How to start renting in tourism?
Owning a property that remains vacant often manifests as a cost and lost income, especially if the property is in an attractive location or offers unique features. In such cases, an increasing number of property owners turn to tourist rentals.
In the Republic of Croatia, a host can be anynaturalperson who is a citizen of Croatia or of a member state of the European Economic Area.
Advertising and renting a property is preceded by the process of collecting documents and categorizing the accommodation. To officially become a host, several steps must be completed, the first of which is obtaining a permit to provide hospitality services in a private household.
1. How to obtain a permit to provide hospitality services in a private household?
The permit to provide hospitality services in a private household, commonly referred to as the categorization permit, is issued by the County Department for Tourism and Maritime Affairs where the tourist property is located.
To request the permit, the following must be submitted:
a) Completed Application Form for the Issuance of a Permit to Provide Hospitality Services in a Private Household (available for download online or in person at the registry office of the competent administrative department).
The application form must be submitted fully completed and signed. The host must provide theirPersonal Identification Number (OIB), which also applies to citizens of the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation. The application must include the exact residential address, specifying the city, street, and house number (matching the information on a valid identity card). Foreign nationals must provide the address and country of their residence, as well as the full name of the person authorized to represent them in Croatia who speaks Croatian, along with their contact information: phone/mobile and their address in Croatia.
b) Correct Documentation:
- Proof of citizenship of an EU member state (copy of identity card or passport)
- Proof of property ownership of the building or land for a campsite:
a) Extract from the Land Registry
b) Written consent of co-owners of the property (if there are multiple owners)
c) Written consent of the property owner (if the application is submitted by a family member who is not the owner) - Proof of building usability – for the property in which the services will be provided, in accordance with specific regulations governing construction
- Proof of Payment of the Administrative Fee
Paid in state stamps or electronically in the amount of EUR 9.29
IBAN: HR12 1001005-1863000160
Reference Number: HR64 5002-30873-OIB
Recipient: STATE BUDGET OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
Purpose of Payment: administrative fee - Proof of Payment for the Inspection Fee:
- Capacity up to 2 beds included in the property’s capacity: EUR 19.91
- For each additional bed included in the capacity: per bed EUR 1.33
Repeated inspection: - Capacity up to 2 beds: EUR 39.82
- For each additional bed: per bed EUR 1.33
Inspection within 12 months after deregistration of a categorized property: - Capacity up to 2 beds: EUR 39.82
- For each additional bed: per bed EUR 1.33
*Payment details should be requested from the competent office.
The application is submitted once all required documentation has been collected and verified as correct, and when the property is fully equipped, furnished, and ready to receive guests.
How to categorize a property if I do not live nearby?
If the host is unable to submit the application in person, it may be submitted and signed on their behalf only by a person authorized by the host (upon presentation of a power of attorney or a written authorization certified by a Notary Public). This also applies to foreign nationals from European Economic Area countries and the Swiss Confederation.
The application and required documents can be submitted in person, by mail, or via email to the competent department.
Which category will my property receive?
The category, i.e., the number of stars assigned, depends on several factors listed in the Regulation on the Classification and Categorization of Properties Providing Hospitality Services in Private Households (NN 009/2016). It is advisable to review this regulation before furnishing and arranging a property for tourist rental.
During construction, furnishing, or when preparing a project to convert a property into a rental unit, many questions may arise, especially for higher-capacity properties. If a prospective host wishes to seek advice regarding the type of property, room layout, elements important for obtaining a certain category, furniture arrangement, etc., it is possible to submit a Request for Advisory (Consultative) Inspection, based on which they will receive an opinion and guidance on how to arrange the property.
2. Who and When conducts the property inspection?
Compliance with the minimum requirements for the type and category is determined by an inspection conducted by the Committee of the County Department for Tourism and Maritime Affairs. According to a pre-established schedule, the procedure manager announces the inspection date to the host, who is obliged to attend and ensure the inspection proceeds smoothly.
During the inspection, no workmen such as tilers, electricians, or carpenters may be present. If the host refuses the inspection, they will be notified of a new date according to the schedule. If the host refuses again, it will be considered that they have withdrawn the application, and the procedure will be terminated.
The inspection verifies all prescribed conditions and measures the property area. The property must be clean and tidy, appliances in working order, furniture and equipment as well as the facade free of damage. The committee also checks safety elements, such as stair railings, balconies, terraces, sharp or unprotected glass edges, etc. a report is prepared detailing the findings, which is signed by the committee members and the host.
The host has the right to submit comments on the report. If the inspection determines that the property does not fully meet the requirements for the type and/or category, the host will be given a deadline to correct the deficiencies and inform the procedure manager, who will organize a re-inspection.
Once the host meets all requirements and successfully completes the inspection process, a Permit to provide hospitality services in a private house hold is issued.
3. Where to register after obtaining the permit?
After obtaining the permit from the County Administrative Office or the City Office for Economy (in the case of Zagreb), the host must visit the competent Tax Administration office within 8 days of issuance to register in the tax records. Along with a copy of the permit, the Application for Registration in the Taxpayer Register (Form RPO) must also be completed and submitted.
Additionally, the host must visit the local tourist board of the municipality or city where the property is located to request the credentials for the e Visitor system (TAN list with username and password).
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