The Deputy Ministry of Tourism has issued a reminder to property owners that conducting short-term rentals without a valid registration permit is against the law. Those found guilty can incur a fine of up to €5,000 or face a maximum of one year in prison.

With the tourist season in full swing, the Deputy Ministry has emphasized the importance for all owners offering short-term rentals to ensure they are officially registered through the appropriate rental unit licensing process.

The announcement further stated that property owners who continue to advertise or rent without obtaining the necessary registration and permit are committing a legal violation, which could lead to penalties including fines and imprisonment.

This renewed reminder is part of a broader initiative to ensure complete compliance across the sector. This initiative aims to provide the authorities with better oversight of the market while addressing issues raised by the hotel industry concerning the unfair competitive advantage of unregulated short-term rentals.

Under the ‘Regulation of the Establishment and Operation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations Law,’ owners and managers of self-catering units—such as villas, houses, and apartments—are permitted to advertise or rent their properties only if they have formally registered with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.

They are required to secure a registration permit inclusive of a registration number. This registration number must be prominently displayed in all advertisements, promotional materials, or transactions associated with the rental accommodation.

Owners can carry out the registration process, apply, and receive their registration certificate by following the guidelines set by the Deputy Ministry.

Additionally, the announcement warned that operating without a valid permit, or continuing to operate after a permit has been revoked, is considered a legal offence. Upon conviction, violators may be subject to a fine of up to €5,000, imprisonment for up to a year, or both. Should violations persist even after a conviction, an additional fine of up to €200 per day may be imposed.

According to the most recent data presented to parliament, as of the end of February, the short-term rental registry included a total of 8,248 registered accommodations, while another 1,275 applications were still pending review.