AIRBNB LEGALITY & COMPLIANCE

What does it take to operate an Airbnb legally in Medellín?

A live Airbnb listing does not make a property compliant. Legal operation starts with the building and the registered operator, then continues through every reservation, guest report, payment, and renewal.

See the complete checklist Review a property with us →

THE SHORT ANSWER

Airbnb is legal in Medellín only when the property and operator qualify.

Short stays of up to 30 days are treated as tourist accommodation. Not every apartment qualifies: the building rules, land use, and licensed use of the property must allow it, and the tourism, migration, safety, and fiscal obligations must remain current.

END-TO-END CHECKLIST

Eight controls from property approval through ongoing operation

01

Confirm the property can legally host short stays

Verify the building's horizontal-property rules expressly allow tourist accommodation. Medellín also requires compatible land use and construction authorization for lodging activity. A residential address alone is not enough.

02

Set up the registered operator

The person or company operating the accommodation needs an updated RUT and, when applicable, a current commercial registration. The registered operator must match the party responsible for tourism, invoicing, and tax obligations.

03

Activate and maintain the RNT

Obtain an active Registro Nacional de Turismo before offering the property commercially, connect the listing to the correct registration, keep its information current, and renew it every year between January 1 and March 31.

How do I register or renew my Airbnb's RNT?

  1. Have the operator's RUT and any required commercial registration ready. Create an account or sign in to the RNT portal.
  2. For a new registration, complete the application for the applicable accommodation category. For renewal, select the relevant registration and submit its renewal request.
  3. Check that the request is approved and the registration is active. Download the certificate and retain the confirmation for your records.

Official sources (Spanish): RNT registration portal Medellín Chamber of Commerce RNT guide

04

Carry the required liability insurance

Tourist accommodations must maintain coverage for harm to guests and third parties. Government guidance lists death, disability, injury, third-party property damage, and medical expenses among the minimum risks.

05

Register every guest through the TRA

The Tarjeta de Registro de Alojamiento records the principal guest and companions—Colombian and foreign. It is part of the official lodging record and must be completed within the reporting process that applies to the operator.

How do I set up TRA guest reporting?

  1. Have an active RNT and access to its registered email. Follow MinCIT's official TRA setup instructions.
  2. Use the official system or connected lodging software to record the principal guest and companions, including Colombian and foreign guests.
  3. Assign someone to complete the reporting process for each stay. Keep the lodging records and submission evidence securely; a booking-platform reservation does not replace this process.

Official sources (Spanish): MinCIT TRA requirements and setup

06

Report foreign guests through SIRE

SIRE is Migración Colombia's separate immigration-reporting system. Foreign guest lodging must be reported with the required identity, arrival, and departure information. It is SIRE—not CERI.

How do I register and report guests in SIRE?

  1. Register the reporting person or business through the official SIRE portal. Provide the identification and contact details requested, then wait for account approval.
  2. Once approved, sign in and complete the lodging reports with the required foreign-guest identification, arrival and departure details. Follow the current lodging-report deadlines.
  3. Check the submitted reports and retain confirmation securely. TRA and SIRE are separate obligations; completing one does not complete the other.

Official sources (Spanish): Migración Colombia SIRE registration Official SIRE reporting guide (PDF)

07

Liquidate the FONTUR contribution

For operators that are required to contribute, the tourism parafiscal contribution is generally filed and paid quarterly at 2.5 per thousand (0.25%) of operating revenue. We track periods, calculate the amount, and organize filing and payment support.

08

Keep tax, consumer, and operating records current

Maintain the correct invoicing and tax treatment with your accountant, display accurate registration and pricing information, follow child-protection and guest-safety protocols, protect personal data, and preserve evidence of each compliance action.

START WITH THE PROPERTY

Before estimating revenue, confirm that the unit can operate legally.

Request a property review