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Cancún / Riviera Maya

Quintana Roo · Mexico
Active
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Cancún / Riviera Maya Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes — RETUR-Q registry + State Operating License (SATQ)
Tax RateISH lodging tax 3%–5%; VAT 16% on rentals under 28 days; ISR income tax
Night / Day CapNo state cap
Minimum StayVAT/ISH apply to short-term stays under ~28-30 days
Permit FeeUnknown (application + annual renewal fee)
PenaltiesFines up to MXN 100,000; listing suspension/removal; monthly tax penalties
Primary Residence RequiredNo
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Cancún / Riviera Maya Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Cancún / Riviera Maya Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Cancún / Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo 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 — RETUR-Q registry + State Operating License (SATQ). The associated permit fees are Unknown (application + annual renewal fee).

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Cancún / Riviera Maya

Short-term rental operators in Cancún / Riviera Maya should be aware of these tax obligations: ISH lodging tax 3%–5%; VAT 16% on rentals under 28 days; ISR income tax. Yes — SATQ lodging tax + federal SAT (ISR, IVA).

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Cancún / Riviera Maya

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Cancún / Riviera Maya include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: No state cap. Minimum stay: VAT/ISH apply to short-term stays under ~28-30 days.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Cancún / Riviera Maya

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Cancún / Riviera Maya: Subject to municipal zoning and HOA/community rules. Density rules: Municipalities can decide whether platforms operate locally. Insurance: Yes — liability insurance and Civil Protection safety compliance.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Cancún / Riviera Maya

Hosts who fail to comply with Cancún / Riviera Maya's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines up to MXN 100,000; listing suspension/removal; monthly tax penalties.

Platform Obligations in Cancún / Riviera Maya

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Cancún / Riviera Maya: Platforms must verify host RETUR-Q registration; may delist non-compliant.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes — RETUR-Q registry + State Operating License (SATQ)
Tax Registration
Yes — SATQ lodging tax + federal SAT (ISR, IVA)
Permit Fee
Unknown (application + annual renewal fee)
Primary Residence Rule
No
Night / Day Cap
No state cap
Tax Rate
ISH lodging tax 3%–5%; VAT 16% on rentals under 28 days; ISR income tax
Zoning Restrictions
Subject to municipal zoning and HOA/community rules
Minimum Stay
VAT/ISH apply to short-term stays under ~28-30 days
Density Rules
Municipalities can decide whether platforms operate locally
Insurance Required
Yes — liability insurance and Civil Protection safety compliance
Platform Obligations
Platforms must verify host RETUR-Q registration; may delist non-compliant
Compliance Notes
Revamped Tourism Law effective August 2025; municipalities empowered to regulate
Effective Date
2025-08
Key Notes
Mandatory RETUR-Q registration; safety standards (extinguishers, first aid)
Penalties
Fines up to MXN 100,000; listing suspension/removal; monthly tax penalties
Additional Context
~24,000 active STR units statewide; covers Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel
Sources
📋 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 Cancún / Riviera Maya?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Cancún / Riviera Maya with proper registration and permits. Revamped Tourism Law effective August 2025; municipalities empowered to regulate

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Cancún / Riviera Maya?

Yes. Cancún / Riviera Maya requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — RETUR-Q registry + State Operating License (SATQ).

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Cancún / Riviera Maya?

Short-term rental hosts in Cancún / Riviera Maya are subject to the following tax obligations: ISH lodging tax 3%–5%; VAT 16% on rentals under 28 days; ISR income tax.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Cancún / Riviera Maya?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Cancún / Riviera Maya may face enforcement. Fines up to MXN 100,000; listing suspension/removal; monthly tax penalties.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Cancún / Riviera Maya?

Mandatory RETUR-Q registration; safety standards (extinguishers, first aid)

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