Portugal: renting property
The full process in 8 steps: the taxes you pay, what each stage costs and how long it takes (~20 days on average). Free guide, no account needed.
🔑 Owner
1
Get the energy certificate (CEE)
⏱ 3-7 days · 💰 €100-250
2
Sign the rental contract
⏱ 1 day · 💰 free
3
Report the contract and pay stamp duty (Modelo 2)
⏱ by end of next month · 💰 10% of one month
4
Issue electronic rent receipts
⏱ monthly · 💰 free
👤 Tenant
1
Check the contract and the inventory
⏱ 1-2 days · 💰 free
2
Pay the caução (deposit)
⏱ 1 day · 💰 usually 2 months
3
Put the utilities in your name
⏱ 1-2 weeks · 💰 varies
4
Keep the rent receipts for your IRS deduction
⏱ monthly · 💰 free
Taxes & fees
stamp duty
10% of one month (owner)
caucao
usually 2 months
irs rendas
25%, or 10% for moderate rents on registered contracts
⚠️ What costs you money if you miss it
Owner: report the contract to the tax office by the end of the month after it starts. It is not only an obligation — a registered contract is what unlocks the reduced IRS rate on the rent.
Stamp duty is 10% of one month’s rent and it is the owner’s to pay, together with reporting the contract.
Tenant: only electronic rent receipts count for your IRS deduction. Ask for one every month — a bank transfer alone is not enough.
⚠️ Informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed local lawyer.
Check what a property here is actually worthOpen the free valuation