Your Will in Portugal: What Expats Need to Know to Stay Protected

Expats Portugal Podcast

If you’re moving to Portugal, already living here, or thinking about it, understanding how wills and inheritance work in Portugal is essential.

Many people assume their will from their home country automatically applies here — but Portuguese law can work very differently. Differences in inheritance rules, forced heirship, and tax implications can affect how your assets are distributed and whether your wishes are followed.

In this expert-led replay, the legal team from Reis & Pellicano explains what every foreign resident should know about estate planning and wills in Portugal — helping you prepare, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure peace of mind for your loved ones.

By understanding the Portuguese legal framework, you can make informed decisions that safeguard your estate and prevent unnecessary complications later.

If you’d like professional guidance about your own situation, you can reach the legal team directly at Reis & Pellicano - https://expatsportugal.com/business-directory/reis-pellicano-international-lawyers/

📍 Chapters

00:00 Introduction & overview

01:00 Is the will from my home country applicable in Portugal?

03:18 Forced heirship

05:38 Enforcing your will: Cross-border estates & family considerations

09:40 Powers of attorney, health directives & adult protection

15:05 Organ donation is automatic; you must opt out

15:53 Taxes, marital property & financial issues

19:30 Timescale & why you should act as soon as possible

22:52 How would a US-based heir to a will in Portugal proceed?

25:30 Can Portugal track down my international assets?

27:30 Will the US law be applied to my US assets?

28:10 SNS number (Portuguese healthcare number) & the Testamento Vital

28:40 Can I leave my US assets to US-based beneficiaries and Portugal-based assets to beneficiaries in Portugal?

29:38 Leaving your assets to an organisation or charity in Portugal

31:00 Without a will in Portugal, how would a US trust be handled?

32:12 I have a Portuguese will; can I make an amendment?

34:42 How are siblings handled?

35:40 Overview: The most important things to consider

#WillsInPortugal #InheritancePortugal #PortugueseLaw #ExpatsInPortugal #LivingInPortugal #estateplanningattorney

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Since 2005, Expats Portugal has been assisting people in finding the information, contacts & support they need to migrate to, settle in, & enjoy Portugal!

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