Lisbon is a very notable city when it comes to tourism. The Portuguese capital is one of the most visited cities in Europe , receiving thousands of not only national but also international tourists.
The traffic of people in the city of Lisbon brings with it the visit of thousands of tourists daily to the historical and cultural heritage of the city, so to prevent its deterioration and ensure its good maintenance, the city mayor's office decided to implement the which is known as tourist tax .
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Lisbon is a very popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. This puts a great deal of pressure on the city's infrastructure , such as public transport, streets, parks, and historic sites. The tourist tax is used to fund the maintenance and improvement of this infrastructure, ensuring that the city can continue to offer a positive experience for both tourists and residents. The tourist tax is specifically targeted at funding municipal interventions in urban cleanliness, safety, mobility, expanding cultural offerings, and preserving public and tourist spaces. Lisbon City Council thus seeks to ensure that the cost of tourism does not fall on residents but is partially borne by visitors.
A large influx of tourists can impact the daily lives of local residents and the natural environment . The tax is also intended to mitigate some of these negative effects, such as overcrowding in tourist-heavy neighborhoods, increased demand for public services (water, sanitation, cleaning), and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. The funds raised can be used to improve tourism sustainability, protect natural resources, and ensure the city maintains its long-term appeal.
The tourist tax in Lisbon came into effect on January 1, 2015. At that time, people staying in the city were required to pay €2 per night , and entry fees by air or sea would be taxed at €1 per person. The amounts raised through the tourist tax have reached record levels, totaling more than €49 million in 2024 and exceeding €260 million since 2016. The funds are invested in directly strengthening cleanliness, the daily operations of the city, and the maintenance of infrastructure where residents and tourists meet.
On April 17, 2024, the Lisbon City Council approved the increase in tourist taxes for overnight stays and cruise passengers. Specifically, the tax per overnight stay has increased from €2 to €4, and the tourist tax for cruise passengers has increased from €1 to €2 .
This increase is currently reflected on the Lisbon Chamber of Commerce website . It came into effect on September 1, 2024, after a 30-day public consultation.
It should be noted that the tourist tax is only applicable for seven consecutive nights in tourist accommodation.
The increase in the tourist tax entails several associated objectives:
“Expansion of public interventions at the level of tourist infrastructure, mobility, urban cleaning, public space, security and tourist, cultural and leisure offer, in an effort that should not involve a burden on residents.”
The Lisbon City Council considers that both tourists who spend the night in Lisbon and cruises are an “engine of economic and social growth”, but that steps must be taken and actions established to maintain the sustainability of the tourism ecosystem over time.
People with a disability of 65% or greater would be exempt from paying the fee, provided they present a document certifying their disability , as well as those who come to the city to receive any type of medical treatment. Children under 13 are also exempt from paying. The city council emphasizes that tourism is an economic and social driving force, but that sustainability and balance depend on proper resource management. Therefore, the fee is reviewed periodically to adjust to the actual number of visitors and the needs of the city. The public consultation prior to the latest increase validates the willingness of residents and tourism professionals to strengthen the destination's sustainability .
