Portugal: Alojamento Local letting licences

What classifies as an Empreendimento Turístico?

The following types of accommodation fall into this category:

• Conjuntos Turísticos - non residential complexes and their on-site accommodation (where the complex is solely used for tourism purposes and people cannot buy property)

• Hotels

• Public campsites

• Other types of commercially owned establishments that provide temporary accommodation to paying guests, such as guesthouses, apartment complexes and holiday villages

What classifies as an Estabelecimento de Alojamento Local?

A property must have an Alojamento Local licence if it meets all of the three criteria below. Private holiday home rentals will fall into this category.

• It has a Licença de Habitabilidade (habitation licence), which is provided by the local authorities. It proves that the property has been inspected and meets the required legal standards for occupation.

• It provides temporary accommodation to paying guests

• It is not considered an Empreendimento Turístico (as above)

What does the Alojamento Local licence mean? What conditions have to be met?

Properties with an Alojamento Local licence must:

• Be in good order externally and internally

• Be connected to mains water (or bore hole)

• Be connected to mains sewer (or septic tank)

• Have hot and cold running water

• Have adequately furnished rooms

• Have sufficient ventilation

• Have a system in place to block natural light when necessary (blinds/curtains)

• Have suitable locks for security and privacy

• Have at least one bathroom for every three bedrooms, with toilet, sink and bath (or shower)

• Have sufficient fire extinguishers and blankets for the size of the property as well as first aid equipment and instruction manuals for all appliances

• Display the international emergency phone number 112 in a prominent position

• Be regularly cleaned with towels and linen changed at least once per week

• Have an official complaints book

Most of these measures are considered standard and expected by guests even if your property does not legally require an Alojamento Local licence.

Where do I get a licence?

You will need to submit an application at your local town hall, who will stamp it. By stamping the application, the town hall permits you to start renting out your property. In the following 60 days, the town hall may order an inspection of your property to check all the conditions are being met.

If in any doubt as to how to apply for the licence, we recommend you consult a specialist in Portuguese property documentation, who will be able to do this for you and organise any necessary inspections.

What happens if I don't obtain a licence when I need one?

Owners of properties found not to be have a licence when they need one risk fines ranging from €2,500 to €3,740. This can rise to €25,000 for companies.