Hosting rules in Portugal
Understand Alojamento Local registration, what to prepare and where to get official guidance before hosting in Portugal.
Before you advertise your property
If you plan to offer accommodation as Alojamento Local (AL) in Portugal, you must register the establishment through the applicable process with the local municipality, the câmara municipal.
Check the rules for your property’s location and accommodation type before applying. Registration is not a substitute for meeting the other operating requirements.
What information should I prepare?
The requirements depend on the establishment and who operates it. Check the current application instructions and prepare the relevant information, including:
- Operator details: Name, address and tax identification number (NIF) of the person or business operating the accommodation.
- Property details: Address, establishment name, capacity and proposed start date.
- Property-use information: Any authorisation or documentation required for the intended use.
- Identification or company documents: Information for the applicant or operating business.
- Right to operate: Ownership, lease or other authorisation documents, as applicable.
- Declarations: Required declarations about the property’s suitability and registration of the activity with the tax authority.
- Contact details: The contact information requested by the application.
The property owner and the accommodation operator are not necessarily the same person. Use the details and authorisations required for your circumstances rather than assuming ownership alone completes the application.
How do I register my Alojamento Local?
1. Check the local requirements
Contact your câmara municipal to confirm the rules for the property, including any local restrictions on new registrations.
2. Submit the registration application
Follow the current official registration process through the online public service or municipality.
For information about the tourism register, see the Turismo de Portugal registration portal. Ask your municipality which application route applies before submitting documents.
3. Keep your registration details
Once your registration is valid, keep the registration number and supporting documents for your records.
Do not assume that submitting an application alone means you can start hosting. Follow the applicable registration and municipal requirements.
Where must I display my registration number?
Include the required AL registration number in your advertisements and booking-site listings.
Check that it appears correctly on each relevant listing. Adding the number to a description does not replace a booking site’s required registration field or other display requirements.
Where can I get help?
- Your câmara municipal: Ask about local eligibility, application requirements and municipal restrictions.
- Turismo de Portugal and official public services: Use their current AL guidance for registration and operating information.
- A qualified local adviser or the tax authority: Ask about registering your activity and the appropriate tax classification.
- Host Support: For help with your Travelnest account or entering registration details, contact Host Support.
Travelnest can help with account information, but cannot confirm that your property meets every legal requirement.