Inheritance Law in Portugal: What Happens to Your Estate

Understanding Portugal’s inheritance laws is crucial for expats who own property, investments, or other assets in the country. Whether you’re planning your estate, inheriting from a Portuguese relative, or simply want to know how the system works, this guide breaks down the key rules: who inherits, forced heirship, taxes, wills, and the probate process. We’ll also highlight recent changes and practical steps to ensure your wishes are respected.

Overview of Portuguese Succession Law

Portugal’s inheritance regime is governed by the Civil Code (Código Civil) and includes several distinctive features that differ from many common-law countries:

Forced heirship (legítima): A portion of your estate must go to certain close relatives, regardless of your will.
Community property regime: Many couples marry under the default regime of comunhão de adquiridos (acquired property community), which affects what is considered part of the estate.
No inheritance tax: Portugal abolished stamp duty (imposto do selo) on inheritances and gifts between close relatives in 2004, making it one of the most tax-friendly jurisdictions in Europe for succession.
EU Regulation 650/2012: Allows you to choose the law of your nationality to govern your estate, overriding Portuguese forced heirship rules if desired.

These rules apply to both Portuguese nationals and foreigners with assets in Portugal.

Who Inherits? The Legal Heirs

If you die without a will (intestate), Portuguese law determines the order of succession. The law prioritizes close family members, but the forced heirship rules mean you cannot completely disinherit certain relatives even with a will.

1. Spouse and Descendants (Children, Grandchildren)

Spouse: Inherits alongside children. If there are children, the spouse receives a share equal to that of each child.
Children: Inherit equally. If a child predeceases you, their share passes to their own children (representation).
Forced heirship: Children (or their descendants) are entitled to 50% of the estate if there is one child, two-thirds if there are two or more children. This is the legítima that cannot be overridden by will.
Spouse’s forced share: The spouse is entitled to one-third of the estate if there are children, or one-half if there are no children but there are parents. If there are neither children nor parents, the spouse may inherit the entire estate (subject to other relatives).

2. Parents

If there are no children, parents inherit alongside the spouse.
Parents are forced heirs only if there are no children or spouse. They are entitled to one-third of the estate (split equally between both parents) if there is a spouse, or one-half if there is no spouse but there are siblings.

3. Siblings and Other Relatives

Siblings inherit only if there are no descendants, spouse, or parents.
Nieces and nephews (children of siblings) can inherit by representation if their parent predeceased you.
More distant relatives (cousins, aunts/uncles) inherit only if no closer relatives exist.
If no relatives are found, the estate escheats to the Portuguese state.

4. Adopted and Step-Children

Adopted children have the same inheritance rights as biological children.
Step-children do not automatically inherit unless legally adopted or named in a will.

Wills and Overriding Forced Heirship

You can make a will (testamento) to distribute your estate, but you cannot violate the forced heirship rules unless you use the EU Regulation 650/2012 to choose another law.

Types of Wills in Portugal

Public will (testamento público): Made before a notary and two witnesses, or three witnesses if no notary. This is the most secure and common form.
Closed will (testamento fechado): You sign and seal the document, then deliver it to a notary who witnesses the sealing. The contents remain secret until death.
Private will (testamento particular): You write, sign, and date the document yourself, with two witnesses present. Less formal but still valid if requirements are met.

Choosing Foreign Law (EU Regulation 650/2012)

If you are a resident of an EU country (or have assets in multiple EU countries), you can declare in your will that the law of your nationality governs your succession. This allows you to bypass Portuguese forced heirship rules.

How to elect: Include a clause in your will stating: “I elect that the law of [my country of nationality] shall govern my succession.”
Effect: Your estate will be distributed according to your home country’s rules (e.g., allowing you to leave everything to a spouse or charity).
Limitation: You cannot elect to avoid forced heirship if you are habitually resident in Portugal at the time of death and your home country is outside the EU? Actually, the regulation applies regardless of habitual residence; you can choose the law of your nationality even if living in Portugal.

Example: British Expat in Portugal

A British citizen living in Portugal can choose English law in their will, which permits testamentary freedom (no forced heirship). This is a popular option for expats who want to leave their Portuguese property to a spouse or children from a previous marriage without the compulsory shares going to Portuguese-resident children.

Community Property and the Estate

Many couples in Portugal marry under the default comunhão de adquiridos regime, meaning assets acquired during marriage are jointly owned. Only half of the community property belongs to the deceased spouse’s estate; the other half remains with the surviving spouse.

Separate property (bens próprios): Assets owned before marriage, inheritances, or gifts received individually during marriage belong solely to that spouse.
Impact on inheritance: When calculating the estate, only the deceased’s share of community property plus their separate property is subject to succession rules.

Prenuptial Agreements

Couples can opt out of community property via a prenup (contrato pré-nupcial), choosing separation of property (separação de bens) or another regime. This must be done before marriage and registered.

Taxes on Inheritance and Gifts

Portugal does not impose inheritance tax (imposto sobre sucessões) or gift tax (imposto sobre doações) on transfers between:

Spouses
Descendants (children, grandchildren)
Ascendants (parents, grandparents)
Spouses’ descendants (step-children only if adopted)

Transfers to more distant relatives (siblings, nieces/nephews, cousins) or unrelated parties may be subject to stamp duty (imposto do selo) at a rate of 0.8% on the value transferred. However, there are exemptions and reductions:

Main residence exemption: If the inherited property is the deceased’s primary residence and the heir is a spouse, descendant, or ascendant, no stamp duty applies.
Life insurance: Proceeds paid to a named beneficiary are exempt from stamp duty regardless of relationship.

Wealth Tax

Portugal abolished its wealth tax (imposto sobre a riqueza) in 2017, so there is no ongoing annual tax on net assets.

The Probate Process (Inventário)

After death, the estate must go through a legal process to transfer assets to heirs. This can be done either judicially (through courts) or extrajudicially (via notary), depending on circumstances.

Extrajudicial Inventory (Inventário Extrajudicial)

Available when: All heirs are identified, agree on the distribution, and there is no dispute.
Process: Heirs appear before a notary with the death certificate, will (if any), and list of assets. The notary declares the heirs and allocates the assets.
Faster and cheaper: Typically completed within a few weeks.
Required documents: Death certificate, will, marriage certificate (if applicable), birth certificates of heirs, property titles, bank statements, tax clearance.

Judicial Inventory (Inventário Judicial)

Required when: Heirs disagree, a minor or incapacitated person is involved, or the estate includes complex assets.
Process: Filed in the district court (tribunal de comarca) of the deceased’s last residence. A judge oversees the inventory, appointment of an executor (inventariante), and distribution.
Can take months or years if contested.

Steps in the Inventory Process

Obtain death certificate from the civil registry (conservatória do registo civil).
Locate the will (if any) and notify heirs.
Gather asset documentation: property deeds, bank statements, investment portfolios, vehicle registrations, etc.
Settle debts and taxes: Funeral expenses, medical bills, outstanding loans, and any taxes due (e.g., property tax IMI up to date).
Prepare inventory list: Detailed schedule of all assets and liabilities.
Allocate assets: According to law or will, respecting forced heirship.
Transfer title: Update property registrations, bank accounts, etc., to reflect new owners.
Obtain tax clearance: From Finanças to confirm no outstanding tax liabilities.

Practical Tips for Expats

1. Make a Will in Portugal (or Elect Foreign Law)

Even if you have a will in your home country, consider making a Portuguese will for assets located in Portugal to avoid conflicts and delays.
Clearly state whether you are electing the law of your nationality under EU Regulation 650/2012.

2. Keep Documentation Organized

Store originals of your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, property deeds, and financial statements in a safe place.
Maintain a list of assets with locations, account numbers, and contact information.

3. Consider Joint Ownership

For property, holding title as joint tenants with right of survivorship (comunhão de adquiridos already provides survivorship for the community share) can simplify transfer.
Be aware that joint ownership with non-spouse may still be subject to forced heirship claims on your share.

4. Plan for Minor Children

If you have minor children, appoint a guardian (guarda) in your will and consider setting up a trust or life insurance to provide for their care.

5. Consult Professionals

Portuguese lawyer: To draft a will, navigate the inventory process, and advise on forced heirship vs. foreign law election.
Tax advisor: Though inheritance tax is not an issue, they can help with structuring assets and understanding any cross-border tax implications.
Notary: For extrajudicial inventory and will registration.

Recent Changes and Trends

Increase in foreign wills: More expats are using the EU Regulation to elect their home country’s law, especially UK citizens post-Brexit (though the UK is no longer in the EU, the regulation still applies if you were resident in an EU state before Brexit? Actually, the UK opted out of the regulation; however, if you made a will before Brexit electing UK law, it may still be valid. Check current status.)
Digital assets: Portugal’s law does not yet have specific provisions for cryptocurrency or online accounts, but they are treated as part of the estate and subject to the same rules.
Life insurance popularity: Many expats use life insurance policies to bypass forced heirship, as proceeds can be directed to named beneficiaries outside the estate.

Common Misconceptions

“I can leave everything to my spouse.” Not true if you have children; children are entitled to their forced share (50% or two-thirds).
“My foreign will automatically applies in Portugal.” A foreign will must be recognized and may require translation, apostille, and possibly probate in Portugal.
“No tax means no planning needed.” While tax-free, forced heirship and procedural requirements still necessitate planning.
“I don’t need a will if I’m married.” Without a will, the estate is divided according to law, which may not match your wishes (e.g., children’s forced shares may reduce what your spouse receives).

Helpful Resources

Portal do Cidadão – Inheritance: https://www.portaldocidadao.pt
Ministry of Justice – Notariado: https://www.notariado.pt
European e-Justice Portal – Successions: https://e-justice.europa.eu
AIMA (for residency-related inheritance questions): https://www.aima.pt
Portuguese Bar Association – Find a Lawyer: https://www.oa.pt

Final Thoughts

Portugal’s inheritance system offers significant tax advantages but comes with forced heirship rules that can surprise expats unfamiliar with civil law traditions. By understanding who inherits, how to make a valid will, and the option to elect foreign law, you can ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Start by inventorying your assets, consulting a Portuguese lawyer, and considering whether electing your home country’s law simplifies your plans.

With proper preparation, you can protect your legacy and provide clarity for your loved ones during a difficult time.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a Portuguese lawyer or notary for advice specific to your situation.