Everything You Need for Property Categorization in Istria

How to Categorize Your Rental Property - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you plan to rent out your apartment, house, or villa in Istria, the first and most important step is obtaining the Decision on Approval for Providing Hospitality Services in a Household, commonly known as categorization.

Although the process may seem complicated at first glance, everything goes much faster with good document preparation. Here is a concise overview of everything you need to know.

Where to Submit the Application?

The application is submitted to the Administrative Department for Tourism in your county, according to the location of the property. If your property is in Istria County, you submit the documentation to the competent branch office (Pula, Poreč, Umag, Rovinj, Pazin, etc.) in person, by mail, or via the e-Građani system.

Required Documentation

To initiate the process, you need to prepare the following documents:

• Completed application form (downloadable from the Istria County website).

• Proof of ownership (excerpt from the land register – "vlastovnica", not older than 6 months).

• Proof of usability of the building (Usage permit, decision on the derived state, or a certificate that the building was built before February 15, 1968).

• Copy of your ID card (as proof of EU/EEA citizenship).

• Proof of paid administrative fee.

Important Note: If the property has multiple co-owners, you need their written consent certified by a public notary.

Costs and Fees

During the process, you will encounter several fixed costs:

• Administrative fee: The amount is determined by valid tariffs (usually around 9 to 10 EUR for issuing the decision).

• Standardized plate: After receiving the decision, you are required to obtain an official plate with the star rating from an authorized manufacturer.

What Does the Commission Check on Site?

After you submit a valid request, a commission visits the property to determine if it meets the minimum requirements for the desired category (number of stars). They check:

• Module area: (rooms, bathrooms, living room).

• Equipment: (installations, heating/cooling, bed linen, towels, kitchen equipment).

• Safety and hygiene: (first aid kit, evacuation plan, displayed price list).

What After Receiving the Decision?

Once you receive the Decision on Categorization, your work is not yet finished. You must:

• Pick up the TAN list for the eVisitor system at the local tourist board.

• Create an official price list and house rules.

• Register with the Tax Administration to pay lump-sum tax and tourist tax.

Special Note for Non-residents: Since administration for foreign citizens can be complex, feel free to contact us at the Istria Partner agency. We will gladly provide you with complete instructions and guidance through the entire process to ensure your documentation is flawless and compliant with all Croatian regulations.

Do you need help preparing your property or want us to take care of your guests? Contact us at Istria Partner agency at +385 98 962 6699 or visit us at istriapartner.com. We are here to make your path to successful renting easier!

USEFUL RESOURCES

Administrative and other professional tasks in the field of tourism - Istria County

Requirements for the categorization of tourist apartments - existing building

Requirements for the categorization of apartments in a household - new building

Standardized plates for categorized objects