Local Accommodation!

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  • To approve your local accommodation, it is essential to comply with legal safety requirements. ExtintoresOnline's AL Kits include all mandatory equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and signage, ensuring compliance with the law.

    ✅ Certified fire extinguisher suitable for the size of the space
    ✅ Fire blanket for kitchens
    ✅ Visible and correct safety signage
    ✅ Complaint book in physical or electronic format
    ✅ Safety sheet with emergency instructions for guests

  • Simplify the process and avoid problems. Choose our AL Kits and have your accommodation approved without complications!

    • If you have questions about the safety requirements for your local accommodation or would like a quote for our AL Kits, we are here to help!

    ✉ Talk to us today!

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Safety Requirements for Local Accommodation

To ensure the legal compliance of your Local Accommodation (AL), it is essential to meet the mandatory safety requirements. Among the main required elements are:

✅ Certified fire extinguisher suitable for the size of the space

✅ Fire blanket for kitchens

✅ Visible and correct safety signage

✅ Complaints book in physical or electronic format

✅ Safety data sheet with emergency instructions for guests

At ExtintoresOnline, we offer complete AL Kits so that your accommodation complies with all regulations without complications.

✉ Contact us for more information or to request a quote!

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Starting a Local Accommodation Business

To open a local accommodation (AL) business in Portugal, it is essential to be aware of the mandatory legal and fiscal requirements. Here are the main aspects to consider:

1. Types of Accommodation and Capacity Limits

  • Modalities: Houses, apartments, rooms, or guesthouses.
  • Limits: Maximum of 9 rooms and 30 simultaneous guests. The number of guests can be increased with the inclusion of extra beds for children up to 12 years old.
  • Restriction: The same owner cannot operate more than 9 apartments in a building if this represents more than 75% of the units.

2. Suspension of New Registrations

  • New AL registrations are suspended for apartments and guesthouses in certain urban areas, except in the interior of the country and in the autonomous regions.
  • Registrations issued up to October 7, 2023, will be re-evaluated in 2030 and renewed every 5 years.

3. Registration Process

  • Steps: Open/amend activity with the Tax Authority, gather documents (occupancy permit, property registration certificate, etc.), and submit the prior communication to the Balcão do Empreendedor (Entrepreneur's Desk).
  • Inspection: After registration, the municipal council conducts an inspection to confirm compliance with the requirements.

4. Tax Decisions

  • CAE: Choose between codes 55201 (furnished accommodation for tourists) or 55204 (other short-stay accommodation).
  • IRS: Taxation can be under category B (business income) or F (rental income). Category B can be advantageous with the simplified regime, while category F can apply a fixed rate of 28%.
  • VAT: The 6% rate applies to invoicing, with an option for the exemption regime if the turnover is less than 12,500 euros.

5. Mandatory Conditions

  • Insurance: Fire and damage insurance to cover risks.
  • Safety: Fire extinguishers, fire blanket, and first aid.
  • Communication of Stay by Foreigners: Notification to SEF within 3 days.
  • Identification Plate: Mandatory, except for houses.

6. Relationship with the Condominium

  • Condominiums may require an additional contribution to cover expenses arising from the intensive use of common areas and have the power to cancel licenses issued without approval.

7. Best Practices

  • Presentation: Realistic photos and descriptions.
  • Organization and Cleanliness: Organized and properly sanitized spaces.
  • Quick Responses and Personalization: Customer attention and personalized touches, such as suggestions for local visits.

Conclusion

Complying with these legal and fiscal requirements is crucial to avoid fines and ensure business success. Evaluate all options before investing, ensuring efficient and profitable management.

What is Legally Required in Local Accommodation?

According to paragraph 2 of Article 13 of Decree-Law No. 128/2014, of August 29, local accommodation establishments with capacity for less than 10 guests must comply with the following safety requirements:

a) Provide a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket easily accessible to users;
b) Have a first-aid kit accessible to guests;
c) Display the national emergency number (112) in a visible place.

In addition, except for AL registrations in the 'villa' category, all local accommodation establishments must affix an approved sign identifying the establishment as Local Accommodation at the main entrance.

The Local Accommodation activity was initially regulated by Decree-Law No. 128/2014, which established the main legal obligations for this type of accommodation. This decree defined the need for equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first-aid kits, and appropriate signage, requirements that are still valid.

In 2018, Law No. 62/2018 introduced some changes to this regime, adjusting and clarifying certain legal aspects.

More recently, Ordinance No. 262/2020 brought additional changes, especially regarding the mandatory nature and characteristics of Local Accommodation identification signs.

In the Azores, Local Accommodation establishments also follow a specific regional ordinance, which requires the placement of the identification sign in all ALs.

It is always advisable to check the most up-to-date legislation, as changes or discrepancies may occur between legal publications and available information.