What is IMT in Portugal?

IMT (Imposto Municipal sobre Transmissões Onerosas de Imóveis) is Portugal's property transfer tax, payable by the buyer when purchasing real estate. It is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price (or fiscal value, whichever is higher) using a sliding scale of 0–7.5%.

How much is IMT on a €300,000 property in Portugal?

For a primary residence at €300,000, IMT is approximately €8,427. The calculation uses Portugal's sliding IMT scale: the €300,000 falls in the 7% bracket, giving a gross tax of €21,000, minus the marginal deduction of €12,573 = €8,427. Use our IMT calculator for any purchase price.

Is there a first-time buyer IMT exemption in Portugal?

There is no blanket first-time buyer exemption. However, primary residences benefit from a zero-rate band: the first €97,064 of purchase price is IMT-exempt when the property is your main home. Non-residents and investment buyers pay a minimum 1% on the first band.

When do you pay IMT in Portugal?

IMT must be paid before signing the final deed (Escritura). Your notary will not proceed with the completion without proof of IMT payment. You pay it at a Finanças office or via ATM/online banking using the IMT payment reference provided by your solicitor or notary.

Do non-residents pay more IMT than residents in Portugal?

Not significantly. The main difference is the zero-rate first band: primary residence buyers pay 0% on the first €97,064; non-residents buying investment property pay 1% on that band. For higher purchase prices, the rates are identical.

IMT Tax in Portugal: Complete Guide for Property Buyers | Le Corbeau

What Is IMT?

IMT (Imposto Municipal sobre Transmissões Onerosas de Imóveis) is Portugal's property transfer tax — the equivalent of the UK's Stamp Duty Land Tax or France's droits de mutation. It is paid by the buyer and must be settled before the final deed (Escritura) can be signed.

IMT is calculated on whichever is higher: the declared purchase price or the fiscal value (Valor Patrimonial Tributário) of the property. For most market-rate purchases, the declared price is higher, so that's what the tax is based on.

IMT Rates 2025 — Full Table

Price Bracket	Rate (Primary Residence)	Rate (Investment / Other)	Marginal Deduction (Primary)
Up to €97,064	0%	1%	€0
€97,064–€132,774	2%	2%	€1,941
€132,774–€181,034	5%	5%	€5,924
€181,034–€301,688	7%	7%	€9,544
€301,688–€578,598	6%	6%	€6,535
€578,598–€1,050,400	6%	6%	€6,535
Over €1,050,400	7.5%	7.5%	€22,305

Quick Examples

Purchase Price	IMT (Primary Residence)	Stamp Duty (0.8%)	Total Transfer Taxes
€150,000	€1,576	€1,200	€2,776
€250,000	€7,956	€2,000	€9,956
€350,000	€14,465	€2,800	€17,265
€500,000	€23,465	€4,000	€27,465
€750,000	€38,465	€6,000	€44,465

Use the IMT calculator for exact figures at any price point.

When and How to Pay IMT

IMT must be paid before the final deed (Escritura) is signed at the notary. The sequence is:

Your solicitor calculates the IMT due and provides a payment reference
You pay via ATM (Multibanco), online banking, or at a Finanças office
You receive a payment receipt (Guia de Pagamento)
The notary sees the receipt before proceeding with the Escritura

Note: if you're buying remotely via Power of Attorney, your solicitor handles the payment on your behalf.

Stamp Duty (Imposto do Selo)

In addition to IMT, buyers pay Stamp Duty (IS) at a flat rate of 0.8% of the purchase price on all residential property. This is also paid before the deed and is a separate payment from IMT.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IMT?

Portugal's property transfer tax (0–7.5%), paid by the buyer before the completion deed.

When do I pay it?

Before signing the Escritura (final deed). The notary won't proceed without proof of payment.

Is there a first-time buyer exemption?

No blanket exemption. Primary residences get a zero-rate band on the first €97,064.

What if I'm buying for investment?

Investment properties pay 1% on the first band (vs 0% for primary residence). Higher bands are the same rate.

Calculate your IMT

Enter your purchase price and get an instant, exact IMT figure.

IMT Calculator →