What You Should Know About Greece’s Short-Term Rental Regulations: A Complete Guide for Property Owners and Investors
If you own or plan to invest in a short-term rental property in Greece, understanding the local regulations is crucial. Greece has introduced specific rules to regulate short-term rentals such as those on Airbnb and similar platforms. These rules impact property owners, investors, and managers, especially in popular destinations like Corfu. This guide will help you navigate the legal landscape, avoid penalties, and optimize your rental business.
What Are Greece’s Short-Term Rental Regulations?
In response to the growing popularity of platforms like Airbnb, the Greek government introduced regulations to manage the short-term rental market. The rules aim to ensure safety, legal compliance, and fair taxation while protecting the local housing market.
Key points include:
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Mandatory registration of properties on the national platform
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Tax identification numbers for rental income
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Compliance with safety and hygiene standards
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Restrictions on rental durations and guest capacity
These rules apply across Greece, with some additional local variations in popular tourist areas such as Corfu.
Who Needs to Register Their Short-Term Rental Property?
If you rent your property for stays shorter than 30 days, registration is mandatory. This includes:
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Entire homes or apartments rented out temporarily
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Individual rooms offered on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com
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Properties rented seasonally or year-round on a short-term basis
Failing to register can result in fines or removal of listings on rental platforms.
How to Register Your Property for Short-Term Rentals in Greece
To comply, owners must register their property on the Online Short-Term Rental Registry (MHTE – Μητρώο Ακινήτων Βραχυχρόνιας Διαμονής) through the Ministry of Tourism’s platform.
Steps:
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Create an account on the official registry portal
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Provide property details including address, size, and facilities
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Upload safety and fire prevention certifications
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Obtain a unique registration number to display on all rental ads
This registration number must appear on all online listings and rental agreements.
Tax Obligations for Short-Term Rental Income
Income earned from short-term rentals is taxable under Greek law. Key tax points include:
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Income must be declared annually in tax returns
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Tax rates depend on total income brackets (starting at 15%)
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VAT may apply for professional rental activities
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Social security contributions may be required in certain cases
It’s wise to consult a tax professional familiar with Greek property laws for precise advice.
Safety and Hygiene Standards
Owners are required to meet minimum standards to ensure guest safety:
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Fire safety equipment such as extinguishers and smoke detectors
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Regular cleaning and sanitation protocols
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Compliance with local health regulations
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Proper building permits and certifications
These standards protect guests and help avoid legal issues.
Local Rules and Restrictions in Corfu and Other Regions
While national regulations apply throughout Greece, some municipalities, including Corfu, impose additional rules to manage tourism impact. These can include:
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Limits on the number of days properties can be rented short-term annually
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Zoning restrictions in residential areas
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Registration with local authorities for tourism taxes
Check with local offices or trusted real estate partners like Chase Real Estate Corfu to stay updated.
Benefits of Compliance for Property Owners and Investors
Following the regulations helps you:
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Avoid fines and legal penalties
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Build trust with guests and platforms
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Access official tourism support and marketing tools
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Enhance property value and rental appeal
Being proactive also protects the local community by supporting sustainable tourism.
Common Questions About Greece’s Short-Term Rental Regulations
Q: Can I rent my property short-term without registering?
A: No. Registration on the national platform is mandatory for all short-term rentals.
Q: Are there any restrictions on rental periods?
A: Generally, rentals under 30 days fall under these regulations. Some areas have yearly limits on short-term rental days.
Q: Do I need a special license to rent short-term?
A: No separate license is required beyond registration and compliance with safety standards.
Q: How do I declare rental income?
A: Rental income is declared through the Greek tax system annually, with applicable tax rates.
How Chase Real Estate Corfu Can Help
If you are buying, selling, or investing in Corfu real estate for short-term rentals, Chase Real Estate Corfu offers expert guidance on local laws and market conditions. Visit their Property Buyer’s Guide for detailed legal and procedural information.
For legal support and inquiries, explore their comprehensive Guide or contact them directly at chaserealestatecorfu.com.
Summary
Understanding and complying with Greece’s short-term rental regulations is essential for property owners and investors to succeed in the competitive tourism market. Proper registration, tax compliance, and safety measures not only keep you legal but also enhance your rental business’s reputation and profitability.
If you’re considering a short-term rental property in Corfu or anywhere in Greece, following these rules ensures your investment is secure and profitable. For more expert real estate advice, visit Chase Real Estate Corfu.
