Companies established in the European Economic Area (EEA) can use a simplified declaration, instead of the full licence, for occasional private construction work in Portugal.
What it means
Normally, a construction subcontractor in Portugal needs the full construction licence from the IMPIC (the body that licenses construction companies). But a company that is established in the EEA (the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), and not established in Portugal, can use a simpler route instead, but only for occasional work for private clients, not for public projects.
Who it applies to
This simplified route is confirmed to apply only to companies established in the EEA. It does not extend to companies from other World Trade Organization member countries, even though those countries have other trade agreements with Portugal. A company from outside the EEA cannot use this route, even if the work is occasional and private, and must follow the full establishment and licensing process instead.
How it works
Instead of applying for a full licence, the company submits a simplified declaration. The declaration must show that the company is in good standing under its home country's rules, holds professional liability insurance (or an equivalent financial guarantee), and has work-accident insurance for any workers in Portugal. If the specific work needs a building permit, the declaration is submitted at the moment the company deals with the local permitting process. If it is the company's first time doing this kind of work in Portugal, the declaration can also be sent directly to the IMPIC in advance. Where the work needs no building permit, the declaration is not submitted together with a permit application. That does not mean that no other obligation applies, so check the position with the IMPIC for the actual work.
What to watch out for
Once the declaration is submitted, acceptance is automatic. There is no prior check by the IMPIC before the company may start work. This makes the process fast, but it also means the company itself is fully responsible for meeting the conditions correctly from day one.
This simplified route is only open to companies established in the European Economic Area. Companies from other World Trade Organization countries cannot use it, and the absence of a building permit does not mean that no other obligation applies.