An Associacão de Mediadores Imobiliários (AMI) license is the official authorization that every real estate agent and agency must hold to legally operate in Portugal.
It confirms that IMPIC, the Instituto dos Mercados Públicos do Imobiliário e da Construção, has verified that the agent meets the legal requirements, including mandatory civil liability insurance and a declaration of good commercial standing.
If you’re buying property in Portugal, particularly as an expat without insider knowledge of the local market, checking an agent’s AMI number is the simplest way to confirm the arrangement is legitimate and that you have legal recourse if something goes wrong during the transaction.
Who This Article Is For
This guide is for anyone evaluating a real estate agent or agency in Portugal, whether you are buying, selling, or renting.
It applies most directly if you are working with an agent for the first time and have no independent way to confirm their standing, or if you are comparing several agents and want a fast, reliable way to rule out unlicensed operators.
If your situation involves a dispute already in progress or a legal question about a specific transaction, this article outlines the verification steps, but you should consult a qualified lawyer for the specifics rather than relying on general guidance.
How to check if an AMI license is valid
You can confirm whether an AMI license is valid directly through IMPIC’s public search tool, free of charge, before signing anything with an agent.
Portugal’s real estate market has grown substantially over the past several years, and that growth has been accompanied by a small number of unlicensed operators advertising online as accredited agents. Running this check takes a few minutes and removes the guesswork.
To check an AMI license:
- Go to IMPIC’s real estate mediation license search.
- Search using the AMI license number if you have it, or by the agency’s name or NIPC (tax identification number).
- Review the result. A valid, active license will return the agency’s registration details.
If the search returns no result, the license number is either incorrect or does not correspond to an active registration, and you should treat that as a sign to ask the agent directly before proceeding.
How to check if the AMI license is valid
In recent years, Portugal’s real estate industry has boomed to unprecedented proportions. While the growth has been welcomed by many, there are, unfortunately, some illegal real estate agents in operation, with many using online advertising to display themselves as accredited agents.
To protect yourself from financial harm, it is advised to run AMI license checks on your chosen real estate agent.
To do this:
- Visit the IMPIC website and click on the ‘checking out an AMI number’ link
- Input the number and press ‘Pesquisar’ (it means search).
- Study the results- if the agent is registered and their company insurance is displaying their license number will show up.
In the event that the AMI license number is invalid, no results will crop up on the search page. This will enable you to tell that the respective agent isn’t licensed to operate.
Property Specialists
If you are searching for a property in Portugal, our real estate division, Goldcrest Real Estate, works exclusively on behalf of buyers, not sellers.
Goldcrest operates across the Portuguese mainland, Madeira, and the Azores, and manages the property search process from sourcing through to closing, coordinating with local agents, developers, and legal partners along the way.
What happens if I don’t check the AMI license?
Skipping this check exposes you to unnecessary financial risk. Every licensed real estate mediator in Portugal is legally required to hold civil liability insurance, which protects both parties if a problem arises during the transaction, for example, a misrepresentation or a breach of contractual obligations by the agent.
If you work with an agent who does not hold a valid AMI license, this protection does not apply, and you would have limited recourse if something goes wrong.
Global Citizen Solutions is AMI-accredited
Global Citizen Solutions holds AMI license number 17987, issued by IMPIC. We consider this transparency important: Verifying an agent’s license is a reasonable step for any buyer, and we hold ourselves to the same standard we recommend to readers.
As a firm working across residency, citizenship, and related property matters, our approach is to confirm an agent’s standing before recommending or working with them on a client’s behalf.
If you are comparing agents when buying property in Portugal, checking the AMI number through IMPIC directly, along with asking for references or past client contacts, is a reasonable way to narrow the field.
How Goldcrest Can Help With Your Property Search
Goldcrest works exclusively for the buyer throughout the property search, from initial sourcing through to closing, and does not represent any specific development or seller.
Because Goldcrest partners with a range of agents, developers, and promoters rather than pushing a fixed portfolio, the process stays focused on matching the property to your criteria rather than a particular listing.
In practice, that means a single point of contact for the search, coordinated viewings tailored to your timeline, and support with the surrounding logistics: Financing conversations, legal and tax coordination, and, if you plan to relocate, help with practical steps like utility setup.
Goldcrest handles client data in accordance with GDPR-compliant standards throughout.
For a full walkthrough of the buying process, our How to Buy Property in Portugal guide covers financing, due diligence, and closing steps in more detail.
How Can We Help You Find Your Dream Property?
Goldcrest Real Estate is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal, providing you with a tailor-made service to find your ideal property in Portugal. From sourcing to acquisition and aftercare, Goldcrest guides you throughout the buying process.
Here's how Goldcrest stands out in making your property dreams come true:
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: Goldcrest has offices throughout Portugal, ensuring a strong presence from the mainland to the Azores and Madeira.
INDEPENDENT SERVICE: Goldcrest don’t represent any specific development or project, ensuring their advice remains impartial. By objectively analyzing every opportunity, Goldcrest focuses on maximizing your investment prospects. They partner with various agents, sellers, promoters, and developers, ensuring a broad spectrum of property options. The goal is straightforward: To help you find the best property at the most favorable price, whether you're buying or renting.
STREAMLINED PROCESS: Goldcrest provides a dedicated real estate consultant paired with a top-notch client management system for smooth information exchange. With the aid of advanced technology, like metasearch tools, they guarantee expansive market coverage. Goldcrest's viewing itineraries are tailored to your needs, and they're always ready to assist, be it in-person or on your behalf. When it comes to pricing, they use data-driven analysis to ensure you get the best deal. And, to make your journey smoother, Goldcrest assigns a dedicated onboarding account manager for every client.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION: Navigating financial aspects? Goldcrest is here to guide you through finance options and manage the required documentation. If you need property management solutions or connections to builders, architects, designers, and gardeners, they have you covered. Relocating? Their concierge services are designed to assist in everything, from securing accommodations to handling utility connections.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY: Goldcrest operates with a commitment to GDPR compliance, ensuring your data is protected. Expect a clear and detailed pricing model without any hidden surprises. Plus, they provide independent due diligence services to ensure every decision you make is informed.
