02 · Price

Signing day is not the day
to learn what you owe.
Know every figure in advance.Signing day is not the day to learn what you owe.
Know every figure in advance.

The Escritura Pública (final deed) triggers multiple payments simultaneously — purchase balance, IMT, Imposto do Selo, notary, and registration. PropCheck breaks down exactly what leaves your account on signing day, after your CPCV deposit is deducted.

CPCV deposit deductedAll taxes includedCurrency conversion note

PropCheck · Signing Day Breakdown

The Escritura Pública is the final deed of sale — the moment legal ownership transfers. On that day you pay: the remaining purchase balance (after deducting your CPCV deposit), IMT (transfer tax), Imposto do Selo on the purchase (0.8%), notary fees, and IRN registration fees. If financing with a mortgage, the bank's funds arrive simultaneously and the mortgage Imposto do Selo (0.6%) is also due. PropCheck breaks down each line and shows you the exact transfer your bank or solicitor needs to have ready.

Most buyers in Portugal manage the signing day payment through their solicitor or notary — but understanding what each line represents, and why it must be paid in full before ownership is registered, prevents last-minute problems. International buyers often underestimate the settlement timeline: Portuguese notaries typically require all funds to be confirmed cleared at least 24–48 hours before the scheduled escritura.

The signing day payment sequence

IMT must be paid before the escritura — The Guia de IMT (tax payment document) must be presented to the notary as proof of payment. IMT cannot be paid at the notary's desk on the day — it must be settled in advance at a Finanças office or online via Portal das Finanças.
Imposto do Selo on the purchase — Also due before or at the escritura. Typically settled through the notary or via the buyer's Portuguese bank account.
Notary fees — Payable at the escritura. The notary will provide the exact fee in advance. In some cases a bank transfer is required in advance rather than payment on the day.
Mortgage funds — The bank releases mortgage funds directly to the seller's account or through the notary on signing day. The mortgage Imposto do Selo (0.6%) is charged by the bank and paid before or at completion.
Balance of purchase price — The remaining amount after the CPCV deposit, also paid on signing day. This is usually a bank transfer initiated by the buyer's solicitor or handled by the notary.

Sample output — €395,000 purchase, 15% CPCV deposit paid, mortgage €270,000

Signing Day Breakdown · €395,000 · CPCV deposit €59,250 paid · Mortgage €270,000Primary residence · Resident buyer

Purchase price€395,000

CPCV deposit already paid— €59,250

Balance of purchase price€335,750

Of which: mortgage funds€270,000

Of which: your own cash€65,750

IMT — primary residence€8,765 Pay before escritura

Imposto do Selo — purchase (0.8%)€3,160

Imposto do Selo — mortgage (0.6% × €270k)€1,620

Notary fees€1,050

IRN registration€350

Total cash required on signing day€80,695

This is the total new cash needed from you on signing day. The mortgage funds (€270,000) are provided by the bank. Your CPCV deposit (€59,250) was already paid.

International buyers — currency riskIf your funds are held in GBP, USD, or another non-EUR currency, the amount you need to transfer depends on the exchange rate on or before signing day. A 3% adverse move on a €400,000 transaction is €12,000. PropCheck notes the currency exposure in the output and recommends discussing forward contracts with your FX provider well in advance of signing. We partner with regulated FX brokers who handle Portuguese property transactions — available through the paid service.

Frequently asked questions

No surprises at the notary's table.

Full signing day breakdown — purchase balance, taxes, fees — after deducting your CPCV deposit. Calculated in 10 seconds.

Free · All buyer profiles · CPCV deposit deducted automatically