‹ Germany

Germany nationwide short-term rental rules (2026)

Active
Rules last checked  ·  Region: International

Market overview

ACTIVEStays under 30 days

Allowed. The only duty is a notice or registration that nobody has to approve.

There is no single German STR permit.

Why do places restrict rentals?

Property eligibility: Not assessed A market overview can't tell whether a specific home qualifies (zoning, permits, HOA).

Licence
None
but hosts must register (for tax)
Primary residence
Not required

Work for Germany (nationwide)? Claim this page to confirm or correct the rules.

NOT YET RESEARCHEDStays of 30+ nights

Longer stays (30+ days)

Not yet researched for this place.

Ask us to research longer stays here →

Browse all 238 STR regulations in Germany →

Guest registration

The law in Germany requires hosts to record or report their guests' identity.

System: Besonderer Meldeschein

Deadline: On the day of arrival

Authority: Local registration authority (Meldebehörde) and police, which can inspect the forms

Covers: Foreign guests. German guests have not had to fill in the form since 1 January 2025.

Not legal advice. What is recorded, and whether it is sent or kept for inspection: see the rule in all 27 EU countries.

The full Germany (nationwide) rules

17 rules on record for Germany (nationwide). Every rule traced to its official source. How we research

Free account includes full rules for one place, with change alerts. Full report $39 · See a sample. For a lender or insurer: rules summary for one address, $29, free with the report. Already have an account? Sign in.

Source: bundesnetzagentur.de (official), checked 24 Oct 2026. Official links, citations and how to apply come with a paid plan.

Quick answers

Is Airbnb legal in Germany (nationwide)?

Yes. There is no single German STR permit.

Do you need a permit for a short-term rental in Germany (nationwide)?

No short-term rental licence is needed, but hosts must register, for the local tax, before they start. The full rules say how.

Do hosts in Germany (nationwide) have to register their guests?

The law in Germany requires hosts to record or report their guests' identity. System: Besonderer Meldeschein. Deadline: On the day of arrival. Authority: Local registration authority (Meldebehörde) and police, which can inspect the forms. Covers: Foreign guests. German guests have not had to fill in the form since 1 January 2025.

When were the Germany (nationwide) rules last checked?

We last checked the short-term rental rules for Germany (nationwide) on 24 Oct 2026.

Search 5,120+ places

LawfulStay tracks short-term rental rules for 5,120+ places, with every rule traced to its official source.

Search the database →