“The seller wants a deposit and a signed contract”
Sellers and agents often ask for a promissory contract (the CPCV) and a deposit early on. Once you have signed, pulling out can cost you the deposit, so the checks should come first.
Buying property in Portugal · Lisbon law firm
Buying a home in Portugal? Have it checked before you sign or pay a deposit.
We check the property, the contracts and the paperwork, and explain each one in English. If you live abroad, we can act for you under a power of attorney.
Property purchases are handled by the founding partners Dr. Samuel Benjamim and Dr. Ricardo Ribeiro Santos, in English.
- 4.852 reviews on Google
- Reply within 24 working hours
- In Lisbon or by video call, in English
Is this you?
Where buyers from abroad usually are when they call us
Each of these needs a different kind of help. Most can be dealt with without you being in Portugal.
“Every document is in Portuguese”
The land registry certificate, the licences and the contracts are all in Portuguese. We go through them with you and tell you in plain English what each one says and what is missing.
“I can't be in Portugal for the signing”
With a power of attorney, a lawyer can sign the contracts and the deed for you. We explain how to grant one where you live so that it is accepted in Portugal.
“The agent says everything is in order”
The estate agent usually works for the seller. An independent check of the registry, the licences and any charges on the property is there to protect you.
“I don't have a Portuguese tax number yet”
You need a tax number (NIF) to buy property in Portugal. We help you get one and tell you whether you also need a tax representative here.
“The house is old, rural or has been extended”
Extensions and alterations are not always licensed or registered. We compare the registry, the tax record and the usage licence with what is actually on the ground.
How we help
What we check and do for you
The land registry
We confirm who owns the property and whether a mortgage, a seizure or any other charge is registered against it.
Licences and tax records
We check the usage licence and the property's tax record (caderneta predial), and whether both match the property you visited.
The promissory contract
We draft or review the CPCV, which sets the price, the deposit, the conditions and the date for the deed, and we negotiate changes with the seller's side.
Taxes on the purchase
The property transfer tax (IMT) and stamp duty have to be paid before the deed. We tell you what applies to your purchase and check that payment is in order.
The deed
We prepare the deed (escritura), attend the signing with you or on your behalf, and register the property in your name.
Buying from abroad
If you live outside Portugal, we prepare the power of attorney so the purchase can go ahead without you having to travel.
How it works
From the first call to the keys, with the same lawyer
- 01
Initial consultation
At our office or by video call. You tell us about the property and your plans, and we tell you what needs checking.
- 02
Checks before you commit
We get the registry, licence and tax documents, read them, and report back to you in English.
- 03
The contract and the deposit
We review or draft the promissory contract, agree the terms with the other side and make sure the deposit is paid on terms that protect you.
- 04
Completion
We prepare the deed, check that the taxes are paid, attend the signing and register the property in your name.
What it costs
You know the cost before we start
The first consultation has a fixed price. Any work after that is quoted and agreed with you in advance.
First step
Initial consultation: €90
- We look at your situation and any documents you already have
- At our Lisbon office or by video call
- In English
- No obligation to instruct us afterwards
After the consultation
A fee agreed before we start
- A quote for the work your purchase needs: checks, contracts, deed, power of attorney
- Agreed with you before any work begins
- Taxes and notary and registry fees are paid to third parties and are separate from our fee
Book a consultation
We reply within 24 working hours
Who handles it
Two partners who work in English
Founding partner · Real estate and commercial lawDr. Samuel BenjamimHe has practised law for more than 18 years. Much of his work centres on negotiation, particularly in debt enforcement proceedings, where he has represented both creditors and debtors, experience he also applies to property and commercial law. Works with clients in English.Founding partner · Inheritance and real estateDr. Ricardo Ribeiro SantosHe has practised law for more than 20 years. He began his career in insolvency, later moved on to company law and litigation, and today focuses mainly on inheritance and property. Works with clients in English.
You deal with a partner
Property matters are handled by Dr. Samuel Benjamim and Dr. Ricardo Ribeiro Santos, founding partners of the firm. Both work with clients in English.
We act only for you
We are on your side of the purchase, not the seller's or the agent's.
Explained in English, signed in Portuguese
Contracts and deeds in Portugal are in Portuguese. We take you through each clause in English before you sign.
No promises we cannot keep
No lawyer can guarantee how a purchase will turn out, and our professional rules do not allow us to promise it. What we can commit to is careful checking and a clear explanation of each step.
Google reviews from people who have contacted us. Most are written in Portuguese.
4.8/ 5
52 reviews on Google (September 2026)
Recomendo o vosso serviço pois é mesmo 5 estrelas, um agradecimento especial para o Dr. Ricardo e a Dra. Sara, muito obrigado!
Menez B.Nota Excelente. Escritório moderno, equipa simpática. Óptimo aconselhamento na área de família. Todo o meu processo foi conduzido pela Dra. Sara Santos, muito profissional, que sempre…
Filipa R.Fui atendida pela Dr Sara, e enalteço seu profissionalismo, sempre pronta a responder a questões relacionadas com regulação do poder parental, e sempre disponivel para me atender.
Carmen C.Excelentes profissionais, confiança e total transparência. Sempre presentes e disponíveis no acompanhamento ao longo de todo o processo e em todos os esclarecimentos.
Sofia O.
Profissionalismo alicerçado com uma boa dose de respeito pelos conflitos pessoais dos seus clientes. Informação sempre cabal e ao dispor de quem os procura.
Paulo C.
Profissionais de excelência, pela sua ética profissional, competência e confiança transmitida. Recomendo todos os serviços prestados pela Ribesa Advogados.
Mariana C.
Fiquei muito satisfeito com o excelente serviço prestado pela equipa. Ótimos profissionais, confiáveis, competentes e sempre ao dispor para ajudar.
Vitor C.
Estou bastante satisfeito com o trabalho realizado. Serviço de qualidade! Equipa competente e sempre disponível durante todo o processo.
João C.Empresa com excelentes profissionais e 100% confiável. Sempre disponíveis para ajudar, acompanhando todo o processo até ao fim!
Tatiana N.
Serviço 5*. Foram muito atenciosos durante todo o processo, quer a forma de abordagem a forma de trato. Recomendo
João M.
Aconselho a Ribesa Advogados a quem estiver à procura de carácter, profissionalismo, dedicação, e excelência.
Selma S.
Altamente recomendável. Profissionais até ao fim. Sempre prestáveis, disponíveis e de um empenho fantástico.
Pedro P.
Pessoas 5 estrelas muito simpáticas e muito competentes e disponíveis. Recomendo sem hesitações
Diogo R.
Com tão excelentes profissionais, o serviço só poderá ser igualmente excelente! Recomendo.
Ma L.
Bastante honestos, profissionais disponíveis e prestáveis. Esclareceram todas as dúvidas.
Eduardo M.Equipa de profissionais de excelência, competentes e de confiança. Recomendo.
Sónia M.
Equipa muito simpática e muito profissional!! Recomendo a 100%!!
Filipa F.
Recomendo os serviços. São de grande profissionalismo e simpatia
Ana A.
Competência, acessibilidade e alto nível de profissionalismo
Kiko F.
Excelente serviço e acompanhamento ao cliente! Recomendo.
Inês F.
Equipa de advogados altamente competente. Recomendo.
Susana C.
Competência, atenção, simpatia! Recomendo bastante.
Sofia L.
Defesa Militar. Com profissionalismo e competência
Hugo M.Profissionais competentes e atenciosos. Recomendo
Gustavo P.
Muito simpáticos, atenciosos e competentes.
Suenia B.
Equipa muito profissional e que recomendo
Anabela S.
Muito competentes e simples. Recomendo
Bruno P.
Advogados muito competentes. Recomendo
Ana P.
Excelente equipa profissional.
José A.
Not sure you need a lawyer?Tell us what is happening. If you don't need one, we will say so.
Explain my case
Our office
Av. Júlio Dinis, n.º 2, Lisbon
Next to Campo Pequeno. Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:00, by appointment. Meet us at the office or by video call from wherever you are.
- Address
- Av. Júlio Dinis, n.º 2, 2.º Esq.
1050-131 Lisbon, Portugal - Metro
- Campo Pequeno (yellow line)Av. da República exit, Av. de Berna side
- Contact
- contacto@ribesa.ptWhatsApp +351 935 718 531 (call to a Portuguese mobile network)
Frequently asked questions
What buyers from abroad ask us
If your question is not here, ask it in your consultation request.
Ask your questionCan a foreigner buy property in Portugal?
Yes. Portugal does not restrict property purchases by foreign nationals, whether or not they live here. You will need a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
Do I need a lawyer to buy a property in Portugal?
The law does not require one. The notary or registry official at the deed checks that the formalities are met, but does not advise either side on the property or the contract. A lawyer does that for you: checks the property's history and charges, reviews the contracts and looks after the deposit terms.
What is a NIF and how do I get one?
The NIF is your Portuguese tax number. You need it to sign the contracts, pay the purchase taxes and register the property. You can get one without living in Portugal, through a representative, and we can help with the application.
What is a CPCV, and what happens to my deposit?
The CPCV (contrato-promessa de compra e venda) is a promissory contract that commits both sides to the sale, usually with a deposit. As a general rule, a buyer who pulls out loses the deposit, and a seller who pulls out may have to pay it back in double. The contract can change these terms, which is why it should be read before you sign.
Can I buy without travelling to Portugal?
In most cases, yes. You grant a power of attorney to a lawyer, who signs the promissory contract and the deed for you. A power of attorney signed abroad usually has to be certified, for example with an apostille, before it is accepted here. We explain what that involves in the country where you live.
What taxes do I pay when I buy?
The main ones are the property transfer tax (IMT) and stamp duty, both paid before the deed. How much you pay depends on the price, the type of property and what it will be used for. After that, there is an annual municipal property tax (IMI). We explain what applies to you before you commit.
What does the land registry certificate tell me?
The certificate (certidão permanente) shows who owns the property and what is registered against it, such as mortgages or seizures. We compare it with the tax record and the usage licence, because a mismatch between them can delay the deed or stop it.
Book a consultation
Talk to us before you sign or pay a deposit
Tell us about the property in your own words. We reply within 24 working hours to arrange a time and tell you which documents are worth sending.
- Professional secrecy from the first contact
- Reply within 24 working hours
Initial legal consultation
€90initial consultation
- We look at your situation and your documents
- In English, at our office or by video call
- The fee for any further work is agreed before we start
- No obligation to go further