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How to obtain an AL license in Ericeira

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Investment in Local Accommodation (AL) in 2025 continues to be one of the most solid ways to monetize properties in Portugal. The legal framework has become more stable — with the end of the Extraordinary Contribution on AL (CEAL) and the repeal of the suspension of new registrations — and tourist demand remains high.

In Ericeira, this trend is even clearer. Tourism is growing, the demand for authentic stays is multiplying, and well-located properties are becoming consistent sources of income.

However, there are specific rules to follow: the village is part of a Municipal Containment Area, where new licenses are limited and assigned by lottery.

In this article, we explain how to obtain an AL license in Ericeira, what the legal requirements are, and how the team at AL – A Casa das Casas (Holidays in Ericeira) can assist you throughout the entire process — from legalisation to the complete management of your accommodation.

 

1. Updated Legal Framework (2025)

The legal regime for Local Accommodation is defined by Decree-Law No. 128/2014, recently revised and republished by DL 76/2024, of October 23rd.

The main changes in effect are:

  • End of the CEAL (Extraordinary Contribution on AL).
  • Repeal of the suspension of new registrations imposed by Law 56/2023.
  • Containment Areas are now a municipal competence — in the case of Mafra, Ericeira remains under controlled limitation.
  • Municipal Chamber opposition deadline: 60 working days (or 90 days in containment zones).
  • Registration is electronic and done through the Balcão Único Eletrónico (BUE) (One-Stop Electronic Desk).

 

2. Who Can Apply for an AL License

Any owner or tenant with the landlord’s authorization can register a local accommodation, in the following modalities:

  • House (Moradia) – independent house.
  • Apartment (Apartamento) – one or more autonomous fractions.
  • Rooms (Quartos) – partial rental in one’s own home.

Note: In Ericeira, new licenses can only be issued through a lottery promoted by the Mafra Municipal Council, limited in number per official notice.

 

3. Basic Requirements

Before initiating the application, the property must comply with:

  • Habitability and safety conditions (electrical installations, gas, ventilation, and hygiene).
  • License of use (Licença de Utilização) issued by the Mafra Municipal Council.
  • Valid civil liability insurance.
  • Mandatory equipment for up to 10 guests:
    • Fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and first aid kit.
    • Emergency number 112 affixed in a visible location.
    • Physical or electronic complaints book (Livro de Reclamações).

 

4. Steps to Obtain the License

The process is fast and fully digital:

  1. Access the Balcão Único Eletrónico (ePortugal.gov.pt).
  2. Authenticate with Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key.
  3. Select the type of accommodation and fill out the form with the property details.
  4. Attach documents:
    • Property tax booklet (Caderneta Predial) or title of ownership.
    • License of use.
    • Proof of insurance.
    • Declaration of commencement of activity with the Tax Authority (Finanças) (CAE 55201 or 55204).
  5. Submit the application. You will immediately receive a provisional registration number.
  6. After the 60 or 90 working day deadline (with no opposition), the registration becomes definitive.

Even with the provisional registration, you should only advertise the property after you have an active RNAL number and valid insurance.

 

5. Communication to the Parish Council

After registration, it is mandatory to communicate with the corresponding Parish Council (Ericeira or Santo Isidoro), indicating:

  • Full address and maximum capacity;
  • Start date of the activity;
  • RNAL number issued by the BUE.

 

6. Inspection and Renewal

The Mafra Municipal Council and ASAE (Authority for Food and Economic Safety) can carry out inspections at any time.

Older registrations remain valid but must be updated by 2030 according to DL 76/2024.

In case of non-compliance, the registration may be suspended or cancelled.

 

7. Accounting and Tax Obligations

  • The AL activity is framed under Category B of IRS (business income).
  • You can opt for the simplified regime or organized accounting.
  • You must issue electronic receipts and pay VAT if you exceed the exemption limit.
  • Recommended: support from a certified accountant.

 

How We Can Help

The AL – A Casa das Casas (Holidays in Ericeira) team specializes in the comprehensive management of local accommodations in Ericeira.

With over a decade of experience in the region, the team supports each owner from start to profit, taking care of:

  • Legalisation and registration with the Mafra Council and BUE.
  • Management of bookings and guests (Airbnb, Booking, proprietary website).
  • Cleaning, maintenance, and professional check-in/out.
  • Price and occupancy optimization to maximize income.

If you wish to license or monetize your property in Ericeira, get in touch.