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Croatia allows foreigners to rent property to tourists, but strict licensing requirements and new 2025 regulations make compliance essential for legal operations.
As of September 2025, the Croatian government has implemented tighter controls on tourist rentals, particularly in residential buildings where up to 80% co-owner consent is now required. EU citizens can obtain rental permits directly, while non-EU foreigners must establish Croatian business entities to operate licensed tourist accommodations.
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Foreigners can legally rent Croatian property to tourists with proper licensing, but must navigate complex registration requirements and pay both flat-rate bed taxes and income taxes.
New 2025 regulations require majority co-owner consent for apartment rentals in residential buildings, while penalties for unauthorized operations can reach €4,000 in fines.
| Requirement | Details | Cost/Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Rental License | Mandatory for all tourist rentals | Municipal fees vary |
| Flat-rate Bed Tax | Annual per-bed charges by area | €20-300 per bed/year |
| Income Tax | 10% for short-term rentals | 10% of rental income |
| Co-owner Consent | Up to 80% required for apartments | Permit revocation if lacking |
| eVisitor Registration | Mandatory guest registration | Fines for non-compliance |
| Unauthorized Rental | Operating without license | Up to €4,000 fines |
Can foreigners legally rent out property in Croatia to tourists?
Yes, foreigners can legally rent out property in Croatia to tourists, but the process differs based on citizenship status.
EU citizens can obtain rental permits directly from Croatian authorities by applying for household accommodation services permits. Non-EU foreigners face stricter requirements and must establish a Croatian business entity to operate licensed tourist rentals legally.
As of September 2025, new regulations require up to 80% co-owner consent for short-term tourist rentals in residential apartment buildings. This means that even with proper licensing, apartment owners in multi-unit buildings need majority approval from other co-owners to continue operating tourist rentals.
The Croatian tourism ministry oversees all tourist rental operations, and foreign property owners must comply with local licensing, registration, and tax requirements that have been updated for 2025.
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What type of rental license or permit do I need from the Croatian authorities?
You need a specific rental license for providing household accommodation services to tourists in Croatia.
The licensing process requires proof of ownership, a valid use permit for the building, and successful completion of tourism categorization standards. You must obtain an occupancy permit and pass categorization by Croatian tourist authorities before receiving your rental license.
The license application involves submitting documentation to your local municipality and tourist board. You'll need to demonstrate that your property meets all safety, hygiene, and categorization requirements established by Croatian tourism regulations.
For apartments in residential buildings, you must also provide evidence of co-owner consent (up to 80% approval required) as part of your license application. Failure to obtain this consent can result in permit revocation within five years of operation.
How much does it cost to apply for and maintain this rental license each year?
License application and maintenance costs vary significantly by municipality and property location in Croatia.
Initial application fees include local administrative costs, annual tourist board membership fees, and categorization fees that vary by municipality. Most property owners can expect to pay several hundred euros in initial setup costs.
Annual maintenance involves ongoing tourist board membership, potential re-categorization fees, and administrative renewal costs. Professional accounting services, if required, add additional expenses ranging from €500-1,500 annually depending on rental volume.
Additional ongoing costs include mandatory cleaning services, VAT obligations on booking platforms (25%), and potential landlord association fees in some municipalities.
What taxes do I need to pay on rental income from tourists in Croatia?
| Tax Type | Rate/Amount | Payment Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-rate Bed Tax | €20-300 per bed annually | Annual payment to municipality |
| Income Tax (Short-term) | 10% of rental income | Annual tax return |
| Municipal Income Tax | 15-33% depending on area | Annual tax return |
| Tourist Tax | Variable per guest/night | Collected and remitted monthly |
| VAT on Platform Fees | 25% on booking commissions | Quarterly/monthly |
What are the current tax rates for short-term tourist rentals?
As of September 2025, short-term tourist rentals in Croatia are subject to a 10% income tax rate.
This 10% rate applies specifically to summer season and short-term tourist accommodations, which is higher than the 8% rate applied to long-term residential rentals. The Croatian tax authorities consider rentals under 30 days as short-term tourist accommodations.
Municipal personal income tax rates vary by location and range from 15-23% for lower income bands to 25-33% for higher income bands. These rates depend on your total annual income and the specific municipality where your property is located.
All foreign property owners must obtain a Croatian tax identification number (OIB) and register for tax purposes before beginning rental operations.
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Do I need to register my property with the local tourist board or municipality?
Yes, registration with both the local tourist board and municipality is mandatory for all tourist rental properties in Croatia.
You must register your property with the local tourist board in your municipality before beginning any tourist rental operations. This registration is separate from but connected to your rental license application.
The registration process requires submitting property details, ownership documentation, and proof of compliance with tourism categorization standards. Your property receives a unique registration number that must be displayed and used in all tourist rental advertising.
Municipal registration involves additional administrative steps and may require periodic renewal or updates when property details change. Both registrations are prerequisites for legal tourist rental operations in Croatia.
How many days per year can I legally rent my property to tourists in Croatia?
There is no specific numeric limit on rental days per year for legal short-term tourist rentals in Croatia with proper licensing.
Unlike some European countries that impose annual day limits, Croatia allows licensed tourist rentals to operate year-round without specific day restrictions. Your rental frequency is limited only by your permit status, registration compliance, and adherence to local regulations.
However, your operations must respect all permit conditions, tax obligations, and registration requirements throughout the year. Continuous operation requires maintaining valid licenses, paying all applicable taxes, and ensuring ongoing compliance with tourism standards.
The key restriction comes from maintaining proper licensing status rather than day limits, meaning you can operate as frequently as demand allows within your legal framework.
Are there different rules if I rent an apartment versus a house or villa?
Yes, apartments in multi-unit buildings face significantly stricter regulations than standalone houses and villas in Croatia.
Apartments in residential buildings require up to 80% co-owner consent to operate short-term tourist rentals as of 2025. This means you need approval from the majority of other apartment owners in your building before you can legally rent to tourists.
Houses and villas rented as standalone tourist accommodations face fewer restrictions but must still meet all categorization and licensing standards. They don't require co-owner consent since they're independent properties.
Both property types must obtain rental licenses, register with tourist boards, meet safety standards, and comply with tax obligations. The main difference lies in the co-owner consent requirement that specifically affects apartments in multi-unit residential buildings.
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What are the penalties if I rent to tourists without the proper authorization?
Penalties for unauthorized tourist rentals in Croatia can reach up to €4,000 in fines for unlicensed operations.
The Croatian authorities impose substantial financial penalties on property owners operating tourist rentals without proper licenses. First-time violations typically result in fines ranging from €1,000 to €4,000 depending on the severity and duration of unauthorized operations.
Repeat offenses can lead to permit revocation, additional sanctions, and potential legal proceedings. Property owners may also face back-tax assessments and additional municipal penalties for operating without registration.
Beyond financial penalties, unauthorized rental operations can result in forced closure, removal from booking platforms, and difficulty obtaining future permits. The Croatian tourism authorities actively monitor and enforce these regulations, particularly in popular tourist areas.
Can I manage the property myself or do I need a licensed local agency?
Foreign owners can manage their Croatian rental property themselves or hire a licensed agency, but non-EU citizens must operate through a Croatian business entity.
EU citizens with proper permits can handle all aspects of property management independently, including guest check-ins, cleaning, maintenance, and tax compliance. You're not required to use a licensed agency if you have the time and knowledge to manage operations yourself.
Non-EU foreigners must establish a Croatian business entity to operate licensed tourist rentals, but this entity can be managed by the property owner. Many foreign owners choose professional management companies due to the regulatory burden and language requirements.
Professional management services typically charge 15-25% of rental income and handle licensing, guest registration, tax compliance, and day-to-day operations. The choice between self-management and professional services depends on your availability, language skills, and understanding of Croatian regulations.
What specific standards or requirements must the property meet to be approved for rentals?
- Valid occupancy permit - Your property must have current building permits and occupancy authorization from local authorities
- Tourism categorization approval - Pass official categorization by Croatian tourist authorities with proper star rating or classification
- Safety and hygiene standards - Meet fire safety, electrical safety, and sanitation requirements established by Croatian tourism regulations
- Guest registration capabilities - Install systems to handle mandatory eVisitor electronic registration for all guests
- Proper signage installation - Display required tourism registration numbers and safety information as mandated by authorities
- Insurance coverage - Obtain recommended liability and property insurance for tourist rental operations
- Minimum amenities provision - Provide essential sanitary supplies, emergency contact information, and basic tourist amenities
- Invoicing system setup - Establish proper billing and receipt systems for tax compliance and guest documentation
How do I handle tourist registration with the Croatian eVisitor system, and is it mandatory?
The Croatian eVisitor system is mandatory for all tourist accommodations, and property owners must register every guest electronically upon arrival.
You must register all guests in the eVisitor system within 24 hours of their arrival, providing passport information, arrival dates, and planned departure dates. This electronic registration replaces previous paper-based systems and is strictly enforced by Croatian authorities.
The eVisitor system also handles tourist tax collection, which you must collect from guests and remit to local authorities monthly. Tourist tax rates vary by municipality and season, typically ranging from €1-3 per person per night.
Failure to properly register guests or collect tourist taxes results in fines and potential license revocation. The system requires internet access and basic computer skills, making it essential to establish reliable registration procedures for your rental operations.
It's something we develop in our Croatia property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Renting property to tourists in Croatia offers significant income potential but requires careful navigation of complex regulations that have tightened in 2025.
Success depends on proper licensing, tax compliance, and understanding the new co-owner consent requirements for apartment rentals in residential buildings.
Sources
- Luka Mrkic Law - Renting Foreign Citizens Real Estate in Croatia
- Terra Dalmatica - Property Rental by Foreigners
- Valor Restate - Croatia Real Estate Market Changes 2025
- Costa Luz Lawyers - Mediterranean Short-term Rental Regulations
- Baza Real Estate - Renting Real Estate in Croatia
- Coneo - New Law on Hospitality Activities
- KPMG Croatia - Tax Law Amendments 2025
- Expat in Croatia - Law Changes 2025
- Lodge Compliance - Croatia Regulations
- CroReal - Tourist Registration and Tax Croatia