As part of the public, urban and environmental law department, Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados‘ planning law team is well versed in contentious and non-contentious matters. Acting for public sector clients, developers, high-net-worth individuals and companies, the group has recently experienced an uptick in licensing mandates regarding urban rehabilitation operations and related tax matters. Demonstrating notable strength in complex negotiations with municipalities, the practice is particularly active in the tourism and second home sectors. Planning law expert João Pereira Reis co-heads the team with João Tiago Silveira. Senior associate Rui Ribeiro Lima is a key name for administrative litigation and urban rehabilitation matters. Also recommended is principal associate Joana Duro.
Planning law in Portugal
Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados
Practice head(s):
João Tiago Silveira; João Pereira Reis
Other key lawyers:
Rui Ribeiro Lima; Joana Duro
Work highlights
- Advised a client on the licensing of its allotment and construction operation in Lisbon and Porto intended for real estate development projects with housing and commercial and services units as well as student residences.
- Assisted a client with land use plans and licensing of urban operations, as well as other real estate and construction matters, including the negotiation of agreements with municipalities.
- Acted for a municipality in several high-profile and complex litigation cases concerning planning and licensing matters.
Sofia Galvao Advogados
Focusing on real estate and planning matters, boutique law firm Sofia Galvao Advogados is highly regarded as ‘the best team for urban planning and real estate law in Portugal’. The group is typically engaged in some of the most high-profile developments in the country, including residential and touristic resort projects. Founding partner Sofia Galvão has a wealth of experience in real estate, tourism, environment law, construction, public procurement and administrative concessions. In October 2022, the practice grew organically at the partner level with the promotion of Luís Moitinho De Almeida, whose expertise spans licensing, litigation and public procurement matters. Hugo Nunes is no longer at the firm.
Practice head(s):
Sofia Galvão
Other key lawyers:
Luis Moitinho de Almeida
Testimonials
‘Excellent team with personalised service. Good reputation in the market, with a lot of experience and a good network of contacts. Availability and transparency in processes. Technical capacity combined with a pragmatic approach and a clear strategy.’
‘I had the opportunity to work with Sofia Galvão, who is another reason for respecting this firm.’
‘This is the best team for urban planning and real estate law in Portugal. Only dedicated to urban planning law. Highly specialised and has been involved in all major operations in this area for the past 20 years. The firm distinguishes itself from the large generalist firms as it only hires the best lawyers. It is also involved in the development of urban legislation and is required to provide opinions for public and private entities on major projects.’
‘The most outstanding individual in the team is Sofia Galvão, the firm founder.’
‘The office has a team that has great knowledge of urban and planning laws.’
‘Simply the best, with in-depth knowledge of the law and 360º vision of matters.’
‘Sofia Galvão and Luis Moitinho de Almeida. Always available and excellent technical knowledge in the matters in which we entrust the team with.’
‘The team has enormous technical knowledge in the area of real estate and urbanism, providing advice on numerous projects. The fact that it is a boutique in this area of law allows it to closely monitor the client’s matters, which, in our case, was always provided by partners.’
Key clients
Discovery Land Company
Fidelidade Property Europe
Tidewell Corporation
Metropolitano de Lisboa, EPE
El Corte Inglés
Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Grupo Novo Banco
ECS Capital Group
APAFLOC
Bedrock Capital
Auchan Portugal Hipermercados
Jackyl
Primosfera
Eastbanc
Stone Capital
Coporgest
Setúbal and Sesimbra Port Authority and Setúbal Municipality
Mercan Properties
RE Capital
Work highlights
- Advised DLC on a project involving the acquisition and development of a prime-location allotment for the construction of a residential and touristic complex.
- Acted for Novo Banco Group on two real estate and planning projects, Artilharia 1, in Lisbon, and Benagil, in Algarve, involving the setting up and execution of a highly complex planning strategy.
- Assisted Fidelidade Property Europe in planning matters regarding the development of its Entrecampos project in Central Lisbon, involving over 290,000 sqm of construction area.
PLMJ
PLMJ‘s planning law team works in close collaboration with the firm’s real estate and public law departments to provide clients a full-service offering. The group is typically retained by major companies and asset and fund management firms to advise on complex planning and licensing matters. The team is headed by Andreia Candeias Mousinho, who has extensive experience in public and administrative law, urban development, environmental law, tourism, real estate and construction. Managing associate Benedita Lacerda is another key practitioner and is well versed in planning matters and related litigation. Margarida Osório de Amorim is no longer at the firm.
Practice head(s):
Andreia Candeias Mousinho
Other key lawyers:
Benedita Lacerda; Tomás Rabaçal
Testimonials
‘Availability, deep and practical knowledge.’
‘Teamwork and a commitment to innovative solutions.’
‘I’d highlight Andreia Candeias Mousinho.’
‘Andreia Mousinho stands out for her deep knowledge and ability to solve challenges.’
‘Quality of service and availability.’
‘Tomás Rabaçal is recommended.’
‘PLMJ resolved all real estate and urban planning legal issues that arose in the allotment project we have.’
‘Benedita Lacerda is professional and quickly solves problems. She is always available to talk on the phone and responds quickly to emails.’
Key clients
Algarvelux, Construções e Empreendimentos
Arboreabiofoods
Arrow Global Group / Norfin
Bizau Capital Partners
Casa Peixoto
Changereality
Corporation of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Portugal
Davidson Kempner European Partners
Europi Property Group
GALP (Petróleos de Portugal – Petrogal)
Grupo Sil
Hipoges Iberia
Invesco Real Estate
Loftspace Projetos
Município Vila Real Santo António
Porto Vivo
Principal Real Estate
Promiris Group
Osborne+Co
Optimal Mountain
Oxy Capital
Start Campus
United Investments Portugal
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Verdelago – Sociedade Imobiliária
VGP Portugal
Vidreira Algarvia
Work highlights
- Assisted Davidson Kempner in the acquisition of ECS’s restructuring funds.
- Advised Start Campus on the development of the START Campus of the Sines 4.0 Project.
- Acted for the Blackstone Group in the acquisition of two logistics portfolios in Portugal, composed of around 30 assets.
Sérvulo & Associados
Sérvulo & Associados ‘stands out for its proximity to the client and the way its practitioners solve complex situations’. The team acts for real estate investors, funds, banks and major companies in planning and licensing matters related to some of the largest projects under development in the Portuguese market. Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues, who has practised as an architect in the past, leads the group and has extensive experience in zoning and planning matters. He works alongside consultant Filipa Névoa, whose expertise spans urban licensing, litigation and administrative issues.
Practice head(s):
Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues
Other key lawyers:
João Amaral e Almeida; Filipa Névoa
Testimonials
‘Sérvulo & Associados stands out for its proximity to the client and the way its practitioners solve complex situations.’
‘The team has specialists in the most diverse areas. I highlight João Amaral e Almeida, Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues and Filipa Névoa.’
‘Sérvulo Advogados is distinguished by the urban planning expertise of its practitioners and their ability to create relationships with clients rooted in transparency and kindness.’
‘I highlight Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues for his personal and professional qualities.’
‘The team has vast expertise and guided us in a very pleasant manner through an intense process.’
‘Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues has extensive expertise.’
Key clients
Interfundos – Gestão de Fundos de Investimento Imobiliário SA
FOCUS GROUP II – Design & Consultancy, Lda
Ponta do Oeste – Sociedade de Promoção e Desenvolvimento da Zona Oeste da Madeira (SPDPO)
CAL – COMPANHIA AGRÍCOLA LUCUNGA SA
Cifial Group
RTP – Radio Televisão Portuguesa
Work highlights
- Assisted Interfundos, a financial company that manages more than 36 real estate investment funds, in planning matters regarding the Golfe Praia da Marinha (GPM) project.
- Advised Ponta do Oeste – Sociedade de Promoção e Desenvolvimento da Zona Oeste da Madeira on a mixed-use project comprising a golf course combined with a hotel, a real estate project to be set in a parcel with about 160,000 sqm.
- Advised Interfundos on the sale of a property located in the Municipality of Loulé with an allotment permit for more than 180 plots for residential and commercial use.
TELLES
TELLES‘ planning team is sought after by both corporate and public sector clients to handle a wide range of matters, spanning urban planning, building permits, licences and amendments in land allocation. Covering rehabilitation, renovation and development projects, the practice is jointly led by real estate and urban planning expert Pedro Almeida e Sousa and Miguel Nogueira Leite, who co-heads the real estate, construction and urbanism team. Senior associate Frederico Styliano Reis is well versed in planning and rehabilitation matters and associate Bernardo Gomes De Castro handles planning, licence and construction matters.
Practice head(s):
Pedro Almeida e Sousa; Miguel Nogueira Leite
Other key lawyers:
Frederico Styliano Reis; Bernardo Gomes de Castro; Diogo Neves
Testimonials
‘TELLES stands out because it has practitioners with specialised expertise in this area.’
‘Pedro Almeida e Sousa, Frederico Styliano Reis and Diogo Neves stands out from competitors for their expertise in urban and spatial planning, in addition to their technical capacity and dedication.’
‘Anticipation of problems and prompt resolution. Speed, attention to detail and excellent negotiation skills. Constant attention to the client.’
‘Diogo Neves undoubtedly deserves our praise as our main point of contact.’
Key clients
Thomas & Piron
RAR – Imobiliária, SA
DomusVi Group – Geriavi
Gfm Rendimento – Fundo Especial de Investimento Imobiliário Fechado
SIS (SKTO) Groupe
Ferreira Build Power
Altis Group
Superbock Group
Explorer Investements
Vogue Homes
Celestial Ordem da Trindade
Garcia, Garcia, S.A.
Transmaia -Transportes LDA
Hotéis do Rio Sociedade Turística do Rio Sado, LDA
Promiris
MIG5
Work highlights
- Advised Thomas & Piron, a construction services company, on a complex urban planning operation in the value of €237m.
- Assisted Rar Group with the rehabilitation of Quinta de S. José de Ribamar, a 16th century monastery and palace, for the development of a residential area.
- Acted for Lousas de Valongo in the negotiation of a development contract for the construction of several allotments destined for residential, retail and industrial uses.
CMS
The planning law team at CMS advises on all phases of urban development operations, from allotment matters to the expansion and rehabilitation of buildings. The group is a popular choice among domestic and international companies and asset management firms and has a wealth of experience in real estate and tourism planning-related matters. Notable for her track record in major urban operations and environmental planning, Sara de Almeida Barroso oversees the practice.
Testimonials
‘Efficient, precise, well-elaborated reports and a clear understanding of the planning processes in Portugal.’
‘Sara de Almeida Barroso is an extremely effective communicator, who lays out the issues in a simple and clear manner. A great assistance for good decision making.’
‘Reliable, proactive and thorough.’
‘Commitment, professionalism and ethics demonstrated in all phases of the project.’
‘In particular, I would like to highlight Sara de Almeida Barroso for her assertiveness and competence demonstrated throughout the entire process.’
‘Invoicing is clear and detailed.’
‘Professionalism.’
Key clients
ANACAP
Aquila Capital
Atenor SA
Bondstone
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Davidson Kempner Partners
Duchess Developments
Elegant Group
Estoril Capital Partners
Estoril Sol
EUNEA Investments
Finangeste
Jackyll
Lidl Portugal
Key Lavra, Unipessoal Lda
Martinhal Group
Optylon
RAN CAPITAL
SIL Group
SILVIP
United Lisbon Education Hub
Work highlights
- Advised United Lisbon International School on all the urban planning and licensing procedures to implement a complex of student residences, itech company offices, academies of fine arts, and music and language schools.
- Acted for Finangeste in the acquisition of the shopping centre Dolce Vita Miraflores and its rehabilitation and development.
- Assisted Jackyl in the urban licensing of the Aquaterra project, a shopping and leisure centre in Santa Cruz, Oeiras.
Cuatrecasas
Domestic and international clients turn to Cuatrecasas for assistance with the construction, licensing, development and redevelopment of their real estate assets. Headed by construction and town planning expert Nuno Sá Carvalho, the practice covers all segments of the real estate industry, including residential, office, retail, logistics, tourism and healthcare. Another key practitioner is Sara Quaresma, who advises investment funds and institutional investors on real estate, construction and licensing matters. Following its merger with SLCM | Serra Lopes, Cortes Martins & Associados in January 2023, the team now also draws on the expertise of Marisa Mirador, who has a strong background in urban planning and municipal licensing procedures. Hugo Nunes joined from Sofia Galvao Advogados in April 2023.
Other key lawyers:
Marisa Mirador; Sara Quaresma; Hugo Nunes
Testimonials
‘It distinguishes itself from others by its technical competence, promptness, availability, speed in dealing with matters and creativity in the construction of solutions.’
‘In my opinion, what makes this office unique is the quality of the service provided.’
‘Excellent law firm with good knowledge of real estate matters.’
‘I have worked for many years with Marisa Mirador, who provides knowledgeable, professional, timely and accurate advice.’
‘Dedication.’
‘Marisa Mirador and her team are recommended.’
Key clients
Novaxia Group
Macl Capital
Icade Santé Group
Deka
Jaymon Investments LLC
Bankinter – Montepino
Atitlan
Gaw Capital
Caixa Geral de Depósitos Group
Somfy Group
Soho House
Adeo Groupe (Bricomart)
Borealis
Motel One
Sonder Hospitality
Maya Capital
Hi Partners (Blackstone)
RIVA Asset Management
Novo Banco Group
Fremont Bluespace
Zurich
COFIDIS
Robert Bosch Group
The Student Hotel
Castle Group
Savills Investment Management
BricoDepot
Work highlights
- Advising Macl Capital on the acquisition of a shopping centre in Cascais in order to redevelop it into a luxury residential condominium, with a total investment of over €100m.
- Acted for Jaymon Investments in the town planning structuring and licensing of the development of a senior living and health resort located in Benavente, with a total investment of over €100m.
- Assisted Somfy Group with the acquisition, licensing and development of a plant in Felgueiras, with a total investment of over €50m.
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is particularly skilled in advising foreign investors and international funds operating in the Portuguese real estate and energy sectors on licensing procedures and planning matters. Led by urban planning, environmental law and regulatory law specialist and of counsel Sofia Rodrigues Nunes, the practice is especially active in the residential and tourist segments of the property market.
Practice head(s):
Sofia Rodrigues Nunes
Testimonials
‘The support and speed of the partners we work with is very important, in order to speed up and optimise response times. In the case in question, we have had constant professional support from those responsible for our case, which gives us peace of mind in the management of processes.’
‘I highlight Sofia Rodrigues Nunes.’
Key clients
Paraleabrangente (Stone Capital)
Destakalicerce (Optylon Krea)
Quinta da Ombria (Fundbox)
BehindHorizon
Slow Casanoble
Enigma Solene (Stone Capital)
Junerastior
GreenTales
Beato Lux (Larfa Group)
Paralellson
Sociedade Imobiliária e Turística do Desterro (Boissée Finance)
Treasure Scale
Inversiones Inmobiliárias St Leger (Riva Group)
Paraiso Eclético (Input Group)
Incentivos Práticos (Input Group)
Anidaport (BBVA)
PreciousCipher (Libertas+Stone Capital)
Flamingo Embrace
Work highlights
- Advised Paralelabrangente, Stone Capital Group on the process of delimitation of an execution unit with 43,000 sqm involving lands owned by the state near the National Palace of Ajuda.
- Assisted Destakalicerce (Optylon Krea) in the process of delimitation of an execution unit with 26,000 sqm destined for a residential condominium, offices and an aparthotel.
- Acted for BEHINDHORIZON in the process of land restructuring of a group of four hotels in Monchique, Algarve.
SRS Legal
SRS Legal‘s planning team works alongside the real estate department and is well versed in planning and licensing matters related to urban development projects. Led by Alexandre Roque, the group advises domestic and international companies and public entities and offers assistance with licensing matters in relation to large power projects.
Practice head(s):
Alexandre Roque
Testimonials
‘The team is extraordinary. Its lawyers know the client, expedite the resolution of issues and provide quick and clear responses. Alexandre Roque embodies this.’
Key clients
A. Santo – Empreendimentos Industriais e Turísticos
Finerge
GALP Energia
Gesto Energia
HANWHA Q CELLS
IHRU (Institute for Housing and Urban Renewal)
KKR IMO
Lisbon Port Authority
MTX Solar
Oceano Fresco
Quinta dos Oitavos
Regional Government of Madeira
Repsol Portugal
Sumol+Compal
Tiger Infrastructure Partners
VentientEnergy
Ventinveste
Work highlights
- Advised the Lisbon Port Authority on the review of Almada and Seixal’s Municipal Master Plans, located on the southern margin of the Tagus River.
- Acted for A. Santo – Empreendimentos Industriais e Turísticos in the execution of an allotment operation in Algarve.
- Assisted Oceano Fresco in the licensing for the construction of the company’s BioMarine Center, which includes a hatchery, labs and offices, in Nazaré.
Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho
At Uría Menéndez – Proença Carvalho, the planning group is geared to assist clients with environmental impact assessments, licensing matters and planning instruments. Headed by urban and spatial planning expert and counsel Gonçalo Reino Pires, the team has been increasingly active in advising on public policies involving student housing, soil decontamination operations and beach concessions. Pires is often sought after to handle planning issues related to residential, commercial, industrial and logistics projects.
Practice head(s):
Gonçalo Reino Pires
Other key lawyers:
Rita Xavier de Brito
Testimonials
‘Technical expertise, dedication and availability.’
‘Gonçalo Reino Pires is one of the best specialists in Portugal in terms of urbanism, and for that reason we keep this collaboration with the office. He has advised us in several highly complex processes with good results.’
‘I’d highlight Gonçalo Reino Pires and Vera Cabral Martins.’
‘Rita Xavier de Brito is recommended.’
Key clients
1875 Finance
Accor Group
Albatross/Quantico
Allianz
Azora
Cetim
Deka Immobilien
Explorer Investments
Fibeira Group
Finsolutia
Gingko Advisor
Grand Bay Residences
Iberdrola
Ikos Resorts
IMP BV
Magnawoods / Larmag Group
Multi Development
Qantara Capital
Sonagi
Universidad Europea
Urbanipera
Vilaminho
Work highlights
- Advised 1875 Finance on the development of an execution unit in Lisbon with an area of approx. 250,000 m2.
- Acted for Qantara Capital in the development of the Grândola Logistics Platform, which occupies approx. 130 ha.
- Assisted Larmag Group in the development of a resort in Sesimbra with around 18,000 beds and 600,000 m2 of envisaged construction area.
VdA
The planning team at VdA offers assistance with zoning and land use regulations, planning instruments, due diligence and environmental impact assessments, among other matters. With a strong presence in African Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola and São Tomé and Principe, the practice is jointly led by Pedro Ferreirinha, who is sought after to advise on acquisitions and disposals of residential, commercial, hospitality and retail properties, and Raul Mota Cerveira, whose practice covers projects in the infrastructure, water, sanitation and energy sectors.
Practice head(s):
Pedro Ferreirinha; Raul Mota Cerveira
Testimonials
‘I believe that what makes VDA’s service unique is the easy access to its professionals, regardless of their level of seniority. Partners are always available to meet when needed.’
‘Specialists in all sectors of activity. Quick responses and very well documented.’
‘Raul Mota Cerveira is recommended.’
Key clients
Douro Marina Hotel
Malanza Development, SA
EllaLink
Neptune Charisma, Lda.
Vanguard Properties (Group Claude Berda)
AFR-IX Telecom
Harmonious Jungle
HBD – São Tomé and Príncipe
APS – Gestão Imobiliária
SNIPER CAPITAL
Fundbox / Quinta da Ombria
Odebrecht SA
TotalEnergies
BIOCOM
TLC – SHIPPING
FUNDAÇÂO ORIENTE
Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Cloudflare Inc
Prowinko
OIKOS- Cooperação para o Desenvolvimento
LisbonSound
CAVIBEL
Work highlights
- Advised Harmonious Jungle on the acquisition of several properties, including a rural hotel in Peneda-Gerês National Park and an agribusiness project in Castelo Branco.
- Assisted Fundação Oriente in the regularisation of a construction made in the past in an ecological, coastal protection and natural park reserve located in Quinta da Marinha, Guincho, Cascais.
- Advised Vanguard Properties (Group Claude Berda) on the acquisition and development of a portfolio of residential and hospitality properties.