LawfulStay
← Back to Database

Saint-Barthelemy

France
Active
Last updated: 2026-08-03  ·  Last verified: 2026-08-03  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Saint-Barthelemy Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateSaint-Barthélemy is a separate customs territory and is NOT subject to French VAT (it is outside the EU VAT area). Local 'taxe de séjour' (tourist/vis
Night / Day CapUnknown specific cap; Saint-Barth does not appear to apply the mainland French 120-day cap for primary residences in the same manner, as it is an over
Minimum StayNo statutory minimum stay mandated by the Collectivité; market norm is weekly rentals (Saturday–Saturday), especially in peak season, driven by indust
Permit FeeRegistration/declaration with the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy required. A villa rental licence (carte professionnelle or equivalent local authori
PenaltiesUnknown specific penalty schedule; non-compliance with local registration and tax obligations subject to local administrative sanctions and tax penalt
Occupancy LimitSet per property based on local building and safety norms; no single universal STR occupancy cap published.
Browse all 15 STR regulations in France →

Saint-Barthelemy Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Saint-Barthelemy Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Saint-Barthelemy are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Registration/declaration with the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy required. A villa rental licence .

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Saint-Barthelemy

Short-term rental operators in Saint-Barthelemy should be aware of these tax obligations: Saint-Barthélemy is a separate customs territory and is NOT subject to French VAT (it is outside the EU VAT area). Local 'taxe de séjour' (tourist/visitor tax) applies: rate set by the Collectivité, typically ~€1–5 per person per night depending on a.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Saint-Barthelemy

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Saint-Barthelemy include: Rental day cap: Unknown specific cap; Saint-Barth does not appear to apply the mainland French 120-day cap for primary residences in the. Occupancy limit: Set per property based on local building and safety norms; no single universal STR occupancy cap published.. Minimum stay: No statutory minimum stay mandated by the Collectivité; market norm is weekly rentals (Saturday–Saturday), especially in.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Saint-Barthelemy

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Saint-Barthelemy: Saint-Barthélemy has a local urban plan (PLU equivalent managed by the Collectivité). Coastal and natural reserve areas (Grand Cul-de-Sac, etc.) have strict construction and commercial use limits. Vil. Density rules: Unknown specific density rules; the island's small size and high-end market self-limits density to some degree.. Insurance: Civil liability insurance required for rental activity; professional rental agencies must carry prof.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Saint-Barthelemy

Hosts who fail to comply with Saint-Barthelemy's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Unknown specific penalty schedule; non-compliance with local registration and tax obligations subject to local administrative sanctions and tax penalties under Collectivité law..

Platform Obligations in Saint-Barthelemy

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Saint-Barthelemy: As an EU Overseas Country/Territory (OCT), EU regulations do not apply automatically. However, major platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) operate on the island and apply their own tax collection where applicable..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
Registration/declaration with the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy required. A villa rental licence (carte professionnelle or equivalent local authorisation) is required for professional letting activity. Specific fee schedule set by the Collectivité; villa rental agencies must be licensed. Individual owner registration fees: Unknown precise current amount.
Night / Day Cap
Unknown specific cap; Saint-Barth does not appear to apply the mainland French 120-day cap for primary residences in the same manner, as it is an overseas collectivity (COM) with its own fiscal and regulatory regime.
Occupancy Limit
Set per property based on local building and safety norms; no single universal STR occupancy cap published.
Tax Rate
Saint-Barthélemy is a separate customs territory and is NOT subject to French VAT (it is outside the EU VAT area). Local 'taxe de séjour' (tourist/visitor tax) applies: rate set by the Collectivité, typically ~€1–5 per person per night depending on accommodation category. No French national income tax — Saint-Barth has its own local income tax regime (CGST - Contribution Générale Sociale et Territoriale). Rental income taxed locally.
Zoning Restrictions
Saint-Barthélemy has a local urban plan (PLU equivalent managed by the Collectivité). Coastal and natural reserve areas (Grand Cul-de-Sac, etc.) have strict construction and commercial use limits. Villa rentals are widespread and largely permitted in residential zones but subject to local planning rules.
Minimum Stay
No statutory minimum stay mandated by the Collectivité; market norm is weekly rentals (Saturday–Saturday), especially in peak season, driven by industry practice rather than regulation.
Density Rules
Unknown specific density rules; the island's small size and high-end market self-limits density to some degree.
Insurance Required
Civil liability insurance required for rental activity; professional rental agencies must carry professional indemnity insurance.
Platform Obligations
As an EU Overseas Country/Territory (OCT), EU regulations do not apply automatically. However, major platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) operate on the island and apply their own tax collection where applicable. The EU STR Regulation 2024/1028 applicability to Saint-Barth is uncertain given its OCT status.
Compliance Notes
Saint-Barthélemy is an Overseas Collectivity (Collectivité d'Outre-Mer) of France with significant autonomy. It has its own tax system, no French VAT, and its own local regulations. Villa rental is the dominant tourism model on the island. Professional rental agencies must register with the Collectivité. The tourism sector is highly developed and largely self-regulated through established agency networks (e.g., WIMCO, St Barth Properties). Owners renting independently should register with the Collectivité's tourism office and tax authority (DSF - Direction des Services Fiscaux de Saint-Barthélemy).
Effective Date
Saint-Barthélemy achieved COM status in 2007 (effective 2007-02-22). Local STR framework has evolved since; specific ordinance dates Unknown without access to current Collectivité official gazette.
Key Notes
Saint-Barth is arguably one of the world's most permissive and sophisticated STR markets — villa rental is the primary accommodation model. There is no mass-market hostel or budget hotel sector. The regulatory environment is relatively light-touch compared to mainland France, reflecting the island's economic dependence on luxury tourism. No mainland French 120-day cap applies.
Penalties
Unknown specific penalty schedule; non-compliance with local registration and tax obligations subject to local administrative sanctions and tax penalties under Collectivité law.
Additional Context
The island has approximately 7,000 permanent residents and thousands of luxury villas available for rent. The Collectivité actively promotes villa tourism. No property tax (taxe foncière) in the same French national sense applies — local equivalents exist. This makes STR financially attractive compared to mainland France.
Sources
Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy (comstbarth.fr)
Direction des Services Fiscaux de Saint-Barthélemy
French Code du Tourisme (partial applicability)
WIMCO and St Barth Properties industry resources
French Senate documentation on COM status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Saint-Barthelemy?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Saint-Barthelemy with proper registration and permits. Saint-Barthélemy is an Overseas Collectivity (Collectivité d'Outre-Mer) of France with significant autonomy. It has its own tax system, no French VAT, and its own local regulations. Villa rental is th

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Saint-Barthelemy?

Yes. Saint-Barthelemy requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Saint-Barthelemy?

Short-term rental hosts in Saint-Barthelemy are subject to the following tax obligations: Saint-Barthélemy is a separate customs territory and is NOT subject to French VAT (it is outside the EU VAT area). Local 'taxe de séjour' (tourist/visitor tax) applies: rate set by the Collectivité, typically ~€1–5 per person per night depending on accommodation category. No French national income t.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Saint-Barthelemy?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Saint-Barthelemy may face enforcement. Unknown specific penalty schedule; non-compliance with local registration and tax obligations subject to local administrative sanctions and tax penalties under Collectivité law..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Saint-Barthelemy?

Saint-Barth is arguably one of the world's most permissive and sophisticated STR markets — villa rental is the primary accommodation model. There is no mass-market hostel or budget hotel sector. The regulatory environment is relatively light-touch compared to mainland France, reflecting the island's economic dependence on luxury tourism. No mainland French 120-day cap applies.

Search 1,026+ STR Jurisdictions

LawfulStay tracks STR regulations across 1,026+ cities & countries on 6 continents, updated daily.

View in Full Database →