Croatia Tackles Undeclared Holiday Rentals Amid Tourism Boom

The Croatian government is taking decisive action against the rampant "wild" rental of holiday homes, a practice that has proliferated with the rise of online platforms. Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina has declared that the "bell has tolled for undeclared landlords," emphasizing that unregistered accommodations will be barred from online advertising. This move aims to curb the shadow economy and address the scarcity of affordable housing in coastal cities, which has been exacerbated by the conversion of residential properties into short-term rentals.

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Die Glocke für die Schwarzvermieter hat geschlagen

While these regulatory efforts, coupled with rising wages and inflation, are increasing costs for the domestic tourism sector, they are also intended to improve the occupancy rates of hotels and registered apartments. The government highlights the success of its measures to encourage long-term rentals, noting a 14% increase in taxable rental income from properties previously used for short-term lets. This indicates a shift towards more formal and taxed rental arrangements.

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Alles wird digitalisiert. Ohne eine Registrationsnummer wird die Werbung auf einer Plattform schlicht nicht mehr möglich sein.

Despite the increased cost pressure, Croatia's tourism remains remarkably resilient. The country reported significant growth in overnight stays and guest numbers for 2025, generating substantial revenue. This sustained popularity, even among German tourists who constitute the largest segment of visitors, suggests that the appeal of Croatia as a holiday destination outweighs the rising prices and regulatory changes. The government's strategy appears to balance the need for formalization and fair taxation with the continued booming success of its vital tourism industry.

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Das ist genau das, was wir wollten.