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Tulum

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

At a Glance — Tulum Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes — hosts must register in the State Tourism Registry (RETUR-Q) and obtain a state operating license via the Quintana Roo Tax Administration Service
Tax RateState Lodging Tax (ISH) reported at 5–6% (some sources cite 3–4%); plus federal ISR (income tax, up to ~35% for non-residents/25% flat withholding) an
Night / Day CapNone — Quintana Roo imposes no statewide minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap as of early 2026 (HOA rules may apply).
Minimum StayNo statewide minimum; market practice varies (many 2-night minimums; a segment at 30+ nights for digital nomads).
Permit FeeUnknown for exact RETUR-Q/license fees. Non-registration penalties up to 100,000 pesos.
PenaltiesFines up to 100,000 pesos (~$5,500–$5,900 USD) for failure to register; possible delisting and closure of operations.
Primary Residence RequiredNo — secondary homes and pure investment properties may operate; the framework treats all owners equally regardless of residency.
Occupancy LimitUnknown (no statewide occupancy cap sourced).
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Tulum Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Tulum Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Tulum, 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 — hosts must register in the State Tourism Registry (RETUR-Q) and obtain a state operating license via the Quintana Roo Tax Administration Service (SATQ); registration is per property.. The associated permit fees are Unknown for exact RETUR-Q/license fees. Non-registration penalties up to 100,000 pesos..

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Tulum

Short-term rental operators in Tulum should be aware of these tax obligations: State Lodging Tax (ISH) reported at 5–6% (some sources cite 3–4%); plus federal ISR (income tax, up to ~35% for non-residents/25% flat withholding) and 16% IVA on furnished rentals. Airbnb auto-collects/remits ISH in Quintana Roo.. Yes — hosts must register for an RFC (Federal Taxpayers Registry) with SAT; providing the RFC to platforms secures the lowest withholding rates..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Tulum

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Tulum include: Primary residence requirement: No — secondary homes and pure investment properties may operate; the framework treats all owners equally regardless of r. Rental day cap: None — Quintana Roo imposes no statewide minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap as of early 2026 (HOA r. Occupancy limit: Unknown (no statewide occupancy cap sourced).. Minimum stay: No statewide minimum; market practice varies (many 2-night minimums; a segment at 30+ nights for digital nomads)..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Tulum

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Tulum: Verify property is in an area where STRs are permitted; new 2025 Tourism Law empowers municipalities (including Tulum) to set their own licensing rules, zones, and fees — local Tulum guidelines may st. Density rules: Unknown (no enacted density cap; municipality-level rules pending under 2025 law).. Insurance: Unknown (no explicit STR insurance mandate sourced; Civil Protection safety guidelines apply). Typic.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Tulum

Hosts who fail to comply with Tulum's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines up to 100,000 pesos (~$5,500–$5,900 USD) for failure to register; possible delisting and closure of operations..

Platform Obligations in Tulum

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Tulum: Platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com) began requiring Quintana Roo hosts to register with RETUR-Q from Nov 2025; platforms collect/remit ISH automatically; non-compliant listings may be delisted; cooperatio.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes — hosts must register in the State Tourism Registry (RETUR-Q) and obtain a state operating license via the Quintana Roo Tax Administration Service (SATQ); registration is per property.
Tax Registration
Yes — hosts must register for an RFC (Federal Taxpayers Registry) with SAT; providing the RFC to platforms secures the lowest withholding rates.
Permit Fee
Unknown for exact RETUR-Q/license fees. Non-registration penalties up to 100,000 pesos.
Primary Residence Rule
No — secondary homes and pure investment properties may operate; the framework treats all owners equally regardless of residency.
Night / Day Cap
None — Quintana Roo imposes no statewide minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap as of early 2026 (HOA rules may apply).
Occupancy Limit
Unknown (no statewide occupancy cap sourced).
Tax Rate
State Lodging Tax (ISH) reported at 5–6% (some sources cite 3–4%); plus federal ISR (income tax, up to ~35% for non-residents/25% flat withholding) and 16% IVA on furnished rentals. Airbnb auto-collects/remits ISH in Quintana Roo.
Zoning Restrictions
Verify property is in an area where STRs are permitted; new 2025 Tourism Law empowers municipalities (including Tulum) to set their own licensing rules, zones, and fees — local Tulum guidelines may still be developing.
Minimum Stay
No statewide minimum; market practice varies (many 2-night minimums; a segment at 30+ nights for digital nomads).
Density Rules
Unknown (no enacted density cap; municipality-level rules pending under 2025 law).
Insurance Required
Unknown (no explicit STR insurance mandate sourced; Civil Protection safety guidelines apply). Typical home policy ~0.2–0.6% of replacement value.
Platform Obligations
Platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com) began requiring Quintana Roo hosts to register with RETUR-Q from Nov 2025; platforms collect/remit ISH automatically; non-compliant listings may be delisted; cooperation with state tax authority to ensure tax collection.
Compliance Notes
Comply with Civil Protection safety standards; declare full income to SAT and pay ISR; display registration on listings. Treated as commercial activity under Mexican law.
Effective Date
Revamped Quintana Roo Tourism Law effective August 2025; RETUR-Q registration mandatory/strictly enforced from late 2025.
Key Notes
RETUR-Q registration is the single most important requirement; ~24,000 active STR units statewide with Tulum a hotspot (~8,000+ Tulum listings). Foreigners in the coastal restricted zone must hold property via fideicomiso.
Penalties
Fines up to 100,000 pesos (~$5,500–$5,900 USD) for failure to register; possible delisting and closure of operations.
Additional Context
Regulatory power devolved to municipalities under the 2025 law, so each municipality (Tulum, Cancún/Benito Juárez, Playa del Carmen/Solidaridad, etc.) is to craft its own licensing rules, safety standards and fees — landscape may fragment over 2026.
Sources
https://sedetur.qroo.gob.mx/registro-estatal-de-turismo/
Quintana Roo Tourism Law via mayamirealestatemx.com, mexlaw.com, thelatinvestor.com (Tulum, Jan–Apr 2026)
airbtics.com
gettransfer.com
airbnb.com/help/article/2834
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Tulum?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Tulum with proper registration and permits. Comply with Civil Protection safety standards; declare full income to SAT and pay ISR; display registration on listings. Treated as commercial activity under Mexican law.

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Tulum?

Yes. Tulum requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — hosts must register in the State Tourism Registry (RETUR-Q) and obtain a state operating license via the Quintana Roo Tax Administration Service (SATQ); registration is per property..

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Tulum?

Short-term rental hosts in Tulum are subject to the following tax obligations: State Lodging Tax (ISH) reported at 5–6% (some sources cite 3–4%); plus federal ISR (income tax, up to ~35% for non-residents/25% flat withholding) and 16% IVA on furnished rentals. Airbnb auto-collects/remits ISH in Quintana Roo..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Tulum?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Tulum may face enforcement. Fines up to 100,000 pesos (~$5,500–$5,900 USD) for failure to register; possible delisting and closure of operations..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Tulum?

RETUR-Q registration is the single most important requirement; ~24,000 active STR units statewide with Tulum a hotspot (~8,000+ Tulum listings). Foreigners in the coastal restricted zone must hold property via fideicomiso.

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