Can foreign nationals take out mortgage loans in Azores?

Yes, non-residents can be issued a mortgage loan to buy property in Azores. Special terms of mortgage lending for non-residents — the loan term up to 75 years of age for the eldest borrower and a down payment of 40–50%. The mortgage rate is a floating one, of 3% for residential properties and 5% for the commercial ones.

How does the property purchasing process take place in Azores?

Before the purchase, it is necessary to hire a lawyer who would help you get the paperwork done. Having chosen the property, you need to open a local bank account and receive a tax identification number. First, a preliminary sales agreement is signed, a deposit equalling to 10–30% of the property value is placed, and the municipal taxes are paid. The deposit is non-refundable if the buyer decides not to purchase. All agreements ought to be notarised. Between signing the preliminary and main sales agreements, the lawyer completes the property Due Diligence and checks the availability of all the documents for the property. When signing the main agreement, the remaining transaction amount is paid, after which the property can be registered with the land registry office and a title deed can be obtained.

What property taxes are there in Portugal?

Property buyers pay a stamp duty (Imposto do Selo, IS) — 0,8% and a title deed transfer tax (Imposto Municipal sobre Transmissões, IMT) — 6,0 – 6,5%. After the purchase, an annual real estate tax (Imposto Municipal sobre os Imóveis, IMI) ranging from 0.3 to 0.8% across property types and municipalities, has to be paid. These three taxes — are everything that is paid by property owners. When selling real estate, non-resident owners pay the capital gain tax, chargeable from the difference between the purchase price and the sales price at a rate of 28%. The inheritance and gift taxes are not levied from spouses, children, parents and grandchildren, the other categories pay them at a rate of 10% (which is considered low).

How expensive are the utilities in Azores?

The utility costs vary across locations. For example, an average bill for an 50–60 m² apartment totals about € 100-130 per month.

Can Portuguese residency be obtained through buying real estate?

Yes, there is a residency by investment or Golden Visa programme in Portugal. Those buying newly or relatively recently built properties for at least € 500,000 and properties built over 30 years ago for at least € 350,000 become eligible for residency.

How can a property buyer obtain Portuguese citizenship?

It is possible to apply for permanent residency after five years of residence in the country. After six years of residence it is possible to apply for citizenship. But these procedures are not interrelated. Holding a temporary residence or permanent residence permit does not lead to obtaining citizenship. Only following the rules of stay in the country (over 183 days per year for six years) can give hope for obtaining Portuguese citizenship.

Can foreign nationals lease real estate in Portugal?

Yes, of course. The owner's right to administer their property is not limited in any way.

What types of Portuguese property are better to invest in for rental purposes?

The most suitable for rental purposes are the flats and apartments located in the resort areas, such as the Algarve, Faro, Lagos, on the entire southern coast and the capital of the country, Lisbon.

Why do I need to own real estate in Portugal?

The Portuguese property market is one of the European real estate markets that have been growing most actively over the past few years. Therefore, real estate investments are very profitable in the country.