Ministry clarifies new registration number rules for Croatian holiday rentals

The Ministry of Tourism and Sport has clarified that new registration number requirements for short-term accommodation rentals in Croatia will not come into force until the beginning of 2027.

The announcement follows reports regarding Regulation (EU) 2024/1028 of the European Parliament and Council, adopted on 11 April 2024, concerning the collection and sharing of data related to short-term accommodation rental services across the European Union.

According to the Ministry, there is currently no obligation for owners of rooms, apartments, studio apartments or holiday homes in Croatia to obtain a registration number in order to advertise properties on online booking platforms.

The Ministry stated that the exact start date for the obligation will be announced after the adoption of the new Hospitality Activity Act.

Under the future system, registration numbers will apply to owners, both individuals and legal entities, who advertise rooms, apartments, studio apartments and holiday homes on short-term rental accommodation platforms.

These are defined as online platforms that enable guests to conclude remote accommodation agreements with renters or hospitality providers.

The Ministry confirmed that property owners will be required to obtain and display the registration number on online platforms during 2027.

Officials added that the process of obtaining the registration number will be fully free of charge, digitalised and simple. The registration numbers will be issued upon request by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.

The introduction of registration numbers is aimed at preventing the advertising of accommodation properties operating without the necessary approvals or registrations. Authorities say the measure is intended to reduce illegal competition and support renters and hospitality providers operating legally.

The regulation forms part of wider European Union efforts to improve transparency and oversight in the rapidly growing short-term accommodation rental sector across member states.