Short-term rental in Colombia: what owners need to know.

Which registrations do you need?

The Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT) is the national tourism register. Anyone who offers tourist accommodation, including a single apartment on Airbnb, must register before starting and renew the registration every year between January and March. Platforms ask for the RNT number on your listing.

Each guest must also be registered through the Tarjeta de Registro de Alojamiento (TRA), the accommodation registration card of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.

What changed in 2026?

The Ministry published a draft decree that would require a separate RNT for every unit and, for apartments in buildings, proof that the building rules allow tourist accommodation. Platforms would have to check registrations and remove listings without one. Hotel associations support it; platforms have raised concerns. It was still a draft at our last check.

Where does short-term rental work?

Cartagena is our home market and the showcase for this method. Medellín, Santa Marta and Bogotá follow, each with their own seasons, building rules and guests. In every city, check the building's rules (the reglamento de propiedad horizontal) before you buy.

What about infrastructure?

Expect power cuts, water outages and slower internet than in Europe, depending on the neighborhood. The answer is preparation: backup tanks, emergency lights, locks that work without power, fiber where possible, and a welcome guide that tells guests the truth.

How does the service work in Colombia?

Everything runs remotely, in English, Dutch or Spanish. On-site visits in Cartagena can be added. We know the local reality because we host there ourselves.

Cartagena →

Rules change. Confirm with a local lawyer or accountant before you act.