Managing a short-term rental in Portugal involves more than having a comfortable, well-decorated space. Mandatory signage is a legal requirement that many property owners discover too late – sometimes only during an inspection.
In this complete guide, we explain everything about mandatory signage for short-term rentals: from the identification plate that must be at your door to the safety signs that protect your guests. Get ready to meet 100% of legal requirements and avoid fines.
What is Short-Term Rental Signage?
Short-term rental signage is the set of plates, signs, and notices that must be visible at your property to:
- Identify the accommodation to authorities and guests
- Ensure safety of users
- Inform about rules and emergency equipment
- Comply with current legislation
Signage is divided into three main categories:
- Identification plate (exterior/entrance)
- Safety signage (photoluminescent)
- Information notices (non-smoking, noise, etc.)
Mandatory Signage: What Does the Law Say?
Legislation regarding short-term rental signage is spread across several legal documents:
- Decree-Law No. 128/2014 (amended by Law 62/2018): Security and identification requirements
- Ordinance No. 262/2020: Identification plate specifications
- Law No. 56/2023: Noise hours signage (condominiums)
- Decree-Law No. 220/2008: Fire safety (for properties with 10+ guests)
Important note: Requirements vary according to modality (house, apartment, room, hostel) and capacity (up to 10 or more than 10 guests).
1. Short-Term Rental Identification Plate
The identification plate is your property's official "business card."
Who Needs the Plate?
✅ Mandatory for:
- Apartments
- Guesthouses
- Rooms
- Hostels
❌ Not mandatory for:
- Houses (except in the Azores Autonomous Region, where it's mandatory for all types)
Plate Types: 10x10cm vs 20x20cm
Small Plate (10x10cm) - Interior
When to use:
- Property entrance is inside a building
- Apartments, rooms, guesthouses
Technical specifications:
- Material: Transparent crystal acrylic, extruded and polished
- Thickness: 5mm
- Dimensions: 100mm x 100mm
- Font: Arial, dark blue (Pantone 280)
- Installation: 10mm from wall, with screws or appropriate method
Large Plate (20x20cm) - Exterior
When to use:
- Property entrance is on the building exterior
- Mandatory for hostels (building exterior, main entrance)
Technical specifications:
- Material: Transparent crystal acrylic, extruded and polished
- Thickness: 10mm
- Dimensions: 200mm x 200mm
- Font: Arial, dark blue (Pantone 280)
- Installation: 50mm from wall, with stainless steel screws in each corner and stainless steel caps on screw heads
Where to Buy the Identification Plate?
- Specialized safety signage stores
- Online suppliers of short-term rental equipment
- ANEPC-certified companies
Caution: Ensure the plate meets exact legal specifications. "Generic" plates may not be accepted during inspections.
2. Photoluminescent Safety Signage
This signage is mandatory for all short-term rentals, regardless of modality.
2.1. Fire Extinguisher Sign
Characteristics:
- Green photoluminescent plate with extinguisher pictogram
- Typical size: 150mm x 150mm
- Installation height: 2 meters from floor
Location: Next to the extinguisher, in visible location
Important note: The sign indicating extinguisher agent type (ABC powder, CO2, etc.) is NOT mandatory. Only the location sign at 2m height is required.
2.2. Fire Blanket Sign
Characteristics:
- Green photoluminescent plate with fire blanket pictogram
- Typical size: 150mm x 200mm
- Installation height: 2 meters from floor
Location:
- Next to fire blanket
- Blanket must be within arm's reach of the stove
2.3. First Aid Kit Sign
Characteristics:
- White cross on green background
- Typical size: 150mm x 150mm
- Can be placed directly on first aid box if visible
Location: Where first aid kit is located, in accessible place
2.4. National Emergency Number Sign (112)
Characteristics:
- Highlighting number 112
- Must be clearly visible to users
- Doesn't need to be photoluminescent (but recommended)
Location:
- Highly visible place at entrance or main room
- Preferably near phone (if any)
- Many owners also place near exit door
3. Mandatory Information Signage
3.1. Noise Hours
Applies to: Short-term rentals in residential buildings (condominiums)
According to Law No. 56/2023, property owners in condominiums must display, in a clearly visible interior location, signage with noise hours provided in the General Noise Regulation (Decree-Law No. 9/2007).
Typical hours:
- Daytime period: 7am - 8pm
- Evening period: 8pm - 11pm
- Night period: 11pm - 7am
On weekdays:
- Sensitive noise: 10pm - 8am
Weekends and holidays:
- Sensitive noise: 11pm - 8am
Recommended format:
- Bilingual (minimum: Portuguese and English)
- Clear and legible design
- A5 or A4 size
Where to place:
- Main room
- Near information book
- Entrance area
3.2. No Smoking Sign
Mandatory for: All spaces providing services that don't meet technical smoke extraction conditions (Law No. 37/2007)
Characteristics:
- Universal no smoking symbol
- Variable dimensions (recommended: 160mm x 55mm or larger)
Where to place:
- Property entrance
- Interior (if no-smoking policy)
- If smoking allowed in specific areas, clearly mark them
3.3. Complaints Book Cover Sheet
Mandatory: Yes (DL No. 156/2005)
Information to include:
- Responsible entity: ASAE
- Address: Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca nº73, 1269-274 Lisboa
Where to place: Clearly visible location, near entrance or reception
Note: Don't forget electronic version at www.livroreclamacoes.pt
3.4. Arbitration Centers (Optional)
Since Law No. 144/2015, joining arbitration centers became optional.
If you choose to join, you must display information about the competent arbitration center for your property's area.
4. Signage for Properties with 10+ Guests
If your short-term rental has capacity for more than 10 guests, requirements are significantly higher, as Decree-Law No. 220/2008 (fire safety in buildings) applies.
Additional mandatory signage:
- Emergency exit signs (with directional arrows)
- Emergency plans
- Evacuation route signage
- Assembly points
- Additional fire-fighting equipment
- Alarm device signage
Recommendation: Consult a certified safety technician to ensure full compliance.
How to Install Signage Correctly?
Installation Height
Upper level signage (extinguisher, blanket, exits):
- Height: Between 2m and 2.2m from floor
- Must be visible even with people in front
Lower level signage (information, warnings):
- Height: Between 1.4m and 1.7m (eye level)
Fixing Methods
For photoluminescent signage:
- Double-sided tape (quick solution, less durable)
- Mounting adhesive (more resistant)
- Avoid nails or screws that damage signage
For identification plates:
- Stainless steel screws (mandatory for 20x20cm plate)
- Follow ordinance specifications regarding wall clearance
Maintenance
✅ Check periodically:
- Signage is visible (not obstructed by furniture/objects)
- Photoluminescent plates are clean and legible
- Fixings are secure
- Information is updated
Signage Kits: Worth It?
Many suppliers offer complete short-term rental signage kits. Advantages:
✅ Guarantee you have everything needed
✅ More competitive price than buying individual pieces
✅ Compatible signage (harmonious design)
✅ Certifications included
Typical kit contents:
- AL identification plate (10x10 or 20x20)
- Extinguisher sign (photoluminescent)
- Fire blanket sign (photoluminescent)
- First aid sign (photoluminescent)
- 112 sign
- No smoking sign
- (Optional) Noise hours sign
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not having identification plate - Most easily detected violation
❌ Using wrong plate (10x10 when should be 20x20, or vice versa)
❌ Poorly placed signage (incorrect heights)
❌ Forgetting noise hours sign (mandatory since 2023 for condos)
❌ Damaged or illegible signage
❌ No certification of safety equipment
❌ Confusing capacity requirements (up to 10 vs more than 10 guests)
Inspections and Fines
Lack of mandatory signage can result in:
🚨 Fines: Range from €250 to €3,740 for individuals, and up to €29,927 for companies
🚨 Temporary suspension of property operation
🚨 Registration cancellation in serious or repeat cases
🚨 Insurance problems in case of accident
Inspection entities:
- Municipal Councils
- ASAE (Food and Economic Safety Authority)
- ANEPC (National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority)
- Turismo de Portugal
Checklist: Is Your Signage Complete?
Use this checklist to ensure compliance:
✅ Identification
- AL identification plate at entrance (10x10 or 20x20cm depending on location)
- RNAL number visible (can be on plate or separate)
✅ Fire Safety
- Extinguisher sign (photoluminescent, 2m height)
- Fire blanket sign (photoluminescent, 2m height)
- First aid kit sign
- 112 sign in visible location
✅ Guest Information
- Noise hours (if in condominium)
- No smoking sign (if applicable)
- Complaints book cover sheet
✅ Optional but Recommended
- Arbitration center
- Emergency instructions
- Evacuation map (even if not mandatory)
How Host Wise Can Help
At Host Wise, we know that legal compliance isn't just a requirement – it's peace of mind.
When you trust us with your short-term rental management, we guarantee:
✅ Complete signage audit across all properties
✅ Supply and installation of all mandatory signage
✅ Automatic updates when legislation changes
✅ Periodic maintenance and replacement when necessary
✅ Organized documentation for inspections
✅ Specialized consulting on safety and compliance
With over 620 managed properties, we've developed processes and partnerships that ensure all our accommodations always meet legal requirements.
Contact us for a free audit of your property's signage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my own identification plate?
Technically yes, but you must strictly follow Ordinance 262/2020 specifications. Any deviation (color, font, material, dimensions) can result in non-compliance.
Does photoluminescent signage need light to work?
Yes. Photoluminescent plates "charge" with natural or artificial light and then emit light in the dark. They must be in locations that receive lighting during the day.
How long does signage last?
Quality signage lasts 5-10 years if well maintained. Photoluminescent plates lose effectiveness over time and should be replaced when no longer clearly visible in the dark.
Do I need a safety project?
For properties up to 10 guests: no.
For properties with more than 10 guests: yes, SCIE project is mandatory.
Where to buy certified signage?
ANEPC-registered companies, specialized safety suppliers, or online stores dedicated to short-term rental equipment. Always verify certifications.
Does signage need to be in multiple languages?
Only the information book has this requirement (4 languages). For safety signage, universal pictograms are generally sufficient. For information notices (noise, etc.), at least Portuguese and English is recommended.
Conclusion
Short-term rental signage is a small investment that protects your business from big problems. For less than €100, you ensure full legal compliance, guest safety, and peace of mind during inspections.
To recap the essentials:
- ✅ Identification plate at entrance (except houses on mainland)
- ✅ Photoluminescent safety signage (extinguisher, blanket, first aid)
- ✅ 112 sign clearly visible
- ✅ Noise hours (if in condominium)
- ✅ Information signs (no smoking, complaints book)
Don't leave signage to the last moment. An inspection can happen at any time, and non-compliance consequences go far beyond fines – they can compromise your entire property operation.
Need help ensuring your short-term rental is 100% compliant? Host Wise has the experience and right partnerships to make this process simple.
