Kickstart your real estate business in Portugal with your AMI license—it’s your key to unlocking the country’s dynamic property market!
Buying a property might seem easy, but the process and documentation can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s where real estate agents come in.
An agent requires an AMI license to deal with real estate matters. In Portugal, agents must obtain an AMI license to be legally allowed. In this blog, we will discuss the AMI licenses and how they can be obtained in Portugal.
Table of Contents
What Is the AMI License?
Let’s understand what an AMI license is. An AMI license allows real estate agents and agencies to operate legally in Portugal.
Instituto dos Mercados Públicos, do Imobiliário e da Construção (IMPIC) issues this license, which validates that the holder can engage in real estate activities like buying, selling, or renting in the country.
Moreover, it ensures that the agent complies with the professional standards of real estate dealing, promoting transparency and reliability in the transactions.
What is IMPIC?
The Instituto dos Mercados Públicos, do Imobiliário e da Construção (IMPIC) is a public institute in Portugal responsible for regulating and overseeing the construction and real estate sectors, as well as public procurement.
Operating under the supervision of the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, IMPIC ensures compliance with legal standards, promotes best practices, and fosters transparency within these industries.
How Do You Check If an AMI License Is Valid?
Having an AMI license is not all you have; ensuring the AMI license is valid is mandatory. Here’s how you can check if the real estate agent or agency you hired has a valid license:
Step 1: Access IMPIC’s Official Website
Firstly, visit the official website of Instituto dos Mercados Públicos, do Imobiliário e da Construção (IMPIC), the government body that regulates real estate professionals in Portugal.
Step 2: Search the AMI License Number
Once you open the IMPIC website, look for the search bar accessible from the homepage and type the AMI license number. In the search box, enter the AMI license number. Click the search button to process the number, and the system will fetch the provided license number.
Step 3: Review the Results
If the AMI license is valid, you will see the details of the agent or agency, including the name, contact details, and the license’s status. If results are not shown, the AMI license number may not be valid, indicating that IMPIC does not legally recognize the agent or agency.
Step 4: Verify Additional Details
To be sure about the information, check additional details like the license’s validity period and professional credentials, as this will help confirm the agent’s or agency’s legitimacy.
Step 5: Contact IMPIC for Clarification
If you have doubts or the AMI license number does not show results, contact IMPIC directly for further verification. This step is crucial to identify discrepancies or fraudulent activities.
Why Shall You Work With a Licensed Real Estate Agent?
Being an expat comes with a lot of challenges, one of which is not having adequate knowledge of the market. Therefore, you need to have a real estate agent with an authentic AMI license to be certain that your property matters will be dealt with legally.
Market Trends Awareness: Working with a real estate agent with an AMI license makes it easy for you to work in the Portugal market. It is difficult to stay aware of the market trends, where a licensed agent will always be aware of market trends and will be able to guide you to make the right decision while buying a property.
Access To Property Listing: A licensed agent will be equipped with a property listing of the area you want to buy property in. They will be able to provide you with property information according to your needs, requirements, and budget. Moreover, you will not have to rely on inauthentic websites or individuals to get information about the property.
Local Experience: Local agents have experience with the local market, property value, negotiation skills, and contacts with local lawyers, contractors, and consultants, which will make it easy for you to buy the desired property in Portugal and you don’t have to travel miles just to ensure that all the requirements are met.
Why Should I Check My Real Estate Agent’s AMI License?
It is vital to check the validity of the AMI License because it will ensure that the real estate translation that will be taking place is in legally recognized hands. Here’s why you should check the AMI license of the agent or agency:
- It guarantees that the Instituto dos Mercados Públicos, do Imobiliário e da Construção (IMPIC) recognize the property professional and complies with all legal requirements.
- Checking the AMI license assures that the agent adheres to ethical standards and professional conduct.
- Verifying the AMI license helps prevent fraud and reduce the risk of working with illegitimate agents, protecting you from financial loss and legal issues.
- Having an AMI Licence not only means that the agent is allowed to work but also proves their ability to work as a real estate agent.
Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal
An annual ranking by Visaguide.world based on the things travelers value most when visiting Europe, has pointed out that Lisbon is now the best capital to visit, with a score of 29.83.
So, if you are an expat planning to immigrate to Portugal to start a real estate business, here are some immigration and visa options for you:
D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)
This visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want to invest in or launch a business in Portugal, such as real estate. You’ll need a solid business plan and sufficient funds to start your real estate business.
Temporary Residence Permit
You can apply for this permit after arriving in Portugal with a valid visa. It allows you to live and work in Portugal and can be renewed every two years.
Permanent Residence
After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency. This status gives you the right to live and work indefinitely in Portugal.
Our migration and relocation partner, Portugal Residency Advisors®, offers detailed guidance on the visa application process. They provide all the necessary information to meet the requirements for living in Portugal and support expats in making their move.
Find Your Dream Property with Us!
Portugal Investment Properties is your gateway to smart real estate investments in Portugal, offering savvy investors access to an exclusive collection of carefully curated properties.
Whether you’re searching for your dream home or a prime investment opportunity in Portugal’s prestigious market, we provide more than just listings – experience a personalized journey tailored to your aspirations.
Begin your journey to discover your perfect Portuguese retreat. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions About AMI License in Portugal
What’s the AMI license number?
An AMI license number is an obligatory certification for real estate consultants in Portugal, assuring they are authorized to operate within the Portuguese real estate sector.
How to see if a real estate agent has an AMI number?
Visit the IMPIC website and use the AMI number referencing tool to verify a real estate agent’s AMI license and ensure their legitimacy.
How can I check if an AMI license number is legitimate?
To confirm the legitimacy of an AMI license number, search for it on the IMPIC website, which provides official validation of real estate credentials.
Do I need a license to sell real estate in Portugal?
Yes, selling real estate in Portugal requires an AMI license issued by the IMPIC, regulating professional standards in the real estate sector.
Is it hard to get a residence permit in Portugal?
Obtaining a residence permit in Portugal is streamlined through investment, such as the Golden Visa program, which requires a significant financial commitment and a clean criminal record.
How to become an estate agent in Portugal?
To become a licensed estate agent in Portugal, complete the required training and obtain certification from the IMPIC, ensuring you have a valid AMI license.
Can foreigners own real estate in Portugal?
Foreigners can buy property in Portugal without restrictions, and owning real estate is straightforward if they have a valid AMI license for professional activities.
Is real estate in Portugal a good investment?
Investing in Portuguese real estate is profitable, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto, where demand outstrips supply, boosting rental yields.
How do you get an AMI license in Portugal?
To obtain an AMI license in Portugal, apply to the IMPIC’s digital platform, ensuring compliance with real estate brokerage regulations.
Can I get PR in Portugal after 2 years?
Permanent residency in Portugal requires a minimum of five years under a valid permit, with continuous legal status confirmed by a Portuguese Registration Certificate
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