🔹 Wills in Portugal: What You Should Know

🔹 Wills in Portugal: What You Should Know

In Portugal, a will is the legal instrument that allows a person to decide how their assets will be distributed after death — within the limits established by law.

⚖️ Key points:

✔️ A will is a personal and revocable act

It can be amended or revoked at any time, provided the testator has legal capacity.

✔️ There are legal limits

Portuguese law protects forced heirs (the spouse, descendants and, in certain cases, ascendants).

Not all assets can be freely disposed of.

✔️ There are different types of wills

The most common are:

• Public will (executed before a notary)

• Closed will (submitted to a notary in a sealed envelope)

✔️ Foreign nationals or dual nationals residing in Portugal

If you reside in Portugal but hold another nationality, you may, if this is more convenient for you, choose for your succession to be governed by the law of your nationality, provided that this choice is expressly stated in the will.

👉 Key takeaway:

Making a will is not about mistrust — it is an act of planning, responsibility, and legal foresight, especially in international situations.

ℹ️ This post is for general information purposes only and does not replace legal advice.

#PortugueseLaw #Wills #InheritanceLaw #EstatePlanning #InternationalSuccession