Portugal property FAQs

Explore your Portugal property FAQs to find the answers to all the most frequently asked questions about moving to Portugal, whether it’s about finding a property, getting residency, schooling or settling in.

Organising finances

How can I finance my property in Portugal?

What are the costs of buying a home in Portugal?

How can I buy jointly with family?

What are Portuguese banks like?

Taxes

What do I need to do about taxes before I move?

What taxes will I need to pay in Portugal?

What tax planning should I do after purchasing?

What are your tips for dealing with the tax system?

Transferring money

How can I regularly send money to or from Portugal?

Why is it a good idea to use currency specialist to transfer money?

How can I save money in Portugal?

Get a free, no-obligations quote from the only property-specialist currency company, Smart Currency Exchange. 

Where is the best area for…?

Where are the best spots to buy a holiday home?

Where are the most affordable areas of Portugal?

Where are the most expensive areas of Portugal?

Where are the best areas for a laid-back lifestyle?

What are the pros and cons of living in a rural area?

Which areas are less popular with expats?

Where to buy in the main areas of Portugal?

What are the main regions of Portugal?

Where to buy in Central Portugal?

Where to buy in Albufeira?

Where to buy in Alentejo?

Where to buy in the Inland Algarve?

Where to buy in the Central Algarve?

Where to buy in the Eastern Algarve?

Where to buy in the Western Algarve?

Where are the quieter parts of the Western Algarve?

Where to buy in Coimbra?

Where to buy in Lagos?

Where to buy in Madeira?

Where to buy in Porto?

Where to buy on the Silver Coast?

Where to buy in Tavira?

Get the most out of your time spent seeing properties by reading our guide, Your Viewing Trip, in advance. 

Process of buying a home

What kind of properties can I buy?

How can I have a successful viewing trip?

What should I consider if I’m buying rurally?

How can I renovate a property in Portugal?

What are the key steps to follow for buying a property?

What should I do if I find a home I want to buy while on holiday?

How can I buy jointly with family?

Do I need to get a building survey?

Get essential tips on getting the best price on your property with our free guide, How to Negotiate Abroad.

Legalities and registering in Portugal

How do I get residency in Portugal?

Property with outdoor space

What’s gardening like in Portugal?

How can I make the most of my outdoor space?

Schools

What is Portuguese state education like?

What are the pros and cons of the state and private education systems?

Family life

What do I need to know if I’m moving with kids?

What is paternity leave like in Portugal?

What’s it like being a father in Portugal?

Discover how you can double, triple or even quadruple your purchasing power through joint ownership in our Guide to Buying with Family.

Pensions

What are my options for pensions in Portugal?

How do I draw my UK pension in Portugal?

Inheritance

What are the inheritance tax laws?

Healthcare

What is Portuguese public healthcare like?

What is Portuguese private healthcare like?

Do you have any tips for dealing with the Portuguese healthcare system?

Download your Guide to Healthcare Abroad to learn about accessing medical care when living overseas.

Renting a home in Portugal

How can I rent a home in Portugal?

What are your tips for finding a good rental?

Removals

What are my options for removals from the UK to Portugal?

What can I do about small removals to Portugal?

Beating Brexit (and emigrating to Portugal)

What are my residency rights pre- Brexit?

Is there a step-by-step checklist for buying abroad before Brexit?

Is there a step-by-step checklist for moving abroad?

What will my rights be in Portugal after Brexit?

Working and earning money in Portugal

What kind of jobs can I find in Portugal?

Renting out my home in Portugal

What are your tips for renting out a property?

How can I maximise my rental income?

Transport in Portugal

What are the rules on driving in Portugal?

How can I import a car to Portugal?

Plane v train: which is better for Faro-Lisbon/Porto?

How can I get affordable flights to Portugal?

Pets

Is it possible to move to Portugal with my pet?

Setting up home

How can I get utilities and telecommunications connected?

How can I find good tradespeople?

Where can I buy furniture in Portugal?

Settling in

What are your tips for settling in?

What etiquette should I be aware of?

How can I learn the language?

How can I deal with homesickness in Portugal?

What is winter like in Portugal?

What are the best activities in winter?

What’s it like moving to Portugal with children?

We hope your Portugal property FAQ has helped to make the process of buying a home here clearer. However, if you do still have questions, we’re only a phone call or email away – contact the Resource Centre on 020 7898 0549 or [email protected].

Make sure to get yourself a copy of your free Portugal Buying Guide below. It’s written by property experts with people like you in mind, explaining everything you need to know about purchasing a property in Portugal.

The Portugal Buying Guide is designed to support you through each stage of buying property in Portugal, providing relevant, up-to-date information and tips from Portugal property experts and expats who have been through the process themselves. It helps you to: