IMT

Imposto Municipal sobre as Transmissões — the property transfer tax paid when you buy. Residents pay on a progressive scale; since 1 September 2026 (DL 97/2026) non-residents pay a flat 7.5% on residential property, with narrow exceptions.

Where people slip: it is the single biggest budget-wrecker for a non-resident buyer — on €350,000 the flat rate alone is €26,250, where a resident on the progressive scale would pay far less. The status that counts is your tax status, not your nationality.

Do this: settle IMT before the escritura and keep the proof — the notary asks for it. If you intend to become tax-resident, check the timing against your purchase date before you sign anything: the order of those two events changes the bill.