Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Croatia Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Croatia Property Pack
If you're thinking about running an Airbnb in Croatia, this guide covers everything from legal requirements to realistic profit expectations.
We'll walk you through current housing prices, occupancy rates, and what neighborhoods work best for short-term rentals in 2026.
This article is constantly updated to reflect the latest data and regulations in the Croatian short-term rental market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Croatia.
Insights
- Croatia's coastal Airbnb listings earn 2.5 to 4 times more revenue during June to August compared to November to February, making cash flow highly seasonal.
- Dubrovnik commands the highest nightly rates at around €300, while Zadar averages €110, showing a nearly 3x price gap between premium and mid-tier coastal destinations.
- Top-performing hosts achieve occupancy rates 10 to 20 percentage points higher than average, largely by capturing shoulder-season bookings in May, September, and October.
- Croatia is implementing a national registration number system starting June 2026, making unregistered properties easier to identify and penalize.
- Apartments in multi-unit buildings may require co-owner consent for short-term rental use, creating extra friction compared to detached houses or villas.
- The flat-rate tax regime applies to hosts renting up to 20 beds; scaling beyond this threshold shifts you into more complex business taxation.
- One-bedroom and two-bedroom properties see the highest booking velocity, matching demand from couples and small families visiting the Adriatic coast.
- Properties with sea views, outdoor terraces, and air conditioning can command nightly rates 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than comparable units without these features.
- Croatia has an estimated 120,000 to 160,000 active short-term rental listings, heavily concentrated along the Dalmatian coast and Istrian peninsula.
- The Ultra Europe festival in Split during July 2026 creates significant demand spikes, with hosts typically raising prices 30% to 50% above normal summer rates.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Croatia in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting through Airbnb is allowed in Croatia, but you need proper authorization and must comply with guest registration and tax obligations.
The main legal framework is the Hospitality Activities Act, updated in late 2024 to strengthen oversight of tourist accommodation.
Hosts must obtain an official authorization decision, register guests through eVisitor, and submit documentation to the Croatian Tax Administration.
Croatia is rolling out a unique registration number system starting June 2026, meaning all listings will need a visible registration number, and operating without one will be much easier to detect.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Croatia.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Croatia.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Croatia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Croatia does not impose a national minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap for Airbnb listings.
These rules do not differ by property type or host residency status at the national level, meaning no blanket restrictions apply anywhere in Croatia.
However, individual buildings or local municipalities may have their own rules, and the June 2026 registration system will make monitoring rental activity easier for authorities.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Croatia right now?
Croatia does not require you to live in a property to rent it out, so you can legally operate an Airbnb from a secondary home or investment property.
Owners of secondary homes can operate short-term rentals as long as the property is authorized for tourist accommodation and all registration and tax obligations are met.
There are no significant additional permits for non-primary residences, and the system focuses on compliance rather than whether the owner lives there.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Croatia right now?
Yes, you can operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Croatia, though scaling up means more business-like compliance obligations.
There is no hard maximum number of properties, but the flat-rate tax regime only applies to hosts renting up to 20 beds.
Beyond this threshold, you move into standard income-from-activity taxation with more complex reporting and potential VAT considerations.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Croatia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, you need an official authorization decision for tourist accommodation and must register with the Croatian Tax Administration as a taxpayer.
The process involves obtaining a decision from local authorities confirming your property meets hospitality standards, then submitting this to the tax office within a specified timeframe.
Documents typically required include proof of property ownership, the authorization decision, and identification documents for tax registration.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Croatia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Croatia has no national list of banned neighborhoods, but restrictions can appear through local policies in overtourism hotspots and co-owner consent requirements in multi-unit buildings.
Areas facing the most friction include historic cores like Dubrovnik Old Town, and apartment buildings where co-owners may vote to restrict tourist rentals.
These restrictions stem from housing affordability concerns, noise complaints, and efforts to preserve historic neighborhood character.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Croatia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Croatia in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the median nightly price for an Airbnb in Croatia is around €120, while the average sits closer to €160 due to premium villas and high-end coastal destinations.
The typical price range covering 80% of listings falls between €70 and €250, with coastal apartments clustering in the €90 to €180 range and luxury villas exceeding €300.
The biggest pricing factor is location relative to the sea and historic centers, with walkable access to beaches and old towns commanding significantly higher rates.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Croatia.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices vary dramatically, with Dubrovnik Old Town averaging €280 to €320, while areas like Gruž in Dubrovnik or Borik in Zadar average €90 to €130.
The three highest-priced neighborhoods are Dubrovnik Old Town (Stari Grad) at €300, Split's Diocletian Palace area at €280, and Rovinj Old Town at €180.
Lower-priced options include Lapad in Dubrovnik at €120, Žnjan in Split at €100, and Diklo in Zadar at €85, though these areas still attract guests preferring lower density and better parking.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical annual occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Croatia is around 55%, translating to roughly 200 booked nights per year.
The realistic range for most listings falls between 45% and 65%, with coastal properties in prime locations hitting the higher end during summer.
Croatia's coastal destinations run above the European average for beach destinations, though they remain highly seasonal compared to year-round city markets.
The biggest factor for above-average occupancy is capturing shoulder-season bookings in May, September, and October through competitive pricing and heating amenities.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Croatia is around €2,200, while the median sits closer to €1,600.
The realistic range covering 80% of listings falls between €800 and €3,500 per month annualized, varying by location, property type, and management quality.
Top-performing listings in Dubrovnik or Split can achieve €4,000 to €7,000+ monthly during peak season, translating to €35,000 to €50,000 in annual gross revenue.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Croatia.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a typical coastal Airbnb earns €700 to €1,200 monthly during low season (November to February), compared to €2,500 to €5,000+ during high season (June to August).
Low season runs November through February when coastal demand drops dramatically, while high season spans June through August when tourist arrivals peak and rates can triple.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, monthly operating expenses range from €450 to €1,100 for apartments, while houses and villas with pools run €800 to €2,500 due to higher utilities and maintenance.
The largest expense category is cleaning and turnover costs, running €40 to €100 per turnover, which adds up quickly during high-occupancy summer months.
Hosts should expect to spend 35% to 50% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with self-managed properties at the lower end.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Croatia.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit ranges from €700 to €1,800 for well-positioned apartments, while houses and villas can achieve €1,500 to €4,500 annualized.
The realistic range covering most listings falls between €500 and €2,500, reflecting differences in property type, location, and management approach.
Net profit margins typically range from 40% to 60% of gross revenue, with higher margins for self-managed apartments in prime locations.
The break-even occupancy rate is around 25% to 35%, meaning roughly 90 to 130 booked nights per year to cover operating expenses.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Croatia, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Croatia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Croatia as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Croatia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Croatia has an estimated 120,000 to 160,000 active short-term rental listings, with the vast majority along the Adriatic coast and islands.
Supply has grown steadily over the past decade as tourism expanded, and while growth has slowed compared to 2015 to 2019, more property owners continue entering the market each year.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Croatia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods are Dubrovnik Old Town, Split's Diocletian Palace and Varoš areas, Zadar's Poluotok peninsula, Rovinj Old Town, and Zagreb's Donji Grad.
These areas became saturated because they sit on top of Croatia's main attractions, with supply following demand year after year until listing density reached very high levels.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods include Lapad and Gruž in Dubrovnik, Žnjan and Stobreč near Split, Borik and Diklo near Zadar, and residential areas outside Rovinj's center.
What local events spike demand in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, main demand-spiking events include Ultra Europe in Split (July 10-12, 2026), the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July-August), and Zagreb Advent (late November through early January).
During these events, bookings increase 30% to 60% above normal, and nightly rates rise 30% to 80% depending on proximity to venues.
Hosts should adjust pricing and minimum stays 60 to 90 days before major events, with final rate increases 2 to 3 weeks before as availability becomes scarce.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing hosts achieve 70% to 80% annual occupancy, compared to the 55% market average.
This 10 to 20 percentage point gap translates to 35 to 70 extra booked nights per year, meaning €4,000 to €15,000 in additional annual revenue.
New hosts typically take 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer levels, depending on review accumulation and pricing optimization.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Croatia.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Croatia right now?
The most crowded price range is €80 to €150, where standard one and two-bedroom coastal apartments compete primarily on location.
White space exists above €250 for premium family properties with pools and sea views, and below €70 for clean, no-frills accommodations in secondary locations.
Success in underserved segments requires proper two-bedroom configurations, heating for shoulder-season appeal, and clear legal compliance documentation.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Croatia right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Croatia as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties receive the highest booking velocity, matching demand from couples and small families.
The breakdown shows studios at around 15%, one-bedroom at 35%, two-bedroom at 35%, and three-bedroom+ at 15%, though larger units command higher rates.
These bedroom counts perform best because typical visitors are couples or small families who prefer a proper bedroom plus living space over cramped studios.
What property type performs best in Croatia in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments are the highest-volume property type due to abundance, while villas achieve highest revenue due to premium pricing in Istria and Dalmatia.
Occupancy rates show apartments at 55% to 60%, houses at 50% to 55%, and villas at 45% to 55% with higher seasonal concentration, though villas compensate with rates 2 to 3 times higher.
Villas outperform on revenue because they attract "special occasion" travelers seeking pools, privacy, and distinctive architecture.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Croatia, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Official Gazette (Narodne Novine) | Official publication of Croatian laws carrying the highest legal weight. | We used it to ground the legal framework for hospitality services. We referenced the transitional timeline through 2026. |
| Croatian Government eVisitor Portal | Official government portal describing guest registration obligations. | We used it to explain host registration requirements. We framed compliance steps in plain language. |
| Croatian Government Tourist Tax Page | Official government portal summarizing tourist tax rules. | We used it to explain tourist tax obligations. We separated it from income tax to avoid confusion. |
| Croatian Tax Administration | National tax authority's guidance for short-term rental hosts. | We used it to explain flat-rate taxation and the 20-bed threshold. We mapped compliance paths for different host scales. |
| Ministry of Physical Planning (MPGI) | Ministry publication on co-owner consent requirements. | We used it to explain building consent for multi-unit rentals. We highlighted friction apartments face versus detached properties. |
| EU Transition Pathways | EU policy site summarizing member-state tourism actions. | We used it to describe the June 2026 registration system. We flagged tightening enforcement trends. |
| Croatian Bureau of Statistics Tourism Portal | National statistics office's official tourism data hub. | We used it to anchor tourism demand figures. We justified Croatia's strong summer seasonality. |
| Croatian Bureau of Statistics July 2025 Release | Official statistical release with tourist composition by country. | We used it to show guest origin patterns. We supported pricing and occupancy assumptions. |
| Croatian Bureau of Statistics Housing Prices | Official housing transaction prices for new dwellings. | We used it to estimate baseline property costs. We ensured profitability math reflects real prices. |
| European Central Bank USD/EUR Rate | ECB's official foreign exchange reference series. | We used it to convert AirDNA USD metrics to EUR. We ensured consistent currency presentation. |
| AirDNA Croatia Market Directory | Widely used STR analytics provider with broad market coverage. | We used it for occupancy, ADR, and revenue snapshots. We treated it as the backbone for quantitative estimates. |
| AirDNA Dubrovnik Overview | Direct market performance page for Dubrovnik. | We used it to anchor high-end coastal economics. We bracketed upper-range pricing outcomes. |
| AirDNA Split Overview | Direct market performance page for Split. | We used it to anchor a large coastal city case. We illustrated how major demand cities differ from islands. |
| AirDNA Zadar Overview | Direct market performance page for Zadar. | We used it for mid-price coastal benchmarks. We informed crowding assumptions outside premium markets. |
| AirDNA Rovinj Overview | Direct market performance page for Rovinj in Istria. | We used it to anchor premium Istria performance. We reflected villa and apartment seasonality patterns. |
| AirDNA Help Center Methodology | AirDNA's explanation of their metric definitions. | We used it to understand ADR, occupancy, and revenue calculations. We ensured consistent metric interpretation. |
| Ultra Europe Official Site | Event organizer's official site with confirmed dates. | We used it as an example of repeatable demand spikes. We made event-driven pricing tangible. |
| Dubrovnik Summer Festival Calendar | Festival's official schedule source. | We used it as an example of cultural demand spikes. We explained Dubrovnik's summer ADR premiums. |
| Advent in Zagreb Coverage | Credible travel source on Zagreb's Christmas market. | We used it to explain winter demand in Zagreb. We showed how Advent boosts weekend stays. |
| Reuters Croatia Tourism Reporting | Major news agency citing official tourism statistics. | We used it to validate tourism intensity estimates. We triangulated macro-level data with analytics. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Croatia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.