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

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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 Settlement...

Renting vs. Buying a Property in Portugal: What’s Best?

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Deciding whether to rent or buy a property in Portugal depends on several factors, including financial situation, long-term plans, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations: Buying a Property ✅ Long-Term Investment – Property prices in Portugal have shown steady growth, making it a solid investment. ✅ Golden Visa Program – Non-EU buyers may qualify for residency through property investment. ✅ Stability & Personalization – Owning a home provides stability and the freedom to customize the space. ✅ Potential Rental Income – A property can generate income through short-term (Airbnb) or long-term rentals. ⚠ Considerations : Buying involves upfront costs (down payment, taxes, legal fees) and long-term commitment. Renting a Property ✅ Flexibility – Ideal for those unsure about long-term residence or wanting to explore different areas. ✅ Lower Initial Costs – No need for a large down payment, only a security deposit and rent. ✅ Easier Process – Faster a...

Business and Services - Rental, Buying, Representation and Property Management

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Rental Services ✅ Comprehensive Property Search & Validation Property search, technical inspections, validations, and visits. Local area exploration. Remote calls and video walkthroughs when required. Legal procedure preparation and validation. 📜 Lease Contract & Legal Assistance In Portugal, a Licensed Agent is certified to apply for Property Registrations and all necessary lease documentation. Coordination with a Real Estate Lawyer for thorough document review and validation. Bilingual Lease Contract (PT/EN) included in the service, at no extra cost (most agencies charge around €130 for this). 📡 Utilities & Settling-In Support Assistance in setting up water, gas/electricity, phone, TV, and Internet contracts. 💰 Commission Structure Most listing agents and private landlords do not share/pay commission , meaning I act as your dedicated Rental Agent : 1 month’s rent for contracts up to 1 year . 1.5 months’ rent for contracts of 2 years or more . 🔹 Exceptions: a) ...