No, squatting in Portugal is illegal under the Penal Code (Article 204) and Civil Code, criminalizing unauthorized occupation of property. The 2026 amendments to the Regime Jurídico da Urbanização e Edificação tighten enforcement, requiring immediate eviction by authorities like the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) or Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) upon complaint. Property owners must act within 48 hours to file a denúncia with local civil courts to avoid prolonged disputes.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Portugal
- Criminal Liability: Article 204 of the Penal Code imposes up to 2 years imprisonment or fines for illegal occupation, with aggravated penalties for occupied primary residences.
- Civil Procedure: Owners must file a ação de despejo (eviction lawsuit) within 30 days of discovery, with courts prioritizing these cases under 2026 judicial reforms.
- Public Authority Intervention: The Autoridade Nacional de Proteção Civil (ANPC) may intervene to secure abandoned properties, but only after formal notification to the squatter and owner.
Local municipalities, such as Lisbon’s Câmara Municipal, enforce zoning laws prohibiting occupation of uninhabited or derelict buildings, with penalties including forced rehabilitation orders. Squatters face deportation if non-EU nationals, per Lei de Estrangeiros (Law 23/2007).