Croatia Takes Action to Regulate Tourism Market with New Rental Registration System, Get the Details Here

Published on November 30, 2025

From June 2026, all vacation rentals in Croatia must have a unique registration number due to new provisions under European Union legislation aimed at limiting unregistered rentals to improve transparency across the rental market. Increasing the number of booking/reservation platforms to include only legally-compliant rentals to improve transparency on which rentals a tourist can trust. The short-term rental market is to become even further legislatively manageable, whilst potential tourists are guaranteed quality rental accommodation.

A New Registration System for Holiday Rentals

The new regulation mandates that all holiday rental properties in Croatia must have their own unique registration number. This number will act as a form of identification, similar to an OIB (personal identification number) but specifically for accommodation units. The process of obtaining this registration number will be free of charge and is designed to ensure that all properties comply with local laws and regulations governing the rental market.

For property owners and renters, this new requirement is seen as a way to improve oversight rather than impose additional burdens. The Croatian government, along with local tourism bodies, believes that the introduction of registration numbers will help clean up the short-term rental market, targeting illegal listings and encouraging fair competition among rental properties.

Aimed at Tackling Illegal Rentals and Enhancing Oversight

The move is seen as a proactive step toward addressing the long-standing issue of undeclared rentals in Croatia. Popular platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com have been criticized for listing properties that are not properly registered or have owners who avoid paying taxes. As it stands, there are many illegal rentals in Croatia, with hosts operating without licenses or tax compliance, resulting in lost revenue for the local economy.

With the new regulation in place, properties that do not have a registration number will be prohibited from being listed on these booking platforms. Milovan Popović, director of the Umag Tourist Board, emphasized that the requirement for a registration number will make it more difficult for illegal rentals to continue operating. “If there is no registration number, then the property is not compliant with the law and it will not be possible to advertise it,” he stated.

The registration system will be tightly integrated with these online booking platforms, creating a seamless link between the regulations and the listings available to tourists. This should offer travelers greater confidence when booking, knowing that the properties are properly vetted and meet local standards.

Reducing the “Grey Zone” of Undeclared Rentals

One of the biggest challenges in the Croatian rental market is the prevalence of so-called non-commercial accommodation, which refers to private homes, flats, and cottages that are rented out regularly without being properly reported. In regions like Umag, local officials estimate that there are around 20,000 such beds, contributing to the grey area of the rental market. Many of these listings are found on international platforms or even on social media, where enforcement is difficult.

President of the Family Accommodation Association of Istria County, pointed out they still don’t have a smart solution for social networks. The rise of social media platforms has made it easier for unregistered rentals to thrive, as they are often bypassing the traditional booking channels, further complicating enforcement. However, with the introduction of the registration numbers, the government hopes to limit this “grey zone” by targeting listings that cannot provide valid registration details.

Empowering Local Authorities to Enforce the Law

Another significant change brought about by the new law is the increased power of local tourist boards. Under the new regulation, local tourist boards will now have the authority to enforce compliance with the mandatory tourist tax. Previously, this responsibility was handled by the state government, but the shift to local enforcement is expected to speed up the process and allow for more immediate action against non-compliant hosts.

By granting local bodies the power to initiate enforcement actions, Croatia is enabling quicker resolution of issues related to unpaid taxes or improper listings. Local authorities can now directly address these concerns without waiting for state-level intervention, making enforcement more efficient and responsive to the needs of the tourism sector.

Impact on the Croatian Tourism Sector

For the tourism industry, this new regulation brings both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, property owners will need to ensure that their rentals are fully compliant with the new rules, which may involve additional administrative work or registration processes. However, the long-term benefits of this regulation could lead to a more transparent and trustworthy tourism market, potentially boosting both domestic and international tourism.

Tourists will benefit from greater confidence in the quality and legitimacy of the properties they choose to stay in, knowing that the listings they see are legally compliant and meet established standards. Furthermore, with the push to reduce illegal rentals, the new regulation is expected to level the playing field for legitimate property owners, helping them compete in a more regulated and fair environment.

For travelers, this means better oversight, improved customer service, and an overall more enjoyable experience in Croatia, a country known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture. By ensuring that only registered properties are listed on booking platforms, the Croatian government hopes to reduce the risk of travelers encountering poor-quality or non-compliant rentals.

A Positive Step Toward Sustainable Tourism

The introduction of mandatory registration numbers aligns with Croatia’s broader goals of sustainable tourism. Enhanced local participation in enforcement of this regulation is anticipated to improve the quality of tourism in the country and improve economic benefits to the country on a sustainable basis. Thus, Croatia is expected to improve its standing within the top European tourism destinations with a more regulated and clearer rental market.