you are able to acquire homes and buy properties. Additionally, you are eligible to apply for citizenship and an EU passport five years after obtaining residency. In addition to allowing you to stay in Portugal indefinitely, a passport allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland (EEA), and Switzerland. Moreover, 187 countries offer visa-free travel.
Portugal's Real Estate Cost
Your budget will be significantly impacted by the location you choose if you're thinking about buying real estate in Portugal. For foreigners looking to settle in Portugal, the city and the beach areas of the Algarve are the most popular destinations. The city of Braga and its neighboring suburbs are among the most reasonably priced places in Portugal to buy real estate. This northern metropolis is sometimes referred to as Portugal's happiest city, in addition to being a great area to purchase a cheap house. Braga's affordable real estate prices and many other appealing aspects make it an excellent choice for young families, retirees, those looking to start a business, and many other types of individuals. If you do want to live near a big city, like Porto or Lisbon, look a little bit outside of the downtown area. The cost of real estate drops dramatically when you look outside of the metropolis.
Legal Requirements
One of the most important legal prerequisites for buying real estate in Portugal is using a notary. Rather than acting as an independent solicitor, the notary acts as a middleman on behalf of the state and is responsible for checking the Land Registry (Conservatória de Registo Predial) and Inland Revenue (Repartiço de Finanças) to make sure the property can be sold lawfully and to search for any use restrictions. After that, you and the seller will sign the contracts in front of the notary.
Deposits and down payments
You will pay a deposit equal to at least 20% of the transaction amount (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda) when you sign the initial contract to purchase your new home. To move forward with the process, you must first notarize this agreement. You can make your deposit payment from India if you're not in Portugal. To cover the deposit amount, money had to be sent overseas. Finding the best deal is essential if you're sending a substantial amount of money across international borders.
Taxes
Costs are your responsibility as a customer, however they vary depending on the circumstances. IMT transfer tax, which is dependent on the purchase price of the property, is the main charge. But if the house is your principal residence, the first €92,407 is free from IMT. Discuss the fees that will probably be incurred given your circumstances with your attorney. Fees and taxes also consist of:
Stamp Fees
This represents 0.8% of the house's value.
Transmissions Municipal Fee (IMT)
On a sliding scale from 2 to 8%, this is decided based on the cost of the home. The amount of tax owed is higher if the home is used as a second dwelling.
Notary and land register fees
These are frequently combined and make up 0.2% to 1.2% of the property's total cost. The estate agent's fees are frequently covered by the seller.
Risks associated with purchasing real estate in Portugal
One of the biggest risks to be aware of when buying property overseas is scams. Thankfully, there are several actions you can do to stop them. Make sure the real estate agent you have chosen is properly registered first. The Associacao de Mediadores Imobiliarios, the relevant body, is where all agents must register and obtain licenses. To learn more about the credentials of your agent, get in contact with the Instituto da Construço e do Imobiliario, which is in charge of real estate and construction. It's important to research your options carefully before selecting an independent attorney. You should know that an advogado and a solicitador are two different professions in Portugal. A solicitador is a specialist in conveyancing, whereas an advogado is a certified attorney. Even though they are more expensive, an advogado is frequently the better choice when buying a home.
Your Path to Portugal: Pelican Migration Consultants' Complete Solution for Migration
Pelican Migration Consultants offers comprehensive assistance for individuals looking to migrate to Portugal and purchase property in the country. Firstly, our team provides expert guidance on the various visa options available for relocating to Portugal, ensuring clients choose the most suitable one for their needs. Secondly, we facilitate the visa application process, streamlining paperwork and ensuring all requirements are met efficiently. Additionally, we offer valuable insights into the Portuguese real estate market, helping clients navigate property listings, understand local regulations, and find the ideal investment opportunity. Lastly, we offer ongoing support and advice even after relocation, ensuring a seamless transition and a successful settlement in Portugal.
