Housing
New rules to simplify urban planning in municipalities have come into force
As of today, October 1, 2026, new regulations under the "urbanistic simplex" program (Decree-Law 108/2026) are in effect, aiming to streamline construction and renovation licensing. The changes reduce bureaucratic steps, shorten deadlines, and expand the list of urban operations exempt from permits or prior notification, shifting the focus toward post-submission municipal oversight and project designer responsibility.
Why it mattersIf you are planning to build or renovate a property, these rules may simplify the process and reduce wait times by cutting red tape and permit requirements, but you should confirm specific requirements with your local municipality as oversight remains mandatory.
