Use and licences
The intended use should be compatible with the lease, premises and applicable requirements.
Real Estate Law
Commercial lease in Portugal
Legal support in reviewing, negotiating and preparing lease agreements for shops, offices, restaurants, clinics and other business premises in Portugal.
The contract should match the business plan
In a commercial lease, the risk is not just the rent: works, licences, permitted use, duration and termination may directly affect the business.
The information on this page is general, must be checked against the contract and facts of the case and does not replace legal advice.
Contracts for business activity
A commercial lease should be reviewed with attention to the business activity to be carried out in the premises. Legal review may cover term, adaptation works, licences, guarantees, subletting, termination and parties’ responsibilities.
When to contact us
Situations where we can help
Legal support is particularly useful before signing, sending a termination notice, replying to a communication or taking steps with contractual consequences.
You are leasing a shop, office, restaurant, clinic or commercial space.
The lease requires adaptation works or significant initial investment.
There are questions about licences, permitted use or activity.
You want to negotiate term, renewal, deposit, guarantor or guarantees.
You will sign as a company or representative.
You received a termination notice or want to end the lease.
Legal support
Points that may be reviewed
The scope depends on the stage of the lease, the documents available and the client’s objective. The review should normally start with the contract and communications exchanged.
Investment and works
Works, improvements and adaptations should be addressed before signing.
Term and exit
Duration and termination mechanisms should be compatible with the business plan.
How it works
A simple and careful process
1. Initial information
The client sends a short description of the situation, draft, signed lease or communication received, where applicable.
2. Initial framing
The team confirms the area, identifies relevant documents and indicates whether a consultation or review is appropriate.
3. Consultation or review
The lawyer reviews the specific case and explains risks, alternatives and legally possible next steps.
4. Further action
Where instructed, the firm may assist with negotiation, document review or formal communications.
Related services
Other rental legal support
A rental matter may involve contract terms, guarantees, notices, breach or representation. These pages help frame the next step.
Main page
Renting property in Portugal
Overview of legal support with lease agreements, guarantees, landlords, tenants, commercial leases, breach and property recovery.
View main pageLease agreement
Lease agreement in Portugal
Support with drafting, reviewing and negotiating lease agreements, including rent, term, renewal, deposit, guarantor, guarantees and termination.
View lease agreementForeign clients
Renting as a foreigner
Support for non-resident or foreign clients who intend to rent a home in Portugal with document review before signing.
View foreign tenant supportLandlords
Legal support for landlords
Support for property owners and landlords with agreements, guarantees, formal notices, breach, termination and property recovery.
View landlord supportTenants
Legal support for tenants
Support for tenants before signing, when facing deposit questions, landlord communications, disputes, leaving the property or recovery of amounts paid.
View tenant supportBreach and occupation
Breach, occupation and property recovery
Support with unpaid rent, breach of contract, unlawful permanence, occupation without title and legal recovery of the property.
View breach and occupationNext step
Need legal support with a rental matter?
Send us the essential information about the situation. The team will review the request and contact you to outline the appropriate next steps.
FAQ
Common questions on this topic
What should be reviewed in a commercial lease agreement?
Term, rent, guarantees, works, permitted use, licences, business activity, sublease, responsibilities, updates, notices and exit or renewal conditions should be reviewed.
What should a company check before renting a shop, office or commercial space?
The company should confirm whether the space suits the activity, whether the lease allows the intended use, who bears works and licensing costs, which guarantees are required and how the term affects the business.
Should works and adaptations be included in the contract?
Yes. Works, adaptations, authorisations, ownership of improvements, deadlines and responsibility for costs should be clear before signing, especially where significant initial investment is involved.
Should the lease address licences and permitted activity?
Yes. The property's permitted use and the activity to be carried out should be compatible with the lease and applicable requirements. Lack of clarity may affect use of the space and business viability.
What guarantees may be requested in a commercial lease?
There may be deposits, bank guarantees, guarantors, advance rent or other negotiated guarantees. The obligation, amount, duration and enforcement conditions should be clearly regulated.
How should term, renewal and exit be assessed in a commercial lease?
The term should be compatible with the investment and business plan. Renewal, termination, non-renewal, penalties, notice periods and consequences of early exit should be reviewed.
Prefer to send information first?
You may send an initial message with the type of lease, the stage of the matter, available documents and relevant communications already received or sent.
Send initial information