How to Open a Short-Term Rental in Portugal

Opening a short-term rental in Portugal can be an excellent source of income, but it requires meeting several legal requirements. This complete guide explains everything you need to know to get started.

What Is a Short-Term Rental

A short-term rental ("alojamento local") is the provision of temporary accommodation services to tourists in establishments that don't meet the requirements to be classified as tourist developments. It includes apartments, houses, and rooms.

Essential Legal Requirements

• The property must be in habitable condition
• Have condominium authorization (where applicable)
• Meet fire safety requirements
• Have a complaints book (both physical and electronic)
• Hold civil liability insurance
• Display an identification plate at the entrance

Types of Short-Term Rentals

• House ("Moradia") - a stand-alone single-family property
• Apartment - an independent unit within a building
• Hostel-type establishments ("Estabelecimentos de hospedagem") - rooms with additional services
• Rooms ("Quartos") - up to 3 rooms within the owner's own residence

Registration Process

Short-term rental registration is done through the Single Electronic Counter (Balcao Unico Eletronico) or in person at the Municipal Council. Once submitted, registration is automatic and you receive a national registration number.

• Go to the Entrepreneur's Desk (eportugal.gov.pt)
• Submit the prior notice ("mera comunicacao previa")
• Attach the required documents
• Wait for validation (usually automatic)
• Receive your registration number and start operating

Tax Obligations

• Register your activity with the Tax Authority (CAE 55201)
• Issue invoices/receipts to all guests
• File periodic VAT returns (where applicable)
• Report guests to SEF via SIBA
• Pay the municipal tourist tax (where applicable)

First Steps After Registration

• Register on the SIBA portal to report guests
• Create profiles on booking platforms (Airbnb, Booking, etc.)
• Set up an automatic check-in system with Sincro
• Take out civil liability insurance
• Prepare the space and create a guest manual