Regarded for its 'vast knowledge of the market', the public, urban, and environmental law practice at Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados, under the joint leadership of planning law specialist João Pereira Reis and public law partner João Tiago Silveira, handles a wide range of both contentious and non-contentious issues for an impressive roster of developers, public entities and individuals. The department is especially well versed in tourism and industrial hub projects, showcasing strength in licensing matters and in complex negotiations with municipalities. Co-head Pereira Reis is adept in supporting major commercial clients in the attainment of construction permits. Promoted to the partnership in November 2023, Rui Ribeiro Lima plays a 'decisive role' in planning and licensing mandates, with a focus on securing construction and activity-specific permits.

The ‘dedicated and extremely professional’ team at PLMJ stands out for its expertise in town and country planning, as well as in related domains like public and administrative law, real estate, tourism, and administrative litigation. The department is regularly instructed by asset management firms, funds and major companies in the energy and real estate sectors. Led by the highly regarded Andreia Candeias Mousinho, the practice boasts significant experience in urban development, complex planning and licensing issues. Key support is offered Benedita Lacerda, who specialises in administrative law, planning, public procurement, and related litigation proceedings.

'One of the best firms in Portugal', boutique Sofia Galvao Advogados is home to ‘experts in the areas of urban and spatial planning’. The group plays a pivotal role in high-profile developments across Portugal, including office buildings, airports, and tourist resorts. Founder Sofia Galvão is a leading authority in the market, standing out for her expertise in land and maritime spatial planning, real estate, and construction law. Luís Moitinho de Almeida complements the practice with his comprehensive view of planning, environment, licensing, and litigation matters relating to territorial law. Co-founder Hugo Nunes departed in May 2023.

Cuatrecasas boasts a strong team of ‘highly competent professionals’ specialised in planning and territorial law. Practice leader Nuno SÁ Carvalho offers expert advice on town planning for hotels and shopping centres, and oversees residential, tourism, retail, and logistics developments. Hugo Nunes, a recent addition from Sofia Galvao Advogados, who joined in May 2023, has a keen focus on land and maritime spatial planning, real estate, construction and related litigation. Marisa Mirador, a key contact for both public and private entities seeking assistance with urban planning, public procurement and contentious matters, who joined in January 2023 following the firm’s integration of SLCM, further strengthened the department.

Showcasing a ‘deep understanding of the complexities of the Portuguese planning system’, Uría Menéndez handles a host of mandates, covering licensing issues, environmental assessments, public-domain matters, and real estate transactions. Gonçalo Reino Pires, who advises both public and private sector clients in urban and spatial planning, including residential, commercial, industrial and logistics developments, steers the practice. Pedro Teixeira de Sousa focuses on licensing procedures and real estate projects, guiding clients in the acquisition of real estate assets, as well as contractual, regulatory, and planning matters.

CMS 'demonstrates extensive knowledge of urban planning laws and regulations', acting for Portuguese and international clients in all stages of significant urban development projects. The practice is led by the ‘highly reputed’ Sara de Almeida Barroso, whose proficiency encompasses real estate, urban and environmental planning, regulatory issues and litigation. Her sectoral focus is equally as broad; she has a wealth of experience in the residential, tourism, commercial, logistics, student housing and industrial segments.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo provides expert guidance to foreign clients seeking investment opportunities in Portugal’s residential and tourism sectors, with a focus on resorts, hotels, and leisure centres. The practice is led by Sofia Rodrigues Nunes, who draws on her ‘vast experience in the areas of ​urban planning and spatial planning’ as well as environmental and regulatory law to advise on licensing and planning procedures.

The planning division at SRS Legal, adept in the planning and licensing of urban development projects, collaborates closely with its real estate team. With notable experience in urban and spatial planning and public procurement, practice head Alexandre Roque possesses a strong track record in administrative litigation, representing clients across a variety of sectors in planning, licensing, regulatory, and public procurement-related disputes.

Sérvulo & Associados excels in guiding real estate stakeholders - ranging from investors and financial institutions to major corporations - through intricate planning and licensing issues in Portugal. Leading the group is Eduardo Gonçalves Rodrigues, who leverages his experience as an architect to assist with complex zoning and planning matters. Another key individual to note in the team, Filipa Névoa focuses on urban licensing, planning and related administrative issues, including non-contentious and contentious work.

The planning law team at TELLES, which sits within the firm’s real estate department, provides advice to both public and private clients on various urban planning and land use matters. The team, led by Pedro Almeida e Sousa in Porto and Miguel Nogueira Leite in Lisbon, offers expertise in planning, permitting, land allocations, and urbanisation contracts. Almeida e Sousa is seasoned in real estate and land development, while Nogueira Leite's core areas of focus include real estate investments, urban planning, and leasing arrangements.

At VdA, the planning group is geared to assist clients with due diligence in the context of real estate deals, as well as zoning, land use and environmental issues. Pedro Ferreirinha, who focuses on real estate matters, oversees the practice alongside Raul Mota Cerveira, a planning law expert, who is well versed in projects in the infrastructure, water, sanitation, energy and port sectors in Portugal and Lusophone Africa.