Overview of Temporary Accommodation in Portugal
For foreign nationals relocating to Portugal, securing temporary accommodation is a critical first step. Most long-term rental contracts (typically 12 months or more) require an in-person viewing and a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF). Consequently, arrivals typically stay in short-term housing for a period of two weeks to two months while navigating the local administrative requirements and property market.
The availability and pricing of temporary housing are highly seasonal, particularly in coastal regions and major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. In 2025, the market continues to be influenced by the "Mais Habitação" (More Housing) legislative framework, which has impacted the licensing of short-term tourist rentals known as Alojamento Local (AL).
Primary Types of Temporary Housing
Alojamento Local (AL) and Short-term Rentals
The most common option is the Alojamento Local (AL). These are private apartments or rooms registered with the municipal authorities for tourist use. They are typically found on international platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo.
- Pros: Fully furnished, includes utilities and Wi-Fi, provides a residential feel.
- Costs: In 2025/2026, a studio apartment in Lisbon city center ranges from 80 EUR ($84 USD, Jan 2026) to 160 EUR ($168 USD, Jan 2026) per night, depending on the season.
Serviced Apartments and Aparthotels
Serviced apartments offer a hybrid between a hotel and a private rental. They provide kitchen facilities and housekeeping services. These are preferred by corporate relocations and families who require more space and predictable service standards.
Coliving Spaces and Digital Nomad Hubs
Popular in Lisbon, Porto, and the Silver Coast, coliving spaces target remote workers and individuals moving alone. These facilities offer private bedrooms with shared communal spaces, kitchens, and dedicated coworking areas. Monthly rates often include all utilities and community events.
- Average Monthly Cost: A private room in a high-quality coliving space averages between 900 EUR ($945 USD, Jan 2026) and 1,500 EUR ($1,575 USD, Jan 2026).
Administrative and Financial Considerations
Tourist Taxes
Most municipalities in Portugal charge a daily tourist tax (Taxa Municipal de Turista) for the first seven nights of any stay in temporary accommodation. As of late 2025, the rates are as follows:
- Lisbon: 4 EUR ($4.20 USD, Jan 2026) per night, per person.
- Porto: 3 EUR ($3.15 USD, Jan 2026) per night, per person.
- Algarve (Various Municipalities): Between 1 EUR and 2 EUR ($1.05 - $2.10 USD, Jan 2026) per night.
Documentation Requirements
By Portuguese law (SEF/AIMA regulations), all accommodation providers must report the presence of foreign nationals to the authorities within three days of arrival. Guests must provide their passport or national ID card details upon check-in. Unlike long-term rentals, temporary accommodation usually does not require a NIF or a Portuguese bank account.
Payment and Security Deposits
Short-term bookings via platforms are typically paid in full upfront. For stays exceeding 30 days booked directly with providers (such as coliving spaces), a security deposit equivalent to 50% or 100% of one month's rent is standard practice. It is advised to use secure payment methods and avoid direct wire transfers to unverified individuals.
Note: Some temporary accommodation providers may issue a declaration of address for the purpose of obtaining a NIF, but this depends on the specific provider and the local tax office (Finanças) requirements.
Practical Steps for Securing Housing
To ensure a smooth transition, foreign nationals should follow these steps:
- Advance Booking: Secure at least 14-21 days of accommodation before arrival, especially if relocating during the peak tourist season (May to September).
- Location Verification: Use official maps to verify the proximity of the accommodation to public transport (Metro, CP trains) if a vehicle is not immediately available.
- Invoice Requests: Ensure the provider issues a "Fatura" (invoice) including the guest's name and passport number. This may be useful for future residency applications as proof of initial entry and stay.
- Official Resources: For a list of licensed tourist accommodations, the Registo Nacional de Alojamento Local (RNAL) provides a searchable database to verify the legality of a rental.