For years, the state has been trying to persuade owners of self-serviced accommodations (like Airbnb) to register in the relevant Registry of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. This registration is necessary to obtain the appropriate licenses, allowing them to operate permanently and comply with taxes and local authority fees.

So far, according to data obtained by Brief from a relevant source in the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, 30,138 beds or 15,069 rooms, corresponding to about 6,700 accommodations, have been registered. However, this number falls short of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism's estimates, which suggest the existence of about 15,000 Airbnb-type accommodations in Cyprus.

This estimate is corroborated by information gathered by Brief from the platform Airdna, which tracks self-serviced accommodations and currently shows 15,300 active Airbnb listings in Cyprus.

It should be noted that the Deputy Ministry of Tourism believes the majority of Airbnb accommodations not yet registered are properties offered periodically for short-term rental. The Ministry emphasizes that if an accommodation is rented out even for a day, the owner is in violation if not registered in the relevant Registry.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Ministry, in addition to continuous announcements about registering these accommodations, is taking further steps to push the remaining owners towards legality.

Specifically, as informed by Brief, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism has communicated with various online platforms offering holiday accommodations. Initial actions have been taken to require the submission of the relevant license issued upon registration in the Registry for listings to be included on their reservation lists.

Additionally, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is already prosecuting owners who have not registered and are found to be operating illegally. It is reminded that if an owner is found guilty, they are subject to a fine of up to €5,000 and/or one year of imprisonment.

Applicants can advertise and/or rent their self-serviced accommodation, provided it is registered in the Registry of Self-Serviced Accommodations and has received a special emblem and registration number from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. This number must be displayed on every platform where the accommodation is advertised, as well as in all related transactions.

Registration fees are set at €222 per accommodation for a three-year period.

It is recalled that revenues from renting self-serviced accommodations are subject to income tax and VAT, according to the respective legislations. They will also be subject to overnight stay fees to Local Authorities. 

Self-serviced accommodations are categorized into three subcategories: Tourist Furnished Villas, Tourist Furnished Houses, and Apartments,

The Deputy Ministry of Tourism has the authority to independently inspect any self-serviced accommodation to verify the existence of a registration license and the compliance of the business owner with the registration terms.

More information for registration purposes can be obtained from the link here.