Cuatrecasas advises national and international clients, namely international funds and other institutional investors, on the full range of urban development and real estate matters, including planning, licensing, construction and land use issues. The practice is led by Nuno Sá Carvalho, who is recognised for his experience in real estate and planning law, as well as the development and construction of hotels, shopping centres, retail and logistics parks, and student and senior residences. A reference for planning law issues, Hugo Nunes advises on real estate development and contractual matters, while Sara Quaresma focuses on construction, regeneration and urban leases.
Planning law in Portugal
Cuatrecasas
Praxisleiter:
Nuno Sá Carvalho
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Hugo Nunes; Sara Quaresma; Vera Cabral Martins
Referenzen
‘The team demonstrates deep knowledge of the laws and regulations governing this practice area, communicating clearly and practically. They are always accessible, responsive, and solution-oriented, with easy access to other practice areas when needed.’
‘Hugo Nunes combines extensive legal knowledge, excellent communication, and great availability. Vera Cabral Martins is noted for the clarity and precision of her analyses.’
‘Extensive experience in urban planning, particularly in dealings with public authorities and the real estate sector, ensuring sound project assessment and effective strategic planning.’
Kernmandanten
Eurofund Group
Holacamp
Klepierre
Novo Banco
Bluetagus
Magna
Regojo Family Office
Logicor
British School of Lisbon
Inspired Group
Arrow Group
Hilton Grand Vacation
Plenergy
Discovery Land Company (CostaTerra)
El Corte Inglés
Auchan Retail Portugal
Brico Depot
Nhood
Bluespace
Bankinter – Montepino
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Discovery Land Company (DLC) (CostaTerra) on developing a prime-location residential and tourist complex one hour from Lisbon (in Melides, Alentejo).
- Advising Arrow Global on all aspects concerning the development of the Palmares Resort (comprising golf course, two hotels, branded residences, and plots for development).
- Advising Inspired Education Group on two extension projects of recently acquired international schools.
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados
With a solid understanding of urban development and planning law, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados advises institutional investors and high-end luxury investors on licensing, negotiations, and planning matters across the real estate, tourism and construction sectors. The team is led by João Pereira Reis, an expert in land use planning, who regularly advises on negotiations with municipalities for obtaining construction licences. Rui Ribeiro Lima and Joana Duro have extensive expertise in public procurement, environmental, and urban planning issues.
Praxisleiter:
João Pereira Reis
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rui Ribeiro Lima; Joana Duro
Referenzen
‚Timely in their responses, with a good personal relationship and availability. Professional and cooperative.’
‘Rui Ribeiro Lima is known for his knowledge and relationship with public entities.‘
‘Expertise in planning and licensing, combined with a personal and cooperative approach when working with the municipality.’
PLMJ
Distinguished for its 'technical excellence', the team at PLMJ advises leading companies on complex town and country planning issues, bringing together expertise in public and administrative law, environmental, tourism, real estate, and construction matters. Led by Andreia Candeias Mousinho, who has extensive experience in urban development and rural planning, the team also includes Sofia Galvão, a reference in the market for spatial planning and administrative control procedures concerning urban, real estate, tourism, commercial, industrial and agricultural projects. Other key practitioners include Luís Moitinho de Almeida, Benedita Lacerda and Micaela Giestas Salvador, all of whom contribute deep expertise across urban and spatial planning.
Praxisleiter:
Andreia Candeias Mousinho
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sofia Galvão; Luís Moitinho de Almeida ; Benedita Lacerda; Micaela Giestas Salvador
Referenzen
‘The firm combines technical rigour with close and personalised support, always attentive to the client’s specific needs. The team is highly qualified, demonstrating deep legal knowledge and strong communication and negotiation skills.’
‘Andreia Candeias Mousinho and Micaela Giestas Salvador showed constant availability and strong technical command throughout all stages of the process. Their approach was collaborative and focused on achieving results.’
‘PLMJ stands out for its technical excellence, consistent availability, and deep understanding of the client’s sector. This ensures high-quality legal advice that anticipates challenges and delivers practical results.’
Kernmandanten
MEAG MUNICH ERGO Asset Management
RE Capital
REGA Energy Group S.A.
AT Group
Creinvest – Investimentos Imobiliários, S.A.
Farmland Reserve Inc.
Mitiska European Real Estate Partners 3
Periptero, S.A.
Taga Urbanic Group
Vistosas Planícies
Arrow Global Group / Norfin
Fidelidade Property Europe (Entrecampos)
Acciona Real Estate Group
Inspired Educational Group
Start – Sines Transatlantic Renewable & Technology Campus, S.A.
Fundação Champalimaud
Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Universidade Nova
Pestana Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Arrow Global Group on the urban planning analysis of several assets at the Troia Resort.
- Advising Tidewell on the implementation of a detailed plan for a prime-location resort in Sesimbra.
- Advising Fidelidade Property Europe on all planning matters relative to the planning development of its Entrecampos Project, in Lisbon.
Uría Menéndez
Uría Menéndez has extensive experience advising private sector clients on urban planning and licensing matters related to tourism and residential developments. The team is led by urban planning specialist Gonçalo Reino Pires, who is recognised for his work on transactions and the development of residential, commercial, industrial, and logistics projects. Susana Piteira Santos assists with planning instruments, urban and land restructuring deals, and environmental-impact assessments, as well as real estate matters involving tourism and residential projects.
Praxisleiter:
Gonçalo Reino Pires
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Susana Piteira Santos; Miguel Faria Ferreira
Referenzen
‘Susana Piteira Santos and Gonçalo Reino Pires have demonstrated excellent technical competence, consistently showing the ability to overcome difficulties with the authorities. I also highlight their interpersonal skills, which ensure harmony within the multidisciplinary team.’
‘Susana Piteira Santos and Gonçalo Reino Pires: objectivity and pragmatism; know-how and perfect command of the subjects; proactivity.’
‘The precious responsiveness of all the teams, and in particular the real estate team led by Gonçalo Reino Pires.’
Kernmandanten
1875 Finance
Abanca
Accor Group
Azora
Algebra Capital
Bachmann Group
Bondstone
Cerberus
Davidson Kempner
ECS Capital
Estoril 8023
Etosoto
Explorer Investments
Fercopor Group
Fibeira Group
Finsolutia
Gingko Advisor
Grand Bay Residences
Groupland Investimentos
Habitat Invest
HipoGes
Horti Frut
IMP BV
Legendre
Lince Capital
Magnawoods / Larmag Group
Meridia Capital
Merlin Properties
Multi Development
Noronha Sanches Group
Qantara Capital
Quest
Real Hotels Group
Refundos Explorer
Renova
ReyalUrbis
Rockstone Real Estate
Sonagi
Sostate Group
Stone Capital
Tikehau
Universidad Europea
UpSight Investments
Wolf Capital
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising 1875 Finance on the approval of a mixed-use development in Marvila, Lisboa, with around 25 ha.
- Advising Qantara Capital on the development of one of the largest logistics platforms in Portugal, with around 130 ha, located in Grândola.
- Advising Bondstone on the development of Arcaya in Vilamoura, Algarve, a residential and touristic prime development with around 67 ha.
VdA
With a strong presence in both the Portuguese and Lusophone African markets, VdA's team stands out for its in-depth knowledge of planning law and real estate transactions, often advising on new construction and urban renovation developments, financing, investments and litigation. Raul Mota Cerveira is recognised for his expertise in planning and urban development matters across Lusophone jurisdictions. Lisa Ventura Lopes has extensive experience in planning issues and real estate transactions, including acquisitions and project development in the residential, retail, and tourism sectors.
Praxisleiter:
Raul Mota Cerveira
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Pedro Ferreirinha; Lisa Ventura Lopes
Highlight-Mandate
Abreu Advogados
The urban planning and regional development team at Abreu Advogados advises national and international clients on licensing, land use regulation issues, environmental matters, and major development projects. The practice is jointly led by Ana Luísa Ferreira, who regularly advises multinationals, investment funds and developers on licensing procedures involving commercial developments, private healthcare and educational establishments, and Manuel de Andrade Neves, who specialises in public law and environmental matters. Ana Rodrigues de Almeida brings extensive expertise in urban and regional planning and environmental issues, frequently advising public authorities and private developers on complex planning and zoning issues.
Praxisleiter:
Manuel de Andrade Neves; Ana Luísa Ferreira
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ana Rodrigues de Almeida; Tiago Salgueiro Mendes; Margarida de Oliveira Pedro
Referenzen
‘Abreu Advogados stands out for the high quality of its legal services, combining technical rigour with a strategic and results-oriented approach. The team shows strong analytical capacity, in-depth knowledge, and consistent, effective practice. Professionalism, availability, and personalised attention greatly facilitate case management, particularly in litigation.’
‚Ana Rodrigues de Almeida works with recognised competence, ethics, and professionalism in urban planning and land management. Her work is distinguished by technical rigour, in-depth legal knowledge, clarity in communicating complex issues, consensus-building, and negotiation skills. Her constant availability and ability to adapt to client needs are particularly noteworthy.’
‘Lawyers Ana Rodrigues de Almeida and Tiago Salgueiro Mendes have always demonstrated availability, proactivity, and professionalism, showing complete mastery of urban planning matters and explaining issues clearly and concisely, based on in-depth study and knowledge.’
Kernmandanten
Coloplast
Iberdrola Renovables, S.A.
LIDL & Companhia
MIMCO
Panattoni Spain Holding, S.A.
Romantikhorizont Unipessoal, Lda
Município da Amadora
Município de Mértola, Município da Azambuja
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised LIDL on the development of its largest logistics centre in Portugal, a €115m project in Loures with a 54,000 sqm construction area and extensive urbanisation and infrastructure works.
- Advised Iberdrola on all regulatory aspects of the 1.2 GW “Fernando Pessoa” solar project near Sines, which will become Europe’s largest photovoltaic plant, including matters related to its development across a 1,000-hectare site.
- Advised Panattoni on the acquisition of a 137,160 sqm site in Loures for the development of Panattoni Park Lisbon-City, the company’s first logistics park in Portugal, comprising 85,000 sqm of sustainable logistics facilities designed to meet BREEAM “Excellent” standards.
CMS
CMS assists Portuguese and international clients with urban planning, licensing procedures and related regulatory matters, as well as disputes arising from real estate and environmental issues. The practice is led by Sara de Almeida Barroso, whose work covers urban planning law, real estate development and environmental regulation, alongside associated litigation.
Praxisleiter:
Sara de Almeida Barroso
Referenzen
‘The professionals‘ education and affability, and their promptness in fulfilling requests.
‚Competence, assertiveness, and proactivity in approaching and resolving the matters/processes assigned to them.‘
Highlight-Mandate
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is involved in a range of urban development and real estate matters, including residential, office, and mixed-use projects. Leading the practice, Sofia Rodrigues Nunes has extensive experience advising financial institutions, public entities, and investment funds on licensing and planning procedures, regulatory matters, and the preparation of urban development and land use contracts.
Praxisleiter:
Sofia Rodrigues Nunes
Referenzen
‘Experience, diligence, critical thinking, and constructive, relevant strategies for dealing with municipalities and clients.’
‘Sofia Rodrigues Nunes has been a great support over the years in our architectural projects. We always try to include her in our team because she adds significant value when defining strategies with local authorities, inspires confidence in clients, and makes our architectural work easier. She also provides constant legal support throughout each project. Her positive attitude and continuous availability are outstanding qualities.’
‘The team is exceptional and very supportive, with a strong focus on goals and solutions. Their collaboration was essential.’
Kernmandanten
Media Capital
AFA Group
Stone Capital and Squareview
Optylon Krea
Besix Red
Belverde
Junerastior
Madre Empreendimentos Turísticos S.A.
Stone Capital
Greentales
Topologia II – Sic Imobiliária Fechada, S.A.
ODEON Properties
Media Capital
Highlight-Mandate
SRS Legal
SRS Legal advises public authorities, multinational corporations, and investment funds on a broad spectrum of urban planning and development matters. The practice is led by Alexandre Roque, who has significant experience in urban planning, procurement, and design tenders, as well as in regulatory and administrative disputes. José Luís Moreira da Silva is recognised for his involvement in major infrastructure and environmental projects, particularly within the energy sector.
Praxisleiter:
Alexandre Roque
Weitere Kernanwälte:
José Luís Moreira da Silva
Referenzen
‘SRS Legal has proven to be an excellent legal partner, including in the area of urban planning and land management, where it combines deep technical knowledge with a highly pragmatic approach. Its work is distinguished by the ability to propose legally sound yet operationally and commercially viable solutions.
The team’s close relationship with the client and seamless integration with internal teams stand out, functioning as a natural extension of the legal department. The team demonstrates a strong understanding of the company’s specific challenges. The quality of service is reflected in the speed of response and the technical precision of their advice. Their collaborative approach, based on clear and solution-oriented communication, helps to build lasting relationships of trust.’
‘Partner Alexandre Roque stands out for his combination of technical rigour, strategic vision, and clear, accessible communication. His work is defined by a practical, solutions-driven approach, even in particularly complex legal contexts. He is exceptionally available and efficient, always providing quick and reliable support.‘
Kernmandanten
GALP Energia
Gesto Energia
IHRU (Institute for Housing and Urban Renewal)
Lisbon Port Authority (APL)
Oceano Fresco
Quinta dos Oitavos
Regional Government of Madeira
Repsol Portugal
Sumol+Compal
Municipality of Porto
Puro Mar – Unipessoal, Lda.
Nadara Limited (former Ventient)
Fundiestamo-Sociedade Gestora de Organismos de Investimento Coletivo, S.A.
Subfundo Cabeço da Bola – Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário Fechado
Fundo Nacional de Reabilitação do Edificado
Volkswagen Autoeuropa Lda.
Blueotter Circular SA
CALZEDONIA PORTUGAL, LDA
BPI Imofomento – Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário Aberto
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising the Portuguese Institute for Housing and Urban Renewal, I.P. (IHRU) within the launch of design tenders, under the framework of the RRP (Recovery and Resilience Plan), for the construction of 5,210 apartments in Setúbal, Portugal, for subsequent affordable rental to target groups.
- Advising Fundiestamo-Sociedade Gestora de Organismos de Investimento Coletivo, S.A. on the construction/rehabilitation of a set of buildings that are part of the former GNR barracks, located on a plot of land with an area of 13,381.55 m2, in the centre of Lisbon, with the demolition of some of the buildings of the old barracks for the construction of new buildings.
- Advising Volkswagen Autoeuropa, Lda. on all urban planning operations and proceedings with the Municipality of Palmela, regarding every building (industrial and commercial) as well as in the revision process of Palmela’s Municipal Master Plan, and the respective public consultation, assisting in the drafting of Volkswagen Autoeuropa’s participation.
Sérvulo & Associados
The urban planning team at Sérvulo & Associados advises public and private clients on zoning, licensing, regulatory compliance and construction agreements. Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues leads the practice, assisting with planning instruments, urban development operations, and real estate transactions, including tourism projects. Filipa Névoa handles urban planning and licensing matters with a litigation component, while Sara Teixeira Pinto focuses on zoning, planning, and urban licensing, as well as real estate transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Filipa Névoa; Sara Teixeira Pinto
Referenzen
‘A team recognised for its extensive technical expertise and practical approach to resolving issues related to licensing and urban planning. Outstanding command of urban planning legislation. Quick responses and close support at every stage.’
‘Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues is one of the leading specialists in the field, standing out for his vast experience, deep knowledge and know-how. A dedicated professional, always available and providing prompt responses to urgent matters.’
‘The team at Sérvulo & Associados, particularly in the area of urban planning and land management, has demonstrated an exceptional level of excellence. I especially highlight the work of lawyer Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues, whose involvement in the project has been exemplary. His deep understanding of the legal aspects of land management, combined with a practical and solution-oriented approach, has been crucial to the project’s success.‘
Kernmandanten
Bank of Portugal
Municipality of Odivelas
Municipality of Câmara de Lobos
Lightsource bp_INSUN
Sporting Clube de Portugal
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised the Bank of Portugal on a due diligence review and the negotiation of a promissory sale and purchase agreement for a 32,000 sqm building (approx. €190m investment) within the 25-hectare Entrecampos Project in central Lisbon, involving complex planning, licensing, and legal issues related to adjacent properties and public spaces.
- Advised Lightsource bp on the implementation of the Parque Solar Cibele project in Portugal, including the analysis of an Investment Agreement’s licensing obligations, obtaining necessary permits, assessment of connection conditions with REN, and review of urban planning documents, supporting the project’s progress towards ready-to-build status.
- Advised Sporting Clube de Portugal on the potential acquisition of 100% of Eurogaviota – Sociedade Imobiliária, S.A., including licensing and planning due diligence, identification of potential contingencies and conflicts, and proposing solutions and mitigation measures.
TELLES
TELLES advises international and national clients on urban planning and land use matters, including building permits, licence agreements, allotment of land and urbanisation contracts. Pedro Almeida e Sousa brings extensive experience in land development and advises on significant commercial, housing and tourism projects. Frederico Styliano Reis is another name to note for urban planning and construction law. The firm merged with Deloitte Legal in January 2026.
Praxisleiter:
Pedro Almeida e Sousa
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Frederico Styliano Reis
Referenzen
‘It has one of the only lawyers in the country specialising in urban planning and land management, which is extremely useful in my line of business.’
‘I recommend partner Pedro Almeida e Sousa and associate Frederico Styliano Reis, whose capabilities in the area of urban planning and land management I greatly value. They have in-depth knowledge in this specialised field, making their support essential for real estate development.’
‘We have worked with the team for several years because they provide comprehensive support across various areas of law, particularly urban planning, where we have several ongoing projects. The team includes professionals at different levels of seniority, all with high technical knowledge and expertise.’
Kernmandanten
THOMAS & PIRON
SONAE GROUP
RAR – IMOBILIÁRIA, S. A.
DOMUS VI GROUP – GERIAVI
SIS (SKTO) GROUP
ALTIS GROUP
JUST STAY HOTELS
HOTTI HOTEIS GROUP
SUPERBOCK GROUP
NELSON QUINTAS IMOBILIÁRIA
NORS, S.A.
EIFFAGE
LIONESA GROUP
LIVRARIA LELLO
MASSLAB
GARCIA, GARCIA, S.A.
FUSTE
TAGA URBANIC INVESTMENT GROUP
QUALIV – REAL ESTATE GROUP
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised THOMAS & PIRON on a complex urban planning operation for a major allotment in Loures, including the delimitation of the Execution Unit for a project comprising nearly 760 apartments, 9,000 sqm of commercial areas, and 30,000 sqm of green and leisure spaces.
- Advised TAGA URBANIC on a complex urban planning operation in Porto, including the delimitation of the Execution Unit for the implementation of the UOPG 3 Operation Planning and Management Unit and the subsequent allotment.
- Advised RAR Group on a complex urban planning operation in Porto, including negotiation of the Urban Development Contract and delimitation of the Execution Unit for the implementation of the UOPG 1 Operation Planning and Management Unit and the subsequent allotment.