Potsdam

Germany
Conditional
Last updated: 2026-10-10  ·  Last verified: 2026-10-16  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Potsdam Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusConditional
Permit / License RequiredYes, a Zweckentfremdung permit from the city is required to use housing for tourist lodging for more than eight weeks in total per calendar year (or f
Tax RateÜbernachtungsteuer: 7.5% of the net (ex-VAT) overnight price per the current statute (consolidated 12 Mar 2025). Business stays have been taxed since
Night / Day CapMore than eight weeks in total per calendar year of tourist lodging counts as misuse and needs a permit.
PenaltiesUp to EUR 100,000 for unauthorised misuse of housing (city and press).
Browse all 244 STR regulations in Germany →

See Full Regulatory Details

Create a free account to unlock the complete regulatory profile for Potsdam, including fees, tax rates, penalties, and compliance requirements.

Create Free Account

Potsdam Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Potsdam Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental regulations in Potsdam have a status of Conditional as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes, a Zweckentfremdung permit from the city is required to use housing for tourist lodging for more than eight weeks in total per calendar year (or for more than 50% commercial use, or vacancy over s.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Potsdam

Short-term rental operators in Potsdam should be aware of these tax obligations: Übernachtungsteuer: 7.5% of the net (ex-VAT) overnight price per the current statute (consolidated 12 Mar 2025). Business stays have been taxed since 1 January 2024 (reported).. Yes. The operator of the accommodation (including holiday flats) owes the city Übernachtungsteuer..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Potsdam

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Potsdam include: Rental day cap: More than eight weeks in total per calendar year of tourist lodging counts as misuse and needs a permit..

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Potsdam

Hosts who fail to comply with Potsdam's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Up to EUR 100,000 for unauthorised misuse of housing (city and press)..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Conditional
License / Registration
Yes, a Zweckentfremdung permit from the city is required to use housing for tourist lodging for more than eight weeks in total per calendar year (or for more than 50% commercial use, or vacancy over six months). No registration-number system for Potsdam was confirmed.
Tax Registration
Yes. The operator of the accommodation (including holiday flats) owes the city Übernachtungsteuer.
Night / Day Cap
More than eight weeks in total per calendar year of tourist lodging counts as misuse and needs a permit.
Tax Rate
Übernachtungsteuer: 7.5% of the net (ex-VAT) overnight price per the current statute (consolidated 12 Mar 2025). Business stays have been taxed since 1 January 2024 (reported).
Compliance Notes
Potsdam has a Zweckentfremdungsverbot statute (the first in Brandenburg). Renting a dwelling to tourists for more than eight weeks a year in total requires a permit from the city, which weighs public interest in keeping the housing. Hosts must also charge and pay the city overnight tax of 7.5% of the net room price.
Effective Date
2021-04-30
Key Notes
Potsdam requires a permit to rent housing short-term for more than eight weeks a year; fines up to EUR 100,000. Overnight tax is 7.5%.
Penalties
Up to EUR 100,000 for unauthorised misuse of housing (city and press).
Additional Context
Legal basis: Brandenburg Zweckentfremdungsverbotsgesetz plus the Zweckentfremdungsverbotssatzung Potsdam (ZwEVSP), in force since April 2021, with a consolidated version dated 23 Mar 2026 (Amtsblatt 06/2026). The city's 2025 housing-protection report says it is preparing further statute areas from 2026; whether the current statute covers the whole city was not confirmed. Übernachtungsteuersatzung of 29 Jul 2014, last amended 12 Mar 2025.
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Potsdam?

Short-term rental regulations in Potsdam have a status of: Conditional. Potsdam has a Zweckentfremdungsverbot statute (the first in Brandenburg). Renting a dwelling to tourists for more than eight weeks a year in total requires a permit from the city, which weighs public

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Potsdam?

Yes. Potsdam requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes, a Zweckentfremdung permit from the city is required to use housing for tourist lodging for more than eight weeks in total per calendar year (or for more than 50% commercial use, or vacancy over six months). No registration-number system for Potsdam was confirmed..

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Potsdam?

Short-term rental hosts in Potsdam are subject to the following tax obligations: Übernachtungsteuer: 7.5% of the net (ex-VAT) overnight price per the current statute (consolidated 12 Mar 2025). Business stays have been taxed since 1 January 2024 (reported)..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Potsdam?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Potsdam may face enforcement. Up to EUR 100,000 for unauthorised misuse of housing (city and press)..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Potsdam?

Potsdam requires a permit to rent housing short-term for more than eight weeks a year; fines up to EUR 100,000. Overnight tax is 7.5%.

Search 5,034+ STR Jurisdictions

LawfulStay tracks STR regulations across 5,034+ cities & countries on 6 continents, updated daily.

View in Full Database →