Request a land registry certificate for a non-described building

A building is deemed as “non-described” when it is not registered at the land registry. Learn how to request the certificate which proves that the building is under this situation.

This certificate proves that the building (built or unbuilt plot of land) with the characteristics indicated on the request is not registered. If a similar building is registered, that is also mentioned by the certificate.

Service channels

Learn how and when you can request a land registry certificate for a non-described building.
  • Request on location
    Before going to an IRN service point for the service, consult the 'What documents and requirements' field

    See the 'What price' field

    Go to a land registry office, a Citizen’s Bureau or a Registries Space

    Search for a point of service near you:

Who can request a land registry certificate for a non-described building?

Where request a land registry certificate for a non-described building?

You may request the land registry certificate for a non-described building, in person or by mail:

What are the documents and requirements to request a land registry certificate for a non-described building?

  • To request the certificate, you will need to submit:

    • the form to request the certificate (called request of a Negative Certificate) duly filled in and signed
    • your name, address, telephone number, email address
    • your identification Document (Citizen Card; Identity Document; Passport; or Residence Permit)
    • information about the property for which you request the certificate:
      • the nature, that is, if it is a rustic or urban building
      • its location
      • its area and composition, for instance:
        • pasture land
        • irrigated land
        • ground-floor house for residence purposes
        • barn
        • warehouse
        • house in ruins
      • the surroundings (the name of the proprietaries or owners of the surrounding buildings)
      • the current matrix article of the building (the number under which the land is registered at the finances services) and the previous matrix article
      • the name, civil status and address of the current proprietary or owner, and of the two previous ones (except if you do not know who were the two previous proprietaries or owners and justify why, when you submit the request)
      • if the request regards a share of a non-described and undivided building, you must indicate the name and civil status of all owners and also the names of their spouses.

What is the Price to request a land registry certificate for a non-described building?

The certificate regarding one property costs 30€- For each property added to the certificate, you may 16€ more.

If you need the help of a registry service officer to fill in the form, 1.25€ may be charged.

If you prefer to receive the certificate through express mail, registered mail, with acknowledge of receipt or in hand, you must bear the costs.

Payment methods

  • multibanco
  • in cash
  • certified or bank cheque of a Portuguese account
  • postal order, in euros.

How request a land registry certificate for a non-described building?

On the location

Go to one of the IRN’s service desks which provide this service and bring the necessary documents and information.

By mail

  1. In the letter, include:
  • the form to request the certificate (called request of a Negative Certificate) duly filled in and signed
  • your name, address, telephone number, email address
  • your identification Document (Citizen Card; Identity Document; Passport; or Residence Permit)
  • information about the property for which you request the certificate:
  • the nature, that is, if it is a rustic or urban building
  • its location
  • its area and composition, for instance:
  • pasture land
  • irrigated land
  • ground-floor house for residence purposes
  • barn
  • warehouse
  • house in ruins
  • the surroundings (the name of the proprietaries or owners of the surrounding buildings)
  • the current matrix article of the building (the number under which the land is registered at the finances services) and the previous matrix article
  • the name, civil status and address of the current proprietary or owner, and of the two previous ones (except if you do not know who were the two previous proprietaries or owners and justify why, when you submit the request)
  • if the request regards a share of a non-described and undivided building, you must indicate the name and civil status of all owners and also the names of their spouses.
  1. Send it to one of the land registry offices.
  2. The request will be sent, by regular mail, when it is ready.

If you prefer to receive the certificate through express mail, registered mail, with acknowledge of receipt or any other type, you must bear the costs.