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Geneva

Switzerland
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Geneva Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredReclassification to commercial use required beyond the night cap
Tax RateTourist tax ~CHF 2–7 (≈CHF 3.75) per person/night
Night / Day Cap90 nights/year (set 2019; was 60 in 2018) in tight-market municipalities
Primary Residence RequiredCap applies whether owner or tenant
Browse all 4 STR regulations in Switzerland →

Geneva Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Geneva Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Geneva 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: Reclassification to commercial use required beyond the night cap.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Geneva

Short-term rental operators in Geneva should be aware of these tax obligations: Tourist tax ~CHF 2–7 (≈CHF 3.75) per person/night. Yes — tourist tax applies.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Geneva

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Geneva include: Primary residence requirement: Cap applies whether owner or tenant. Rental day cap: 90 nights/year (set 2019; was 60 in 2018) in tight-market municipalities.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Geneva

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Geneva: Tight-housing-market municipalities impose the night cap.

Platform Obligations in Geneva

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Geneva: Platforms (e.g. Airbnb) often collect tourist tax.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Reclassification to commercial use required beyond the night cap
Tax Registration
Yes — tourist tax applies
Primary Residence Rule
Cap applies whether owner or tenant
Night / Day Cap
90 nights/year (set 2019; was 60 in 2018) in tight-market municipalities
Tax Rate
Tourist tax ~CHF 2–7 (≈CHF 3.75) per person/night
Zoning Restrictions
Tight-housing-market municipalities impose the night cap
Platform Obligations
Platforms (e.g. Airbnb) often collect tourist tax
Compliance Notes
Hosts must inform authorities about paying guests; comply with lease conditions
Effective Date
60-day limit 2018; raised to 90 nights in 2019
Key Notes
Regulated by Dept. of Land Planning, Housing and Energy
Additional Context
Initial 20% drop in listings, but numbers rising again since late 2022
Sources
https://www.ge.ch/en/taxonomy/term/4389/impression
theupperkey.com
swissinfo.ch
iamexpat.ch
📋 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 Geneva?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Geneva but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Hosts must inform authorities about paying guests; comply with lease conditions

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Geneva?

Yes. Geneva requires the following for short-term rental operation: Reclassification to commercial use required beyond the night cap.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Geneva?

Short-term rental hosts in Geneva are subject to the following tax obligations: Tourist tax ~CHF 2–7 (≈CHF 3.75) per person/night.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Geneva?

Regulated by Dept. of Land Planning, Housing and Energy

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