What about no registration number yet?

EU Regulation 2024/1028 entered into force on 19 May 2024. Under it, each rental unit gets a registration number to show on platform listings. The ministry explains that Austria applies it on an opt-in basis, and because tourism is a state competence each federal state decides whether and when to implement it. From the regulation's start of application on 20 May 2026, it is not implemented in any state for now. That means, for now:

Is your rental a trade?

The Trade Code (Gewerbeordnung) applies to regular, independent activity aimed at earning a return. Whether you run a commercial lodging or simply let space is decided case by case. The page points to factors such as the contract term, services you provide (cleaning, bed linen, internet), how the business presents itself (a business name, advertising on tourist platforms) and meals.

What about what the pages do not state?

They give no fees, no tax rules, no local tourist tax and no provincial rules (for example for individual states or cities such as Vienna, which we did not read). Treat provincial rules as a separate check.

Do I need a registration number to list on Airbnb or Booking.com in Austria?

The ministry says that for now there is no registration duty and no number required, because no state has implemented the EU scheme.

Do I need a trade licence?

It depends on the case. Space let without services is not a trade, while regular letting with services and online advertising can be. The oesterreich.gv.at page lists the criteria.

How many beds can a private room rental have?

A maximum of ten guest beds under the household side activity exemption.

The ministry says some states will probably implement the registration later and that it will publish developments on its page.

What about once you are registered?

Registration makes you legal. Distribution makes you earn. If you plan to list on several booking sites, keep one registration number and one calendar in sync across all of them: the free channel manager guide explains how calendar sync works and where it falls short. Fursat's own guest inventory is in India, so if you also run a property there, start at /list-your-property. New to hosting in general? Read How to Start a Homestay in India for the basics that carry across markets.

Journal/Homestay Guides

4 min read · 7 October 2026

Renting Rooms or Apartments in Austria. Trade Licence and Registration Status

Austria has not introduced a short-term rental registration number. What you need depends on trade law: private room rental, a free trade guesthouse, or a regulated trade.

Sneha Surana

austriatrade-licenceshort-term-rental-registration

Renting Rooms or Apartments in Austria. Trade Licence and Registration Status

Keep reading.

Is your rental a trade?

Do I need a registration number to list on Airbnb or Booking.com in Austria?

Do I need a trade licence?

How many beds can a private room rental have?

Will this change?