Reporting guests to SEF (the Immigration and Borders Service) is a legal requirement for all accommodation establishments in Portugal, including short-term rentals. This guide explains everything you need to know to meet this obligation efficiently.
Failing to comply with this requirement can result in fines ranging from €500 to €5,000.
What Is SIBA?
SIBA (the Accommodation Bulletin Information System) is SEF's official platform for reporting guest data. All accommodation establishments are required to register their guests' information on this platform.
Who Must Report?
All accommodation establishments in Portugal must report guest data, including:
- Hotels and tourist developments
- Hostels and guesthouses
- Short-term rentals (apartments, houses, rooms)
- Campsites
- Rural and farm tourism accommodations
This requirement applies regardless of the guest's nationality - both Portuguese and foreign guests must be reported.
Legal Deadlines
Guest data must be reported to SEF within 3 business days of check-in. This deadline is counted from the date the guest arrives at the property.
Required Data
For each guest, you must report the following data:
- Full name as shown on the identification document
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Document type (ID card, Citizen Card, Passport)
- Identification document number
- Issuing country of the document
- Check-in date
- Expected check-out date
How Sincro Helps
Sincro automates this entire process. Guests fill out a digital form before arrival, and the data is sent automatically to SIBA. This eliminates manual work and ensures legal deadlines are always met.
With Sincro, your guests fill in their details just once and everything is handled automatically. Save up to 15 minutes per booking!
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