Accommodation registration number: What, why, and how by May 2026

Status as of February 2026. Croatia's Ministry of Tourism and Sports is still finalizing the Hospitality Act that will define the exact procedure. This article is based on EU Regulation 2024/1028 and information available at publication time. It will be updated as the Ministry publishes official guidance.

The introduction of a mandatory registration number is the most significant legal change for Croatian vacation rental hosts in recent years. The new rule affects every host with an apartment, room, or vacation home listed on any online platform.

This guide explains what the regulation entails, why it's being introduced, and how hosts can prepare.

— 01What is this about?

In April 2024, the European Union adopted Regulation 2024/1028 on short-term rental accommodation. As an EU member, Croatia must implement this regulation by May 20, 2026.

In short: every accommodation unit must receive a unique registration number that must be displayed on all listings—on Booking.com, Airbnb, Vrbo, the property's own website, and even on social media ads.

— 02Why is this being introduced?

The primary goal is to bring greater transparency and order to the short-term rental market. According to Glas Istre, the objectives are:

1. 1 Combat illegal renting - A significant portion of accommodation in Croatia is estimated to operate outside legal frameworks.
2. 2 Enable better oversight - Local authorities and inspectors can more quickly identify and address illegal properties.
3. 3 Protect guests - Registered properties must meet minimum legal and safety standards.

Important: hotels and campsites are exempt from this requirement. It applies only to private accommodation, such as apartments, rooms, and vacation homes.

— 03What exactly do hosts need to do?

Based on currently available information from the Ministry of Tourism and the Adriagate blog, the process involves three main steps:

1. Request a registration number

A separate number is required for each accommodation unit. For example, a house with three distinct apartments requires three unique registration numbers.

2. Provide accommodation details: - Exact property address - Property type (apartment, room, vacation home) - Purpose (primary or secondary residence) - Maximum number of beds/persons

3. Display the number on all listings

The registration number must be clearly visible on: - The Booking.com profile - The Airbnb listing - The property's direct booking website - Any other platform or medium used for advertising

— 04Deadlines

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing the Hospitality Act, which will incorporate the provisions of this regulation. Full details about the procedure and the competent authority for issuance are expected in early 2026.

— 05What if a property does not have a registration number?

According to the regulation, the consequences for non-compliance are serious:

• Platforms are obligated to remove listings that do not display a valid registration number.
• The competent authority can suspend the registration number if irregularities are found.
• Penalties are foreseen for both hosts and platforms that fail to comply.

Compliance is not optional. Booking.com and Airbnb will be required to implement registration number verification in their systems.

— 06Penalty amounts - what we know so far

Final fine amounts will be defined in Croatia's Hospitality Act. Based on current practice and the framework set by the EU Regulation, the following penalties can be expected:

For hosts without a registration number: - Fines from €500 to €5,000 per incident, similar to existing fines for failing to register guests in eVisitor. - A possible advertising ban on platforms until the issue is resolved. - Systematic non-compliance may result in significantly higher fines.

For platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, Vrbo): - Fines ranging from €1,000 to tens of thousands of euros, depending on the number of non-compliant listings. - Platforms are legally obligated to share host data with competent authorities upon request.

— 07Step-by-step: how to prepare today

While awaiting official guidance, hosts can take several proactive steps now:

Step 1 - Check existing documentation

Locate and review these key documents: - Decision approving accommodation services – issued by the state administration office or the competent administrative body. - Categorization decision – typically indicating 2, 3, or 4 stars for apartments. - eVisitor registration confirmation – for hosts already in the system.

If any document is missing or expired, it is crucial to begin the renewal process now to avoid delays when the new system launches.

Step 2 - Prepare a list of all units

Create a spreadsheet or document with the following data for each unit: - Address with house number - Cadastral plot and land registry number (if available) - Property type (apartment, room, vacation home, studio) - Square footage - Maximum number of beds and persons - Categorization date

Step 3 - Check ownership and consents

For rentals in multi-apartment buildings, it is advisable to begin discussions with neighbors regarding consent. Obtaining the required two-thirds consent can be a time-consuming process.

Step 4 - Review local regulations

Local authorities in some municipalities (e.g., Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar) are already introducing additional restrictions on tourist rentals. Hosts should verify if their property is in a zone where such restrictions apply and factor this into their plans.

— 08Neighbor consent - another change

According to JUGinfo.hr, the new regulations introduce another significant change: hosts in multi-apartment buildings will need consent from two-thirds of neighbors.

This requirement applies to new hosts, not those who already have a valid permit. However, anyone planning to start renting an apartment in a building must account for this step.

— 09How to prepare?

To ensure a smooth transition, hosts should follow these key preparation steps:

1. 4 Do not wait until the last minute. Government systems often experience high traffic and delays during the final weeks of a deadline.
2. 5 Verify all documentation. Ensure the approval for providing accommodation services is current and that categorization details are accurate.
3. 6 Consolidate data for each unit. Having the address, number of beds, and square footage in one place will streamline the application process.
4. 7 Stay informed. The Ministry of Tourism will publish detailed instructions. Monitor official sources and industry news sites like Cimerfraj.hr for updates.

— 10What an inspector actually checks

Based on established inspection practices, hosts can expect on-site visits, particularly during the peak season months of July and August. Inspectors typically request the following documents:

1. 8 Approval decision - Must be visible to guests, often framed on a wall near the entrance.
2. 9 Price list - Must be available and display prices in euros.
3. 10 House rules - Legally required, posted in Croatian, English, and at least one other major language.
4. 11 Guest book / eVisitor confirmation - Proof that every guest is registered within 24 hours of arrival.

From May 2026, the registration number will be added to this list. Inspectors will be able to verify it in their database and cross-reference property details with what is shown on online listings.

A practical approach is to keep copies of all required documents in a clearly marked folder, readily accessible for inspection. This ensures a smooth and efficient process.

— 11What if a host rents multiple properties in different locations?

For hosts managing properties in different cities, such as an apartment in Split and a vacation home in Trogir, the process is as follows:

• Each property gets its own registration number. Seven apartments in one building would require seven separate numbers.
• Applications are submitted to the competent authority based on property location. Properties in different counties require separate applications.
• The procedure may vary by property type. The process for an apartment in a residential building may differ from that of a standalone vacation home.

For portfolios of five or more units, consulting an accountant or lawyer specializing in tourism law is recommended. A small investment in professional advice can prevent costly compliance issues.

— 12Recommended preparation timeline

To effectively manage the transition, hosts can follow this suggested timeline:

1. 12 Early Q1 2026: Compile a detailed list of all rental units with the required data (address, size, capacity, etc.).
2. 13 Mid-Q1 2026: Verify that all existing documentation, especially categorization decisions with expiration dates, is current and valid.
3. 14 Early Q2 2026: Monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Tourism to be ready for the application portal launch.
4. 15 Mid-Q2 2026: Once the registration number is received, update all online listings before platforms begin automatic verification and enforcement.

Rental administration is a fundamental part of managing a successful short-term rental business.

— 13The positive side

While new administrative requirements can seem burdensome, the registration number system offers several benefits for the market:

• Guests will have more trust in listings that display a registration number, as it signifies legitimate and compliant accommodation.
• Platforms will be able to more easily distinguish legal from illegal rental operations.
• In the long term, this regulation will help raise the quality and professional standard of private accommodation in Croatia.

For hosts already operating legally, registering guests via eVisitor, and paying taxes, this change is primarily an administrative step to formalize their status on online platforms.

The key is to stay informed, prepare documentation in advance, and act promptly once the official procedures are announced.