If you own property in Prague and rent it out short-term — or are considering buying an investment flat — the name eTurista is something you'll be hearing a lot more of. The bottom line: nobody knows yet where this is heading. The new Czech government has so far failed to signal a clear direction, the EU deadline has already been missed, and the MMR has promised clarity by end of June 2026 — a promise that remains to be seen. What is clear is that some form of regulation is coming, and that the legislative framework adopted now will set the precedent for what follows.
Here's a clear-headed summary of where things stand, based on the latest information presented at the Festival krátkodobého ubytování 2026 (Short-Term Rental Festival, Prague, May 2026), where the Czech Association of Professional Short-Term Rental Operators and Property Managers (ČAPUS) was among the key speakers.
What Is eTurista?
eTurista is a planned Czech law designed to:
- Create an online register of accommodation providers
- Issue registration numbers to hosts (similar to systems already operating in France, Portugal, and other EU countries)
- Require platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com to share data with authorities
The law is rooted in EU Regulation 2024/1028, which aims to harmonize short-term rental oversight across member states.
Where Does the Legislation Stand Right Now?
The original eTurista bill was shelved — primarily because it included provisions allowing municipalities to restrict or ban short-term rentals outright. That proved politically contentious.
A new, leaner version is currently being discussed. Key facts as of May 2026:
- The EU implementation deadline of 20 May 2026 was missed by the Czech Republic — but it is not alone; several other EU countries are also behind schedule.
- The IT infrastructure for eTurista already exists as Czech-built technology, though the live version has not yet been publicly demonstrated.
- The Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) has committed to presenting its chosen strategy by the end of June 2026.
Three Possible Scenarios
There is still genuine uncertainty about what will actually be adopted. Three realistic paths are on the table:
Scenario A — No law at all. eTurista is not adopted. The status quo continues.
Scenario B — Minimal EU-compliant regulation. Only the core European requirement is implemented: registration numbers for hosts, with platforms obliged to display them on every listing. This is the lightest-touch outcome and, arguably, the best result for legitimate hosts — registration numbers will make it significantly harder for unregistered operators to undercut the market, levelling the playing field for everyone running a compliant business.
Scenario C — Full eTurista. A comprehensive system including a guest registry, data sharing with police and municipalities, and potentially allowing local governments to cap the number of rental nights per year. This would be the most impactful scenario for anyone running a short-term rental in Prague.
What Does This Mean for You as a Property Owner or Investor?
Whichever scenario plays out, a few things are worth keeping in mind:
- Registration numbers are likely coming in some form. Even the lightest version of the law requires hosts to register and display a number on their listing. This is a minor administrative step — not a ban.
- Municipal caps on rental nights are only a risk under Scenario C. If you're buying an investment flat specifically for short-term rental income, this is the scenario to watch. A full-scale ban or nights-per-year cap is unlikely in the short term — the current political balance does not favour it. However, it becomes a more realistic prospect if anti-property, anti-business voices gain ground in future elections. The Pirate Party, which has consistently pushed for aggressive short-term rental restrictions, is one political force that could shift this balance if it returns to greater influence.
- The overtourism narrative is overstated. Data presented at the festival suggests the real number of short-term rental units in Prague is significantly lower than city district estimates — which weakens the political case for heavy-handed regulation.
- EET 2.0 (the new electronic sales records system) is unlikely to affect you as an accommodation provider — it would apply only to retail card and cash payments, not rental income.
What Should You Do Right Now?
Wait and watch — but don't wait to get your house in order. The MMR announcement expected by end of June 2026 will be the clearest signal yet of where this is heading. In the meantime:
- Make sure your trade licence (živnostenské oprávnění, code 55) is in order.
- Ensure compliance with existing obligations: guest registration via UBYPORT, local accommodation fees (Praha: 50 CZK/night/guest), and tax reporting.
- Whatever form eTurista takes, early compliance will be straightforward for hosts who are already operating legitimately. Those running under the radar face the most risk.
Thinking About Prague Property?
Whether you're an existing landlord navigating the regulatory landscape or a foreign buyer considering a Prague investment flat, getting the right advice early makes a real difference. We specialise in buyer representation for international clients and offer property management services for owners who want their Prague asset looked after properly — including full compliance with all local obligations.
The regulatory environment is shifting. Now is a good time to make sure your investment is set up correctly from the start.
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