INE IPHH (WebInq): What Airbnb Hosts in Portugal Need to Know About Monthly Statistics Reporting

What Is INE IPHH?

As an Airbnb or Alojamento Local host in Portugal, you are likely familiar with SIBA for guest registration — but there is another government reporting obligation that many hosts do not know about until they receive a notification in the post.

INE IPHH stands for Inquérito à Permanência de Hóspedes na Hotelaria e Outros Alojamentos — the Survey on Guest Stays in Hotels and Other Accommodation. It is run by INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatística), Portugal's national statistics institute.

This is a monthly statistical survey that collects data on overnight stays, guest nationality, length of stay, and occupancy rates across all types of tourist accommodation in Portugal — including Alojamento Local properties.

The data collected feeds into Portugal's national tourism statistics, European reporting requirements, and government policy decisions. INE publishes the results monthly and they are widely followed by the tourism industry, investors, and policymakers.

Is IPHH Mandatory for My Airbnb Property?

This is the question every host asks — and the answer is: it depends on whether INE has selected your property.

Unlike SIBA (which applies to every single host without exception), the IPHH survey uses a statistical sampling method. INE selects a representative sample of accommodation properties across Portugal and contacts them directly. If your property is selected, responding becomes mandatory.

Here is how it works:

• INE selects properties using a combination of criteria including location, capacity, and property type

• Selected hosts receive an official letter or notification from INE

• Once selected, you must respond every month, by the 10th of the following month

• If you were not contacted by INE, you do not need to submit IPHH data

However, it is worth noting that larger properties — particularly those with more than 10 units or beds — are more likely to be selected. If you are managing a portfolio of properties, the chances increase further.

What Data Does IPHH Require?

If your property is selected, you will need to submit the following information each month via the INE Webinq online portal (webinq.ine.pt):

• Total number of guests (arrivals) during the month

• Total number of overnight stays

• Breakdown of guests by country of origin (domestic vs. international)

• Breakdown by country of residence for international guests

• Occupancy data (rooms or beds occupied vs. available)

• Average length of stay

This information needs to match what actually happened at your property during the calendar month. Hosts who maintain accurate booking records — including through platforms like EazyAL — will find this data straightforward to pull together.

The Monthly Deadline: 10th of the Following Month

INE requires IPHH submissions by the 10th day of the month following the reporting period. So for January's data, you must submit by February 10th. For June's data, by July 10th.

Missing this deadline repeatedly can result in follow-up from INE and, in persistent cases, administrative penalties. More practically, keeping on top of monthly reporting becomes one more recurring task on an already long list for busy hosts.

Where Do You Submit IPHH Data?

INE provides an online portal called Webinq at webinq.ine.pt where selected properties can log in and submit their monthly accommodation data.

The portal walks you through the required fields and provides guidance notes for each section. You will need your property's registration credentials, which are provided when INE notifies you of selection.

Some property management software providers (including EazyAL) can help you aggregate the data needed for your IPHH submission automatically, pulling together your booking statistics so the monthly submission takes minutes rather than hours.

Can I submit INE IPHH Data automatically via Web Service or API ?

Yes , the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) provides a Web Service (EXMO) that allows IPHH data to be submitted programmatically using XML files via the TAD platform.

In practice, a company can generate a single XML file containing multiple properties (units) and submit all responses in one action. INE also provides a testing environment with sample units and a GUID (used to identify the entity generating the XML), allowing developers to validate structure, segments, and submission logic before going live.

However, access is strictly controlled. INE credentials belong to the company (host or agency), not the software provider. Each company must register on the INE portal and manage its own users (“Aderentes”), with a single Aderente Principal responsible for permissions.

The GUID (unique ID) provided by INE is used in all XML files generated by that entity (even if the data refers to other units), but actual submission rights still depend on whether the logged-in user has permission for the units included. This means platforms like EazyAL cannot submit data centrally for everyone — submissions must use credentials tied to the correct entities and permissions.

In practice, this leads to two approaches:

1. assisted submission, where software prepares the XML and the user uploads it manually, and

2. full automation, where users connect their credentials and submissions are sent via the Web Service.

While full automation is technically possible using EXMO and TAD, it requires correct XML structure, valid GUID usage, proper segmentation (IPHH varies by unit type), and strict permission handling. For most hosts, the biggest value comes from automating data preparation — turning a complex monthly task into a fast, reliable workflow without needing to understand the underlying INE systems.

IPHH vs. SIBA: Understanding the Difference

Many hosts confuse these two systems, or assume that one covers the other. They are entirely separate:

In short: SIBA is something every host must do for every guest. IPHH is a monthly aggregate report required only if INE selects your property.

Both exist alongside your obligations to report to the Tax Authority (AT) for income purposes and, in some municipalities, to submit data to the local Câmara Municipal.

What Happens If You're Selected and Don't Respond?

If INE selects your property and you fail to respond consistently, you risk:

• Follow-up correspondence from INE

• Administrative fines for non-compliance with statistical reporting obligations

• Potential issues with your Alojamento Local licence, since demonstrating administrative compliance is part of maintaining good standing

If you receive a letter from INE about IPHH and are unsure what to do, the best step is to register on the Webinq portal and get in touch with INE directly. Hosts who have been managing their SIBA and booking records properly will generally find they already have most of the data they need.

How EazyAL Helps With INE IPHH Compliance

EazyAL's platform keeps a complete, accurate record of all guests, arrivals, departures, nationalities, and stay lengths. This means that when your IPHH submission is due, all the data is already aggregated and waiting for you — you do not have to count up bookings manually from different platforms.

For hosts managing multiple properties:

• EazyAL pulls booking data across all listings into a single dashboard

• Monthly occupancy and nationality breakdowns are available at a glance

• You can prepare your IPHH submission in minutes, not hours

EazyAL is designed around the reality that Portuguese hosts often need to juggle Airbnb, Booking.com, direct bookings, SIBA compliance, IPHH reporting, and tax obligations simultaneously. The platform brings all of it together so you spend less time in government portals and more time focused on your guests.

A Quick Reference: Portugal's Five Government Portals for Airbnb Hosts

If you are operating an Alojamento Local in Portugal, you are likely interacting with multiple government systems. Here is a quick overview:

1. Balcão do Empreendedor (BUE) — AL licence registration

2. SIBA / AIMA Portal — Guest registration (mandatory for all foreign guests)

3. INE Webinq — IPHH monthly statistics (if selected)

4. AT / Portal das Finanças — Tax registration and income reporting

5. Câmara Municipal — Local municipal notifications and tourism tax reporting

Managing all five manually is a significant administrative burden. EazyAL centralises the compliance tasks that can be automated and gives you a clear picture of everything else.

Frequently Asked Questions About INE IPHH

I've been hosting for two years and never heard of IPHH. Do I need to worry?

If you have not received any communication from INE, your property has not been selected for the survey. You do not need to submit data unless contacted. However, if you are growing your portfolio or manage a high-capacity property, it is worth being prepared.

How will I know if my property has been selected?

INE will contact you directly — typically by post — with registration credentials and instructions. Do not ignore this correspondence.

Is the data I submit to INE confidential?

Yes. INE uses the data for statistical purposes only and does not share individual property data publicly. Results are published in aggregate form.

Can I submit IPHH data for multiple properties in one submission?

Each property typically has its own registration and submits its data separately on the Webinq portal. If you manage a large portfolio, property management software that aggregates your data can significantly speed up the process.

Does Airbnb report this data on my behalf?

No. Like SIBA, Airbnb does not submit IPHH data to INE. This is entirely the responsibility of the property owner or operator.

Stay Ahead of Your Compliance Obligations

IPHH may only apply to selected properties, but it is one of several administrative obligations that Portuguese Airbnb hosts need to be aware of. The hosts who thrive long-term in this market are the ones who have their compliance systems set up properly from the start.

EazyAL exists to make that possible — handling SIBA automatically, keeping your booking data organised for IPHH submissions, and giving you a clear picture of everything you need to stay compliant.

Want to simplify your compliance admin? Discover EazyAL →