Update: In May 2026, we have published a new article covering the current state of eTurista and what it means for Prague property owners. Read the latest here.
Owning an apartment in Prague and short-term renting it on platforms like Airbnb has long been one of the few ways for property owners to make a meaningful return on their investment. But it seems even this opportunity may soon come to an end.
Prague’s short-term rental landscape is facing serious disruption. While no final legislation has been passed yet, the legislative process is already underway, and it’s highly likely that new rules will be adopted — in one form or another. What exactly the final version will look like remains unclear, but the message is evident: the short-term rental market in Prague is about to change significantly.
Will Prague Limit the Number of Nights You Can Rent?
One of the most pressing — and worrying — elements under consideration is whether local governments, including Prague, will gain the authority to cap the number of nights a property can be rented short-term each year. If passed, this measure could seriously undermine the entire short-term rental business model, especially for properties in Prague’s historic center that depend on frequent tourist bookings. In addition to harming hosts, this move would likely put a significant dent in tourist numbers and threaten many businesses — from cafes to tour guides — that cater primarily to short-term visitors.
The eTurista Platform: A Sign of Things to Come?
Another change currently being developed is eTurista, a new national digital registry for all accommodation providers, including Airbnb and Booking.com hosts. Although it is officially promoted as a tool to improve transparency and guest tracking, in practice it will mainly introduce more bureaucracy and complicate the short-term rental industry.
Hosts will be required to register their properties and obtain a unique ID number, report guest stays within 24 hours including sensitive personal data, and ensure platform listings are compliant, with platforms obligated to verify valid registration numbers.
The final implementation details of eTurista are still uncertain. The pilot phase is expected to begin in late 2025, with full enforcement likely in 2026. However, exact dates and requirements could still change as the rollout develops.
Clouded in Uncertainty
At this point, no one truly knows how the final regulations will look, but it's safe to say that the era of relatively effective and unregulated business in short-term rentals is coming to an end. Whether it's stricter guest reporting, platform enforcement, or rental night caps, some form of regulation is coming, and it is very likely to be restrictive and harder to navigate for small private landlords.
What Should Property Buyers Do?
If you’re thinking of buying an apartment in Prague, particularly in the city center, it’s essential to understand the growing regulatory risks associated with short-term rentals. The “golden age” of Airbnb in Prague is likely over, and anyone investing now should do so with a solid backup plan. That said, long-term rentals in the center can still be a viable business model — these properties are generally easy to rent, even if the income is significantly lower than what short-term rentals used to provide. It’s important to be realistic about potential returns and prepare for a possible drop in income if switching to long-term tenants becomes necessary.
Send us a message or check our blog periodically to stay up to date with the coming Airbnb regulation and how it could impact your investment. At Vanek Real Estate, we're here to help you navigate every step of the changing market.
