Building in Brazil

Brazilian Process for Building & Renovations

Before beginning a construction project, local law requires that specific guidelines are followed.

Building projects may fall under one of the following construction classifications for which permits can be granted by the City:

New construction,Refurbishment, Reconstruction, Regularisation, Small Refurbishment, Land Use Altering and Modification Project.

For each of these applications, a different set of documents must be submitted. Some of the most common are:

• Property ownership documents
• Graphic material
• Areas chart
• Documents of the professional responsible for the project and/or construction
• City tax payment receipts
• Proof of the Fire Department inspection (depending on the activity)

Two types of permit can be delivered:

1. Alvará de Aprovação (Approval Permit): approves the project, but doesn’t allow construction to start
2. Alvará de Execução (Construction Permit): allows construction to start immediately

These permits may be requested separately or at the same time.

After construction is complete, a Completion Certificate (Certificado de Conclusão - Habite-se) must be requested - without this the building will not be considered legalised by the Town Hall.