Real estate due diligence in Portugal: why shouldn’t you sign anything without first consulting a lawyer?

Written by Vivian Perfeito on 18 de November, 2025. Posted in Uncategorized.

Buying or renting a property in Portugal is one of the biggest steps in the life of an immigrant. It is often the realization of a dream that represents stability and security. However, this dream can turn into a nightmare if there is no prior analysis of the property’s legal situation.

Real estate due diligence is the process of technical and legal verification that must precede any signing of a contract or deed. It ensures that the property is duly registered, that there are no associated debts and that the intended use is legal.

A specialized lawyer evaluates documents such as:

The land registry, confirming who the rightful owner is.
The land registry, checking for IMI (Municipal Property Tax) debts.
Use permits, ensuring that the property is fit for habitation.
The existence of mortgages, liens or other encumbrances that could jeopardize the purchase.
The existence of condominium debts and planned works that could have an impact on your financial organization as a future owner.

Many foreigners who buy property in Portugal remotely rely solely on real estate agents or consultants. The risk is great, as only a lawyer can provide complete legal security. In addition, it is possible to grant a power of attorney for the lawyer to represent the buyer, signing contracts and even deeds on your behalf.

Immigrating is an act of courage and planning. Buying a property in another country requires even more care. Due diligence is the first step in ensuring that the purchase of your property in Portugal will be safe, strategic and without any unpleasant surprises, either when you buy your property or in a future sale to a third party.

⚠️ Important note: When sharing personal and confidential information, it is essential to entrust this responsibility to a qualified professional. You can check professional credentials at the following link: https://portal.oa.pt/advogados/pesquisa-de-advogados/.

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14:48 13 Nov 25

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21:24 07 Nov 25

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14:57 29 Oct 25

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20:10 26 Oct 25

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19:29 10 Jul 25

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15:33 08 Jul 25

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11:28 27 May 25

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10:22 22 May 25

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20:02 27 Feb 25

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15:49 21 Feb 25

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11:43 21 Feb 25

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11:49 05 Feb 25

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20:03 22 Nov 24

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16:29 27 Oct 24

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14:51 31 Jul 24

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16:34 25 Jul 24

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19:39 07 Jun 24

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08:33 18 Mar 24

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16:07 16 Feb 24

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19:16 19 Jan 24

My wife and I made a decision to start our immigration process in October of 2023. Vivian was recommended to us around that same time.

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08:26 19 Jan 24

Dr Vivian was incredibly kind to deal with. She is very confident and knows her job very well, preparing my emigration to Portugal. Her vast legal knowledge leaves me safe and confident in future decisions regarding the purchase or rental of property, avoiding the traps and tricks so common in this segment.

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00:55 18 Jan 24

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23:22 17 Jan 24

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15:44 15 Jan 24

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17:42 02 Jan 24

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09:54 12 Dec 23

Dr. Vivian was more than a helping hand when I moved to Portugal! In addition to carrying out the work I hired her for, she was always available to answer my questions; and I had many! Always responding to my emails within 24 business hours, she took care of what was a stressful process for me, and helped me focus on the other aspects of the move. If I could, I would hire her as a lawyer in all areas!

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19:01 08 Dec 23

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Monica

10:49 07 Dec 23

Sergio Sousa

17:22 06 Dec 23

Dra.Vivian Perfeito is very professional and courteous.
Highly recommended!!

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11:27 05 Dec 23

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Tania Custodio

17:40 20 Nov 23

Dr Vivian Perfeito is a highly-capable, professional, diligent, charismatic, caring, and above all, honest, attorney! It has been and continue to be a pleasure working with her, and we would highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal services. Thank you Vivian! Best Regards, Tania and Luiz Custodio.

Ilana Amar Leshem

15:00 27 Oct 23

I found Dr. Vivian Perfeito online. I asked to speak to her, and she responded immediately. She is not only a good lawyer , but also a super nice person. We are immigrants in Portugal, and she referred me first of all, to all the no cost options of getting our documentation! I was very impressed by her willingness to help get us on our feet! I highly recommend it!

ilan

16:22 10 Oct 23

I was referred to Vivian and I wanted to thank her for her responsiveness and help. Vivian is very thorough and professional, in addition to being very nice person. Her English proficiency was very much appreciated and it made our communication easy. I would definitely recommend her for anybody who is looking to purchase property in Portugal or move to this wonderful country and I will definitely use her legal services in the future.

Paula Correia

15:09 10 Oct 23

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