catalonia tourist tax 2023

Catalonia tourist tax

Tourist tax in barcelona and the rest of catalonia.

CostaBravaTouristGuide.com — The autonomous Spanish community of Catalonia, whose Costa Brava is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, has levied a tourist tax since November 1, 2012. The Catalan tourism tax applies to all establishments where tourists stay – from campsites and youth hostels to hotels and cruise ships. Holiday apartments and private homes rented to tourists are also affected by the tax.

The tax rates have been increased several times, primarily as a way to address overtourism.

Catalonia Tourist Tax: 2024 Rates

This information was last updated on September 17, 2023, and is still current on August 23, 2024 .

Tourist Tax Chart: Explanation

The amount you pay depends on the type of facility you are staying at and whether you are staying in Barcelona or elsewhere in Catalonia.

“ Dwelling for tourist use “: these are dwellings rented directly or indirectly by the owner to third parties, repeatedly and for a fee, for an uninterrupted period of up to 31 days. For example, Airbnb or Wimdu.

“ Other establishments “: Hotels or hostels with 3 stars or less, youth hostels, rural accommodation, campsites that do not belong to the “luxury” sector.

Important additional information:

The tourist tax is charged per person, per night
The tax is charged only for the first seven nights of your stay — in the same accommodation over a continuous period. (If you stay in more than one establishment during your visit, you pay tourist tax over the first seven nights in each of the establishments.)
People aged 16 and younger are not charged tourist tax
Your tourist accommodation must provided you with an itemized invoice, detailing the tax rate used and the number of nights over which it is charged
The tourist tax is subject to a 10% VAT (Value Added Tax; Spanish : IVA; Catalan : L’IVA) charge

How to pay the tax

You pay your tourist tax (and, if in Barcelona, the extra city tax as well) at your accommodation. The hotel (or other lodging establishment) is required to provide an itemized bill that clearly and separately shows the amount of tax collected. We have heard that some tour operators claim that local taxes are already included in your vacation package. In this case, you should obtain (and bring with you) an itemized bill.

Were you charged more than the listed rates?

From time to time we hear of people facing higher fees than those listed above, with some accommodations also quoting an additional “hotel tax.”

However, according to the Generalitat de Catalunya – the government of Catalonia – there are no additional taxes (other than the normal 10% VAT on the total bill) that apply to tourists.

If your hotel charges higher prices under the guise of “tourist tax” or charges you an additional “hotel tax” or “bed tax”, you are being ripped off.

If you believe this is the case, remain calm and polite. However, contact the Ajuntament (town hall), a police station or the local tourist office and ask for help.

Costa Brava Tourist Tax?

Some people ask us about Costa Brava Tourist Tax rates. The Costa Brava is part of Catalonia, and does not have a different tax rate. Note that the city of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, does levy higher tourist stay fees, plus an additional city tax.

Most countries charge a tourist tax

When the tourism tax was originally proposed, hotel operators and others in the travel industry were upset. They feared that tourists would choose another vacation spot. And they balked at the effort and expense of updating hotel management software. Some tourists were upset, too. Some hotheads called for a boycott – or at least threatened never to vacation in Catalonia again. However, the Generalitat de Catalunya – the government of Catalonia – rightly points out that most countries, regions or cities in Europe and the rest of the world levy tourist taxes. The government also predicted that the tax revenue would actually bring more tourists to this part of Spain.

Tourist tax earmarked for promotion, tourism-related infrastructure

In fact, the revenues are divided between the Catalan Tourism Agency, the local tourism associations and the town halls.

Not that the region is doing badly: before the COVID-19, Catalonia’s 7.5 million inhabitants were joined by 16 million visitors a year, almost half of them in the summer.

However, the promotion of tourism in the region ( referred to as a “country” by the community’s government) is still necessary. This is all the more true since the coronavirus pandemic has decimated tourism worldwide.

In addition to promotion, tax revenues are also used for the maintenance and development of “tourism-related infrastructure.” Think, for example, of the upkeep of beach promenades or the reconstruction of beaches after storm damage.

It also includes maintenance of roads, beaches and natural areas. It even pays part of the salaries for extra police hours at events like the famous annual Blanes International Fireworks Festival .

The Catalan Tourist Board promotes Catalonia through Spain, Europe, and the rest of the world.

“Why should I have to pay tourist tax? That’s not fair!”

Some tourists balk at paying a tourist tax. They claim that since they already spend money on hotels, bars, and restaurants, they should not have to “fork out” more money.

However, it would not be fair to ask locals and businesses to pay all the costs associated with the tourism industry. The tax is a small price to pay in return for clean beaches, well-maintained roads and good facilities.

Note that Catalan and Spanish visitors are also asked to pay.

Incidentally, the Generalitat says that for 96% of tourists visiting Catalonia, the tax represents only about 1% of total spending.

Read and Post Comments about Catalonia Tourist Tax
Museums, Tours, and Excursions in Catalonia

This article was first published on November 8, 2012. We take care in keeping it up-to-date. The last update occurred on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Share this article with your followers

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
Click to print (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Book a hotel at the Costa Brava

26 comments.

If a tourist holidays on more than one occasion in a year,does the tourist have to pay more than once

Yes, the tourist tax is charged on each visit you make — but only for the first seven nights of each stay.

As a frequent British Tourist, having Spain as my main holiday location, I am appalled at this Tourist Tax charge! Spain, having no natural resources of its own – such as oil, gold, silver, copper, etc – depends completely on the Tourist, and heavily on the British Tourist, to boost its economy. Therefore, it is a complete INSULT to the Tourist/Holiday-maker to exploit us as we pay the lion’s share to maintain the Spanish economy. It is akin to biting the hand that feeds you, and as such I will never pay this tax, and go elsewhere for my holidays. I and my family and friends will NOT be held ransom by such a stealth tax. Disgusted British Holiday-maker.

Oh boy, where do I start, Mr. C. McClinton?

First, Spain has many natural resources. Google is your friend, so look it up.

Many countries, regions, and cities throughout the world charge tourist tax. Doing so benefits tourists (read the article you are commenting on), and also helps create more jobs, which in turn helps the local population.

As a Christian (I checked your name and email address and read your testimony) you should not begrudge it when people who find themselves in an economical tight spot find a legal way to help both themselves and others. Besides, taxation is a fact of life, and you know what Jesus said on the subject.

You are free to go elsewhere, of course, but the list of countries and places that charge a tourism or hotel tax is growing, so your options are dwindling. Boycotting Spain is as silly as not buying goods at stores in Ulster because they charge a sales tax.

That said, tourism is Spain — and in Catalonia in particular. Catalonia has seen a 2.3% increase in visitors compared to last year.

Are these prices set in stone with regards to the tax? The apartments I am staying at in Salou on Saturday apparently charge 3 euro per adult per night?

@Lee: I believe that Salou, like some other towns and municipalities throughout Catalonia (and the rest of Spain) does charge a local hotel tax in addition to the Catalonia-wide tax.

You may want to check with the tourist office or with the adjuntament (city hall) to see whether you are being over-charged.

I am now told that this tax is applicable to those over 12 years old (recently stayed at AC Suites by Marriott) and was charged for 3 people (inc 13 yr old). Was I overcharged or is this a chance to update your website?

I was not told about this tax before I booked my holiday, had I known I would have gone somewhere else. Fleecing tourists who already work hard and save hard for their annual holiday is not a good way to be doing business. I already pay enough tax on my earnings. I have only been to one country which charges a tourist tax and I won’t be going there again. However, I’m glad the tax was not hidden by the hotels in their charges.

@Cheesed off holidaymaker. Your email address indicates you live in the UK. And your comments show that you haven’t traveled much.

As for ‘fleecing tourists,’ take a look at this May, 2015 article published by The Telegraph (UK): http://j.mp/UKtouristtax . It is titled, “Only one country has higher tourism taxes than the UK” and the sub-header says, “The World Economic Forum’s travel report ranks the UK 140th out of 141 countries for cost competitiveness in the tourism industry.”

See also, Why is UK hotel VAT so high? http://j.mp/UKhotelVAT Note the chart.

Spain’s hotel/tourist tax is very reasonable. Our article above indicates what the income from the tax is used for, showing that tourists such as yourself benefit from improved facilities, clean beaches, good roads and transportation, safety measures, and a whole lot more — all without you and your vacationing family becoming a burden to the native population.

@Richard Golding: I think you were overcharged. The official information published by the Government of Catalonia says that children aged 16 and under are exempt.

Hi there. Great article and very helpful, however could I ask you. If I am a resident of catalonia, do I have to pay the tourist tax? Many thanks.

Yes Chris, as is the case in the vast majority of countries that levy tourist tax, residents are subject to those fees as well. That is because local visitors have pretty much the same impact as visitors from abroad.

If 1000 people spend a weekend in Barcelona, it makes little to no difference whether they came from Girona or London. In either case, Barcelona spends money for the upkeep of roads, safety measures, public transport, law enforcement, et cetera.

TOURIST TAX THANKS BUT NO THANKS Spain should be encouraging people to visit Hotels not taxing them,.If they do not want our money that i s ok by me,. i can spend mine where I want.So, good by Spain I will go next door to Portugal

Portugal is a nice country indeed. But like countless other countries, it has a tourist tax. Just not as high a tax as the UK — your own country — levies.

Note: Only one country has higher tourism taxes than the UK . The article says, “The World Economic Forum’s travel report ranks the UK 140th out of 141 countries for cost competitiveness in the tourism industry.”

The reasons behind tourist taxes are well-explained in the article. Both tourists and the locals benefit from them.

Since more and more countries levy a tax on tourism, you may have to simply vacation in your own backyard.

Say goodbye to your tourist industry Spain.

That’s a very strange comment, Frank. You did not read the article correctly. First, your IP number identifies you as being in the UK. See this comment , in which I provide a link to an article that shows “only one country has higher tourism tax rates than the UK.” Have you noticed any decrease in tourism at home?

Second, what does tourism in Spain have to do with tourism in Catalonia? Catalonia is one of 17 autonomous communities in Spain . It is, for now, the only Spanish community that charges a tourist tax. Other may well follow soon though, given the success of the tax — and the purpose of the tax ( read the article).

Third, you are wrong. Tourism in Catalonia is way up with record-breaking numbers, as is tourism in all of Spain .

Hi. If we are staying in a house booked privately, 2 adults, 2 children this summer for a fortnight, near Rhonda Valley who do I need to pay the tax to and how do I go about it please?

Interesting article, thank you for sharing xx

Hi Sarah, you would pay the tax rate listed under ‘others’ . The person or company your rent the house from should add the charge to your bill, listed as a separate item. If the charge was not part of the original booking, you may be charged upon arrival. Applying the tourist tax charge is the responsibility of the person or company you rent from. Have a nice vacation!

I booked through Jet2holidays and they did not mention the tourist tax either until it appeared on our booking confirmation and it appears we have to pay this amount separately (shame on Jet2holidays for forgetting to mention this). However, having said that less than one euro a night for a maximum of seven nights of our stay is not a life changing amount. I read with amusement some of the previous comments – some countries charge a lot more for you to enter or leave and that doesn’t stop people going there! Am really looking forward to my holidays soon.

Hello, The owner of the airbnb I am staying at says we need to pay the 2.25 for all 12 nights but this website and another website I have been on say you pay it for only the first 7 nights. The owner is being very difficult and is now shouting at us on the airbnb site. Please clarify for me. I am not being difficult, but I did do my research and can’t find anywhere that you pay the tax beyond 7 nights. Thank You.

The owner is wrong. You pay tourist tax over the first 7 nights of your (continuous) stay in one place. Only if you were to move to another place, say another Airbnb or a hotel, then you would have to again pay for up to 7 nights.

Stay tax of €25.00 per night, per person will be due to the owner upon arrival. Does not apply to children under 18 years. I booked a VRBO and had a total bill i paid and said no refund and this came up . It says 25.00 that is way different than 2.25. that is almost $1000 after the exchange?

That does not sound right at all. Note that the owner must by law provide you with an itemized bill showing exactly how much was charged in tourist tax. This is true even you you paid ahead through a different company.

The rates listed on our website, in this article, are correct.

I am abit confused, from the table does it mean that if I stay in 4 star hotel in Barcelona it will be 1.7+1.75 intotal 3.75 euro before vat?

That’s right, Abby. Currently when you stay in a 4-star hotel in Barcelona, you pay:

– €1.70 in tourist tax, plus – €1.75 in city tax, plus – 10% VAT over these amounts

Note that next year the city tax for a 4-star hotel will be €2.75, and in 2024 the rate will be €3.25

Thanks for the response, as i have been getting vague answers and I needed to budget for spending.

Complete Guide to the Tourist Tax in Barcelona and Catalonia 2024

How many times have you found yourself travelling and, upon booking your accommodation, you are told you must pay a local tax ? This situation is very common in several countries and tourists often do not get all the information about why they should pay this extra sum of money.

Catalonia was a pioneer in applying the tourist tax , which was approved for the first time in 2012. Since then, this tax has undergone several modifications. For this reason, if you are travelling through Barcelona or other regions of Catalonia, you will be interested to know a little more about this tax.

Here at AB Apartment Barcelona we want to make things easy for you, that’s why we bring you a complete guide to the different tourist taxes in Catalonia , so you don’t get any surprises on your vacation!

What is the tourist tax?

The tourist tax or Impuesto sobre las Estancias en Establecimiento Turísticos en Cataluña (IEET), is a regional tax that people who stay in regulated tourist accommodation must pay during their stay.

This tax is levied by the Government of Catalonia and is applied to tourists over 16 years of age who stay in a hotel or apartment in any area of Catalonia. However, this rate only applies to the first seven nights of the stay.

In addition, it must be taken into account that the same is not charged in each area of Catalonia . For example, Barcelona has its own rate , which varies depending on the type of establishment. However, a tourist establishment on the Costa Brava or on the outskirts of the Catalan capital does not have the same amount.

Who should pay this amount?

Any individual or legal entity that stays in any of the following types of tourist accommodation must pay the tourist tax: hotels, aparthotels, guesthouses, holiday apartments, campsites, rural tourism establishments and homes for tourist use.

This amount is calculated per person (over 16 years old) and per night , as long as it is in the same accommodation and for a continuous time. Therefore, those under 17 years of age , tourists travelling with programs subsidised by the public administration and people who are forced to travel for circumstances out of their control, are exempt from paying this fee.

How and when should the tourist tax be paid?

The total amount of tourist tax to be paid is not included in the final rental price . The guest must make the payment: before arrival, at the time of entry or before the end of the stay.In any case, the accommodation transfers the payment to the Generalitat de Catalunya .

For example, if you book with AB Apartment Barcelona, you should pay the amount of the fee before your arrival in Barcelona, at the time of online check-in. We would transfer the payment to the Generalitat de Catalunya.

How much is the tourist tax in Barcelona in 2024?

From April 1, 2024, the Barcelona tourist tax will increase, due to the fact that the municipal surcharge has gone from €2.75 to €3.25 . Here are the current costs:

Important: 10% VAT is applied to the total rate.

For up-to-date information on rates, consult the website of the Tax Agency of Catalonia .

Practical example

For example, if you rent with us, imagine that you are 2 people staying in a tourist apartment for 3 nights. In this case, the tourist tax would be €36.30 [2 x 3 x €6.05 (VAT included) = €36.30].

How much is the tourist tax in the rest of Catalonia?

As we have mentioned, if you travel to other regions of Catalonia, such as the Costa Brava or you stay on the outskirts of Barcelona , such as Badalona or Santa Coloma de Gramenet, you will be interested to know that the tourist tax is different, since it does not include Barcelona City Council supplement . In the table you can see the current prices depending on the types of accommodation:

In this case, if for example 3 people stay for 5 days in an apartment in Badalona, the amount of the fee would be €16.50 [3 x 5 x €1.10 (VAT included) = €16.50] .

Why does this tourist tax exist?

Catalonia, and especially the city of Barcelona, receives millions of tourists annually. This fee is mandatory and is used for measures of preservation, development and promotion of infrastructure and tourist activities in the city . There are many cities in Europe that already apply the tourist tax and this varies according to city and country.

Initially, this measure caused several controversies in the tourism sector, however, many are confident that this measure will help promote Barcelona as a long-term holiday destination and maintain its leadership as the main tourist destination in Spain .

If you have any questions about how the rate may affect your trip to Barcelona, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you resolve your concerns or queries!

AB Apartment Barcelona

AB Apartment Barcelona is an online apartment rental company with over 1000 apartments to rent for short and long-term stays. Stay up to date with our blog for Barcelona tips and info for your trip.

Subscribe Now to Our Newsletter, It's Free! Get the best content delivered straight into your inbox!

Top 5 Surfing Spots In and Around Barcelona

Explore the top surfing destinations in and around Barcelona with our detailed guide. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, Barcelona’s coastline offers a diverse range of beaches perfect for all skill levels. Our guide highlights the best surf spots, from the beautiful city beaches to hidden gems just a short journey away. Dive in and get ready to ride the waves with confidence and excitement!

White Rabbit: The Ultimate Off-Museum Experience in Barcelona

Explore Barcelona’s White Rabbit Off-Museum for an unforgettable journey through Catalan culture. Featuring 10 interactive art installations, including digital art and immersive sculptures by top artists like TVBOY and La Fura dels Baus, this unique museum redefines the art experience. What are you waiting for?

Schengen News
Liechtenstein
Netherlands
Switzerland
Borders & Security
Policy Changes
ETIAS Travel Authorization
Restrictions & Entry Bans
EU Golden Visa
Schengen Visa Application, Requirements & Tips

Spain’s Tourist Taxes for 2023 – Everything You Need to Know

Lithuania to Extend Residence Permits for Ukrainians for Another Year

Foreign workers in italy generally earn less compared to native workers, study reveals, foreigners applying for denmark’s residence & work permit must report their salary in dkk, luxembourg welcomes japanese nationals through working holiday program, travellers warned of up to 2.5-hour waits at slovenia-austria border.

With the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions and other measures, the number of tourists who decided to visit Spain increased again, nearing the pre-pandemic level.

However, this has not been welcomed by all destinations in Spain, as those more popular have expressed their concerns regarding over-tourism, and thus, have decided to start applying tourist taxes or raise the fee for the existing ones, .

Barcelona is one of the destinations that has decided to increase the tourist tax for visitors, while the region of Valencia is planning to introduce such a measure by the end of the year.

Barcelona is Spain’s most visited city and since 2012 it has been requiring visitors to pay an extra fee in addition to the region-wide tourist tax.

The fee that Barcelona charges depends on the type of accommodation a visitor chooses to stay and this measure is aimed to help the city deal with over-tourism.

Currently, guests visiting Barcelona and staying in rental accommodation are required to pay a nightly fee of €4, of which €2.25 go to the region whereas the remaining part goes to the city.

Differently from guests staying in rental accommodation, those staying in five-star hotels are required to pay a higher price. Guests staying in five-star hotels in Barcelona pay a nightly fee of €5.25 – €1.75 goes to the region and the remaining part goes to the city.

Cruise passengers who spend over 12 hours in Barcelona also need to pay a fee. This group of travellers is required to pay a fee of €3 to the region and €1.75 to the city.

Even though the fee might seem high for some, the authorities announced that Barcelona’s tourist tax will increase in the next two years.

Euronews explains that the first tax increase will enter into force on April 1, 2023. As soon as the first increase becomes official, travellers visiting Barcelona will be required to pay €2.75, which represents an increase of €1 per night.

The second fee increase will take place next year, on April 1, 2024. According to the authorities, the fee in 2024 will increase to €3.25.

This means that guests visiting Barcelona who chooses to stay in five-star accommodation will have to pay a fee of €6.75 per night, totalling to €47.25 per week per person.

Commenting on the city’s tax increase, the authorities of Barcelona said that they decided to take such a measure in order to attract ‘quality tourism’ rather than a large number of visitors.

“It was the objective sought: to contain the number of tourists and increase tourist income because our model is no longer mass tourism but quality tourism, which adds value to the city,” Jaume Collboni who serves as deputy mayor stressed.

In addition, it has been pointed out that the tourist tax increase will also help the budget of the city. It is anticipated that the fee will bring in around €53 million for Barcelona this year and around €100 million in 2024.

Apart from Barcelona, the whole region of Catalonia also applies a tourist tax. In general, guests staying in the regions of Catalonia have to pay a fee of €3.50 per night when staying in a five-star hotel and €2.25 when staying in rental accommodation.

The Balearic Islands

Just like Catalonia, the Balearic Islands have been applying a tourist tax for all visitors. The Balearic Islands introduced a tourist tax in 2016 and back when such a decision was taken, the authorities said that the fund will be used to make tourism more sustainable.

Currently, all persons over the age of 16 staying in the Balearic Islands are required to pay a fee between €1 and €4 per night.

The authorities reveal that day campers are required to pay a fee of €1 per day, cruise passengers and those staying in cheaper hotels and apartments are required to pay a fee of €2, those staying in mid-range accommodation are required to pay a fee of €3, and those staying in luxury hotels are required to pay a fee of €4.

Data provided by the authorities show that around €12 million will be raised each year as a result of the tourist tax. Moreover, it has been emphasised that the money will be used to protect as well as maintain the natural resources of the area.

Differently from the region of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, which have been applying a tourist tax for years now, the region of Valencia will start doing so at the end of this year.

The authorities of Valencia have announced that they plan on introducing a tourist tax for all travellers staying in the region.

The tourist tax in Valencia is expected to start applying at the end of 2023 or early 2024 and it will apply to all those staying in apartments, hostels, hotels, and campsites, among others.

As soon as the tourist tax for Valencia becomes effective, those who visit the region will be required to pay an amount between 50 cents and €2 per night. This means that the fee will depend on the type of accommodation, whether one chooses to stay in high-end hotels or in rental accommodation.

Commenting on the tourist tax that is to be introduced soon, the authorities of Valencia said that such a decision will help the region sustainably develop its tourism sector. Moreover, the authorities stressed that the tax will be known as the Valencian Tax on Tourist Stays and, at the same time, stressed that this fee will bring in around €30 million per year to the region.

In addition to the above-mentioned, other regions of Spain are also considering introducing a tourist tax. Popular beaches such as Costa Blanca are planning to introduce a tourist tax, which is expected to reach €4 per night per person.

Tourist Tax in Barcelona

Ever heard about tourist taxes? It’s a controversial topic when it comes to vacation destinations.

Barcelona’s tourist tax is a measure that came to Catalonia in 2012 and is still in force.

Any vacation rental property must apply this tax in its rates to pay it later to the public entity. But do not think that it is something discriminatory, the locals also have to pay tourist tax too.

Let’s clear all the doubts about this tax, whether you are a tourist or a rental property owner.

The tourist tax in Catalonia

As an autonomous community, Catalonia currently has a tax for all tourist stays in the territory .

It’s known as Impuesto sobre las Estancias en Establecimientos Turísticos (IEET) – Tax on Stays in Tourist Establishments. These fees vary according to the type of accommodation and its location, so Barcelona has its own taxes , varying from the rest of Catalonia.

What is the Barcelona tourist tax?

The Barcelona tourist tax is a tax that falls on stays in tourist accommodation exclusively in the city of Barcelona. Depending on the type of accommodation, the City Council has established different rates.

This tax is limited to a maximum of seven days per person , provided it is within the same accommodation and all days in a row.

How much is the tourist tax in Barcelona?

From April 1, 2022 , the tourist tax in Barcelona adopted the following rates*:

5-star hotel , luxury campsite and facilities of equivalent category (EB1): €5,25
4-star hotel or similar (EB2): €3,45
Housing for tourist use (EB4): €4
Other establishments and facilities (EB3): €2,75

*These rates include a Barcelona City Council surcharge of €1.75 in force from April 1, 2022. Then it will rise to €2.75 from 04.01.2023 to 03.31.2024, and €3.25 from 04.01.2024 onwards.

Do I have to pay the tourist tax?

The tourist tax must appear in the final price charged to guests. This must clearly appear as a separate charge on the invoice.

So, the cost of the service itself and the amount of the fee are indicated separately, indicating the days or fractions to which it is adjusted and the type of tax applied.

Tourist tax payment exceptions

There are cases in which it is not necessary to pay the tourist tax .

Kids under 16 years old or tourists who arrive in the city with a public subsidy from any European state will be exempt from paying this tax , as will those who have been displaced due to force majeure or health reasons.

You can check the rates on the official website of the Catalan tax agency .

Other Barcelona city taxes

If you are a Barcelona resident, you must be aware of other city taxes that you must comply with as a citizen. These may include taxes on vehicles, real estate, inheritance or donations, among others.

Stay up to date for 2023 taxes checking the tax agency of Catalonia website.

Free tours in Barcelona
Voll-Damm Barcelona Jazz Festival 2022

Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2023: The Future of Mobile Technology

Cheap flights to Barcelona

Find anything in Barcelona

Privacy Overview

Back to last menu
Booking.com Deals
Where to stay

Restaurants
Schools & Classes

Catalan tourist tax: everything you need to know

If you are a vacation rental property manager in Catalonia, Spain, you may have heard about the ecotax or the catalan tourist tax , also known as the “Ecotasa”. This tax was introduced in 2012 as a way to raise funds for the conservation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. We will provide all the information you need to know about the tourist tax in Catalonia and how it affects your vacation rental management business.

What is the Catalan Tourist Tax ?
Who pays the tax?
How much is the tax?
When is the tax paid?
How is the tax collected?
Where does the money generated from the tourist tax go?

What is the Catalan tourist tax ?

The Catalan tourist tax , also known as the ecotax, is a tax that is applied to visitors who stay in tourist accommodations in Catalonia. The tax is applied uniquely over the first seven nights of a guest’s stay. Should a guest stay in multiple accommodations during their visit in Catalonia, they will be subjected to the tax for the first 7 nights in each accommodation. The tax is part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable tourism practices and preserve the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Who pays the tax ?

The tourist tax is paid by visitors who stay in tourist accommodations in Catalonia. This includes hotels, hostels, campsites, and vacation rentals.

How much is the Catalan tourist tax ?

The amount of the tax varies depending on the type of accommodation and the length of the stay. For example, in 2021, the tax for vacation rentals ranges from 0.90 euros to 2.25 euros per person per night, per person, depending on the type of property and its location. The tax is capped at seven nights, so visitors who stay longer than seven nights will not have to pay any additional tax.

Avantio Catalan tourist tax everything you need to know How Much is the tourist tax

When is the tax paid?

The tourist tax is usually paid at the time of check-in. Property managers are responsible for collecting and paying the tax to the local authorities. Visitors receive a receipt for the tax, which they can use as proof of payment.

How is the tourist tax collected?

The vacation rental manager collects the tourist tax . Property managers must register with the local authorities and obtain a tax identification number. They must also keep detailed records of the tax they collect and pay.

Where does the money generated from the catalan tourist tax go?

The Catalan tourist tax is an essential funding source for the preservation and enhancement of Catalonia’s unique natural and cultural resources. As a vacation rental manager in Catalonia, it is important to understand the tourist tax and how it affects your business. By providing your guests with transparent information about the tax and collecting it efficiently, you can ensure that you contribute to sustainable tourism practices and the preservation of the region’s heritage.

Sustainable tourism practices

Understanding the tourist tax in Catalonia is essential for vacation rental property managers. By following the guidelines and requirements set forth by the local authorities, you can ensure that you are providing your guests with a sustainable and memorable vacation experience while also supporting the conservation of the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

For the latest updates and pricing, please visit the Catalonia official government website .

Interested?

Explore our vacation rental software, optimize your business with our all-in-one solution.

Check out our Property Management Software

Reach more guests with over 50 connected portals

Discover the Vacation Rental Channel Manager

Discover the options to increase your direct bookings

Customize your Vacation Rental Website

Sustainable Tourism Statistics: 2023 Ultimate List Statistics and Trends 14/03/2023
How Avantio’s vacation rental management software became the Preferred Partner of top global OTAs 27/04/2022
What to include in a vacation rental welcome book 30/03/2022

Short-term rental regulations: A global outlook (2024)

Key trends influencing short term rentals in 2024

Channel Manager
Unified Inbox
Payment Management
Operations Management Tool
Google Vacation Rentals
Revenue Calendar
Check-in Online
Marketplace
Work with us
Referral Program
Brand Guidelines
Pillars of Sustainability

Get in Touch

Book a demo

In support of

ALEP AIGAB APAR APARTURE APTUR ASCAV ATA AVVA CLF FEVITUR ISCF STAA STAMA VDFA VRMA SPLM AVAT FAVR NWVRP

Increase your direct bookings
Build guest loyalty
Increase your revenue

Planet Payment Gateway

Sustainability course

This popular European city is the latest to increase its tourist tax to battle overtourism

Barcelona is the latest European city to increase its city-wide tourist tax, a slight increase of €0.50 (about $0.53) per night, as the city seeks to curb overtourism.

The new price of €3.25 (about $3.45) was implemented on April 1 as part of the Stays in Tourist Establishments Tax . The bylaw was introduced in 2021, when the tourist tax was €0.75 (around $0.80) per night, and gradually increased the tax each year through 2024. Now, if someone is staying in Barcelona for seven nights, the new total tax amount will be €22.75 (around $24).

“It was the objective sought: to contain the number of tourists and increase tourist income because our model is no longer mass tourism but quality tourism, which adds value to the city,” deputy mayor Jaume Collboni said in March, according to Euronews .

The tax is added to a tourist’s accommodations bill when they stay at official tourist establishments in the city. The money goes toward enhancing the city’s infrastructure, such as improving roads.

Other popular European destinations, such as Amsterdam and Venice, also recently increased tourist taxes for similar reasons.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Are tourist taxes the future of travel? What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide.

“The new and increasing tourist fees across Europe allow cities to fund measures to attract more vacationers, support the local infrastructure and businesses, as well as preventing damages from overtourism,” Tiffany Mealiff, a travel insurance expert at Quotezone , said in a statement to USA TODAY.

However, Barcelona visitors have had to pay a regional tourist tax since 2012, according to Euronews . This tax amount depends on a traveler’s accommodation type, costing more if someone is staying at a luxury hotel than an Airbnb.

Barcelona continues to reign as Spain’s most popular tourist destination. In 2022, Barcelona welcomed 9.7 million tourists , just slightly below pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the Barcelona City Council. However, tourists were found to be staying in the city longer than in 2019.

In 2022, the city also sought to cap the number of people in a tour group and ban megaphones by tour guides in an effort to curb the disruptive effects of overtourism.

Travelers planning their European getaway should be mindful of the additional costs that “are often not obvious beforehand,” according to Mealiff, as they plan their trip budgets.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

www.barcelona.cat

Municipal surcharge to be levied on the tourist tax from 2021

Latest news

Tourism. The application of the surcharge will depend on the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The scaled increase of the new municipal surcharge on the tax for overnight stays in tourist accommodation will depend on the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic. The surcharge will be managed through a municipal by-law and applied from 2021 onwards. The quantity will increase progressively, from €0,75 per person per night next year to €1,25 in 2024.

If the conditions relating to the Covid-19 crisis are favourable, the surcharge on the tax for overnight stays in tourist accommodation (IEET) will start being levied from 2021. The amount will be €0,75 per person per night in 2021 , €1 in 2022 and 2023, and €1,25 in 2024.

The tax on overnight stays in tourist accommodation is levied at an autonomous regional level and applies to people staying in regulated tourist accommodation. In Barcelona, 50% of the tax is managed municipally. All the revenue raised by the new surcharge will be municipally managed and regulated by a new by-law .

The initiative responds to the demand from the City Council to the Government of Catalonia to create a municipal surcharge , with the full amount raised to go to the municipal treasury. This demand was approved by the Catalan government and is regulated by Act 5/2020 and decree law 23/2020, of 11 June.

Some 9.34 million euros from the money raised by the IEET in 2019 has been used this year for projects to reactivate the economy, cultural and creative initiatives, the promotion of historical elements and heritage with a high social value in the districts, and projects for responsible and sustainable tourism.

What is the ‘tourism tax’ in Spain and where do I have to pay it?

TOURIST taxes are common worldwide. In Spain, there are currently found in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

Regional and municipal governments impose tourist taxes through accommodations at hotels and short-term rentals, which are typically collected by the property owner.

Catalonia was the first Spanish autonomous community to implement its tourist tax back in 2012, which is currently divided into two separate fees — one to the municipal government and one to the regional government.

Rates differ between Barcelona and other Catalan cities.

Visitors staying in Barcelona have to pay the fixed municipal rate of €3.25 per night — recently increased from €2.75 last year and €1.75 in 2022 — in addition to the regional government tax, which varies depending on type of accommodation.

The regional tax is €2.25 per night for apartments and €3.5 for five-star hotels, meaning that visitors to the Catalan capital should expect to pay in total €5.50 per night in an apartment and €6.75 in a five-star hotel.

For cruise ship visitors planning to stay in Barcelona for more than twelve hours, the combined total is €6.25 per night.

Elsewhere in Catalonia, tourists will have to pay €1 per night for tourist rentals, €1.20 per night for mid-level hotels and €3 per night for luxury accommodations .

However, Catalonia’s tourist tax only applies to short-term visitors.

That is, tourists will only be charged the tax for a maximum of seven days if they remain in the same accommodation continuously.

In the Balearic Islands, which has had a tourist tax since 2016, rates are dependent on both accommodation type and time of year.

The tourist tax is more during the high tourism season between October and May, when rates range between €1 and €4 per person per night, although children under the age of 16 are exempt.

Campers pay €1, cruise passengers and visitors staying in budget hotels pay €2, while those paying for mid-range hotels must pay €3, increasing to €4 for luxury hotels.

Tourist taxes are used by governments to shift the tax burden from residents to visitors, generate additional tax revenue, fund local environmental and cultural initiatives, and generally discourage overtourism by encouraging visitors to stay in less frequented areas.

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, for example, has one of the world’s highest tourist taxes, currently at around $100 per visitor per night, down from $200 last year.

Tourist taxes are typically imposed in vulnerable or popular areas prone to overtourism, where the cultural and economic impacts of heavy tourism have the potential to negatively affect local residents.

A new tourist tax in Madrid has been proposed on numerous occasions, most recently in May 2023 during the capital’s mayoral elections, when former Tourism Minister and candidate Reyes Maroto said she supported a tourist tax, to criticism from the tourist sector and political opponents.

A tourist tax in Valencia was en route to implementation in 2023, before the autonomous government repealed it in November.

It would have seen fees as high as $2 per night for high-end accommodations.

This much-visited region in eastern Spain will abolish the controversial tourist tax from next week
Travel update for Spain: There will be a need for a tourist tax in Andalucia ‘in the near future’

accommodation
Balearic Islands
cruise ship
overtourism
The Olive Press
Tourist Tax

Spain's economy surged by 0.7% in the first quarter of 2024, official figures show

Why is Spain’s economy the best performing in Europe? All you need to know after the IMF boosted its 2024 growth forecast to 2.4%

EXCLUSIVE: Inside the movement that wants to make Leon Spain’s 18th autonomous community, letting the independence genie out of the bottle as Granada watches closely

First ever neanderthal with Down syndrome is discovered in Spain: Skull of ‘Tina’ reveals how the prehistoric community cared for the young girl

Cole Sinanian

Travel warning for Spain: Restaurants are now charging tourists an extra ‘premium’ for tables in the sun

Iconic hotel in Spain’s Torrevieja goes up for sale at €6million

Latest from explainer.

The sun and the moon are often called Lorenzo and Catalina in Spain – but do YOU know why?

Who was Archibald Dickinson? The British hero who defied orders to rescue fleeing families from Alicante port at the end of Spain’s brutal civil war

Fine dining in Mallorca: The best restaurants in Calvia – including Michelin Star winners

2 bedroom Apartment for sale in San Jose / Sant Josep de Sa Talaia – € 550,000

Living in Barcelona
Good to know

Tourist Tax in Barcelona – WHY, FOR WHO and WHAT IS IT?

Tourist tax in Barcelona with a city view

Tourist tax in Barcelona is one of the most controversial topics to talk about when it concerns your holiday destination, and this tax is still something we have to get used to. The tax measure came into effect in Catalonia in 2012, and it is still in force today.

Any tourist rental property must apply this tax and add it to its tourist rent, and subsequently it must be paid to the city council. In this article we will explain more on tourist tax in Barcelona, and whether you are a tourist or rental property owner, we hope to take away any doubts or questions on the subject.

Table of Contents

Tourist tax in Catalonia

First and foremost, you must be aware that Barcelona levies a tourist tax, and the main reason for this is that the autonomous community of Catalonia has a tax for all tourist accommodations in the region.

The hight of the tax depends on the type of accommodation your are staying in and the location of the accommodation, and the fee is therefore different in Barcelona compared to the rest of Catalonia. The name of the tourist tax is officially Impuesto sobre las Estancias en Establecimientos Turísticos (or IEET).

What does tourist tax in Barcelona mean?

Barcelona’s tourist tax is an extra tax levied on your stay in a tourist accommodation, but only in the city of Barcelona. Prices vary depending on the type of your chosen accommodation.

The tax is, however, limited to a maximum of seven days per person , and the stay must be in the same accommodation and without any interruption.

Children under the age of 16 are exempt from paying this tourist tax.

Related article: Free Tours in Barcelona; Discover The City’s Secrets

How much tourist tax must be paid in Barcelona?

As of April 1, 2024, tourist tax in Barcelona is as shown in the table below.

Source: GENCAT

As of April 1, 2024, the surcharge by Barcelona City will be 3,25€.

Who pays this tourist tax?

Tourist taxes must be included and shown in the price that is paid by guests. The amount must be mentioned clearly on the invoice. The cost of the accommodation must be stated, and the amount of the tourist tax must be clarified separately. It must include the number of days and the tax code of the type of accommodation.

Pay tourist tax in Barcelona

How and when must tourist tax be settled with the administration?

The tourist tax in Barcelona (or any other Catalan town) must be settled online with the Agència Tributària de Catalunya . Tourist tax must be declared and paid every six months , and at the start of every half year you will get 20 days to complete the declaration and payment process.

Tourist tax is levied on customers and guests , but it is ultimately up to the owner of the accommodation to comply with tax regulations and submit corresponding taxes.

Hopefully we have been able to answer all of your questions on tourist tax in Barcelona in 2024. If we haven’t, don’t hesitate and contact ShBarcelona . We are here to help you any way we can.

Barcelona for first-timers

Mobile apps for your pet

Vets to take care of your pet in Barcelona

How To Avoid the Crowds in Barcelona

What to know about Barcelona if you arrive from France

Barcelona Diving: Buying The Essentials And Learning How To Dive

Best shops in Passeig de Gràcia

The Best Outdoor Plants For Your Terrace

How to have a cheap vacation

What are CCCB’s working hours?

About the author.

Daniella enjoys everything the city of Barcelona has to offer. She writes, translates and loves discovering Catalonia and its beautiful nature.

So what you are saying is an Airbnb host may not demand an extra cash charge not listed in the total invoice?

What an unwelcoming way to greet new tourists to your country. I paid the most I’ve ever paid for accommodations for my family to stay in an Airbnb in Barcelona. After the final payment has gone through, I realize that I will have to pay an extra 150 euros for my family for 5 nights. That’s simply outrageous. A couple dollars a night is one thing, but I’ve never heard of such a gauging tax. Leaves a bitter taste in my mouth regarding ever coming back here again.

Where I can find a territory of Barcelona tax fee? I want to book the property in the nearest place to avoid this tax. And what does it mean “he stay must be in the same accommodation and without any interruption.”? I can`t change my accommodation during 7 days stay?

Barcelona to Increase Its Tourist Tax from April

Facebook Messenger

The city of Barcelona recently declared that starting on April 1, 2023, all tourists will be subject to a higher tourist tax fee.

The region of Catalonia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. Particularly Barcelona’s capital city is renowned for its deep history, gorgeous buildings , thriving culture, and breathtaking beaches. It’s fair to say that once you’ve been to Barcelona, it’s a location you won’t soon forget.

If you didn’t know, Barcelona is one of many places in the globe that levies both local and regional taxation. This law has been in effect in Barcelona since 2012, and the fees associated with it will now rise.

All visitors will now have to pay an increase of €2.75 in the municipal fee starting from April 1. This increase is for this year only. From next year April 1, this tourist tax fee will be increased to €3.25. It is important to note that the surcharge is only levied on official tourist lodging (in the main districts).

According to the municipal government, the primary goals of this rise in the tourist tax are to reduce the number of visitors to the city and, more significantly, to provide visitors with a high-quality experience.

Like other well-known tourist sites around the globe, Barcelona is burdened by over-tourism. With the assistance of this surcharge, the city government hopes to keep its infrastructure and enhance escalators, public transportation, and roadways.

What do you think?

Written by Tamanna Reza

Caribbean Island Hopping: A Helpful Guide to the Best Islands

Norwegian Announces Routes for the Winter Season 2023-2024

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Don't have an account? Register

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. %privacy_policy%

Add to Collection

Public collection title

Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

Tourism tax rates in Spain

Last updated 15 February 2021 | Rates reviewed for all destinations listed. Changes include:

Catalonia regional tax rate increase
Barcelona Surcharge delayed from January 2021 until June 2021
Update on destinations considering

A tourism tax (tasa turística) only applies in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

The following destinations are considering but unknown if or when a tax will be implemented (as of 15 February 2021) .

San Sebastián – Potentially proposed between €1 and €5 per person per night depending on star rating of accommodation. Decision postponed to a future date .
Segovia – Potentially proposed €1 or €2 per person per night
Seville – Potentially proposed €1 or €2 per person per night

The tourist tax (taxa turística) is decided by the regional government (Generalitat de Catalunya) using the flat rate per person, per night by accommodation type and star rating and a day tax is levied on cruise ship passengers.

The regional government has also approved Barcelona City Council to implement a Surcharge in addition to the regional tourist tax, set to be implemented on 1 June 2021. The law allows the Surcharge amount to vary up to €4 depending on the location of the accommodation, but Barcelona City Council have agreed the following fixed amounts:

2021 – €0.75 per person per night 2022 & 2023 – €1 per person per night 2024 – €1.25 per person per night

N.B. in the case of early booking of the accommodation, the applicable rate is the one in force at the time of making the reservation provided that the amount of the reservation and the tax is paid at this time.

* 1-3 stars: €1 regional tax + €0.75 surcharge * 4 stars: €1.70 regional tax + €0.75 surcharge * 5 stars: €3.50 regional tax + €0.75 surcharge

How the tax revenue is used

The regional tax revenue is collected by the regional government (Generalitat de Catalunya) with a proportion of the revenue redistributed to local governments to be used for tourism promotion and develop tourism-related infrastructure and services. In November 2019 the Ajuntament de Barcelona announced €4.22 million of this revenue to be used to fund 7 projects in the city.

Revenue from The Surcharge is to be fully retained and managed by Barcelona City Council. The revenue is intended for similar purposes as the regional tax.

Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera)

The tourist tax (impost del turisme sostenible) is known as the eco or sustainable tax and is decided by the local government (municipality). The tax applies to visitors staying in commercial accommodation and cruise ship passengers. In low season (1 st November to 30 th April), the tax is reduced by 75%.

A webpage has been published to show which specific projects related to sustainability are funded by the tax.

Disclaimer: While best efforts have been made to verify the accuracy of the information, the information displayed should be used as guidance only.

This content is exclusive to ETOA members

Forgot your password?

Not a member yet?

The ETOA membership opens invaluable networking opportunities to your business, allows you to gain access to critical insights and information and contributes to the campaign for a better regulatory environment in Europe.

Connect with the global travel trade
Stay informed of insights, regulations and changes
Be supported in shaping the tourism landscape

A complete guide to the Tourist Tax in Spain: What it is, who must pay it and what are the consequences of non-compliance.

Post author By Valery Saavedra
Post date 08/08/2023
No Comments on A complete guide to the Tourist Tax in Spain: What it is, who must pay it and what are the consequences of non-compliance.

What is the Tourist Tax in Spain?

The Tourist Tax in Spain is a tax applied in certain tourist destinations, with the main purpose of financing conservation and sustainability projects . It is characterised by the fact that it is an economic contribution that visitors make during their stay, aimed at maintaining and protecting the natural and cultural environment of the place.

The money collected through the Tourist Tax is directly invested in actions that promote environmental conservation and sustainability. This can range from the protection of natural areas, to projects to improve energy efficiency or promote the use of renewable energies.

Tourist Tax plays a crucial role in promoting responsible tourism . By paying it, travellers contribute to the care and preservation of the natural and cultural resources of the destination they visit. It raises awareness of the environmental impact of tourism and encourages visitors to adopt more environmentally friendly behaviour.

Where is the Tourist Tax paid in Spain?

The tourist tax, also known as ecotax , is applied in several regions of Spain. However, two prominent tourist destinations where this tax is levied are Catalonia and the Balearic Islands .

In Catalonia , the implementation of the tourist tax became effective from 2012. Visitors must pay a fee that varies depending on the category of accommodation and location. It ranges from 0.60 euros to 3.50 euros per night and person.

On the other hand, in the Balearic Islands , the Tourist Tax was introduced in 2016. Here, the amount to be paid depends on the season (high or low) and the type of accommodation, ranging from 0.25 euros to 2 euros per night and person in high season.

As for how this tax is paid, in both regions it is generally collected at the end of the stay, being the responsibility of the establishment to collect it and its subsequent declaration to the tax authorities.

It is important to bear in mind that each Spanish autonomous community has its own rules and rates with regard to the Tourist Tax, so it is always advisable to find out more before travelling.

Thus, although both Autonomous Communities (Catalonia and Balearic Islands) charge a tourist tax, there are significant differences in terms of how much and how it is paid . At Chekin, we are well-aware that calculating tourist taxes is a complex and tedious process. There are many parameters involved that vary between regions and countries. But don’t worry, our software calculates them automatically for you .

What VAT is levied on the tourist tax?

The Tourist Tax , also known as ecotax, is subject to a value added tax (VAT) in Spain. This tax has a tax rate of 10% . This means that 10% of the total amount of the tourist tax goes to VAT .

It is important to note that this VAT is not added to the amount of the Tourist Tax, but is included in the final amount paid by the tourist. For example, if the Tourist Tax is 2 euros per night in an accommodation, the VAT would be 0.20 euros.

This percentage of VAT on the Tourist Tax is fixed and does not vary according to factors such as the type of accommodation or the season. In fact, it is applied uniformly to all transactions related to the tourist tax.

Payment of VAT is compulsory and non-compliance may lead to penalties. As with the Tourist Tax itself, it is the responsibility of the accommodation owner to collect this VAT and remit it to the tax administration.

Which cities have a tourist tax?

In Spain , several cities and regions have implemented the tourist tax to finance sustainability and conservation projects. In Catalonia, the cities of Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona and Lleida apply this tax to visitors. Each city has its own charging system and rates vary depending on the type of accommodation and the season. You can find our legal guide for Catalonia to make sure your property meets all requirements such as Tourist Taxes.

The Balearic Islands have also adopted the ecotax . In this case, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are destinations where this tax is charged to tourists. As in Catalonia, the rates may depend on the type of accommodation and the season.

It is important to note that the money collected through the tourist tax is used to finance projects that seek to preserve the environment and promote more sustainable tourism in these regions. In the following section, we will focus on who is obliged to pay this tax.

How can I automate the Tourist Tax collection process?

To facilitate the collection of the ecotax, there are tools that allow you to automate this process . One of these is Chekin , a digital platform that allows you to manage guest registration and payments, including the collection of ecotax. This tool is especially useful if you manage multiple properties or if you don’t live close to your holiday properties to be able to do it remotely.

With Chekin , you can:

Automate the Tourist Tax calculation based on guest data and local regulations.
Ask your guests to pay the tourist tax during online check-in.
Manage your collections and collect the tourist tax in an automated way thanks to Chekin .

Adopting this technological solution can save you time and avoid errors in the calculation and collection of the ecotax . Remember, it is not only about complying with your tax obligations, but also about contributing to sustainable tourism.

Who has to pay the Tourist Tax in Spain?

The payment of the Tourist Tax in Spain is an obligation for all tourists over 16 years of age who stay in tourist establishments, from hotels to tourist flats, campsites and cruises. Even those who stay overnight in their private boat in the waters of the Balearic Islands are subject to this tax.

There are specific categories of individuals and entities that are obliged to pay. Owners of tourist establishments are responsible for collecting the Tourist Tax from their guests and transferring it to the government.

However, there are some exceptions as to who is exempt from paying the Tourist Tax. For example, persons with a recognised disability of 33% or more and their companions, children under the age of 16, people travelling for work purposes, or those in urgent or emergency situations are exempt from payment.

There are also specific situations where the Tourist Tax is not required. If an individual stays for a long period (more than 20 consecutive days) in the same establishment, the days from the 20th day onwards are exempt from payment.

Thus, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding the payment of the ecotax to avoid any inconvenience during your stay. Tourist Taxes by Chekin calculates the tourist rates for any place in the world, automatically meeting the official requirements of your country or region.

How much is the Tourist Tax? Amount at each site and exceptions

The ecotax, also known as tourist tax , varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. In Catalonia, for example, the amount can range from €0.60 to €3.50 per person per night, while in the Balearic Islands the amount can be as much as €2 per night.

There are certain exceptions to this general rule:

Children under the age of 16 are exempt from this fee.
In the Balearic Islands, during the low season (November to April), a 50% discount applies.
Long term accommodation: if the stay exceeds 12 days, a 50% discount will be applied from the 13th day onwards.

These amounts serve as a reference to understand how much the Tourist Tax could be. However, it is crucial to consult updated local rates to get an accurate figure and to be aware of any changes in exceptions or discounts.

What happens if I do not pay the Tourist Tax?

Failure to pay the Tourist Tax can lead to severe legal consequences . It is important to understand that this tax is not optional, but a legal duty for certain tourists and accommodation establishments.

Penalties or fines vary depending on the location and the seriousness of the infraction. For example, in the Balearic Islands, the fine can be up to 400,000 euros for tour operators who do not charge the Tourist Tax. In Catalonia, fines can be equally high for those who evade this tax. Moreover, repeated non-compliance can lead to additional restrictions and possible legal action. One notable case is that of a hotel in Mallorca that was forced to close for five days for non-payment of the Tourist Tax.

It is crucial to understand the importance of compliance with the Tourist tax , also known as ecotax, not only to avoid legal sanctions, but also to contribute to the sustainable development of tourist regions.

When is Tourist Tax levied?

The specific time at which the Tourist Tax is charged may vary depending on the location. Generally, this fee is charged at check-in or upon arrival at the accommodation. However, in some cases, it may be included in the total price when booking.

In relation to tax administration, the collection and management of the Tourist Tax is carried out by the relevant local authorities. These funds are then transferred to the treasury and earmarked for conservation and sustainable projects.

The funds raised through the ecotax play a crucial role in financing sustainable and conservation projects. These projects can address a variety of issues important to the local community, such as the conservation of protected natural areas, improvements to tourism infrastructure or environmental education programmes.

How much is the tourist tax in Catalonia?

The tourist tax in Catalonia varies depending on the type of accommodation and the season. For a 5-star hotel, the rate is 3.50 euros per night during the high season. In the case of tourist flats, you pay 2.25 euros per night all year round.

It is important to note that this amount collected is used to finance projects linked to sustainable tourism in Catalonia . These can range from the preservation and improvement of natural and cultural spaces to initiatives to promote responsible tourism.

This tourism tax model seeks to balance the impact of tourism with the benefits it brings to the region. It ensures that each visitor contributes directly to maintaining and enhancing the unique and attractive features of Catalonia that have led to its choice as a destination.

How much tourist tax do you pay in the Balearics?

If you plan to visit the beautiful Balearic Islands, it is important to be aware of the tourist tax you will have to pay. The specific amount varies according to the season and type of accommodation. In high season (May to October), five-star hotels and four-star superior accommodation charge a daily rate of €4.00 per person, while holiday homes charge €2.00. During the low season, these rates are halved.

It is worth mentioning that these funds raised are used to promote sustainable tourism and protect the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Balearics. Thus, by paying this fee, you are directly contributing to the conservation of these paradisiacal Spanish destinations.

Who pays the Tourist Tax in Catalonia?

In Catalonia, the tourist tax is the responsibility of visitors over the age of 16. This obligation falls mainly on tourists staying in any type of tourist accommodation establishment, which includes hotels, tourist flats, rural houses, campsites and cruise ships.

It is important to note that there are some exceptions to consider. For example, people staying in tourist accommodation establishments located within the Ebro Delta Natural Park are not subject to this tax.

In addition, guests who prove that they are undergoing medical treatment during their stay are also not obliged to pay it. These details are crucial to understand who is exempt from paying the tourist tax in Catalonia.

Who pays the Tourist Tax in the Balearics?

In the Balearic Islands, the ecotax is a liability that falls mainly on tourists. In general, anyone staying in a registered accommodation establishment, such as hotels, tourist flats and similar places of accommodation, is obliged to pay this tax.

Visitors of all ages are subject to the tax, although there are certain exceptions. For example, Balearic residents staying in a tourist establishment on the islands are not obliged to pay the eco-tax. In addition, children under the age of 16 are also exempt from payment.

In summary, it is essential to understand who is obliged to pay the ecotax in the Balearics to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure compliance with this sustainability-oriented measure.

Privacy Overview

Q&A: Understanding Catalonia’s new tourist apartment regulations

Q: What is the Decree Law 3/2023 that Catalonia has recently approved?

A: The Decree Law 3/2023 is a new legal framework that requires tourist apartments in 262 municipalities of Catalonia to obtain a prior urbanistic license and tourism authorization. It aims to address housing shortages and regulate the short-term rental market more strictly.

Q: Why are these new regulations being implemented?

A: The Catalonian government ensures that housing becomes a fundamental right for its residents. The decree is part of broader efforts to tackle the challenges of housing accessibility, which the proliferation of tourist apartments has exacerbated.

Q: Which areas are affected by this new decree?

A: The regulations target 140 ‘tense market’ municipalities where housing shortages are pronounced and areas with a high density of tourist apartments—specifically, those with more than five tourist apartments per hundred inhabitants.

Q: What will happen to existing tourist apartments under these new rules?

A: Owners of existing tourist apartments must apply for a new license within five years to continue operating legally. If they fail to comply with the new licensing requirements, they must cease their rental activities.

Q: What are the legal criticisms of the decree?

A: Some legal experts argue that the decree is overly interventionist . They suggest that it focuses on regulating property use rather than facilitating better access to housing or investing in improving the housing stock.

Q: How is the tourist apartment sector responding to the changes?

A: The sector has voiced strong opposition, describing the decree as rushed and potentially ineffective. Industry associations worry about the substantial adverse economic impact, including the loss of jobs and the potential decline in tourism-related revenue.

Q: Can you explain the economic significance of tourist apartments in Catalonia?

A: Tourist apartments are a significant part of Catalonia’s economy, particularly in Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona. They contribute to the GDP, generate substantial tax revenue, and support thousands of jobs. The sector also indirectly benefits local commerce and the hospitality industry.

Q: What are the predicted outcomes of this new regulation?

A: While the regulation aims to address housing issues, there is concern about the potential loss of up to 40% of Catalonia’s regulated tourist accommodation, with broader economic ramifications, including a possible reduction in the GDP from tourism and job losses across related sectors.

Need Help Navigating the New Tourist Apartment Regulations in Catalonia?

The recent Decree Law 3/2023 may have left you with more questions than answers. How do you secure your tourist apartment’s future in the face of these changes? Worry not! At Costaluz, we’re well-versed in the intricacies of the new regulations and stand ready to guide you through obtaining the necessary licenses.

Keep the complexities of legal compliance from disrupting your business. Contact us today , and let’s ensure your tourist apartment continues to welcome guests for years to come!

New Spanish housing law: Regulations and changes
How Spain regulates its holiday rental property market
Transforming trends in Spain’s residential market: A comprehensive legal and industry analysis

4 thoughts on “Q&A: Understanding Catalonia’s new tourist apartment regulations”

We own a house in Catalonia for the last 24 years valued at over 500,000. We are both in our seventies and looked forward to spending our retirement in Spain returning to the UK for a couple of months in the summer. With Brexit we are bound by the 90 days rule. We are in a position to purchase another house using the value of our existing house or a bridging loan to gain a golden visa. We have been informed that at our age there is capital gains tax if we sell or no tax if we invest in another property. We would like to know exactly what our options are in our current situation.

Dear Roger,

Given your interest in spending more time in Spain, here are a few key options: 1. Golden Visa through Property Investment: Investment Amount: Invest a minimum of €500,000 in Spanish real estate, including the value of your current home if you sell and reinvest. Benefits: Residency for you and your family, no minimum stay requirement, and free movement within the Schengen Area. 2. Capital Gains Tax Considerations: Tax Exemptions: Reinvesting in another property may exempt you from capital gains tax. Additional exemptions may apply for individuals over 65 if the property was your primary residence. Tax Rates: 19% to 26% on capital gains, depending on the amount. 3. Alternative Residency Options: Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): Allows you to live in Spain without working, requiring sufficient financial means and proof of private health insurance. Requires staying in Spain for more than 183 days per year, making you a tax resident. Temporary Residency Permits: Based on family reunification if you have family members who are EU citizens or residents in Spain. Next Steps: Consult with a financial advisor or legal expert specializing in Spanish real estate and residency law to determine the best course of action for your situation.

If you need further assistance, please let us know, and we can arrange a consultation with our International Tax Law specialist. We also offer services for the sale of your current property and the purchase of a new one.

Best regards,

Hi , I have a question re the Cambrils area of Tarragona. We are thinking of purchasing a property with the intent to live there and provide Bed n Breakfast / pension type set up . We have permanent residency here as we have been working here for six years. Do you think this could be a possible option for us . Many thanks

Janette, Yes, purchasing a property in Cambrils to run a Bed & Breakfast or pension could be a viable option, especially since you already have permanent residency in Spain. However, you will need to check local regulations and zoning laws in Tarragona to ensure that the property can be legally used for this purpose. Additionally, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to operate a hospitality business is crucial.

We will be certainly pleased to help you with this all.

Best wishes

Start typing and press enter to search

We use cookies to optimise our website and our service.

Find out what you really need to know, plus easily compare prices from hundreds of deals, no matter what insurance you need.

Our Top Picks

Cheap Car Insurance
Best, Largest Car Insurance Companies
Cheap Motorcycle Insurance
Cheap Home Insurance
Cheap Moped Insurance
Best Cheap Cruise Insurance
Best Pet Insurance
Best Insurance for Bulldogs
Best Travel Insurance
Pet Insurance
Home Insurance
Travel Insurance
Car Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance
Caravan & Motorhome Insurance
Campervan Insurance
Health Insurance
Van Insurance

Solar Panels

Get solar panels for your home.

Best Solar Panels
Solar Panel Installers
Solar Panels for Home
Solar Panel Comparison
Solar Panel Installation
Solar Panel Battery

The Financial Aspects

Solar Panel Costs
Solar Panel Grants
Solar Panel Quotes
Solar Panel Tariffs

Business Insurance

Find the best insurance deals for you and discover what you need to know, whatever your business.

Popular Types of Cover

Public Liability Insurance
Employers' Liability Insurance
Professional Indemnity
Directors and Officers
Fleet Insurance
Best Business Insurance Companies
Guide to Small Business Insurance
How Much Does Business Insurance Cost?
Business Loans

By Type of Business

Limited Company Insurance
Self Employed Insurance

By Occupation

Click for insurance by occupation!

Credit Cards

Read reviews and guides to get clarity over credit cards and see which is best for you.

Helping you make the most of your money with our in-depth research on the topics that matter to you.

Stay up to date with the latest news that affects you.

Come say hi!

Connect with NimbleFins

Follow NimbleFins on LinkedIn

The guidance on this site is based on our own analysis and is meant to help you identify options and narrow down your choices. We do not advise or tell you which product to buy; undertake your own due diligence before entering into any agreement. Read our full disclosure here .

Spain tourist tax - how much is tourist tax for Majorca, Benidorm, Barcelona and more

Tourist tax in Spain is a controversial topic among hoteliers and visitors, but something there is no getting away from if you choose to travel to the country's most popular holiday spots.

The decision to charge a levy is left up to local authorities, meaning those that do charge the tax can have different rates and eligibility.

Compare Cheap Travel Insurance

Save money on your holiday insurance today. Quick quotes from 20 insurers.

Although the majority of the country is tourist tax-free, some of the most popular areas of Spain now charge a fee for tourists to help pay for infrastructure, resources, amenities and even to reduce the number of visitors at peak times. A family of four could face paying an additional €175 for a week away to the most expensive destinations. This, along with essentials like travel insurance and luggage , could quickly make a cheap deal look much more pricey.

Currently, Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera and some parts of Catalonia (including Barcelona) charge a tourist tax. Valencia (which includes Benidorm) was due to launch its tourist tax in December 2023 but it has been scrapped for now.

Madrid has also discussed the introduction of a tariff on numerous occasions but has not yet implemented one. Parts of Andalusia, such as Seville, Granada and Malaga, have also expressed interest in introducing a tourist tax, while northern regions Galicia and San Sebastian are also considering introducing a charge.

Each area charges the tax slightly differently, which we’ve broken down for you below. Or use our Spain tourist tax calculator to see what you'll need to pay.

Tourist tax for Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera (Balearic Islands)

Tourist tax for barcelona, tourist tax for catalonia, tourist tax for benidorm and valencia, spain tourist tax for airbnb stays, spain tourist tax calculator, spain tourist tax.

The Balearic Islands has charged a tourist tax covering all islands on the archipelago – Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera - since 2016, in a bid to make tourism more sustainable and preserve the environment.

The cost for each visitor is between €1-€4 per night depending on the type of accommodation they are staying in, with those in the most luxurious hotels paying the most.

Campers and those staying in hostels or lodgings pay €1 a day, cruise passengers (no matter the length of their visit) and those in budget hotels and apartments up to 3 stars pay €2, mid-range accommodation visitors pay €3, and luxury hotel guests pay €4 a day.

Rates more than halve during low season between November 1 and April 30.

They are: Hostel dwellers and campers pay 25 cents a day, cruise passengers and budget hotel and apartment guests up to 3 stars pay 50 cents, 3 star 'superior' and 4 star hotels charge 75 cents and 4 star 'superior' and five star luxury hotels charge €1.

Children under 16 are exempt. Those staying longer will have a 50% discount applied starting on the ninth day of staying at the same accommodation.

Barcelona charges visitors between €4.25 and €6.75 a night depending on the type of accommodation they are staying in and this is rising from October 2024.

Some of the money goes to the Catalonia region with the rest going to the city. The prices are due to go up steadily over the next few years as the city authority raises its fee. The first rise came into force on April 1 2023.

Currently, those in hotels and apartments up to four stars pay €4.95 a night (going up to €5.70 in October 2024). This goes up to €6.75 for those in five star hotels (€7.50 from Oct 2024).

Housing for tourist use, such as Airbnb are charged €5.50 (up to €6.25 from Oct) a night with other, lower-ranked establishments costing €4.25 a night (€5 from Oct).

Cruise passengers must pay €6.25 to enter the city, or €5.25 if spending more than 12 hours there.

From October 2024, the Barcelona city surcharge will increase again by 75 cents a night.

Children under 16 are exempt from the tourist tax in Barcelona.

Outside of Barcelona, the rest of Catalonia charges tourist tax. Because this is only collected by the regional authority, this is cheaper than Barcelona but can still add up for a family staying for a week.

As of April 2024 the charge is between €0.60 and €3 a night, again depending on the type of accommodation.

Those in a 5-star hotel are charged €3, dropping to €1.20 for those in 4-star hotels and apartments.

So-called 'housing for tourist use' such as an Airbnb, costs €1 a night, with other establishments costing €0.60.

Cruise ship passengers staying less than 12 hours must pay €3, with the price dropping to €2 for those staying more than 12 hours.

Children under 16 are exempt from the tourist tax in Catalonia.

The Valencia region, which includes Benidorm, Alicante and Valencia city itself, has now scrapped plans to introduce a tourist tax after uproar from local communities.

The scheme was due to come in in 2024, but was withdrawn after the Valencia region elected Carlos Mazón as new president of the Generalitat .

However, the region, which includes Benidorm, is a highly visited place so it's worth explaining what the charges would have been to give an idea of what could potentially happen if debate arises again.

The agreed charges were between 50 cents and €2 a night, depending on the type of accommodation.

A 50 cents charge was to be imposed on campers and €2 for hotel and apartment stays. Cruise passengers would also have to pay, although the amount was never confirmed.

Originally the charge was due to be mandatory but after much frustration from local authorities, the region agreed the levy would be voluntary, with Alicante, Benidorm and Torrevieja saying they would not enforce the tax. Only Valencia city itself appeared to be on board with the charge.

Under the Valencia region's rules, if the tax did come into force, children under 16, disabled people and those in the area for a university event would be exempt.

Protect your holiday today. Quick quotes from 20 insurers.

Holidaymakers booking through Airbnb must also pay a tourist tax when visiting the areas of Spain that have introduced the charge.

This is not always included in the price quoted for an accommodation, and Airbnb cannot currently collect this money on behalf of the local authorities in Spain. However, it is in talks to make this happen.

As such, the tourist tax in Spain is usually paid for on arrival or via a third party.

Airbnb already collects tourist tax for European countries including Germany, France, Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands.

Want to quickly calculate how much Spain tourist tax you'll owe? Enter a few details into our Spain tourist tax calculator below and get an instant estimate:

Here are all the Spain tourist tax charges as of April 1 2023:

Hand luggage size rules for easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and more 2023
5 tips for finding cheap flights
Which Companies Provide Cheap Travel Insurance Quotes?
4.8 out of 5 stars**
Quotes from 20 providers

Our Top Insurance Picks

Cheap Travel Insurance

Cheap Travel Insurance by Destination

Travel Insurance to Australia
Travel Insurance to Ireland
Travel Insurance to Canada
Travel Insurance to Turkey
Travel Insurance to India

Articles on Travel Insurance Costs

Average Cost of Travel Insurance
Average Cost of Travel Insurance to USA
Cost of Travel Insurance with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Average Cost of Travel Insurance to India
Average Cost of Travel Insurance to Ireland

Travel Insurance Guides

Do I Need Travel Insurance? 3 Key Questions
Will Your Travel Insurance Claim be Rejected? Boost Your Odds with These Tips
7 Things Your Travel Insurance May Not Cover
Travel Insurance Guide

Travel Insurance Reviews

AA Travel Insurance Review
Admiral Travel Insurance Review
Aviva Travel Insurance Review
AXA Travel Insurance Review
Cedar Tree Travel Insurance Review
CoverForYou Travel Insurance Review
Coverwise Travel Insurance Review
Debenhams Travel Insurance Review
Direct Line Travel Insurance Review
Holidaysafe Travel Insurance Review
Insure & Go Travel Insurance Review
Sainsbury's Bank Travel Insurance Review
Tesco Travel Insurance Review
Travelinsurance.co.uk Travel Insurance Review
Zurich Travel Insurance Review

Reviews of Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Fit2Travel Travel Insurance Review
Free Spirit Travel Insurance Review
goodtogoinsurance.com Review
JustTravelcover.com Insurance Review
OK To Travel Insurance Review
Saga Travel Insurance Review
Virgin Money Travel Insurance Review
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Editorial Guidelines
How This Site Works
Cookie Policy
Copyright © 2024 NimbleFins

Advertiser Disclosure : NimbleFins is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), FCA FRN 797621. NimbleFins is a research and data-driven personal finance site. Reviews that appear on this site are based on our own analysis and opinion, with a focus on product features and prices, not service. Some offers that appear on this website are from companies from which NimbleFins receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (for example, the order in which they appear). For more information please see our Advertiser Disclosure . The site may not review or include all companies or all available products. While we use our best endeavours to be comprehensive and up to date with product info, prices and terms may change after we publish, so always check details with the provider. Consumers should ensure they undertake their own due diligence before entering into any agreement.

Note regarding savings figures: *For information on the latest saving figures, pay-less-than figures, and pay-from figures used for promotional purposes, please click here .

**4.8 out of 5 stars on Reviews.co.uk is the rating for our insurance comparison partner, QuoteZone.

Search the Healthplan Spain Magazine Search

Most Popular
Self Employed
Types of insurance:
With Co-payments
Without Co-payments
International Cover
Transferring from BUPA
Health insurance for:
All Visas (except Students)
Students Visas
Residency / NIE
For People Already Living in Spain
All Dental Plans
Plans With Co-payments:
Sanitas Dental
Dental Millenium
Sanitas Dental Premium
Plans Without Co-payments:
Sanitas Dental 21
EXTRA OPTIONS
BUPA TRANSFER
GET A QUOTE

HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Health News
Health Tips
Our Hospitals

Many regions in Spain charge a tourist tax, also known as an " eco-tax " or " city tax ".

There are a number of cities and regions in Spain which have now imposed the tax, so if you are visiting the country in 2023, you may find that you will have to pay an extra amount for each night of your stay.

These taxes are typically imposed on overnight stays in hotels, apartments, and other types of accommodation.

The amount of the tax varies depending on the location and type of accommodation you stay in, and it is usually collected by the property owner or manager at the time of check-in.

Below we cover which of the Spanish regions have imposed the tax, why the tax is being used, and which tourists need to pay it.

Why have some regions imposed a tourist tax?

Some regions in Spain have imposed the tourist tax as a way to generate additional revenue and to help offset the costs of maintaining and improving tourism infrastructure and services.

Additionally, the revenue generated from tourist tax can also be used to fund local initiatives and programs such as cultural and environmental projects, as well as to support the development of sustainable tourism practices.

It is also seen as a way to control over-tourism in certain areas and promote responsible tourism by encouraging visitors to spread out and visit other areas, rather than congregating in popular destinations.

Which regions will charge a tourist tax in 2023

Some of the regions in Spain that currently charge a tourist tax include the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Valencia.

It is important to note that these rates are subject to change and that some municipalities may have different rates. It is always best to check with the local authorities or the hotel/property owner for the most up-to-date information prior to travel.

Catalonia first imposed its tourist tax back in 2012, however, the local authorities there have recently stated that they plan to increase the tax in 2023/2024.

The tax generally comes in two parts with one part paid to the regional government and the other part paid to the municipal council.

Note that there are different rates on whether you are staying in Barcelona or elsewhere in Catalonia. Staying in Barcelona will see you pay more in tourist tax.

It is important to note that the tax is only charged for a maximum of seven days per person who stays in the same accommodation continuously.

Below we have broken the two down.

Barcelona - Currently, the municipal tax is split with a fixed surcharge of €1.75 which goes to the city council, and a further payment depending on the accommodation type which goes to the regional government.

For example, at the moment, a tourist staying in a five-star hotel will pay €5.25 per night to stay in the city. However, by 2024, this will rise to €6.75 with the surcharge increased from €1.75 to €2.75 in 2023 and then to €3.25 from April 1, 2024.

A guest staying in a five-star hotel will therefore pay an extra €47.25 for a seven-night break.

Those staying in regulated apartments will also have to pay more from 2023.

Currently, guests pay €4.00 per night to stay in an apartment, €2.25 per night to the regional government, and €1.75 to the city council.

With the change, this will rise to around €5 per night from 2023.

Cruise ship passengers staying in the region for more than 12 hours will also have to pay more. Visitors currently pay €3 to the region and €1.75 to the city, however, this will increase to a total of €6.25 per night by 2024.

Learn more about the recent increase to the Barcelona tourist tax .

Catalonia region - In the Catalonia region (not including Barcelona) guests will pay a total of between €0.60 and €3.00 per night depending on location and accommodation type.

Note that if staying outside of Barcelona, you only pay the general rate for Catalonia. There is nothing to pay to the Barcelona City Council.

For specific rates per accommodation, please see the Catalonia government website .

Valencian Community

The Valencian regional government recently announced that they would be introducing a tourist tax and although no exact dates have been disclosed, it will most likely be at the end of 2023 or early 2024.

The regional government said they would be delaying the rollout of the tax as it was “ not the right time ” given the cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty.

Once the tax does come into force, it will mean that holidaymakers visiting the region in the most popular holiday destinations such as Benidorm, the City of Valencia, and the Costa Blanca, will see the cost of their breaks increase.

So how much will the Valencian tourist tax be?

Those staying in certain accommodations will pay up to €2 extra per day with those staying on cruise ships also having to pay around €1.50 extra per day .

Payments will only be charged for a maximum of seven days , so those at the top end of the scale and staying in hotels will pay around €14 extra per person.

Anyone under the age of 16 will be exempt from paying the tourist tax.

The announcement did meet with some opposition with some people believing it will have a negative impact on tourism in the region, however, it is believed that the tax will not be compulsory, with individual councils getting to choose whether it is levied or not.

Learn more about the Valencian tourist tax .

Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands, similar to Catalonia, have implemented a tourist tax for all visitors. This tax was first introduced in 2016 with the intention of using the funds to make tourism more sustainable.

The Balearic Islands has established two rates, one for the high season between May and October and the other, the low season, which applies between November and April.

During the low season, the rates are reduced significantly, with rates ranging from 25 cents to 1 euro depending on the accommodation you will be staying in. The rates below are for the high season .

Anyone over the age of 16 staying in the Balearic Islands must pay a fee between €1 and €4 per night.

It should be noted that day campers are required to pay a fee of €1 per day, while cruise passengers and those staying in cheaper hotels and apartments must pay €2, those staying in mid-range accommodation must pay €3, and those staying in luxury hotels must pay €4.

According to data provided by the authorities, approximately €12 million is raised annually as a result of this tourist tax. The funds are used to preserve and maintain the natural resources of the area.

Other regions which are considering charging a tourist tax

There are a number of other regions in Spain which have been debating the introduction of a tourist tax including the popular Andalusian destinations of Malaga and Seville .

However, in 2023, there is unlikely to be a tourist tax with the regional government, the Junta de Andalucia, against the idea, saying that it could negatively impact tourism in the region.

January 10, 2024

December 21, 2023

Self employed business woman looking at paperwork

Updated: February 07, 2024 CET

December 08, 2023

December 05, 2023

November 29, 2023

Sanitas Health Plans
Sanitas Hospitals
Sanitas Dental Plans
Sanitas Extra Options
Sanitas Self-Employed Plans
Sanitas Business Plans
Insurance for Students
Insurance For Residency / Visa
Transferring from Bupa
Worldwide Health Insurance
Insurance for Self Employed
Private Patient Services
Find a Sanitas Doctor / Specialist
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Buy Our Products
HealthPlan Magazine
Visa Requirements For Spain
How To Call Emergency Services
How To Get Residency In Spain

HealthPlan is authorised and regulated by the Direccion General de Seguros y Fondos y Pensiones No. C0320 - 22395 / Legal / DMCA Notice / Disclaimer / Privacy Visit Our Offices at Calle Valentuñana, No.2, Marbella, Málaga, 29601

What is Spain’s Tourist Tax? Everything you...

What is Spain’s Tourist Tax? Everything you need to know for charges in 2023

Canarian Weekly

With the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions and other measures, the number of tourists who decided to visit Spain in 2022 increased again, nearing pre-pandemic levels. However, this has not been welcomed by all destinations in Spain, as those more popular ones have expressed their concerns regarding over-tourism, and thus, have decided to start applying, or increasing, tourist taxes.

Currently the Canary Islands doesn’t have a tourist tax, but there are ongoing in-depth talks about whether one should be introduced, how much it would be, and how to implement it.

Barcelona is one of the destinations that has decided to increase the tourist tax for visitors, while the region of Valencia is planning to introduce it by the end of the year.

Barcelona: Barcelona is consistently Spain’s most visited city, and since 2012 it has been requiring visitors to pay an extra fee in addition to the region-wide tourist tax.

The fee that Barcelona charges depends on the type of accommodation visitors chooses to stay in, and this measure is aimed to help the city deal with ‘over-tourism’.

Currently, guests visiting Barcelona and staying in rental accommodation are required to pay a nightly fee of €4, of which €2.25 goes to the regional government and the remaining part goes to the city.

In addition, those staying in five-star hotels are required to pay a higher priced tax of €5.25 per night, of which €3.50 goes to the city, and cruise passengers who spend over 12 hours in Barcelona also need to pay a fee, which equates to €4.75 (€33.25 a week per person) and this case the city keeps €3.

Even though this fee might seem high, the authorities have announced that Barcelona’s tourist tax will increase over the next two years, in some cases by up to €2 per night, claiming that they decided to take such a measure in order to attract ‘quality tourism’ rather than a large number of visitors.

“Our aim is to contain the number of tourists and increase income from tourism because our model is no longer mass tourism but quality tourism, which adds value to the city,” the deputy mayor Jaume Collboni stressed.

In addition, he pointed out that the tourist tax increase will also help the city’s annual budget. It is forecast that the fee will bring in around €53 million for Barcelona this year and around €100 million in 2024.

The Balearic Islands: Just like Catalonia, the Balearic Islands (including Ibiza and Majorca) have been applying a tourist tax for all visitors since 2016, and back then, when the decision was taken, the authorities said that the fund would be used to make tourism more sustainable.

Currently, everyone over the age of 16 staying in the Balearic Islands has to pay a fee between €1 and €4 per night.

Data provided by the authorities show that around €12 million euros are raised each year as a result of the tourist tax. Moreover, it has been emphasised that the money is being used to protect, as well as maintain, the natural resources of the area.

Valencia: Differently from the region of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands which have been applying a tourist tax for several years, the region of Valencia will start doing so at the end of this year, for all travellers staying in the region in apartments, hostels, hotels, and campsites, among others.

The authorities said that such a decision will help the region sustainably develop its tourism sector. Moreover, they stressed that the tax will be known as the Valencian Tax on Tourist Stays and will bring in around €30 million per year to the region.

The hidden Canarian village that is a gateway to a stunning National Park

Burglar arrested for breaking into and robbing four bars and restaurants

Major traffic delays after collision between a van and a lorry

Gambling regulations in the UK and Spain – A comparative case study

Holidaymaker rescued with symptoms of drowning in the south of Tenerife

One lucky ticket holder wins €88 million lottery jackpot in the Canary Islands

AEMET forecast a change in the weather this weekend in the Canary Islands

Motorcyclist dies after colliding with a car in the south of Tenerife

La Pinta Beach reopens after two-day closure due to contaminated water

Canary Islands restaurant gets rated in Top 5 nationally with The Fork

Three arrested for robbing cars in Tenerife's tourist hotspots

VIDEO: Car lands on roof after plunging down an embankment in Costa Adeje

The Only Way Is Essex: EasyJet announces new flights from Southend to the Canaries

Journey through Spain: Merging historical exploration with modern-day leisure

Yaiza Council says that the Papagayo Arena Hotel cannot be legalised

Tenerife Chamber of Commerce begins processing Rental Aid applications

Transforming Canary Island properties using Makita power tools

Police investigating €5,000 theft from phone left unlocked at repair shop in Adeje

HiperDino launches 50% off ‘Back-to-School’ sale on school supplies

A hot and sunny day in the Canary Islands as storm warnings lifted

Top online casinos available to players in the Canary Islands

Popular beach in Costa Adeje closed due to contamination

Health authorities detect another Tiger Mosquito at Tenerife South Airport

The new Cherenkov Telescope in La Palma edges closer to full operation

How to use unsecured loans to overcome business financial challenges

Strong waves force closure of several beaches in the south of Tenerife

Man arrested in the Canary Islands for attempted murder in broad daylight

New cabin and hand luggage regulations start in September

Storm warning activated across the Canary Islands

Beach closed in Puerto del Carmen due to E-coli contamination

Tourist tax Spain 2023: the controversial measure is being considered by Spain’s capital Madrid

It appears that Madrid could follow other Spanish tourist destinations in adopting the controversial tourist tax , which will require visitors to pay an extra charge for each night they spend in the city. Reyes Maroto, former Tourism Minister in Spain and current mayoral candidate in Madrid, has expressed her support for implementing the tax if she is elected. She emphasised that the tax should not just be a means of collecting revenue, but should also benefit the tourism industry. This is everything you need to know about the controversial tourist tax being considered by Spain’s capital Madrid .

Tourist tax in Spain

Worry from the tourism industry

When it comes to the tourist tax in Spain, the measure has already been adopted in several popular destinations.

Barcelona's fee for tourists varies based on the type of accommodation chosen and is intended to address issues related to over-tourism. Presently, visitors who stay in rental accommodation are charged 4 euros per night, while those staying in five-star hotels are charged a higher rate of 5.25 euros per night. There are also plans to raise this amount by 1.50 euros by mid next year.

What is Balearic tourist tax? The Balearic Islands have been imposing a tourist tax since 2016, while the Valencian Community is set to introduce a charge ranging from 50 cents to 2 euros from December this year.

Worry from the tourism industry

Although Maroto advocates for using the tourist tax revenue to support the tourism industry, some industry insiders are concerned that the tax will discourage holidaymakers, who are already paying a premium for flights to Spain this summer. Gabriel Garcia Alonso, the president of Madrid's Hotel Business Association, stated that Madrid is experiencing a surge in popularity as a highly sought-after destination for both domestic and international tourists , with significant investment in the hotel industry, and therefore, a tourist tax is somewhat unnecessary.

A tourist tax was previously considered in the Spanish capital back in 2015, and again in 2018, but the plans have never actually become a reality.

A guide to Gijón, Spain: what to do, where to eat and more

Located on the Cantabrian coast in Asturias, Gijón is a very interesting destination to visit. From its extensive beaches to its excellent cuisine, this city has a lot to offer visitors.

The 7 wonders of Spain and their house prices

Spain is home to some of the most impressive places in the world, offering tourists and residents a unique and diverse experience. National Geographic has compiled a list of Spain's seven natural wonders.

The 10 best towns to visit near Almería

A wide variety of landscapes can be found in the province of Almeria. From the arid lands of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park to the historical and architectural richness of its nearby villages, this province offers a unique experience in southeastern Spain.

How to survive the summer heat in Spain

Welcome to a summer in Spain! Experiencing the scorching summer heat can be daunting, especially for newcomers. This guide will equip you with practical tips to not only cope with the heat but also enjoy your stay in Spain comfortably. This is how to survive the summer heat in Spain.

The Coolest Places to Visit in Spain in Summer

Discover the best destinations in Spain for a refreshing summer escape, where the beauty of nature meets rich cultural experiences without the scorching heat. These are some of the coolest places to visit in Spain in summer.

La Tomatina Festival 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore the vibrant and unique Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Valencia, set to take place on 28th August of this year 2024. This guide provides all you need to know about the event's history, ticket purchasing, and tips for a memorable experience.

The 10 most beautiful villages near Tarragona

Tarragona province is one of Catalonia's main tourist destinations. The Costa Dorada's fine sands and the city's Roman atmosphere captivate all who visit but the region has much more to offer beyond its refreshing summer coastline.

Print Edition
Classifieds

Subscribe to our newsletter

Read today's Portuguese stories delivered to your email.

Lisbon tourist tax brings in €203 million

Lisbon City Council collected a total of €203.2 million between January 2016 and July of this year from the collection of the tourist tax, which in 2023 reached €40.2 million.

By TPN/Lusa, in News , Portugal , Business , Tourism , Lisbon · 20 Aug 2024, 15:02 · 0 Comments

Currently, the value of the tourist tax for overnight stays is two euros, per guest and per night, but “the increase to four euros will come into effect on 1 September”, confirmed Lisbon City Council (CML), following the proposal approved in July by the municipality's representative bodies.

In response to Lusa news agency, the CML clarified that the tourist tax on arrivals by sea, with a fixed unit value of two euros per passenger (over the age of 13) disembarking from a cruise ship in transit, at terminals located in the municipality, will remain in force as it has been since January 1st of this year and will effectively be in force from April 1st.

In the city of Lisbon, the tourist tax began to be applied in January 2016 on overnight stays by national tourists (including locals) and foreigners in hotels or local accommodation establishments, “up to a maximum of seven nights per guest and per stay”, with guests under the age of 13 being exempt. Initially, it was one euro per night, but in January 2019 it increased to two euros and in September of this year it will double to four euros.

According to data from the CML, the annual revenue collected from the tourist tax has been increasing over the almost nine years that it has been charged by the municipality.

In the first three years, when the rate was one euro per night, the municipality received 46.5 million euros (ME), namely 11.4 ME in 2016, 16.5 ME in 2017, and 18.6 ME in 2018.

In 2019, the year in which the rate increased to two euros per night, the CML collected 36.1 ME, but the growth trend in the annual value of this revenue was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, declared in March 2020 and which lasted until May 2023 (according to the World Health Organization).

In this context, the worst year for Lisbon's accounts was 2021, when the amount collected was 9.9 million euros, lower than the 12.1 million euros achieved in 2020.

Although the pandemic continued beyond 2020 and 2021, there was a significant recovery in 2022, with the tourist tax amounting to 33.1 million euros, reaching its record in 2023, with 40.2 million euros.

This year, up to 31 July, the Lisbon City Council had 25.3 million euros in revenue from the tourist tax, which from January onwards began to include cruise ship passengers, although the local authority is still unable to specify the specific amount in this area since the arrival tax by sea is charged by the entities responsible for operating the cruise ship terminals.

In total, between January 2016 and July this year, Lisbon generated revenue of 203.2 million euros thanks to the collection of tourist taxes.

When asked about the impact of the increase in the tourist tax on overnight stays from 1 September, the Lisbon City Council stated that “several indicators point to similar or slightly higher figures in the number of overnight stays in the city of Lisbon in 2023”.

Under the presidency of Carlos Moedas (PSD), the Lisbon City Council reinforced that tourism is a distinctive factor in the city’s competitiveness and a driver of economic and social growth, stressing that it also “has an impact on public intervention to maintain adequate levels of response, dictating the need to define regulatory policies and/or direct public intervention to ensure Lisbon’s sustainability in economic, social and environmental terms, and minimize negative externalities”.

Regarding the application of funds from the tourist tax, the Portuguese capital's local authority reiterated that the positive effects of tourism imply the reinforcement of urban infrastructure and the functioning of the city, namely the expansion of public interventions in terms of infrastructure, mobility, urban cleaning, public spaces, security and the tourist, cultural and leisure offer, “in an effort that should not burden residents, but rather be supported by those who benefit, directly or proportionally, from the goods and services made available by municipal activity, together with the mitigation of negative impacts caused by the tourist dynamics itself, more or less directly”.

As for specific examples of the application of this revenue, the CML stated that “around eight million euros per year are earmarked for partial financing of the reinforcement of urban hygiene and cleaning” and highlighted investments made with funds from the tourist tax, namely the Doca da Marinha, Estação Sul-Sueste, Museu Tesouro Real and Centro Interpretativo da Ponte 25 de Abril

Share this article: Share

More in News

New Lisbon hospital

In News , Portugal , Lisbon - 24 Aug 2024, 15:02

Diesel and petrol prices to drop

In News , Portugal , Business - 24 Aug 2024, 14:02

Madeira fire under control but still with “potential to restart”

In News , Portugal , Madeira & Azores - 24 Aug 2024, 13:14

Support The Portugal News

We are proud to provide our readers from around the world with independent, honest and unbiased news for free – both online and in print. Our dedicated team supports the local community, foreign residents and visitors of all nationalities through our newspaper, website, social media and our newsletter.

We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to, we ask you to support The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small .

You can change how much you give or cancel your contributions at any time.

Be the first to comment on this article

End of Holiday rental property tax

In News , Portugal , Business , Tourism , Property - 23 Aug 2024, 11:03

New tourist tax from 15 August

In News , Tourism , Lisbon - 02 Aug 2024, 12:02

Lisbon Mayor to “double” tourist taxes

In News , Portugal , Tourism , Lisbon - 09 Jul 2024, 14:02

Cruise taxes begin

In News , Portugal , Tourism , Lisbon - 01 Apr 2024, 15:02

Lisbon tourist taxes

In News , Portugal , Tourism , Lisbon - 09 Feb 2024, 09:05

Lisbon to start cruise tourist tax

In News , Portugal , Tourism , Lisbon - 15 Dec 2023, 12:05

Earthquake Relief

In Asia , World , Community - 24 Aug 2024, 16:31

Portuguese in America

In North America , Portugal - 24 Aug 2024, 16:01

Dollar Reserves

In North America , World , Economy - 24 Aug 2024, 15:31

Algarve concerts

In News , Portugal , Events , Algarve - 24 Aug 2024, 13:02

Cultural support initiative

In News , Portugal , Porto & North - 24 Aug 2024, 12:02

Emergency brake on honey imports

In News , Business , Portugal , Europe - 24 Aug 2024, 11:02

Portugal has almost 14,000 professional firefighters

In News , Portugal - 24 Aug 2024, 10:02

Travel pass top up now on app

In News , Portugal , Lisbon - 24 Aug 2024, 09:02

EU countries being asked to donate vaccines to Africa

In News , Portugal , World , Africa , Europe - 24 Aug 2024, 08:05

Send us your comments or opinion on this article.

Available languages

Society ›
Crime & Law Enforcement

Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships). A paid subscription is required for full access.

Crime rate in Spain 2022, by autonomous community

In 2022, the Balearic Islands region had the highest crime rate in Spain. Catalonia followed with a rate of 60.6 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants. Extremadura was the autonomous community with the lowest crime rate at 30.4.

Crime rate in Spain in 2022, by autonomous community (per 1,000 inhabitants)

To access all Premium Statistics, you need a paid Statista Account

Immediate access to all statistics
Incl. source references
Download as PDF, XLS, PNG and PPT

Additional Information

Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service

October 2023

Statistics on " Autonomous Community of Catalonia "

Population of Catalonia H1 1981-H1 2024
Population of Catalonia H1 1981-H1 2024, by gender
Population living in the Catalonia 2023, by region of origin
Muslims in Catalonia 2022, by nationality
Crude birth rate in Catalonia 2000-2022
Crude death rate in Catalonia 2000-2022
Number of marriages in the Catalonia 2005-2022
Change in GDP in Catalonia, Spain and the Eurozone 2007-2023
Catalonia's share of Spanish gross domestic product (GDP) 2006-2023
Share of economic sectors in the GDP in Catalonia 2023
Monthly consumer price index (CPI) in Catalonia 2018-2023
Activity rate in Catalonia from Q1 2013 to Q4 2023
Unemployment rate in Catalonia from Q1 2013 to Q3 2023
Unemployment rate in Catalonia 2023, by age group and gender
Yearly unemployment rate in Catalonia 2006-2023, by age group
Legally registered companies in Catalonia 2023, by sector
Number of employees in Catalonia 2021-2023, by type of contract
Employment in tourism in Catalonia 2010-2023
Average monthly salary in current prices in Catalonia 2017-2022
Quarterly trade, transport & lodging GDP in Catalonia 2017-2023
International tourism volume in Catalonia 2000-2023
International tourism spending in Catalonia 2010-2022
Inbound tourism volume in Catalonia 2023, by travel reason
Number of domestic trips to Catalonia 2015-2023
Mother tongue of the Catalan population 2023
Opinion about the independence of Catalonia June 2023
Opinion about political status of Catalonia November 2023
Spanish opinion on pardon for Catalan politicians 2023
Crime rate in Catalonia and Spain 2011-2022
Number of crime in Catalonia 2023, by province
Number of thefts in the Community of Catalonia 2019-2023
Number of sexual assaults with penetration in Catalonia 2019-2023
Crimes and offenses of gender abuse in Catalonia Spain 2023, by type
Victims of gender abuse under protection in Catalonia Spain 2022 by age

Other statistics that may interest you Autonomous Community of Catalonia

Basic Statistic Population of Catalonia H1 1981-H1 2024
Basic Statistic Population of Catalonia H1 1981-H1 2024, by gender
Premium Statistic Population of Catalonia in 2023, by age group
Premium Statistic Population living in the Catalonia 2023, by region of origin
Premium Statistic Muslims in Catalonia 2022, by nationality
Basic Statistic Crude birth rate in Catalonia 2000-2022
Premium Statistic Crude death rate in Catalonia 2000-2022
Premium Statistic Number of marriages in the Catalonia 2005-2022
Basic Statistic Gross domestic product in Catalonia and Spain 2003-2023
Basic Statistic Change in GDP in Catalonia, Spain and the Eurozone 2007-2023
Basic Statistic GDP per capita in Catalonia and in Spain 2004-2022
Basic Statistic Catalonia's share of Spanish gross domestic product (GDP) 2006-2023
Premium Statistic Share of economic sectors in the GDP in Catalonia 2023
Basic Statistic Monthly consumer price index (CPI) in Catalonia 2018-2023
Premium Statistic Activity rate in Catalonia from Q1 2013 to Q4 2023
Premium Statistic Unemployment rate in Catalonia from Q1 2013 to Q3 2023
Basic Statistic Unemployment rate in Catalonia 2023, by age group and gender
Basic Statistic Yearly unemployment rate in Catalonia 2006-2023, by age group
Premium Statistic Legally registered companies in Catalonia 2023, by sector
Premium Statistic Number of employees in Catalonia 2021-2023, by type of contract
Premium Statistic Employment in tourism in Catalonia 2010-2023
Premium Statistic Average monthly salary in current prices in Catalonia 2017-2022
Premium Statistic Quarterly trade, transport & lodging GDP in Catalonia 2017-2023
Premium Statistic International tourism volume in Catalonia 2000-2023
Premium Statistic International tourism spending in Catalonia 2010-2022
Premium Statistic Inbound tourism volume in Catalonia 2023, by travel reason
Premium Statistic Number of domestic trips to Catalonia 2015-2023

Catalan identity

Basic Statistic National identity of people in Catalonia 2023
Premium Statistic Mother tongue of the Catalan population 2023
Basic Statistic Opinion about the independence of Catalonia June 2023
Basic Statistic Opinion about political status of Catalonia November 2023
Basic Statistic Spanish opinion on pardon for Catalan politicians 2023
Basic Statistic Crime rate in Catalonia and Spain 2011-2022
Premium Statistic Number of crime in Catalonia 2023, by province
Basic Statistic Number of thefts in the Community of Catalonia 2019-2023
Premium Statistic Number of sexual assaults with penetration in Catalonia 2019-2023
Premium Statistic Crimes and offenses of gender abuse in Catalonia Spain 2023, by type
Premium Statistic Victims of gender abuse under protection in Catalonia Spain 2022 by age

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

IMAGES

Catalonia tourist tax: the rates
Catalonia allocates € 4.6 million of the tourist tax to 16 projects
Catalan tourist tax: everything you need to know
(PDF) An initial assessment of the implementation of the catalonia
Catalonia reaches 500 million euros in revenue in a decade with its
Complete Guide to the Tourist Tax in Catalonia

COMMENTS

Catalonia tourist tax: 2022 rates
Catalonia tourist tax is 0,45 Euro - 2,25 Euro per person, per night. Barcelona rates higher, plus extra city stay tax. ... September 17, 2023 Catalonia. Table of Contents. Tourist tax in Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia; Catalonia Tourist Tax: 2024 Rates; Tourist Tax Chart: Explanation;
'Tourism has reached its limit': Barcelona votes to raise tourist tax
As of October 2024, visitors to Barcelona will have to pay €4 to the city on top of the regional tourist tax - an increase of €0.75 per night. That means guests in five-star accommodation will ...
Complete Guide to the Tourist Tax in Barcelona & Catalonia
From April 1, 2024, the Barcelona tourist tax will increase, due to the fact that the municipal surcharge has gone from €2.75 to €3.25. Here are the current costs: Important: 10% VAT is applied to the total rate. For up-to-date information on rates, consult the website of the Tax Agency of Catalonia.
Spain's Tourist Taxes for 2023
The tourist tax in Valencia is expected to start applying at the end of 2023 or early 2024 and it will apply to all those staying in apartments, hostels, hotels, and campsites, among others. As soon as the tourist tax for Valencia becomes effective, those who visit the region will be required to pay an amount between 50 cents and €2 per night.
Complete Guide to the Tourist Tax in Catalonia
Currently, the tourist tax is between €0.60 and €3.50 per person and per unit of stay. However, the rates can change depending on the type of tourist accommodation and its location. That is, if it is located in Barcelona or elsewhere in Catalonia. An example of a variation in rates could be in the case of a 5-star hotel.
Tourist Tax in Barcelona
The tourist tax in Catalonia. As an autonomous community, Catalonia currently has a tax for all tourist stays in the territory. ... Then it will rise to €2.75 from 04.01.2023 to 03.31.2024, and €3.25 from 04.01.2024 onwards. Do I have to pay the tourist tax?
Catalonia collected over €100m from tourist tax last summer
Catalonia collected €102.5 million in taxes on stays in tourist establishments (IEET), known as the tourist tax, between April and September 2023. Taxes were paid at around 40,000 tourist establishments. The total for the summer high season in 2023 represents an increase of 165% compared to the same period in 2017.. Barcelona represented 70% of the total last summer, while the Costa Brava ...
Tourist Establishments Tax
Barcelona City Council has approved a by-law that regulates the municipal surcharge for the Stays in Tourist Establishments Tax. This surcharge came into force on 1 June 2021 and is applied cumulatively and progressively to the tax rates approved by the Government of Catalonia (regardless of the category of the establishment): Year. Amount.
What is Barcelona tourist tax?
The 2023 tourist taxes in the rest of Catalonia are: €3.00 5-star hotel, great luxury, luxury camping and establishment or equipment of equivalent category €1.20 4-star and 4-star superior hotel, establishment or facilities of equivalent category €1 Accommodation for tourist use
Catalan tourist tax: everything you need to know
The amount of the tax varies depending on the type of accommodation and the length of the stay. For example, in 2021, the tax for vacation rentals ranges from 0.90 euros to 2.25 euros per person per night, per person, depending on the type of property and its location. The tax is capped at seven nights, so visitors who stay longer than seven ...
What travelers should know about Barcelona's tourist tax increase
Barcelona is the latest European city to increase its city-wide tourist tax, a slight increase of €0.50 (about $0.53) per night, as the city seeks to curb overtourism. The new price of €3.25 ...
Municipal surcharge to be levied on the tourist tax from 2021
If the conditions relating to the Covid-19 crisis are favourable, the surcharge on the tax for overnight stays in tourist accommodation (IEET) will start being levied from 2021. The amount will be €0,75 per person per night in 2021, €1 in 2022 and 2023, and €1,25 in 2024. The tax on overnight stays in tourist accommodation is levied at an ...
What is the 'tourism tax' in Spain and where do I have to pay it?
A tourist tax in Valencia was en route to implementation in 2023, before the autonomous government repealed it in November. It would have seen fees as high as $2 per night for high-end accommodations.
Tourist Tax in Barcelona
Tourist tax in Barcelona is one of the most controversial topics to talk about when it concerns your holiday destination, and this tax is still something we have to get used to. The tax measure came into effect in Catalonia in 2012, and it is still in force today.. Any tourist rental property must apply this tax and add it to its tourist rent, and subsequently it must be paid to the city council.
Barcelona to Increase Its Tourist Tax from April
The city of Barcelona recently declared that starting on April 1, 2023, all tourists will be subject to a higher tourist tax fee. The region of Catalonia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. Particularly Barcelona's capital city is renowned for its deep history, gorgeous buildings, thriving culture, and breathtaking ...
Tourist tax rates in Spain
A tourism tax (tasa turística) only applies in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. The following destinations are considering but unknown if or when a tax will be implemented (as of 15 February 2021). ... 2021 - €0.75 per person per night 2022 & 2023 ...
A complete guide to the Tourist Tax in Spain: What it is, who must pay
Post date 08/08/2023; No Comments on A complete guide to the Tourist Tax in Spain: What it is, who must pay it and what are the consequences of non-compliance. 3,575; Share. ... The tourist tax in Catalonia varies depending on the type of accommodation and the season. For a 5-star hotel, the rate is 3.50 euros per night during the high season. ...
Q&A: Understanding Catalonia's new tourist apartment regulations
Q: What is the Decree Law 3/2023 that Catalonia has recently approved? A: The Decree Law 3/2023 is a new legal framework that requires tourist apartments in 262 municipalities of Catalonia to obtain a prior urbanistic license and tourism authorization. It aims to address housing shortages and regulate the short-term rental market more strictly.
Spain tourist tax
Tourist tax for Barcelona. Barcelona charges visitors between €4.25 and €6.75 a night depending on the type of accommodation they are staying in and this is rising from October 2024. Some of the money goes to the Catalonia region with the rest going to the city.
Which Regions In Spain Will Charge A Tourist Tax In 2023?
Catalonia. Catalonia first imposed its tourist tax back in 2012, however, the local authorities there have recently stated that they plan to increase the tax in 2023/2024. The tax generally comes in two parts with one part paid to the regional government and the other part paid to the municipal council.
Canarian Weekly
In addition, those staying in five-star hotels are required to pay a higher priced tax of €5.25 per night, of which €3.50 goes to the city, and cruise passengers who spend over 12 hours in Barcelona also need to pay a fee, which equates to €4.75 (€33.25 a week per person) and this case the city keeps €3. Even though this fee might ...
Tourist tax Spain 2023: the controversial measure is being ...
Tourist tax in Spain. When it comes to the tourist tax in Spain, the measure has already been adopted in several popular destinations. Barcelona's fee for tourists varies based on the type of accommodation chosen and is intended to address issues related to over-tourism.Presently, visitors who stay in rental accommodation are charged 4 euros per night, while those staying in five-star hotels ...
List of Countries That Require Visitors to Pay Tourist Taxes in 2023
In line with the new rules that the authorities plan on introducing in an attempt to help the city deal with over-tourism, starting from April 1, 2023, when the first increase becomes official, visitors will be required to pay €2.75. The fee that visitors are required to pay when staying in Barcelona will further increase on April 1, 2024 ...
Lisbon tourist tax brings in €203 million
Although the pandemic continued beyond 2020 and 2021, there was a significant recovery in 2022, with the tourist tax amounting to 33.1 million euros, reaching its record in 2023, with 40.2 million euros.
Crime rate in Spain by region 2022
Employment in tourism in Catalonia 2010-2023; ... 1 All prices do not include sales tax. The account requires an annual contract and will renew after one year to the regular list price.