Buyers of property in Makarska and along the Makarska Riviera often consider whether the apartment, flat or holiday house they buy can also be used for tourist rental. Before advertising the property and welcoming guests, it is important to check whether that specific property can be legally rented and what is required for categorization.
Categorization is not just a formality. It confirms the type and category of the accommodation unit and is linked to the approval needed to provide accommodation services in a household.
Below, we provide an overview of the basic steps, requirements and checks that are useful before buying a property or starting to rent it out.
What is apartment categorization?
Categorization is a procedure in which an accommodation unit is classified into a specific type and category. In private accommodation, this may include a room, studio apartment, apartment, holiday house or campsite in a household.
Rooms and studio apartments in a household are categorized with two to four stars, while apartments, holiday houses and campsites in a household can be categorized with two to five stars. The exact outcome depends on the type of property, space, equipment and fulfilment of the prescribed requirements.
1. Before buying, check whether the property can be rented out
If you are buying a property with the intention of tourist rental, the possibility of categorization should be checked before the final decision. It is not enough for the property to be attractive, well furnished or in a good location. Its legal, technical and ownership status is also important.
Special attention should be paid to apartments in multi-unit buildings, properties with unresolved documentation, spaces that do not match their actual permitted use and properties that require additional investment before categorization.
2. Who handles the categorization procedure?
The request for categorization and approval is submitted to the competent administrative authority, depending on the location and type of property. Since the required documents and individual steps may vary depending on the specific case, it is advisable to check the latest instructions of the competent authority before submitting the request.
In practice, the procedure should not be left until the last moment, especially if the owner wants to start renting before the tourist season.
3. Which requirements and documents should be checked?
The exact list of required documents should be checked with the competent authority, but before starting the procedure it is useful to prepare or check:
- proof of ownership of the property or, where permitted by law, the owner’s written consent,
- basic details about the building and accommodation unit,
- a floor plan or layout of the space, if required,
- legal usability of the property and consistency with its intended use,
- the condition of installations, bathroom, kitchen and basic equipment,
- whether the property can meet the requirements for the desired type and category of accommodation.
For apartments, the space should be functional for guests, with suitable areas for sleeping, food preparation, hygiene and everyday use. Detailed requirements depend on the type of property and the category requested.
4. Co-owner consent for apartments in buildings
If an apartment in a multi-unit or mixed residential-commercial building is planned for short-term tourist rental, the obligation to obtain prior written co-owner consent should be checked. Under current rules, short-term rental of an apartment requires consent from a two-thirds majority of co-owners, with the additional condition that consent must also be given by co-owners whose walls, floors or ceilings border the apartment intended for short-term rental.
This is why, when buying an apartment for tourist rental, it is especially important to check the situation in the building, house rules and the possibility of obtaining the required consents in advance. Without this, the property may be less suitable for the planned type of rental.
5. What comes after approval: sign and eVisitor
After receiving the approval, the owner should display the prescribed standardized sign showing the type and category of accommodation, if required for that type of property. The next important step is using the eVisitor system to register and deregister guests.
Tourists are registered and deregistered through the eVisitor system. The rules require registration within 24 hours of arrival and deregistration within 24 hours of departure, in line with the current instructions of the system and the local tourist board.
6. Tax and local obligations without specific amounts
Owners who rent out accommodation should also check tax and local obligations, such as how to register the activity, tourist tax, possible local decisions and other obligations arising from providing accommodation services.
It is not advisable to rely on general amounts in this area, because obligations may differ depending on the location, owner status, type of accommodation and current regulations. The safest approach is to check the latest information with the competent authority, tourist board or a tax advisor.
What should you check before renting out the apartment?
Before listing an apartment for tourist rental, it is useful to check:
- whether the property is suitable for the requested type of categorization,
- whether the documentation is complete and matches the actual condition,
- whether co-owner consent is required,
- whether the basic technical and functional requirements are met,
- whether approval has been obtained before renting begins,
- whether the owner understands guest registration duties and local rules.
This check matters because a property that looks attractive at first glance may not always be simple to categorize or suitable for tourist rental.
Thinking about buying an apartment to rent out in Makarska?
If you are buying a property with tourist rental in mind, it is important to check the location, documentation, possibility of categorization and practicality of the space for guests already during the selection phase. Browse the current AB Adrion property offer in Makarska and the surrounding area or contact the agency for advice before buying.
Frequently asked questions about apartment categorization
Is categorization required for tourist rental?
Yes. To legally provide accommodation services, the appropriate approval must be obtained and the property must be categorized according to its type and current requirements.
Can every apartment be categorized for tourist rental?
Not necessarily. Documentation, the condition of the space, its permitted use, building rules and, for apartments in buildings, the possibility of obtaining co-owner consent all need to be checked.
Who issues the categorization approval?
The procedure is handled by the competent administrative authority according to the location and type of property. Before submitting the request, it is best to check the latest instructions and list of required documents.
What is eVisitor?
eVisitor is the central system for registering and deregistering tourists. Accommodation providers use it to record guests' stays within the prescribed deadlines.
Should categorization be checked before buying?
Yes. If the purpose of buying is tourist rental, the possibility of categorization should be checked before the final purchase decision in order to avoid problems after buying.
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