In Croatia, short-term rentals are commonly known as “privatni smještaj” (private accommodation) especially in popular tourist areas. On platforms like Airbnb,

Subletting for short-term rentals in Croatia is generally not permitted unless explicitly allowed by the property owner or landlord. Tenants are only entitled to sublease the whole premises or parts thereof provided that the parties stipulated accordingly in the lease agreement. Subleasing is otherwise prohibited. The lease agreement can be transferred to a new tenant only with the landlord’s consent, which has to be explicit and in writing. When subleasing, the tenant has to guarantee that the premises will be used in a manner agreed in the lease agreement. In addition, the Obligations Act provides that the landlord is entitled to settle the receivables he is owed by the tenant (usually unpaid rent) by claiming those amounts from the subtenant.

Croatia does not impose a nationwide maximum length of stay for short-term rentals. However, many municipalities recommend that guests stay for few weeks to differentiate short-term accommodations from long-term leases. In certain coastal regions, local regulations may impose limits on the number of days a property can be rented to tourists annually to prevent over-tourism and encourage a balanced use of residential properties. The maximum length of stay may also vary based on property type and regional guidelines, particularly in heavily trafficked tourist areas.

Croatia's national short-term rental regulations focus on:

1. Registration/Licensing: Requires a "Rješenje za odobrenje pružanja ugostiteljskih usluga u domaćinstvu" (Decision on approval of hospitality services).
2. Taxation:
   • Income Tax: 12-40% progressive for residents (with 30% expense deduction), 12% flat for non-residents (with 30% deduction).
   • Property Tax: 1.5% on ~70% of estimated market value.
3. Guest Registration: Mandatory registration within 24 hours of arrival using the eVisitor system.
4. Property Categorization: Official categorization (star rating) based on facilities, service, and location.
5. Upcoming Legislation (2024 Proposals): May include increased taxes and requiring 80% co-owner consent in buildings with 4+ units.

Hosts should consult legal professionals and stay informed about legislative changes.

Yes, hosts must register and obtain permits:

Croatia has the Croatian Association for Tourism and Short-Term Rental Owners (Udruga Obiteljskog Smještaja - UOS), a national organization dedicated to supporting short-term rental owners and operators. This association provides resources, industry insights, and legal guidance for STR hosts, particularly for small-scale and family-owned accommodations. Membership is open to resident and non-resident owners, offering them access to advocacy, updates on regulatory changes, and networking opportunities within the Croatian STR industry.