Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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 - expatsportugal.com/business-directory/reis-pellicano-international-lawyers
Our Premium Members receive exclusive offers from Reis & Pellicano. Find out more & claim here - expatsportugal.com/premium-member-discount-perk-kiosk
📍 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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*ABOUT EXPATS PORTUGAL*
expatsportugal.com
Since 2005, Expats Portugal has been assisting people in finding the information, contacts & support they need to migrate to, settle in, & enjoy Portugal!
Having already been through the process ourselves, our team is keen to assist in making the process smoother, help you avoid costly mistakes, & get the most out of Portugal, sooner!
Through our many years of experience, we've built & continue to grow our excellent network of trusted professionals; bringing you the most reliable & up-to-date advice, as well as negotiating exclusive discounts on your behalf. We enjoy sharing our contacts, knowledge & experience to offer extra support in all aspects of moving to Portugal.
*COMMUNITY* - Our network of members come from all over the globe, all united by our interest in & love for Portugal. We connect through our community forum & events.
*SUPPORT & INFORMATION* - In addition to the wealth of information on our YouTube channel, you can ask questions & search through thousands of useful forum posts to find all you need. Everything from: country specific information such as, moving to Portugal from the USA, D7, D8 & Golden Visas, Portuguese citizenship & residency, tax in Portugal, NHR tax breaks, buying & renting property, the best places to live, retiring in Portugal, healthcare & medical insurance, Brits in Portugal & so much more! - expatsportugal.com/community
*EXTRA SUPPORT* - You don't have to struggle through this alone! See our membership options - expatsportugal.com/join-us
*EVENTS* - Online & in person events to get you the expert information you need & the opportunity to make new friends in Portugal & worldwide - expatsportugal.com/calendar-whats-on
*KEEP UPDATED* - Join our community &/or mailing list - expatsportugal.com
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 - expatsportugal.com/business-directory/reis-pellicano-international-lawyers
Our Premium Members receive exclusive offers from Reis & Pellicano. Find out more & claim here - expatsportugal.com/premium-member-discount-perk-kiosk
📍 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
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
*ABOUT EXPATS PORTUGAL*
expatsportugal.com
Since 2005, Expats Portugal has been assisting people in finding the information, contacts & support they need to migrate to, settle in, & enjoy Portugal!
Having already been through the process ourselves, our team is keen to assist in making the process smoother, help you avoid costly mistakes, & get the most out of Portugal, sooner!
Through our many years of experience, we've built & continue to grow our excellent network of trusted professionals; bringing you the most reliable & up-to-date advice, as well as negotiating exclusive discounts on your behalf. We enjoy sharing our contacts, knowledge & experience to offer extra support in all aspects of moving to Portugal.
*COMMUNITY* - Our network of members come from all over the globe, all united by our interest in & love for Portugal. We connect through our community forum & events.
*SUPPORT & INFORMATION* - In addition to the wealth of information on our YouTube channel, you can ask questions & search through thousands of useful forum posts to find all you need. Everything from: country specific information such as, moving to Portugal from the USA, D7, D8 & Golden Visas, Portuguese citizenship & residency, tax in Portugal, NHR tax breaks, buying & renting property, the best places to live, retiring in Portugal, healthcare & medical insurance, Brits in Portugal & so much more! - expatsportugal.com/community
*EXTRA SUPPORT* - You don't have to struggle through this alone! See our membership options - expatsportugal.com/join-us
*EVENTS* - Online & in person events to get you the expert information you need & the opportunity to make new friends in Portugal & worldwide - expatsportugal.com/calendar-whats-on
*KEEP UPDATED* - Join our community &/or mailing list - expatsportugal.com
