CAE 55201 vs 55204: Portugal Local Accommodation Codes
Choosing an activity code is one of the administrative details to check when setting up a local accommodation business in Portugal. Two codes that hosts may encounter are 55201 and 55204.
Their current meanings are specific. In particular, older pages may describe 55204 as a general category for “other short-stay accommodation” or say it covers hostels. Those descriptions can be out of date: under Portugal’s current CAE Rev. 4 classification, hostels have a separate code, 55205. Check the current official classification before submitting your details. INE’s CAE information · Official CAE list on gov.pt
What is CAE 55201?
CAE 55201 — Furnished accommodation for tourists covers the paid provision of furnished, non-permanent accommodation for short stays of less than a year.
The current classification includes tourist homes and Local Accommodation in the form of a house, apartment or room. So 55201 is not limited to entire apartments and houses, as some older descriptions suggest. Turismo de Portugal’s CAE Rev. 4 notes
What is CAE 55204?
CAE 55204 — Guest accommodation establishments, except hostels covers certain short-stay guest establishments made up of rooms within an independent property unit, an urban building, or a part of a building capable of independent use.
The code is therefore more specific than a general category for any shared or unusual accommodation. Its current description does not include hostels. Turismo de Portugal’s CAE Rev. 4 notes
What about hostels?
Hostels are classified separately under CAE 55205. Don’t select 55204 just because an older article lists hostels under that code. For other accommodation arrangements, check the current official CAE list rather than assuming 55201 or 55204 is a catch-all.
How do I know which CAE code to use?
Start with the actual type of establishment and accommodation units you operate. Then compare those details with the current CAE Rev. 4 definitions and confirm the code in the official classification system. The number alone—or the platform you use to advertise, such as Airbnb—doesn’t tell you which code applies.
The CAE code classifies an economic activity. It is not the Local Accommodation registration itself, and it does not by itself determine your full tax position. Those are separate matters to check for your circumstances. You can read our guide on how to open activity with Finanças in Portugal. That link uses the slug suggested for the activity article; update it if the published page uses a different URL.
For the wider AL registration process, see our guide to registering Local Accommodation in Portugal.
Frequently asked questions
Does CAE 55201 cover a room in a Local Accommodation property?
Yes. The current CAE Rev. 4 notes include Local Accommodation in the form of a house, apartment or room under 55201.
Is CAE 55204 the hostel code?
No. Hostels have the separate code 55205. CAE 55204 is for guest accommodation establishments other than hostels.
Does the CAE code complete my Local Accommodation registration?
No. Choosing an activity code and registering an AL establishment are separate administrative steps. Check the current government guide to Local Accommodation for registration requirements.
Can I rely on an older article that lists 55204 as “other short-stay accommodation”?
Check its publication date and the CAE revision it refers to. CAE Rev. 4 is the current classification, and older pages may use a previous label or scope. Verify your code using the official CAE information.
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm the correct code for your establishment with the official classification or a qualified professional.
