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Urban Development in Portugal: Transforming Ideas into Reality

March 22, 20252 min read

Portugal is a country full of opportunities for foreigners wishing to invest in urban development, especially in the vibrant Greater Lisbon region. However, each step in the urbanization process comes with its own challenges. This article aims to clarify the process, making it accessible and optimistic, so that investors feel well-informed.


I. Why Choose Portugal for Urban Development? Urban development in Portugal is attractive due to a combination of factors:


Quality of Life: Lisbon offers a mild climate, rich cultural heritage, safety, and accessibility. It's a cosmopolitan center that combines old-world charm with modernity. Investment Incentives: Government programs such as the Golden Visa make Portugal an attractive investment destination. Those who invest in the real estate sector can benefit from tax facilities and other advantages. Growing Market: Properties in Greater Lisbon, in particular, have been registering a steady increase in value, reflecting the dynamism of the Portuguese real estate market.


II. The Urbanization Process: Simple and Straightforward Urbanization may seem challenging, but with proper guidance, each step can be managed efficiently.


  1. Consultation with the City Council 

Any urban project starts with a visit to the City Council. This initial step helps identify the rules and regulations of the specific area. It's an initial conversation that aligns expectations and avoids unpleasant surprises later on. Consultation with other state bodies, for example, Ministry of Defense, CDDR, IGESPAR, Natural Park, and even consulting neighbors, are fundamental.


  1. Project Design 

We advise choosing architects and engineers from all specialties to prepare the projects for licensing. 

  1. Licensing 

        After the projects are prepared, they are submitted to the city council for            licensing through an electronic platform. This procedure ensures that all works comply with current legislation, promoting transparency and legality.

  1. Execution of Works Upon obtaining the construction permit from the city council, works can begin. It's important to ensure that during this phase, open communication is maintained between the builder, subcontractors, and the RPO (permanent site manager, i.e., the project manager), all parties involved to ensure that the schedule, quality standards, payments, and work accident insurance are met.


  1. Utilization License Upon completion of construction, the city council issues the utilization license. With this document, the house is registered with the tax authority and the land registry. Requests for water, electricity, and telecommunications connections are made.


III. Conclusion 

Investment in urban development in Portugal presents a golden opportunity to capitalize on a growing market. With an informed approach and partnership with local experts like Simple Move, challenges are reduced, transforming the dream of developing in Portugal into a tangible and simplified reality.


Building your home in Portugal presents a golden opportunity to realize your dream. With Simple Move's local partnership, the challenges of construction are reduced. We are here to guide and support you every step of the way on this journey


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