Algarve Villa Rental Success: Why the AL Licence is Your First Step

Picture this: The Algarve sun is shining, your villa’s pool is sparkling and happy guests are settling in for a dream holiday. Sounds perfect, right? But before you can turn that vision into reality, there’s one essential piece of the puzzle - your Alojamento Local (AL) licence.

We know it doesn’t sound quite as glamorous as sipping cocktails on the terrace, but trust us… this little piece of paper is the golden ticket to unlocking your villa’s rental potential. And the good news? With the right help, getting it sorted is easier than you think.

So, what exactly is an AL license?

Simply put, it’s your official permission to rent out your property to holiday guests in Portugal. Without it, you’re risking fines that can reach €40,000, and nobody wants that. It’s your stamp of approval, showing you’re running a legal, guest-ready rental.

The rules recently got a makeover in November 2024, and they’re looking a lot more owner-friendly. AL licences are now permanent (no more worrying about expiry dates) and can even be transferred if you sell the property. That’s a big win for your villa’s value. But here’s the catch…local municipalities now have more control over short-term rentals, meaning the process can vary from one Algarve town to another.

Why local expertise matters

Applying for an AL licence involves registering with your local Câmara Municipal, sometimes online, sometimes with an in-person inspection. Each area can have different rules, density controls and paperwork requirements. What’s straightforward in Vale do Lobo might be a whole different story in Loulé. That’s where having someone local, and in the know, makes all the difference.

How SandyBlue makes it simple

For new villa owners, it can feel like you’re navigating a maze of forms, inspections and legal jargon. But with SandyBlue’s onboarding team by your side, it’s more like a guided walk on the beach. From your very first chat with us, we’ll take you through the whole process, making sure your villa ticks all the right boxes before your first guests arrive.

And it doesn’t stop there. Our marketing team will make your property shine, our guest services team will keep visitors coming back and our operations crew will handle everything from maintenance to mid-stay cleans. We’ve been doing this for years, and we know exactly how to make your rental business thrive.

The first step to a thriving rental

If you’ve been toying with the idea of renting your Algarve villa but feel overwhelmed by the “where do I even start?” question, the answer is simple: start with your AL licence… and start with SandyBlue. Because once that’s sorted, you’re on your way to seeing guests enjoying your space, your calendar filling up and your investment paying off. And that’s when the real fun begins. Contact us today to start your journey to villa rental success.