If you operate a short-term rental (STR) in Ireland—whether on Airbnb, Booking.com, or through a direct booking site—a major regulation is coming that could impact your business.

By May 2026, every STR in Ireland will be required to register with a new national short-term rental database. This is part of a broader move to balance housing availability with tourism demand, while increasing transparency across the sector.

This post breaks down:

• What the STR registry involves
• Who needs to register and how
• Key deadlines
• What hosts should do now to prepare

Why Is Ireland Introducing a National STR Register?

Short-term rentals have surged across Ireland, especially in high-demand areas like Dublin, Galway, Cork, and tourist-heavy counties like Kerry. While the sector supports local tourism, it’s also drawn criticism for exacerbating housing shortages.

The new STR register aims to:

• Track STRs in real time, including their location and usage
• Help enforce zoning and planning rules, particularly in rent pressure zones
• Improve data collection for housing and tourism planning
• Promote fair competition between STR operators and traditional accommodations

This is about more than taxes—it's about systemic regulation.

Who Needs to Register?

If you rent any property for less than 90 consecutive days, you’ll likely be required to register.

This includes:

• Entire homes or apartments on Airbnb, Booking.com, or Vrbo
• Private rooms in your primary residence
• Secondary homes used as holiday lets
• Serviced apartments or boutique rentals

Even occasional hosts will need to comply. One-off or seasonal listings won’t be exempt.

Key Dates and Deadlines

The rollout is already in motion.

• 2025 – Implementation and system setup
• 2026 – Online registration portal launches
• By May 2026 – All STRs must be registered to legally operate

The new online platform is being designed as a “one-stop digital shop” to streamline the registration process and integrate with planning enforcement systems.

What Will Registration Require?

Exact requirements haven’t been finalized, but based on EU trends and Irish government proposals, you should prepare to submit:

• Property address and type (entire unit or shared space)
• Owner/host identification (name, PPSN, company number, or ID)
• Proof of planning permission (especially in rent pressure zones)
• Nights available/booked per year
• Insurance documentation (if applicable)

Once approved, each listing will be assigned a registration number. This number must be publicly displayed:

• On your listing page (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.)
• On all advertisements or booking websites
• In guest rental agreements

What Happens If You Don’t Register?

Failure to register may result in:

• Fines and legal enforcement by local authorities
• Platform removal, as sites like Airbnb will be required to verify registration numbers
• Loss of protections, including the right to enforce rental agreements or respond to complaints

Inspectors will have increased access to listing data and stronger authority to act on violations.

What About Planning Permission?

Planning rules will remain in effect.

The registry does not override local planning laws. In Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) such as Dublin, Galway, and Cork, you’ll still need planning permission to operate an entire-home short-term rental—unless it’s your primary residence.

The new registry will help local authorities enforce these requirements by making STR data more accessible.

What About Taxes?

Registering your STR doesn’t change your tax obligations.

You’ll still be responsible for:

• Income tax on rental profits
• VAT, if you exceed applicable thresholds
• Local property tax (LPT)
• Any levies or local charges imposed by your county or municipality

The registry may make it easier for the Revenue Commissioners to identify and track non-compliant hosts, so now is the time to ensure your books are in order.

Why This Signals a Bigger Shift

Ireland isn’t acting alone. Similar short-term rental registries have already been introduced or are in development in:

• France
• Spain
• Germany
• The Netherlands
• Italy

The trend is clear: more governments are regulating STRs to address housing supply concerns, enforce compliance, and collect accurate data. Irish hosts must prepare to operate in a more transparent, rule-driven environment.

What Hosts Should Do Now

Even though the registry won’t go live until 2026, don’t wait. Get ahead by:

1. Reviewing local planning rules, especially if you’re in a Rent Pressure Zone
2. Gathering documentation (ownership proof, planning approval, insurance certificates)
3. Auditing your listings—ensure they reflect the correct property type, occupancy, and booking terms
4. Preparing to add a registration number across all platforms
5. Seeking expert guidance on compliance if you operate multiple units or commercial STRs
6. Staying updated via the Department of Housing and local STR compliance sources

Final Thoughts

Ireland’s short-term rental registry marks a turning point for Airbnb hosts and holiday let owners. It brings structure, oversight, and greater enforcement to a rapidly growing sector.

If you're operating an STR today—whether full-time or part-time—compliance is no longer optional. It's a requirement. Preparing early will save you time, money, and stress.

Need help navigating Ireland’s STR rules, planning requirements, or the 2026 registration rollout?
Get expert guidance with Lodge Compliance — a smarter way to stay compliant, avoid fines, and keep your rental business running legally.

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