Legal Regulations for Guests Staying in
Short-Term Rentals (AL)


At Algarve Rental, we operate fully in line with Portuguese law, ensuring both our guests and property owners remain compliant with national regulations.



When staying in licensed short-term accommodation (Alojamento Local – AL) in Portugal, two primary legal obligations apply:


  • Guest registration with the national authorities
  • Payment of any applicable municipal tourist tax


Below, we explain how this works and what you can expect when staying with us.




1. Mandatory Guest Registration (SIBA – AIMA)


Portuguese law requires all licensed accommodation providers to report guest details to the national immigration authority. This process was historically managed by SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) and is now overseen by AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo).


Registration is submitted via the official SIBA platform (Sistema de Informação de Boletins de Alojamento).



Who Must Be Registered?


Registration is mandatory for:


  • All non-Portuguese nationals staying in paid accommodation
  • Every individual within the booking, including children


Exemptions:


  • Portuguese nationals are not subject to this reporting requirement
  • Guests staying free of charge in private homes


If you are staying in one of our licensed Alojamento Local properties, this registration is a legal requirement.



What Information Is Required?


For each guest, Portuguese authorities require the following details:


  • Full name
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Type of identification document
  • Document number
  • Country of issue
  • Country of residence
  • Check-in date
  • Check-out date


You must present a valid identification document, such as:


  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Residence permit
  • Diplomatic identification
  • Official replacement document (in case of loss or theft)
  • Birth certificate or passport annotation for minors


Accommodation providers may face fines for every unregistered guest. Access to the property may legally be refused if the required information is not provided.



How Algarve Rental Manages This Process


At Algarve Rental, guest data collection forms part of our secure digital check-in process.


After your booking is confirmed:


  • You will receive a secure online check-in link
  • All guests must complete their details prior to arrival
  • Individual guest links can be created where preferred


Once submitted, your information is automatically transmitted to the official SIBA system (SIBA-SEF/AIMA).


This automated integration ensures:


  • A smooth and efficient check-in experience
  • Full legal compliance for property owners
  • Accurate and timely reporting to Portuguese authorities
  • No manual paperwork on arrival


Our system is GDPR compliant. We collect only the legally required information and process it securely for official reporting purposes.



2. Municipal Tourist Tax (Taxa Municipal Turística)


In municipalities where a tourist tax applies, licensed Alojamento Local properties are legally required to charge and remit it.



Who Must Pay?


The tourist tax applies to:


  • Guests staying in licensed hotels or Alojamento Local (AL) properties
  • All nationalities, including Portuguese guests
  • Short-term stays


It generally does not apply to:


  • Mid-term or long-term rental contracts (typically 28+ nights, subject to local regulation)


Exemptions may apply in certain municipalities for:


  • Children under 12
  • Guests undergoing mandatory medical treatment
  • Guests with certified disabilities (60% or higher)



How Algarve Rental Handles Tourist Tax


Where a municipal tourist tax is applicable:


  • The tax will always be included in the booking total
  • The amount will be clearly outlined during the booking process
  • No unexpected charges will be requested upon arrival


On major platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com, the tax is incorporated into the reservation where relevant.


We are legally obliged to collect and remit this tax to the relevant municipality, and we ensure full transparency at every stage of the booking process.



Our Commitment to Compliance & Transparency


By integrating digital check-in with automatic SIBA submission and clear inclusion of any applicable tourist tax, Algarve Rental ensures:


  • Full legal compliance for owners
  • A seamless arrival experience for guests
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Responsible and regulated tourism in the Algarve


If you have any questions regarding registration requirements or municipal tax rules, our team is available to assist before and during your stay.


We look forward to welcoming you to the Algarve with clarity, compliance and confidence.

Contact us any time

Contact us any time