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Tourist Utility

Tourist Utility

Tourist utility is the distinction awarded to tourist developments that meet the principles and requirements defined in Decree no. 423/83, of 5th December, as amended by Decree nº 38/94, of 8th February, rectified by Declaration of Rectification nº 39/94, of 31st March, and as amended by Decree nº 141/2007, of 27th April and Law nº 71/2018, of 31st December.

Recognising the tourist value of a development can provide:

  • The exemption from Municipal Property Tax (MPT/IMI);
  • Exemption from the tourist use licence fee;
  • Access to the expropriation of rights over real estate intended for tourist developments, the object of the declaration of tourist utility.

Tourist utility can be granted to the following developments:

  • Hotel establishments;
  • Similar establishments to hotels classified as restaurants;
  • Tourist complexes;
  • Entertainment, cultural and sports facilities that do not constitute or form part of tourist complexes;
  • Thermal facilities;
  • Houses dedicated to Manor Houses.
Frequently asked questions (Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

The granting of the tourist licence is requested to the Regional Directorate for Tourism and is granted by order of the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures.

Owners or concession holders for the operation of developments

  • Prior tourist utility;
  • Definitive tourist utility;
  • Tourist utility of higher category developments.

Tourist utility can only be granted to:

  • New developments;
  • Existing developments that have been totally or partially renovated, improved or re-equipped;
  • Existing developments that increase their capacity by at least 50 per cent.

Prior tourist use:

  • • After approval of the architectural project that remains valid. Definitive tourist use:

Definitive tourist use:

  • Within 6 months of the issue of the tourist use authorisation permit, or another permit when required;
  • Within 6 months of the end of the construction work, in the remaining cases.

Free of charge for applicants.

In all cases:

  • Application (according to the form);
  • Evidence of ownership or the right to manage the development;
  • It may be necessary to submit an architectural project (base project or preliminary project).

Prior tourist use:

  • Copy of the document confirming official approval of the architectural project.

Definitive tourist use:

  • A copy of the tourist use permit.
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Legislation

Decree nº 423/83, of 5th December

Defines tourist utility and establishes the principles and requirements for granting it

Decree nº. 38/94, of 8th February

Amends Decree no. 423/83, of 5 December (establishes the tourist utility regime)

Declaration of Rectification nº 39/94, of 31st March

Rectifies Decree nº 38/94, of 8th February

Request for Tourist Utility

To apply for Tourist Utility status, you must fill in the form available on the services portal.

Form
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