Glossary

escritura

Published 5 November 2026, 03:36
escritura pública de compra e venda

The final property transaction, the document that makes you the owner. It is drawn up by a notary; under a 2008 law (DL 116/2008), the same transaction can be done as a documento particular autenticado (DPA) with a lawyer or solicitador. There is also a third route: the Casa Pronta counter at a conservatória, running since July 2007, where you sign the contract, pay the taxes and have the registration made straight away. All three options have the same legal force.

Where you come across it. The day of the final sale of a home; the completed escritura is later requested as proof of ownership for a visa, a residence permit or an invitation for guests.
The escritura is a document and the service of drawing it up, not a tax. The taxes paid on purchase as a percentage of the property price are IMT and Imposto do Selo; the escritura costs a separate sum that hardly depends on the price of the property.