New Legislation Simplifies Portuguese Property Registration via BUPi Platform
The Portuguese government has implemented a new legal regime for property cadaster, defined by Decree-Lei n.º 72/2023, which simplifies the process of identifying and registering property boundaries. This new system, which works in conjunction with the BUPi (Balcão Único do Prédio) online platform, aims to create a more transparent and efficient land registry, benefiting property owners across the country.
The property cadaster (cadastro predial) is the official system for organizing the identification, geographic location, and geometric configuration of properties. The Directorate-General for Territory (DGT) remains the national authority responsible for the overall management of the cadaster. The BUPi platform functions as the primary point of contact between citizens and the public administration for these matters, integrating information from the Tax Authority and the Land Registry.
Under the new regime, owners of rustic properties in municipalities with existing geometric cadasters or in experimental cadaster zones are automatically transitioned into the new, simplified system. A key incentive for property owners is that the procedure for registering and identifying property boundaries on the BUPi platform is free of charge until the end of 2025. This initiative encourages owners to protect their property rights and create a clear, updated registry for their descendants.
To perform a registration or update on BUPi, a property owner must first gather the necessary documentation. Mandatory documents include the owner's Citizen Card (or identity card and tax number) and the property's tax booklet (Caderneta Predial), which contains the matrix number. If a representative is acting on the owner's behalf, a formal power of attorney is required. Optional documents that can facilitate the process include a pre-existing topographical survey and documents proving title to the property.
The process involves accessing the BUPi platform to create a georeferenced representation of the property's boundaries. The platform provides tools and visualizers to help owners locate their property using its official tax number and draw its precise limits on a digital map. Once this process is complete and the owner submits the declaration, a term of responsibility is generated. This document is then used to formally update the property's information at the official Land Registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial).
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For property owners who require assistance, the system allows for the hiring of accredited cadastral technicians. These are independent, regulated professionals authorized to perform cadastral surveys. The DGT provides an official list of accredited technicians on its portal. It is essential for owners to verify that any technician they hire is on this list to ensure the survey complies with all legal requirements for validation.
To consult existing cadastral information, any interested party can request a permanent property certificate (certidão permanente predial) through the Registo Predial Online platform. This digital certificate, valid for six months, provides all current and pending registration information for a specific property and can be accessed online with a unique code.
The new system represents a significant step forward in modernizing Portugal's land registry, making it easier for owners to secure and manage their property rights.
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