The Portuguese AL (Alojamento Local) regime has been tightened in successive rounds, most materially in central Lisbon. The implications for investors entering the Portugal short-let market today are significant.
Lisbon
Central freguesias are largely closed to new AL registrations. Existing licences continue to operate. Acquisition strategies in central Lisbon need a transfer-of-licence position confirmed before purchase.
Porto
Significantly more permissive than Lisbon. Most central zones remain open with conditions; some peripheral parishes are unrestricted.
Algarve
Largely open. The licensing position varies by município but remains broadly available for new applications outside designated containment zones.
What we do
Every Portugal deal pack confirms the AL position at deal-pack stage — including, where relevant, the transfer-of-licence mechanism and timeline.