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Damascus

Syria
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-06-24  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-24  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Damascus Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes (Local security clearances and police/municipal registration required)
Tax RateStandard Syrian income tax on rental yields
Night / Day CapNone (subject to security clearance duration)
Permit FeeVaries (Local administrative fees for security clearance and lease registration)
PenaltiesSevere legal and security penalties for failure to register guests or obtain clearances for foreign nationals/tenants.
Primary Residence RequiredNo
Occupancy LimitStandard safety limits based on habitable area
Browse all 1 STR regulations in Syria →

Damascus Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Damascus Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Damascus 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 (Local security clearances and police/municipal registration required). The associated permit fees are Varies (Local administrative fees for security clearance and lease registration).

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Damascus

Short-term rental operators in Damascus should be aware of these tax obligations: Standard Syrian income tax on rental yields.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Damascus

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Damascus include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: None (subject to security clearance duration). Occupancy limit: Standard safety limits based on habitable area.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Damascus

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Damascus: None (regulated primarily by security policies rather than zoning). Insurance: No.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Damascus

Hosts who fail to comply with Damascus's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Severe legal and security penalties for failure to register guests or obtain clearances for foreign nationals/tenants..

Platform Obligations in Damascus

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Damascus: Blocked (Major international platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo are completely blocked in Syria due to sanctions).

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes (Local security clearances and police/municipal registration required)
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
Varies (Local administrative fees for security clearance and lease registration)
Primary Residence Rule
No
Night / Day Cap
None (subject to security clearance duration)
Occupancy Limit
Standard safety limits based on habitable area
Tax Rate
Standard Syrian income tax on rental yields
Zoning Restrictions
None (regulated primarily by security policies rather than zoning)
Insurance Required
No
Platform Obligations
Blocked (Major international platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo are completely blocked in Syria due to sanctions)
Compliance Notes
Major international booking platforms are blocked due to sanctions. Local short-term leasing is allowed but strictly regulated via traditional offline networks. Hosts must obtain security clearance from local security branches for any tenant, and register lease agreements with the municipality.
Effective Date
2026-06-24
Key Notes
International booking platforms are completely blocked; local rentals require mandatory security clearances and municipal registration.
Penalties
Severe legal and security penalties for failure to register guests or obtain clearances for foreign nationals/tenants.
Additional Context
Traditional hotels and travel agencies are the primary legal route for short-term tourist accommodation.
Sources
https://www.mots.gov.sy
Syrian Ministry of Tourism / Local Municipal Ordinances
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Damascus?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Damascus but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Major international booking platforms are blocked due to sanctions. Local short-term leasing is allowed but strictly regulated via traditional offline networks. Hosts must obtain security clearance fr

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Damascus?

Yes. Damascus requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes (Local security clearances and police/municipal registration required).

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Damascus?

Short-term rental hosts in Damascus are subject to the following tax obligations: Standard Syrian income tax on rental yields.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Damascus?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Damascus may face enforcement. Severe legal and security penalties for failure to register guests or obtain clearances for foreign nationals/tenants..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Damascus?

International booking platforms are completely blocked; local rentals require mandatory security clearances and municipal registration.

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