RJUE
Published 8 November 2026, 20:40
Regime Jurídico da Urbanização e da Edificação, Decreto-Lei n.º 555/99 (building and development law)
The main law on building work: it says what needs a licence, what needs a simple notification and what can be done with no paperwork at all; it also sets the câmara's deadlines and the rules under which a permit lapses. It was last substantially rewritten by Decreto-Lei n.º 108/2026, in force since 1 October 2026 (the date was moved from 3 August).
Where you come across it. Correspondence with the câmara, talking to an architect, any dispute over whether a permit is needed.
Article references in old advice found online are often out of date: there have been two reforms, in 2024 and 2026, and the deadlines, the names of procedures and even the alvará have changed since.
Official website: diariodarepublica.pt/dr/legislacao-consolidada/decreto-lei/1999-34567875