Cyprus Adopts New Rules to Align Airbnb Rentals with EU Standards

The Cyprus House of Representatives has passed key amendments to the Law on the Regulation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation. These changes are designed to bring Cyprus into full compliance with an updated EU framework focused on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.

Why a Unified EU Framework Matters

The EU’s new regulatory framework aims to standardise the management of short-term stays across all member countries. This approach involves coordinating data exchange between property owners, online rental platforms, and government bodies to improve transparency and safety. Such alignment facilitates a better experience for both travellers and hosts.

Main Features of Cyprus’ Updated Airbnb Law

• Stricter registration protocols: Property hosts offering short-term rentals must now follow clearer registration processes.
• Visible identification numbers: Listing registration numbers are mandatory on all short-term rental adverts, enabling guests to easily verify legitimacy.
• Enhanced data sharing: Platforms like Airbnb will share detailed data with authorities to assist tourism management and planning.
• Improved tourism research: Reliable and accessible statistics will benefit tourism analysts and policymakers.
• Enforcement measures: Penalties are in place for violating hosts who do not comply with the updated rules.

These measures increase confidence in booking licensed properties, benefiting travellers by offering safer, more transparent stays. They also create a level playing field for hosts and protect local community interests.

Implications for Cyprus’ Tourism and Real Estate Markets

Tourism stakeholders will gain access to more accurate and verifiable data, helping shape destination marketing and sustainable development. Property owners and managers renting out homes on short-term platforms have until 20 May 2026 to fully adapt and comply with these new regulations.

If you are considering entering Cyprus’ property market, whether for holiday rentals or long-term investment, understanding these regulatory dynamics is essential. Whether you’re searching for affordable apartments or looking through the cheap houses and villas for sale, this evolving legal landscape will influence rental potential and property value.

Stay informed and compliant to make the most of Cyprus’ attractive, yet increasingly regulated, short-term rental market.