As Cyprus continues to grow as a year-round tourist destination, many property owners are turning to short-term leases as a way to generate income. Whether it’s a holiday apartment, villa, or Airbnb or Booking.com-style listing, operating a self-service accommodation can be a profitable venture. However, to do so legally and successfully, registration with the competent authorities in Cyprus is not just recommended—it is required.
All self-service accommodation establishments in Cyprus must comply with the “Regulation of the Establishment and Operation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations Law of 2019 (Law 9(I)/2019)”. This legislation was introduced to ensure quality standards, protect consumers, and regulate the growing short-term rental market. Under this law, any property offered for short-term rental must be registered with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and receive a Special Registration Number (SRN).
The Registration is essential for the Lessors to be in legal compliance. Registering ensures you are operating within the legal framework. Unregistered properties are subject to penalties, including fines or forced closure. It also allows access to major Booking Platforms. Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo now require a valid registration number to list a property in Cyprus. The trust and guest confidence are improved and is more likely to attract bookings as it offers reassurance to guests that the accommodation meets national safety and quality standards. It also contributes to tourism quality, ensuring minimum quality standards, helping to protect Cyprus’s reputation as a high-quality tourist destination. Moreover, many insurers provide liability and damage coverage only to legally registered rentals. There are also tax benefits and transparency provided with registration, since it enables declaration of lease income officially, potentially benefiting from tax incentives, and avoid legal issues tied to undeclared earnings.
For the registration of the Self-Service Accommodation Property an application needs to be submitted through the online portal of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, providing relevant Property details such as, planning and building permits, architectural and floor plans, ownership documents, and proof of compliance with safety and hygiene standards. A registration fee of €222 needs to be paid for each Property, which is valid for a three (3) year period. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism will examine the application and if it is satisfied that all the necessary requirements are met it will issue a Special Registration Number (SRN) for the Property, which must be displayed in all advertisements and listings.
In conclusion, registering your Self-Service Accommodation Property in Cyprus is not only a legal obligation but also a Smart Business Move. With a clear legal framework, strong demand from tourists, and support from government institutions, Cyprus offers an ideal environment for property owners to enter the short-term rental market—legally, securely, and profitably.
Our team will be happy to assist you in obtaining your Self-Service Accommodation Property registration certificate, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.