Escritura

The final deed of sale, signed at the notary. The balance of the price, IMT and stamp duty are settled around it, and ownership passes to you the same day.

Where people slip: the money has to arrive through a Portuguese account in your own name. The notary applies anti-money-laundering rules, and funds sent by a relative, a company or straight from a foreign account can stop the signing on the day — with everyone already in the room.

Do this: have the funds in your Portuguese account days ahead, not the same morning, and bring ID plus NIF. Registration at the land registry afterwards is what makes your ownership public — it is a separate step, and it is the one that protects you against a later claim.