licença de habitação
Published 5 November 2026, 23:09
licença (autorização) de utilização
Permission from the town hall (câmara municipal) to use a building — it confirms that the house can be lived in. Without it a purchase usually cannot go through, and the bank will not give you a mortgage. Buildings finished before 7 August 1951 and not rebuilt since are exempt: instead of the licence, the town hall issues a certificate confirming the exemption.
Where you come across it. Buying a house, especially an old one or a renovation project; the list of documents you ask the landlord for before signing a lease.
The official name is licença or autorização de utilização; ‘licença de habitação’ and ‘licença de habitabilidade’ are everyday names for the same thing. The licence states what the premises can be used for — retail, services or housing — and only the câmara itself can change that use.