Use Licence

What Is It?

The Use Licence (Licença de Utilização) is a municipal document that officially defines the authorised use of a property — such as residential (Habitação), commercial (Comércio), services (Serviços), or industrial (Indústria).

It confirms that the construction was inspected by the local municipality and complies with approved architectural plans and safety regulations.

What Is It For / Why Is It Important?

Property Sale Requirement
This document is mandatory to complete a property sale (Escritura), except for buildings constructed before 1951.

Mortgage Approval
Banks will not grant a mortgage (crédito habitação) without a valid Use Licence.

Legal Compliance
Ensures the property is legally authorised for its intended use — preventing situations where a space registered as storage or office is being used as housing.

Business and Licensing Purposes
Required when opening a commercial activity or applying for business licences.

Where Can You Obtain It?

Municipality (Câmara Municipal)
Requested through the urban planning department of the municipality where the property is located.

Online Services
Many municipalities now allow applications through their digital service portals.

What Does It Cost?

Duplicate Copy (existing licence):
Typically between €20 and €100, depending on municipal fee schedules.

Original Issuance (new construction):
Costs are included within urbanisation and construction licensing fees, which may amount to several hundred or thousands of euros.

Validity

The Use Licence does not expire, unless structural alterations or a change of use occur (for example, converting a commercial unit into residential use).

The 1951 Exception

Properties built before 7 August 1951 are exempt from requiring a Use Licence.

In such cases, the owner must obtain a Certificate of Exemption (Certidão de Isenção) issued by the local municipality confirming the building’s age.