Is Airbnb legal in Porto?

In Porto and across Portugal, the government has implemented several new regulations on short-term rentals, particularly affecting platforms like Airbnb, to address housing market concerns. Under these regulations, all short-term rental properties must be registered with the local municipality and obtain an Alojamento Local (AL) license to operate legally. This move aims to control the proliferation of holiday rentals in residential areas and mitigate the impact on the housing market.

In Porto, new AL licenses have been suspended across most areas, with exceptions only for independent houses, ALs in interior zones, or rooms within the owner’s residence. The suspension is part of the Mais Habitação package, awaiting a Municipal Housing Charter that will guide future licensing. Areas with high concentrations of tourist accommodations face stricter restrictions, whereas areas designated for "sustainable growth," like Cedofeita and Bonfim, have fewer constraints.

To navigate these regulations, current and prospective Airbnb hosts are encouraged to understand the requirements thoroughly. Professional services like those offered by RHJ Accountants and GuestReady can assist property owners in ensuring compliance with the updated rules and exploring alternative rental markets if necessary. These measures intend to protect local housing, prevent market saturation by short-term rentals, and balance the tourism sector's growth with residents' needs.