Frequently asked questions

The average cost of a funeral in Portugal is between 2,500 and 5,000 EUR, depending on the options chosen and the region. Cremation is generally less expensive (1,500 to 3,000 EUR). These values include the funeral service, coffin, transport and burial/cremation.

The death subsidy (1,611.39 EUR) can help cover a significant portion of these costs. See full cost guide | Use calculator

The death must be registered at the Conservatoria do Registo Civil within 48 hours (2 days) of the death. When done within this period, the registration is free of charge. After 48 hours, it is still possible but may incur costs.

The registration is usually done by the funeral home or by a family member. See full guide

For simple inheritances where all heirs agree, a lawyer is not mandatory. The habilitacao de herdeiros and the partition deed can be done at a notary or Heritage Desk without legal representation.

However, a lawyer is mandatory for judicial inventory proceedings when the inheritance value exceeds 30,000 EUR. For complex inheritances (multiple properties, assets abroad, or disputes between heirs), professional advice is highly recommended. See inheritance guide

Contact each service provider with the death certificate. For essential services (water, electricity, gas), you can request an ownership transfer instead of cancellation, keeping the supply active.

For telecoms, loyalty contracts can be cancelled without penalty in case of the holder's death. See full list and letter templates

Yes, if the deceased was a Seguranca Social or CGA beneficiary. The 2026 value is 1,611.39 EUR (3 x IAS of 537.13 EUR). It can be requested by the spouse, children, parents, or anyone who proves they paid the funeral expenses.

Deadline: up to 1 year after the death. Where to request: Seguranca Social Direta (online) or in person at a local office.

At a notary, it can be done on the same day (cost: 150-300 EUR). At the Heritage Desk (Balcao de Herancas) at the Conservatoria, it takes 1 to 2 weeks (cost: ~375 EUR, includes property registrations). The Heritage Desk is more advantageous if there are properties involved. See inheritance guide

Individual accounts of the deceased are frozen after the death is communicated to the bank. Joint accounts remain accessible to the co-holder, but the bank may limit transactions (allowing only routine operations).

To access the balances of individual accounts, the habilitacao de herdeiros is required. The bank will then provide information about balances and procedures for transfer.

Yes, you can drive the deceased's vehicle as long as the car insurance is valid and you have an appropriate driving licence. You must transfer the ownership at IMT after the habilitacao de herdeiros and update the insurance to your name.

The IUC (vehicle circulation tax) continues to be due and must be paid by the estate or the heirs.

Contact each provider with the death certificate and the new holder's documents (CC and NIF). Most providers allow the transfer by phone, online or in person. The process is generally simple and quick.

If the supply is for the same address, there will be no interruption of service. See letter template for services

The Espaco Obito is a service available at some Conservatorias and hospitals that allows you to handle several death-related matters in one place: death registration, issuing certificates, notification to Seguranca Social and Financas, and starting the habilitacao de herdeiros.

Not all locations have this service. Contact the Conservatoria in your area to check availability.

Yes. The heirs (or the surviving spouse) are responsible for the deceased's IRS tax return for the year of death. The deadline is between April and June of the following year.

The surviving spouse can choose joint taxation (which may be more advantageous) or separate. It is recommended to simulate both options on the Portal das Financas. See first year guide

The surviving spouse is entitled to 60% of the pension the deceased received (or would have been entitled to). With minor children, the total percentage increases. The pension is paid 14 times a year.

If requested within the first 6 months, it is retroactive to the date of death. The request is made at Seguranca Social or CGA.

No. Until the partition deed is completed, properties belong to the undivided estate (espolio indiviso) and cannot be sold individually. You must first complete the habilitacao de herdeiros and then the partition deed.

Exception: all heirs can agree to sell the property directly to a third party, but the sale deed must include all heirs as sellers.

The deceased's debts are part of the estate. Heirs have three options:

• Accept the inheritance outright: inherit both assets and debts
• Accept with limited liability (a beneficio de inventario): responsibility for debts is limited to the value of inherited assets
• Renounce the inheritance: refuse completely, inheriting neither assets nor debts

If you suspect debts exceed assets, consult a lawyer before accepting. See inheritance guide

There is no fixed legal deadline to accept or renounce the inheritance. However, any interested party (another heir, creditor) can request the court to set a deadline for the heir to decide. In that case, the court will set a reasonable deadline.

In practice, it is recommended to make a decision as soon as possible to avoid complications with creditors and other heirs.