With most of the 26 measures coming into force from 4 March 2024, it is essential to understand the impact of these changes on urban planning processes, both for future projects and those already underway.
It is important to note that these changes have been in effect since 1 January 2024, with further updates planned over the years until 2030. To help understand this new regulatory framework, the Portuguese Architects Association provides a summary of the main changes, as well as a detailed timeline with the most relevant dates.
Decree-Law No. 10/2024 introduces several measures to simplify administrative processes and licensing, particularly in urban planning. Here are some of the main changes:
Prior notification and exemptions: In some cases, obtaining urban planning licenses is no longer necessary, only a prior notification. For example, the subdivision license can be waived, making the process faster for certain detailed plans or execution units.
More exemptions: New situations have been created where prior control is not required. This includes, for example, interior works that do not alter the building's structure, facilitating the creation of interior floors in factories or warehouses.
End of the construction license permit: Now, simply presenting the receipt of payment of fees is enough to proceed with the work, reducing bureaucracy and costs.
Automatic approval (tacit approval): If the responsible entity does not respond within the legal deadline, the project is automatically approved, allowing the work to proceed without further delays.
Digital platform for licensing: From January 2026, municipalities will have a mandatory electronic platform where all licensing requests will be made and managed centrally and more efficiently.
Land reclassification: The process for converting rustic land to urban land (for industrial, logistics, or storage purposes) has been simplified, facilitating the development of large projects.
These changes aim to reduce deadlines, eliminate bureaucracy, and make licensing processes more agile and accessible.
Decree-Law No. 10/2024 introduces important changes to licensing in Portugal, making processes more efficient, reducing costs and boosting economic activity. These reforms are fundamental to the modernization of the sector and directly impact the work of architects and construction professionals.
If you need more information or would like to request a quote for your project, do not hesitate to contact RE+
