SIBA registration: how to submit accommodation bulletins without fines
Every Alojamento Local in Portugal must report foreign guest arrivals to AIMA (formerly SEF) through SIBA — the Accommodation Bulletin Information System — within 3 working days. Fines can reach €3,750 per missing bulletin. Chave AL handles it for you.
Why SIBA is so much work
The SIBA portal was designed for hotels with 24h reception, not for AL hosts with key-safe check-ins. Entering passports manually, with nationality codes and dates in the right format, is slow and error-prone — and the portal's error messages don't help.
Since 2024 bulletins can be submitted automatically via Web Services — but only if your SIBA account is configured for it. Otherwise you get the error "O método de envio selecionado no momento do registo não lhe permite esta operação".
What Chave AL does for SIBA
Guest fills in on their phone
Send a secure link via WhatsApp or email. The guest photographs their passport and the data is validated before arrival.
One-click submission to AIMA
Once all guests are registered, a single button sends the bulletin to SIBA. Credentials are encrypted.
Automatic submission via Web Services
When the last guest completes, the bulletin is sent automatically. Manual mode is always kept as a fallback.
Multi-unit supported
Small AL buildings with under 10 units, where each unit requires its own licence, are fully supported — each unit with its own RNAL.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must submit SIBA?
- All Alojamento Local establishments with foreign-national guests. Portuguese guests do not go into SIBA.
- What is the SIBA deadline?
- 3 working days after the foreign guest's check-in. Chave AL sends automatic alerts before the deadline.
- What is the fine for not submitting?
- Up to €3,750 per missing bulletin, under the SEF/AIMA regime. Repeat offences increase the fines.
- Where do I find my SIBA credentials?
- Automatic submissions use three details, not your portal login: your tax number (NIPC), the establishment number assigned by the UCFE at registration, and the access key posted to you in an official letter.
- What if I see 'método de envio… não lhe permite esta operação'?
- Your account is still configured as Manual on AIMA's side. Email siba@ssi.gov.pt to request Web Services activation. Chave AL has a ready-made template.
Related
Chave AL — SIBA, tourist tax and INE compliance for Alojamento Local. Pricing · Concierge · Guides · Guias (PT) · Glossary · iCal sync · Agencies · SIBA setup help · AL licence application