Portuguese law permits the installation of CCTV systems in private residences and commercial premises to safeguard people and property. However, camera coverage must be confined strictly to the property boundaries, and installations must comply with legal requirements to protect the privacy of third parties.
Entities engaged in the design, installation, maintenance, or technical support of materials, equipment, security systems, or alarm centers are required to obtain prior registration with the Direção Nacional da Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP).
From a legal perspective, security equipment comprises electrical or electronic devices intended to:
- Detect and signal the presence, entry, or attempted entry of intruders into protected buildings or facilities.
- Prevent the entry of weapons, hazardous substances, or prohibited items capable of causing acts of violence into buildings or premises with restricted public access.
- Control access by unauthorized people to protected buildings or facilities.
- Capture, record, and display images of the protected area.
- Receive, transmit, or manage alarm signals (alarm centers), including personal or portable alarms.
The obligation to obtain prior registration does not apply to entities engaged in the design, sale, installation, maintenance, or technical support of fire safety systems, provided they are regulated under the legal framework for fire safety in buildings. Similarly, individuals or legal entities whose sole business activity is the sale of security materials, equipment, or alarm centers are exempt.
Under Ministerial Order No. 273/2013, only individuals or legal entities legally established under the legislation of a European Union Member State may apply for prior registration with the PSP to perform installation, maintenance, or technical support of security equipment or alarm centers.
Applicants for prior registration must: (a) Maintain a registered office or representative office in Portugal; (b) Possess suitable technical facilities; (c) Have the necessary resources and equipment to conduct their activities; (d) Appoint a responsible technician; (e) Demonstrate the absence of outstanding debts to the Portuguese Tax Authority and Social Security; (f) Hold civil liability insurance; (g) Confirm they are not legally prohibited from undertaking installation, maintenance, or technical support activities.
The technician responsible is accountable for planning, organizing, coordinating operators and subcontractors, providing technical support, and ensuring quality control in the installation and execution of works relating to security equipment.
Accreditation of the technician responsible is verified by reviewing their professional qualifications, including basic or specialized training and demonstrable experience.
The prior registration application is submitted to the PSP. Once compliance with legal requirements has been verified, the registration is published on the PSP’s official website. Registrations are valid for five years and may be renewed for equivalent periods.
Registrations may be suspended if the technician responsible is absent and will be cancelled if the company ceases operations.
The PSP’s website lists private security companies, entities with internal self-protection services, consulting firms, and authorized training providers, categorized by type of service.
Before installing a CCTV system in a residence or commercial premises, always request proof of prior registration or consult the PSP website to verify that the company is authorized to carry out the activity.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in fines between 300 and €1,500 for individuals and between €7,500 and €37,500 for legal entities.
At the Commercial and Corporate Law Department of Belzuz Abogados, S.L.P. – Branch in Portugal, we have extensive experience in providing legal advice to individuals or legal entities, whether domestic or foreign, in the preparation of documents and the submission of prior registration with the Direção Nacional de Segurança Pública.