How to Get an AL License in Portugal: 2026 Guide
Portugal remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for short-term rentals. If you own a property and want to rent it legally to tourists, you must register it as Alojamento Local (AL).
In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process to register a property for AL in Portugal, including the requirements, documents, and other legal obligations.
Step 1: Check If Your Property Is Eligible for AL
Before starting the registration process, confirm that your property is eligible for Alojamento Local.
Requirements typically include:
The property must be legally registered for residential use
It must comply with safety and habitability standards
Some municipalities may have restrictions or containment zones
In condominiums, the building regulations must not prohibit AL
Since recent legal changes allow condominiums more influence, it is advisable to verify condominium rules before proceeding.
Step 2: Obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)
To operate an AL property, you must have a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).
You can obtain a NIF:
At a Portuguese Tax Office (Finanças)
Through a fiscal representative
Via specialized legal or relocation services
This number is required to register your activity and declare rental income.
Step 3: Open Activity with the Portuguese Tax Authority
The next step is to open a business activity with Finanças.
Most AL operators register under:
CAE 55201 – Alojamento Mobilado para Turistas
(Furnished accommodation for tourists)
The Different CAE Codes for Alojamento Local (AL)
For local accommodation, two CAE codes are particularly relevant: 55201 and 55204. The right choice depends on the specific characteristics of your accommodation business.
CAE 55201: Furnished tourist accommodation
This code applies to local accommodation establishments that offer furnished accommodation to tourists, ready for immediate use. It includes houses and apartments.
The main characteristics of establishments using this CAE code are:
Fully equipped and furnished spaces
Independent units, such as apartments and houses
Basic cleaning and housekeeping services
Generally suited to short- or medium-term stays
CAE 55204: Other short-stay accommodation
This code is used for accommodation that does not fit the previous category, such as rooms in a private home or shared accommodation. It is often chosen by owners who rent out part of their home or operate a hostel.
The main characteristics of establishments using this CAE code are:
Includes rooms in private homes
Covers shared or non-conventional accommodation
Suitable for rural or nature-tourism facilities
May include additional services such as meals or activities
Choosing the right CAE code is the first step towards legally registering your local accommodation business. This decision affects not only the registration process, but also how your activity is taxed and regulated. It is therefore essential to carefully assess the characteristics of your business before making your choice.
This step officially allows you to issue invoices and declare rental income.
You can complete this step:
Online through the Finanças Portal
With the help of an accountant
Step 4: Register the Property on the RNAL Platform
All Alojamento Local properties must be registered in the RNAL – Registo Nacional de Alojamento Local.
Registration is done through the Balcão do Empreendedor portal.
You will need to submit:
Owner information
Capacity of the accommodation
Emergency contact information
Liability declaration confirming compliance with regulations
Once submitted, the system issues an AL registration number, which you must display in all advertisements.
Step 5: Ensure Safety Requirements Are Met
Portuguese law requires AL properties to meet basic safety standards.
These include:
Fire extinguisher
Fire blanket
First aid kit
Emergency contact information
Evacuation instructions
Properties must also have adequate ventilation, lighting, and sanitary conditions.
Municipalities may perform inspections to verify compliance.
Step 6: Obtain Mandatory Liability Insurance
AL operators must hold civil liability insurance covering damages to guests.
Typical coverage:
Minimum coverage usually starts around €75,000
This insurance protects both guests and property owners in case of accidents.
Step 7: Understand other legal obligations for AL in Portugal
Many new hosts believe that obtaining an AL licence is the final step. In reality, registering the property is only the beginning. Once you start receiving guests, you may also need to comply with:
SIBA / AIMA guest reporting
INE monthly accommodation statistics
Municipal tourist tax reporting
Invoicing obligations
Mandatory insurance requirements
What is SIBA ?
SIBA is the guest reporting system used to communicate foreign guest information to AIMA. Most AL operators in Portugal are legally required to submit guest data within 3 working days of arrival.
Got your RNAL PDF from ? Generate your SIBA registration sheet next
Step 8: Comply With Ongoing Obligations
After registration, AL operators must comply with ongoing rules.
These include:
Issuing invoices or receipts for guests
Declaring income to Portuguese tax authorities
Displaying the AL registration number in advertisements
Maintaining safety equipment
Complying with municipal regulations
Failure to comply may result in fines or suspension of the AL license.
How Long Does It Take to Register an AL Property?
In many cases, the AL registration process is fast.
Once submitted online, the registration number can be issued immediately, allowing you to start operating.
However, municipalities may later inspect the property to verify compliance.
Final Thoughts: Is Registering an AL Property in Portugal Worth It?
Despite regulatory changes, Alojamento Local remains a profitable investment opportunity in Portugal, especially in high-tourism regions.
By following the proper registration steps and maintaining compliance, property owners can legally operate short-term rentals and generate reliable income.
If you're planning to enter Portugal’s short-term rental market, understanding the AL registration process is the first step toward success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alojamento Local Registration in Portugal
What is Alojamento Local (AL)? Alojamento Local is the Portuguese legal framework that regulates short-term tourist rentals. Any property rented to tourists — whether through Airbnb, Booking.com, or directly — must be registered under this framework.
What is the RNAL? RNAL stands for Registo Nacional de Alojamento Local. It is the national registry where all AL properties must be listed. Registration is done through the Balcão do Empreendedor portal and issues your official AL number.
What is a NIF and is it mandatory? A NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is a Portuguese tax identification number. Yes, it is mandatory — you cannot legally register an AL property or declare rental income without one. You can obtain it at a Finanças office or through a fiscal representative.
What is CAE for Alojamento Local (55201)? CAE 55201 is the business activity code for "Alojamento Mobilado para Turistas" (Furnished Accommodation for Tourists). You must register this activity with the Portuguese Tax Authority (Finanças) before operating your AL property. CAE is used on the SIBA sign up form.
Is it mandatory to open activity with Finanças? Yes. You must formally open a business activity with Finanças before you can legally issue invoices and declare rental income from your AL property.
What is SIBA? SIBA is the guest reporting system managed by AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). It requires AL operators to submit the identification details of foreign guests within 3 working days of their arrival. This is a legal obligation for most AL operators in Portugal.
Is SIBA registration mandatory? Yes, for most AL operators. Failing to report guest data to AIMA via SIBA can result in fines. EazyAL automates this reporting so you stay compliant without manual data entry.
What safety equipment is mandatory for an AL property? Portuguese law requires a minimum of: a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket, a first aid kit, emergency contact information posted visibly, and evacuation instructions. Properties must also meet basic ventilation and sanitary standards.
Is civil liability insurance mandatory for AL properties? Yes. AL operators are legally required to hold civil liability insurance covering potential damages to guests. Minimum coverage typically starts around €75,000. You can read more about insurance requirements in our Portugal Local Accommodation Legal Guide 2026.
What is the tourist tax (taxa turística) and is it mandatory? The tourist tax is a per-night charge collected from guests in municipalities that have adopted it (including Lisbon and Porto). If your municipality has this tax, you are legally required to collect it from guests and remit it to the local council. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
What is INE reporting? INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatística) requires AL operators to submit monthly accommodation statistics, including number of guests, nights stayed, and nationality. This is a separate obligation from SIBA guest reporting.
How long does it take to get an AL registration number? In most cases, the AL number is issued immediately upon submission through the Balcão do Empreendedor portal. However, your municipality may conduct a follow-up inspection to verify compliance with safety and habitability standards.
What is the link to register for Alojamento Local? Registration is done through the Balcão do Empreendedor: eportugal.gov.pt
What is the link to check the RNAL registry? You can search registered AL properties at the official RNAL portal: rnt.turismodeportugal.pt
Can a condominium block AL registration? Yes. Recent legal changes in Portugal give condominiums more power to restrict or prohibit AL activity in buildings. Before registering, check your building's internal regulations (regulamento de condomínio) to confirm AL is permitted.
What happens if I rent without an AL license? Operating a short-term rental without a valid AL registration is illegal and can result in significant fines. Rental platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com also increasingly require a valid AL number to list your property.
How can EazyAL help with AL compliance? EazyAL is a compliance tool built specifically for Alojamento Local operators. It automates SIBA guest reporting, tourist tax tracking, INE statistics, and other ongoing obligations — so you can focus on hosting, not paperwork.
