| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — hotel or guesthouse license under Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (Cap. 349) for stays under 28 days |
| Tax Rate | Property Tax 15% of net assessable value (after 20% standard deduction) |
| Minimum Stay | Stays of 28+ continuous days exempt (Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation (Exclusion) Order) |
| Permit Fee | License fee payable on approval; validity 12–84 months |
| Penalties | Operating unlicensed guesthouse a criminal offense; max HK$200,000 fine and 2 years imprisonment |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
Short-term rentals in Nationwide 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 — hotel or guesthouse license under Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (Cap. 349) for stays under 28 days. The associated permit fees are License fee payable on approval; validity 12–84 months.
Short-term rental operators in Nationwide should be aware of these tax obligations: Property Tax 15% of net assessable value (after 20% standard deduction). Property Tax applies to rental income (no separate STR tax registry noted).
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Nationwide include: Primary residence requirement: No. Minimum stay: Stays of 28+ continuous days exempt (Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation (Exclusion) Order).
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Nationwide: No licensed premises in industrial buildings or basements; lease conditions and Deed of Mutual Covenant must permit use.
Hosts who fail to comply with Nationwide's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Operating unlicensed guesthouse a criminal offense; max HK$200,000 fine and 2 years imprisonment.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Nationwide: Platforms not legally obligated to verify listings; compliance rests with hosts.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Nationwide but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Premises must meet building and fire safety standards; renewal needs Certificate of Compliance
Yes. Nationwide requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — hotel or guesthouse license under Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (Cap. 349) for stays under 28 days.
Short-term rental hosts in Nationwide are subject to the following tax obligations: Property Tax 15% of net assessable value (after 20% standard deduction).
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Nationwide may face enforcement. Operating unlicensed guesthouse a criminal offense; max HK$200,000 fine and 2 years imprisonment.
Effectively bans typical Airbnb-style short-term letting of unlicensed residential flats
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