What is an occupancy permit (habite-se), and when is it required?

Short answer: The habite-se is the document issued by the city government certifying that a building was constructed according to the approved plans and is fit for occupancy. It’s required for any built property, and its absence signals an irregularity.

What the habite-se is

The habite-se (Certificate of Completion) is issued by the municipal government after a technical inspection confirming the construction followed the approved plans and complies with the building code. In Florianópolis, it’s issued by the City of Florianópolis (PMF) upon request from the project’s technical lead.

Without a habite-se, the property is considered irregular in the eyes of the city — even if it’s in good physical condition.

When it’s required

The habite-se is required for every built property: houses, apartments, commercial units, and warehouses. It doesn’t apply to vacant land.

It’s required at two key moments:

• At purchase: the Real Estate Registry Office requires the habite-se to register the deed for a new property.
• For bank financing: banks require the habite-se as a condition for releasing the loan.

How it works in practice in Florianópolis

1. The project’s technical lead (an engineer or architect) requests the habite-se from the city (PMF) once construction is complete.
2. The city conducts an inspection to verify the construction matches the approved plans.
3. Once the inspection is approved, the city issues the Certificate of Completion.
4. The habite-se must be recorded on the property’s title certificate (matrícula) at the Real Estate Registry Office.

Buying a pre-owned property without a habite-se — what to do?

It’s possible to buy a property without a habite-se, but there are risks: difficulty getting financing, inability to register the deed in certain situations, and the risk of a stop-work order or fine from the city. Before closing on a property in this situation, assess the cost and timeline for regularizing it with a qualified professional.

At Regente, the agent advises on the property’s documentation status before any offer is made.

Related questions

• What documents are required to buy a property?
• What’s the difference between a deed and a purchase and sale agreement?
• How does buying a pre-construction property work in Florianópolis?

Have questions about a specific property’s documentation? Talk to a Regente agent.