| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — registration number + permit from local Bezirksamt; primary residence only for whole-apartment STR; investment properties effectively banned |
| Tax Rate | Accommodation Tax (Bettensteuer) 7.5% + VAT 7% for tourist stays; income tax at personal rate |
| Night / Day Cap | 90 days/year for STR of primary residence (entire apartment); no cap for room-only <50% of living area |
| Minimum Stay | Under 90 days = short-term; 90+ days standard tenancy |
| Permit Fee | Approx €100-250 depending on area |
| Penalties | Fines up to €500,000 for Zweckentfremdungsverbot violations; state trustee can take over property |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes — primary residence only (second homes effectively banned without exemption) |
Short-term rentals in Berlin are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — registration number + permit from local Bezirksamt; primary residence only for whole-apartment STR; investment properties effectively banned. The associated permit fees are Approx €100-250 depending on area.
Short-term rental operators in Berlin should be aware of these tax obligations: Accommodation Tax (Bettensteuer) 7.5% + VAT 7% for tourist stays; income tax at personal rate.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Berlin include: Primary residence requirement: Yes — primary residence only (second homes effectively banned without exemption). Rental day cap: 90 days/year for STR of primary residence (entire apartment); no cap for room-only <50% of living area. Minimum stay: Under 90 days = short-term; 90+ days standard tenancy.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Berlin: Zweckentfremdungsverbot (ZwVbG) — permit denied in housing-shortage areas. Density rules: Permits may be refused where housing is scarce.
Hosts who fail to comply with Berlin's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines up to €500,000 for Zweckentfremdungsverbot violations; state trustee can take over property.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Berlin: Registration number must be displayed; Airbnb must disclose registered units & rental periods.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Berlin but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Primary residence: up to 90 days/year entire apartment with permit + registration number. Single room (<50% of area): no permit needed but registration number required. Investment/second homes: STR ef
Yes. Berlin requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — registration number + permit from local Bezirksamt; primary residence only for whole-apartment STR; investment properties effectively banned.
Short-term rental hosts in Berlin are subject to the following tax obligations: Accommodation Tax (Bettensteuer) 7.5% + VAT 7% for tourist stays; income tax at personal rate.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Berlin may face enforcement. Fines up to €500,000 for Zweckentfremdungsverbot violations; state trustee can take over property.
90-day/year cap for primary residence STR; investment properties banned; registration + Bezirksamt permit required; fines up to €500,000.
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