Tourist recreation and marine tourism providers: reporting activities under the freedom to provide services
Tourist recreation agencies and marine tourism operators from other European Union or European Economic Area countries may provide services in Portugal up to five times a year.
Such activity must be reported in the portal of the National Tourism Register.
Service channels
Procedure and requirements
Documentos and requirements
To report activity by a tourist recreation agency under the freedom to provide services, you will need to attach the following documents:
- A document issued in the country of origin confirming that the agency is able to carry out the activity
- Name of the agency and trademarks to be used, with documents confirming authorisation to use such trademarks (if applicable)
- Proof of mandatory third-party liability insurance or equivalent
- Proof of mandatory personal accident insurance or equivalent
When reporting activity under the freedom to provide services, Turismo de Portugal, the national tourism authority, will accept documents submitted in the agency’s original language, provided it is possible to validate their content.
If Turismo de Portugal is unable to validate their content, it may request that the company submit the documentation accompanied by an official translation into Portuguese.
To report the relevant activity, you will need to sign in using one of the following methods:
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Digital Mobile Key (Chave Móvel Digital, CMD)
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Portuguese Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão)
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Tax Identification Number (NIF) and password to access the Tourism portal
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Access data to the Finance portal (NIF and access password)
If you do not yet have a Digital Mobile Key, find out how to activate one.
If you want to use your Citizen Card, find out how to log in using this method.
Procedure
To report activity by an agency operating under the freedom to provide services, please log in to the National Tourism Register portal and follow these steps:
- Under ‘Novos registos/comunicações’ [New registrations/reports], select the options ‘Agentes de animação turística’ [Tourist recreation agents] and then ‘Formulário de registo de atividade’ [Activity registration form].
- Fill in the details relating to the tourist recreation agency you are registering.
- In the company name and details field, select the option to indicate that the company is based in another European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country.
- Select the option confirming that you are legally authorised to carry out the activity in another EU or EEA country and that you intend to carry out the activity on a sporadic and occasional basis (up to five times a year) under the freedom to provide services.
- Click on ‘Iniciar formulário’ [Start form], complete all the required fields and submit the application.
If you have not submitted all the documents, you will not be able to proceed with the application.
Once your request has been submitted, reviewed and approved, you will receive an email confirmation from Turismo de Portugal.
How much
Reporting an activity under the freedom to provide services is free of charge.
Obligations
Availability of complaints book
Compulsory insurance
- Take out third-party liability and personal accident insurance covering all the activities specified in the registration form
- Update these policies whenever there is any change to the activities registered in the National Register of Tourist Recreation Agents (RNAAT) and report it on the portal
- The agency must indicate the name and address of its registered office in all contracts, correspondence, publications, advertisements and across all of its commercial activities, including online
Compliance with the law
Reporting an activity under the freedom to provide services does not replace the licences or authorisations required for the use of equipment, infrastructure or establishments, or for carrying out activities. In the first instance, the company should contact the relevant authorities in relation to such matters.
Marine tourism activities
- Always record the number of passengers on board for nautical safety reasons
- Ensure that crews are provided with adequate information about best practice on board
Legislation, refusals, contests, claims
Legislation
Decree-Law No 186/2015 of 3 September– Latest version of the legal framework establishing the conditions for access to and exercise of the activity of tourism services companies and coastal tourism operators.
Decree-Law No 108/2009 of 15 May laying down the conditions governing access to and exercise of the activity of tourist services companies and coastal tourism operators, as amended.
Decree-Law No 149/2014 of 10 October approving the regulations governing vessels used in coastal tourism activities (RAMT).
Ministerial Implementing Order No 651/2009 of 12 June establishing the Code of Conduct for tourism services companies and coastal tourism operators engaged in activities recognised as nature tourism, and the logo identifying them.