Do You Own a Second Home in Portugal? Have You Made a Portuguese Will?

Do You Own a Second Home in Portugal? Have You Made a Portuguese Will?

For many people, buying a holiday home or retirement property in Portugal is a dream come true. However, one important piece of planning is often overlooked – having a Portuguese Will.

While it is possible to have one will covering assets in both the UK and Portugal as it doesn’t always make dealing with a property in Portugal as straightforward as you might expect, for most people who own property in both countries it is usually better to have a separate will in each country, provided they are carefully drafted so they do not accidentally revoke each other.

Why two wills are often recommended

A UK will can deal with:                                                      A Portuguese will can deal with:

• Your UK property.                                                        Your Portuguese Property.
• UK bank accounts and investments.                           Portuguese Bank Accounts.            
• Other UK-based assets.                                               Other Portuguese assets

A separate Portuguese Will that deals specifically with your Portuguese assets can help:

• Simplify the administration of your estate.
• Reduce delays and legal complications for your family.
• Avoid delays caused by translating and legalising a UK will for use in Portugal.
• Ensure your wishes regarding your Portuguese property are clearly documented.
• Make it easier for the Portuguese notary and land registry to deal with your property.
• Make the process significantly easier for your beneficiaries at what is already a difficult time.

It is a relatively simple step that can save your loved ones considerable time, stress and expense in the future.

Serious consideration must be given to Portuguese Inheritance Tax as well as other tax considerations.

So, if you have property in both the UK and Portugal, I would recommend speaking to:

• a UK solicitor experienced in international estates, and
• a Portuguese lawyer (advogado) who specialises in property and inheritance law.

The additional cost of preparing two coordinated wills is often outweighed by the time, expense and stress it can save your executors and family later.

At Vendici Properties, we're not lawyers, but over the years we've seen first-hand how proper planning can make a significant difference for property owners and their families.

Sometimes the best investment you can make isn't in your property—it's in protecting it for the next generation.

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