View rights acquired over time in Portugal

Independent site: we are not a public authority, and this is not legal or tax advice.

Windows or balconies built closer than the law allows can become a permanent right of view (servidão de vistas) through long use, and the neighbour must then leave 1.5 metres before building (Código Civil, art. 1362.º).

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Law

Código Civil (Decreto-Lei n.º 47344/66)

Article

1362.º, n.º 1 and 2

How it arises

By usucapião (acquisition through long possession) or by another title

Effect on the neighbour

They may build only if at least 1.5 metres is left between the new building and those openings

Length of the gap

Matches the extent of the openings (correspondente à extensão destas obras)

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...

Checked

2026-11-05