Have you heard of the Portuguese Tourist Tax? Whether you own a vacation rental or a hotel or are simply someone who loves to travel around Portugal, you most likely already have been faced with this tax.
If so, you must have a lot of questions. Or, on the contrary, this is the first time you’ve heard about the Tourist Tax and want to understand what it means. The truth is that more and more municipalities in Portugal are implementing this tax, so it’s important to know what it means.
What is it? Who charges this fee? How much is it? Is anyone exempt? What purpose does it have? These are the questions that Warmrental will give an answer to. Keep reading to find out.
What is it?
The Tourist Tax came into force on January 1, 2016, and is charged by tourist enterprises and local accommodation establishments to its guests. That is, a fee – determined by each municipality – is charged per night to those who sleep in hotels or local accommodation units.
What is its purpose?
For several municipalities, the Tourist Tax was applied with the purpose of minimizing the difficulties that arise from the significant growth of tourism in Portugal.
Who must pay?
The Tourist Tax must be paid by all guests – domestic and foreign tourists – with a few exceptions.
How much is it?
The amount is determined and charged by each municipality and is not included in the total price of the stay.
Tourist enterprises and local accommodation establishments are only responsible for collecting the Occupancy Tax amount at check-in to hand over to the competent authorities.
What are the participating municipalities?
This tax has only been implemented by some Portuguese municipalities but there are more and more adhering so keep an eye out. We can help!
Lisbon Tourist Tax
Tax amount: 2 EUR per person/per night.
Limit: Subject to a maximum amount of 7 nights per guest.
Who must pay: All guests aged 13 and over, except those whose stay is motivated for proven health reasons.
Approval date: January / 2016
Discover more on Lisbon’s city hall website.
Porto Tourist Tax
Tax amount: 2 EUR per person/per night.
Limit: Subject to a maximum amount of 7 nights per guest.
Who must pay: All guests aged 13 and over, except those whose stay is motivated for proven health reasons or have proven incapacity equal to or greater than 60%.
Approval date: March / 2018
Discover more on Porto’s city hall website.
Vila Nova de Gaia Tourist Tax
Tax amount: 2 EUR per person/per night (from 1 April to 30 September) and 1 EUR per person/per night (from 1 October to 31 March).
Limit: Subject to a maximum amount of 7 nights per guest.
Who must pay: All guests aged 16 and over, except those whose stay is motivated for proven health reasons, those who have proven incapacity equal to or greater than 60%, and the tour guides and/or drivers accompanying the group. Individuals or groups who are responsible for payment for stays of groups of visitors motivated by proven activities such as non-predominantly tourism (professional, academic, social, sporting, cultural or other activities) pay only 50% of the fee.
Approval date: December / 2018
Discover more on Vila Nova de Gaia’s city hall website.
Sintra Tourist Tax
Tax amount: 1 EUR per person/per night.
Limit: Subject to a maximum amount of 3 nights per guest.
Who must pay: All guests aged 13 and over, except those whose stay is motivated for proven health reasons.
Approval date: March / 2019
Discover more on Sintra’s city hall website.
Mafra Tourist Tax
Tax amount: 2 EUR per person/per night (between 1 May to 31 October) and 1 EUR per person/per night (between 1 November to 30 April).
Limit: Subject to a maximum amount of 7 nights per guest.
Who must pay: All guests aged 12 and over, except those who have proven incapacity.
Approval date: January / 2019
Discover more on Mafra’s city hall website.
Cascais Tourist Tax
Tax amount: 1 EUR per person/per night.
Limit: Subject to a maximum amount of 7 nights per guest.
Who must pay: All guests aged 13 and over.
Approval date: April / 2017
Discover more on Cascais’ city hall website.
Óbidos Tourist Tax
Tax amount: 1 EUR per person/per night.
Limit: Subject to a maximum amount of 5 nights per guest.
Who must pay: All guests aged 13 and over, except those whose stay is motivated for proven health reasons.
Approval date: To be determined.
Discover more on Óbidos’ city hall website.
Vila Real de Santo António Tourist Tax
Tax amount: 1 EUR per person/per night.
Limit: Subject to a maximum amount of 7 nights per guest.
Who must pay: All guests aged 10 and over. Children between the ages of 11 and 13 pay only 50% of the tax.
Approval date: December / 2018
Discover more on Vila Real de Santo António’s city hall website.
Portimão Tourist Tax
Tax amount: 1,5 EUR (from March to October).
Limit: Subject to a maximum amount of 7 nights per guest.
Who must pay: All guests aged 13 and over.
Approval date: To be determined.
Discover more on Portimão’s city hall website.
Santa Cruz Tourist Tax (Madeira)
Tax amount: 1 EUR per person/per night.
Limit: Subject to a maximum amount of 5 nights per guest.
Who must pay: All guests aged 18 and over.
Approval date: May / 2017
Discover more about EcoTaxa on Santa Cruz’s city hall website.
Please, note that there are constant updates on new municipalities that start charging the tourist tax and that the rules and fees – dictated by each municipality – may change throughout the year. Warmrental is not responsible in case of delay in updating this article since the responsibility of this information belongs to each municipality.