Buying from overseas
Understand the questions lenders may ask when you live in the United States, Germany, or another country while purchasing in Portugal.
Talk2Abe · International property finance
Buying property in Portugal while living abroad?
Get a clearer picture of potential financing routes for a Portuguese home, investment property, or commercial real estate purchase—with practical guidance from mortgage professional Abe Hakawati.
Every case is different. Financing availability, eligibility, terms, and lender participation must be confirmed for your circumstances.
A practical starting point
Cross-border purchases need a clear plan.
Buying in Portugal from another country can raise questions about income in different currencies, residency, documentation, property type, and how a lender evaluates the transaction. The first step is to understand your goal and determine which financing routes may be appropriate to investigate.
I’m Abe Hakawati, a mortgage professional with more than 30 years of experience. I help borrowers assess financing needs and explore potential lending solutions. The options available for a Portuguese property depend on the transaction and the providers able to serve it.
Financing topics
Start with the property and the purpose.
Residential and investment property
Discuss a home purchase, a rental investment, or another property strategy and identify which financing routes may be worth exploring.
Commercial property and projects
For business premises, hospitality assets, mixed-use property, land, or development, the right route depends on the asset and project details.
Preparing a stronger inquiry
Property price, intended use, available equity, income sources, residency, and timing can help establish which options to investigate.
Common questions
Portugal property financing FAQs
Can an American living abroad finance property in Portugal?
Potentially. Eligibility depends on the lender, property, residency and income profile, currency, available equity, and intended use. Each case needs an individual review; financing is not guaranteed.
Can I explore financing before choosing a property?
Yes. An initial discussion can help identify the information lenders may need and whether your intended purchase appears suitable for further investigation. Final terms depend on lender review and the specific property.
What documents might be needed?
Depending on the case, lenders may request identification, residency information, income and asset evidence, bank statements, existing debt details, company documents, and property information. Do not email sensitive financial documents until a secure submission method is confirmed.
Is commercial property financed the same way as a home?
Not necessarily. Commercial and development cases may be assessed using the property's use, business or rental income, borrower experience, project costs, equity contribution, and exit strategy.
Your next step
Tell me what you’re looking to buy in Portugal.
Share the type of property, approximate budget, where you live, and your intended use. We can discuss what information is needed to explore potential financing options.
Request an Initial DiscussionPlease do not include account numbers, tax identification numbers, or other sensitive personal information in an initial email.