Understanding the Legal System in Portugal: What Expats Need to Know 🇵🇹⚖️

Moving to Portugal? If you're used to an Anglo-Saxon legal system (like in the US or UK), you might be surprised by how things work here. Portugal follows the civil law tradition, which means laws are codified and judges interpret them based on statutes rather than past rulings.

Here are some key differences to keep in mind:

✅ No Legal Precedents: Unlike in common law systems, past court decisions don’t set binding precedents. Each case is judged mainly on the written law.

✅ Notaries Are a Big Deal: In Portugal, many legal transactions (buying property, business contracts, wills) must go through an official notary, who certifies and registers documents. This can add bureaucracy but also provides security.

✅ Landlord-Tenant Laws Favor Tenants: Evicting a tenant in Portugal is much harder than in the US. Rental agreements have strong legal protections for tenants, which is great for long-term renters but tricky for landlords.

✅ Fewer Lawsuits & Million-Dollar Settlements: Portugal doesn’t have the same "litigation culture" as the US. You won’t hear about people suing companies for millions over minor issues, and legal fees are usually lower.

✅ Buying Property? Taxes & Bureaucracy Matter: The process involves various taxes (like IMT and IMI) and official registrations. It’s slower but provides strong legal protection once completed.

Thinking of investing or moving here? Knowing these differences can save you time and frustration. If you have questions about real estate in Portugal, feel free to reach out! 🇵🇹🏡

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