9th Webinar | Mortgage Solutions for Non-Residents in Portugal
In Collaboration with Santander Portugal
The 9th session of AmCham Portugal’s webinar series focused on exploring mortgage solutions for non-residents looking to purchase property in Portugal, providing practical guidance for international buyers, particularly from the United States.
The session featured Mariana Sá Nogueira, Head of Homes at Santander Portugal, who shared key insights into the Portuguese mortgage market and how Santander supports international clients throughout the home-buying process.
The discussion began with an overview of Santander’s position as a strong and trusted banking partner in Portugal. As the largest privately owned bank by loans and the most profitable bank in the country, Santander is also the leading mortgage lender, originating around 20% of new mortgage loans.
Key takeaways from the session
– A strong and experienced mortgage partner:
In 2025 alone, Santander granted over 33,000 mortgage loans, supporting more than 250,000 customers. The bank also highlighted its efficiency, with an average completion time of approximately 15 working days after the approval stage.
– Why consider a mortgage when buying property in Portugal:
Even for buyers with available capital, taking out a mortgage can be a strategic financial decision. It allows for capital preservation, maintaining liquidity for other investments, and optimizing financial structure – particularly in a context where mortgage rates in Portugal (around 3%) may be lower than returns on certain low-risk investments in the U.S.
-Managing currency risk:
For those investing in euro-denominated assets, financing in euros can help mitigate exchange rate exposure by aligning income and liabilities in the same currency.
-A tailored approach for international buyers:
Santander offers dedicated support for non-resident clients, including expert advisory, flexible mortgage solutions, and a streamlined process that can be managed remotely up to the final stage of the transaction.
-The importance of mortgage pre-approval:
Obtaining pre-approval before selecting a property was highlighted as a key advantage. It provides clarity on budget, strengthens negotiating power, and allows for a faster and more predictable transaction process.
The session provided clear, practical insights for those considering investing in real estate in Portugal, reinforcing the importance of informed financial planning and the value of working with experienced partners.
For more information, Santander can be contacted at: mortgagesportugal@santander.pt