Right of way to a landlocked plot in Portugal

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An owner whose plot has no adequate access to a public road can demand a right of way (servidão de passagem) over neighbouring rural plots, paying compensation (Código Civil, arts. 1550.º and 1554.º).

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Law and articles

Código Civil (Decreto-Lei n.º 47344/66), arts. 1550.º to 1554.º

Who

Owners of plots with no connection to a public road and no way to make one without excessive inconvenience or cost, or with an insufficient connection (art. 1550.º)

Over which plots

Neighbouring rural plots (prédios rústicos vizinhos)

Route

Through the plot that suffers least harm, in the least inconvenient way and place (art. 1553.º)

Compensation

Due for the loss suffered (art. 1554.º)

Self-made landlocking

If the owner caused the lack of access without good reason, compensation can be up to double (art. 1552.º)

Yards and gardens

Owners of walled estates, yards and gardens next to urban buildings can avoid the burden by buying the landlocked plot at its fair value (art. 1551.º)

Official text

pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...

Sources

pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...
pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...
pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...
pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...
pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=775&tabel...

Checked

2026-11-05