Colombia Short-Term Rentals: RNT and Rules for Owners

Short-term rentals are a big reason foreigners buy in Colombia's cities and coastal towns. They are also the most regulated way to use your apartment. Before you list on a booking platform, make sure you have the registrations and processes below in place — and that your building actually allows it.

1. Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT)

In Colombia, renting housing to tourists for short stays is a tourism service, and providers of tourism services must register in the Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT). Tourist housing (vivienda turística) is one of the categories covered. Colombia's tourism law (Ley 2068 de 2020) reinforced this obligation, including for properties offered through digital platforms, and platforms are expected to display the RNT number of listings. The RNT is administered through the chambers of commerce; registration and annual renewal are done on the RNT portal run by Confecámaras. Tourism policy is set by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MinCIT).

Practical points:

• You (or your company) register as the provider; each property is identified in the registry.
• The RNT must be renewed every year within the renewal window — check the current dates on the RNT portal.
• Registration typically requires a RUT, so get that from DIAN first.
• Operating without a current RNT can lead to sanctions, and platforms may remove listings without one.

2. Building rules: propiedad horizontal

Most apartments are in buildings governed by Colombia's horizontal property law (Ley 675 de 2001) and their own reglamento de propiedad horizontal. Short-term tourist use generally needs to be compatible with that reglamento; under the tourism rules, the reglamento must expressly permit tourist services in buildings under propiedad horizontal. Some buildings prohibit short stays, others allow them with registration of guests at the front desk, fees or other conditions. Ask the administración for the current reglamento and any assembly decisions before you buy if you plan to rent short-term.

3. Contribución parafiscal para el turismo (Fontur)

Registration in the RNT does not by itself mean you owe the parafiscal tourism contribution, which funds tourism promotion and is administered through Fontur. Under Ley 2068 de 2020 the contributors are tourism service providers (except tour guides), and a person renting more than one property for stays under 30 days is presumed to be a tourism provider; MinCIT's formalization FAQ also excepts vivienda turística that provides the service only occasionally (eventualmente). Confirm with your accountant which category applies to you. Filing and payment are periodic. The rate and the base are set by law; confirm the current rules and calendar with your accountant or the official MinCIT/Fontur channels rather than relying on a figure from a blog (including this one — we deliberately don't quote rates).

4. Guest registration and reporting

• Tarjeta de Registro de Alojamiento (TRA): lodging providers, including vivienda turística, must record guest information through the guest registration card system defined by MinCIT.
• Migración Colombia: lodging providers must report foreign guests to Migración Colombia through its reporting system (SIRE). Set this up before your first foreign guest checks in.

If you use a property manager, confirm in writing who is responsible for each of these filings and that they are made under your RNT.

5. Taxes on rental income

In Colombia: rental income from a Colombian property is Colombian-source income. Depending on whether you are a tax resident (generally more than 183 days in Colombia within a 365-day period) and your amounts, you may need to file a declaración de renta; check DIAN's individuals section. Short-term rentals may also raise VAT and electronic invoicing questions depending on your circumstances — ask a Colombian contador.

In the US (if you are a US person): report the rental income and expenses (see IRS Publication 527; it explains rules such as personal-use days that matter if you also stay in the apartment). Colombian income tax paid may qualify for the foreign tax credit. The Colombian account receiving payouts may need to be included on your FBAR and possibly Form 8938. If the apartment is owned by a SAS, add the entity forms (5471 or 8858).

6. Long-term rentals are different

A traditional residential lease (arrendamiento de vivienda urbana) is governed by different rules and generally does not require an RNT. Mid-term furnished stays can sit in a grey zone; if your stays are for tourists, treat them as tourism and get advice.

Pre-launch checklist

1. Reglamento de propiedad horizontal permits tourist use (get it in writing).
2. RUT obtained.
3. RNT registered and renewal date on your calendar.
4. Fontur contribution filing set up with your accountant.
5. TRA guest registration and Migración Colombia reporting process in place.
6. Insurance reviewed for short-term use.
7. Colombian and US tax reporting planned; bank accounts listed for FBAR/8938 review.

Frequently asked questions

What is the RNT for tourist rentals?

The Registro Nacional de Turismo is the registry for tourism service providers. Tourist housing is a covered category, and registration requires annual renewal.

Does my building need to allow tourist rentals?

For buildings under propiedad horizontal, the reglamento must expressly permit tourist services. Request the current rules and assembly decisions before buying for this use.

What guest reporting should I arrange?

Set up TRA guest registration and reporting of foreign guests to Migración Colombia through SIRE. If using a manager, confirm responsibilities in writing.

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