The SIBA Portal
SIBA (the Guest Registration Information System) is the official platform for reporting foreign guests staying at short-term rentals. Find out what it is, who must use it, the legal deadlines, and how to automate it.
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Key Features
Everything you need to automate guest reporting
What Is SIBA?
The official Portuguese government platform, run by AIMA, for registering foreign guests at tourist accommodations. It replaces the old paper registration forms.
Who Must Use It?
Every short-term rental operator hosting foreign guests, regardless of the number of properties or booking volume.
The 3-Business-Day Deadline
Foreign guest data must be reported within a maximum of 3 business days after check-in. This includes name, nationality, ID document and stay dates.
Fines for Non-Compliance
Failing to report on time can result in fines between €250 and €3,740 per infraction, depending on severity and repeat offenses.
Portuguese vs. Foreign Guests
Only foreign guests (including EU citizens) need to be reported to SIBA. Portuguese guests only need to be recorded in the Guest Book.
Automation via Web Service
SIBA provides an API that enables automatic submission. Sincro uses this integration to report data with no manual work required.
Why Choose Sincro?
Join thousands of hosts and property managers who have already automated their legal obligations.
- Automatic submission to SIBA
- Guaranteed compliance with the 3-business-day legal deadline
- Data validation before submission - avoid errors and rejections
- A complete history of every submission sent
- Proof of submission in case of an inspection
100% Compliant
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions
What is SEF for short-term rentals?
SEF (the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) used to be the entity responsible for receiving foreign guest data. Since October 2023, those functions moved to AIMA. Reporting is still done through the SIBA portal.
What's the deadline for reporting guests to SIBA?
The legal deadline is 3 business days after the guest checks in. The submission must include the guest's ID document details, nationality, country of residence and stay dates.
SEF was replaced by AIMA: did anything change?
In practical terms, the process stayed the same. The SIBA portal is still operational, your login credentials are unchanged, and the legal obligations haven't changed.
Do Portuguese guests also need to be reported to SIBA?
No. SIBA reporting only applies to foreign guests. Guests holding Portuguese nationality only need to be recorded in the Guest Book.
What if the guest is an EU citizen?
Yes, citizens of other European Union countries must also be reported through SIBA. Only guests with Portuguese nationality are exempt.
Is it possible to automate SIBA reporting?
Yes. The SIBA portal provides an API (web service) that allows integration with platforms like Sincro. Data is sent automatically after the guest completes online check-in.
What are the fines for not reporting to SIBA?
Non-compliance can result in fines between €250 and €3,740 per infraction, depending on severity and repeat offenses. It's classified as a serious administrative offense.
How do I get SIBA access credentials?
You need to register on the SIBA portal (siba.sef.pt) with your establishment's tax ID, short-term rental license number and the details of the person in charge. Once validated, you'll receive your access credentials.
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Related SIBA Guides
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