Recent reports circulating on social media and in sections of the media have caused confusion about a supposed new registration number for holiday rentals in Croatia, allegedly required from 1 June 2026.

However, current information confirms that no such requirement will come into force during the 2026 tourist season, writes Croatia travel specialists Kroati.de in Germany.

Despite widespread claims, there is currently:

• No active system to apply for a new registration number

• No technical implementation via the eVisitor platform

• No legal obligation for hosts or guests to take any action

For travellers, this means bookings already made, or those planned for 2026, remain fully valid. There is no risk to holidays due to the reported changes.

What is behind the confusion?

The reports stem from a new EU-wide regulation, EU Regulation 2024/1028, aimed at standardising short-term rental rules across member states.

The regulation introduces a unified registration system for holiday accommodation, designed to:

• Combat illegal, unregistered rentals

• Improve tax transparency

• Strengthen oversight of the growing private accommodation sector

However, Croatia is still in the process of incorporating this regulation into national law.

When will the new system start?

Current expectations suggest:

• The new registration number system will not be introduced before late 2026

• Implementation is more likely around early 2027

• A transition period will be provided once the law is adopted

Until then, there is no registration number available, and therefore none can be displayed in listings.

Current legal requirements remain unchanged

For the 2026 season, all existing rules continue to apply. Legal rental of holiday properties in Croatia still requires:

• A valid categorisation permit (Rješenje)

• Guest registration via the eVisitor system

• A Croatian tax identification number (OIB)

These requirements remain the foundation of lawful rental activity.

What will change in future?

Once implemented, the new system is expected to:

• Assign a unique registration number to each rental unit

• Require this number to be displayed in online listings

• Link the number to existing systems such as eVisitor and OIB records

Full details, including how to apply and compliance deadlines, are yet to be defined by Croatian authorities.

For travellers:

• Holidays in 2026 are unaffected

• Bookings remain secure and valid

• No additional checks or actions are required

For hosts:

• Current obligations remain unchanged

• Those operating legally are already compliant

• Monitoring official updates will be important ahead of implementation

As it stands (May 2026), no new law requiring a registration number has been enacted in Croatia. Existing regulations remain fully in force and will continue alongside any future system once introduced.

There are no changes for the 2026 tourist season in Croatia.

The proposed registration number system is part of a broader EU initiative, but it is not yet operational. Travellers can book with confidence, and hosts can continue operating under current rules until further notice, Kroati.de concludes.