- +351 934 739 977
- office@liveabroad-pt.com
The things you’re probably wondering, aswered clearly
Absolutely not. We guide foreign investors through the entire purchase process, including: finding a property, opening a bank account, signing contracts, registering ownership and managing the property.
All of these could be done securely and professionally, even remotely, with full legal support and our local representation.95% of our investors purchase their property fully remotely.
When purchasing a property in Portugal, you must pay an acquisition tax (IMT), stamp duty, and notary and registration fees. The total taxation usually ranges from 3% to 8% of the property value.
We provide each client with a full breakdown of all expected expenses before each purchase, to avoid surprises.
We believe so.
Porto is one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe, attracting around 26 million tourists annually and a growing student population of roughly 90,000. Property prices remain more affordable than in Lisbon and other European cities, with solid potential for value appreciation.
Porto is also an increasingly popular relocation destination, offering personal security and sunshine most of the year.
Real estate investment returns in Portugal average 4-7% net per year from long-term rentals, and 7-14% net per year from short-term rentals.
Of course, everything depends on the location of the property, its size, and its attractiveness. In the metropolitan area of Porto, there is high demand and a constant increase in value.
We help investors choose the most suitable area and strategy to achieve maximum returns.
Yes. Portugal has no restrictions on foreign property ownership. Foreigners have the same purchase rights as Portuguese citizens, and the process is fully regulated.
It requires a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and is typically supported by a lawyer, ensuring the transaction is secure, transparent and compliant with local law.
Working with Live Abroad, you don’t need to worry about any of it: we handle it all.
We don’t have a fixed portfolio. Instead, we work with all agencies, agents and owners across Porto, giving us access to a wide range of properties on the market, not just a limited stock.
This means we have no incentive to push specific properties. Our focus is entirely on finding the right property for each client’s needs.
It depends on whether you’re using bank financing.
If you are, the process typically takes 4-5 months, due to property evaluations, mortgage approval, and related bureaucracy.
If you’re purchasing with own capital only, it typically takes 1-2 months to complete the purchase.
After the purchase, support continues through trusted, long-term partners.
Renovation is handled with architectural planning and interior design. Rental management is also covered, including tenant sourcing, legal compliance, and maintenance.
And when the time comes to sell, the process is supported, from documentation to contract management.
Yes. Portugal consistently ranks among the ten safest countries in the world on the Global Peace Index. The US State Department places it at its lowest travel-risk tier.
The realistic concern for residents is petty crime in busy tourist areas; violent crime stays low by Western European standards.
There’s no single “best” neighborhood in Porto for expats, it depends on your budget, lifestyle, and priorities.
We match clients to areas based on budget, lifestyle (quiet vs. central), proximity to international schools, hospitals, and commute.
In Porto that means knowing the real differences between, for example, Foz do Douro (upscale, coastal), Cedofeita (central, arts scene), Bonfim (more affordable, up-and-coming), and Vila Nova de Gaia (across the river, better value); not just listing neighborhood names.
We believe so. The main draws are cost of living, climate, and access to the public healthcare system (SNS). For retirees planning to move here, the D7 visa is the standard route. It requires proof of passive income at or above the national minimum wage.
One thing to plan for: Portugal’s reduced-rate tax regime for foreign pensions closed to new residents in 2024, so foreign income is now taxed at standard progressive rates. Worth checking with a tax advisor before you relocate.
We help with the practical groundwork: getting your NIF, opening a bank account, sourcing your home, and coordinating renovation if needed.
Beyond that, we share what we know: which neighborhoods fit your lifestyle and what Porto actually has to offer, based on firsthand experience navigating this market ourselves.
For anything outside our scope, such as visas or legal matters, we connect you with trusted partners in our network.
Getting a visa or residency permit in Portugal depends on your situation, income source, and long-term goals, so the right path varies case by case.
We don’t handle visa applications directly, but we connect clients with trusted immigration lawyers in our network.
What we can offer upfront is context: the main routes today are the D7 for passive income, D2 for self-employment, D8 for digital nomads, and the Golden Visa, which no longer qualifies through real estate purchases since October 2023, only through fund investment and a few other routes.
Once you know which path fits your situation, we point you to the right partner to handle the process.
Yes, US citizens keep receiving Social Security while living in Portugal.
What’s worth flagging is the tax side: there’s no US–Portugal Totalization Agreement, and the NHR regime that used to tax foreign pensions at a flat 10% closed to new applicants on January 1, 2024. Its replacement doesn’t cover pension income, so new residents are generally taxed at Portugal’s standard progressive rates on this income.
We recommend a cross-border tax advisor confirm your specific case before moving.
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