Guide · French buyers
How to buy in Algarve as a French buyer in 2026
The practical, operational guide for a French buyer: steps, taxation, financing, pitfalls. Everything you need to know before getting started.
Buying in the Algarve from France is simpler than most people think, provided you follow the right steps in the right order. Here is the typical journey of a French buyer we guide through the process.
Before you go: what to prepare
Gather: a valid passport or ID card, your last 3 French tax notices, proof of income, and a French bank statement (RIB). These documents will be useful for opening an account and arranging financing.
Getting a NIF and a Portuguese bank account
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is mandatory for any transaction in Portugal. As a non-resident EU citizen, you can obtain it directly at a Finanças office (Serviço de Finanças) on site, or through a lawyer/tax representative (~€150, 48 hours).
Then open an account with a Portuguese bank: Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, ActivoBank or Santander Totta. This makes fund transfers and tax payments much easier.
The search: agencies vs off-market
Major property portals are an excellent starting point, but they do not necessarily cover every available opportunity. Some properties circulate through local agencies, directly from owners or via professional networks before — or without — appearing on major platforms. A multi-source search therefore broadens the market accessible to the buyer.
Next step
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France ↔ Portugal taxation: the 2026 truth
The France-Portugal tax treaty prevents double taxation. In practice:
- Rental income is taxed in Portugal (flat 25% rate), then declared in France with a tax credit equal to the corresponding French tax (generally a neutral effect).
- The tax treatment of a property capital gain in Portugal depends in particular on your tax residence and personal circumstances. The rules for non-residents have changed and can no longer be summed up by the former flat rate of 28%. A tax assessment tailored to your circumstances is recommended before any resale.
- French wealth tax (IFI) still applies to the Portuguese property if your worldwide assets exceed €1.3M.
From CPCV to escritura
The CPCV (Contrato-Promessa de Compra e Venda) is the Portuguese preliminary contract. You typically pay a 10% deposit. If you withdraw: you lose the deposit. If the seller withdraws: they must repay you double.
The escritura pública (deed of sale) is signed before the Portuguese notary 30 to 90 days later. At that point you pay the balance, the IMT, the Imposto do Selo and notary fees. The keys are handed over the same day.
To go further, read our Algarve property hunter pillar page or our full investment guide.