Next Generation Partners

Planning law in Portugal

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados

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.


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.

Practice head(s):

Sara de Almeida Barroso


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.

Practice head(s):

Nuno Sá Carvalho


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)


Google


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.