Transferring Money to Portugal: What International Property Buyers Need to Know in 2025
So, you’ve fallen in love with Portugal. (Honestly, who hasn’t?) The sunshine, the seafood, the slow pace of life… not to mention the property prices that still make sense compared to London, New York, or Toronto.
Whether you're buying a beachside apartment in the Algarve, a townhouse in Lisbon, or a peaceful place in the hills of the Silver Coast—there’s one crucial step in the process that often gets overlooked until the last minute:
Transferring your money.
Whether you're converting USD, GBP, CAD, or any other currency into euros, how and when you transfer your funds can have a big impact on what your property ultimately costs you.
Here’s what every international buyer should know before hitting “send.”
Why Currency Strategy Matters More Than You Think
When you're buying overseas, you're not just dealing with real estate agents, lawyers, and notaries. You're also making large international currency transfers, often hundreds of thousands worth.
Even a small shift in the exchange rate can cost (or save) you thousands.
Real talk: This isn’t the time to rely on your bank’s default transfer service and hope for the best.
Why Your Bank Might Not Be Your Best Option
Banks tend to:
Offer less competitive exchange rates
Charge higher fees for international transfers
Lack flexibility, no forward contracts, no alerts, and definitely no personal support
This might work for sending €100 to a friend. But for property payments? Not ideal.
Better option: Work with a specialist currency provider (like us at Moving Currency) who can:
Offer better rates
Lower or eliminate transfer fees
Guide you through the entire process with actual human support
Can You Lock in a Rate in Advance?
Yes and for many buyers, this is a game-changer.
A forward contract lets you secure a rate today and lock it in for a future transfer—even if you're not ready to send the funds yet. This is especially helpful if:
You're still waiting on the sale of a property back home
You're paying in stages (common with off-plan purchases)
You're worried about rates moving before your completion date
It’s about control and peace of mind.
How Property Payments Work in Portugal
Typically, international buyers will:
Pay a deposit when signing the promissory contract (Contrato-Promessa de Compra e Venda or CPCV)
Pay the remaining balance at the notary’s office on completion day
Funds are usually transferred to:
A lawyer’s client account
A property developer (for new builds)
Or directly to the seller
At Moving Currency, we ensure your euros land safely where they need to go, on time and with full tracking.
When Should You Start Planning Your Currency Transfers?
As early as possible. Ideally, as soon as you begin seriously looking at properties. Even if you don’t have a contract in hand yet, we can help you:
Understand your budget in euros
Track exchange rates over time
Set up alerts or explore fixed-rate options
Be ready to move quickly when the deal is right
You’re Not Alone in This
Buying a home abroad can feel like a leap but it doesn’t have to be a leap in the dark. Whether you're from the US, UK, Canada, or elsewhere, we’re here to help you move your money safely, confidently, and at the right time.
At Moving Currency, we’re known for our:
Friendly, human service
Clear, jargon-free guidance
Flexible solutions tailored to each client
And we’re always just a message or call away.
Let’s Chat
Planning your move? Already under contract? Just exploring your options?
Book a free chat with Claire
Or visit www.movingcurrency.com to learn more
We’ll help you save money, reduce stress, and make your dream move a little bit easier.