Can Non-Residents Get a Mortgage in Portugal?

Property Financing for International Buyers in 2026

Many foreign buyers assume that obtaining financing in Portugal will be difficult. In practice, Portuguese banks continue to lend to non-residents, although approval criteria are typically stricter than those applied to local residents.

Mortgage Options for Non-Residents

A number of Portuguese banks offer mortgage solutions specifically designed for international buyers.

Financing is available for a wide range of property types, including primary residences, second homes, and investment properties.

The availability of financing depends on factors such as income, country of residence, financial profile, and the property being purchased.

Deposit Requirements

Non-resident buyers are generally expected to contribute a larger down payment than resident borrowers.

Banks typically require buyers to fund a meaningful portion of the purchase price themselves, reducing the lender's overall exposure to risk.

As a result, buyers should plan for a substantial equity contribution in addition to acquisition costs and taxes.

Interest Rates and Lending Conditions

Mortgage conditions vary according to the applicant's profile and market conditions at the time of application.

Interest rates, loan terms, and financing ratios can differ between lenders and should be compared carefully before making a decision.

Obtaining pre-approval early in the purchasing process can help clarify borrowing capacity and strengthen a buyer's negotiating position.

Affordability Assessment

As in most countries, lenders evaluate a borrower's ability to repay the loan.

Income, existing financial commitments, assets, and overall financial stability are important factors in the approval process.

Providing complete and well-prepared documentation can significantly improve the efficiency of the application.

Our Perspective

Financing is rarely the obstacle many international buyers expect it to be.

The most successful applications are usually those prepared in advance, with realistic expectations regarding deposits, borrowing capacity, and supporting documentation.

Understanding financing options early can help buyers define a more accurate budget and move forward with greater confidence.