Short-Term Rental Regulations · Germany

Airbnb rules in Berlin: 2026 guide

Risk: highLicense requiredRegistration required90-night annual cap
Quick answer

Berlin's Zweckentfremdungsverbot (misappropriation ban) requires a permit for any STR of an entire dwelling. Primary residences can be let up to 90 days/year with a registration number. Non-primary residences require a special permit, rarely granted.

Worst-case scenario
Operating without a permit incurs fines up to €500K. Effectively closed to non-resident investors.

How Berlin's rules shape the market

There are currently 7,246 active short-term-rental listings operating in Berlin (of 14,274 total). Median occupancy across those is 38%. The median nightly rate is $120.96. With the 90-night cap, that limits unlicensed annual revenue.

FAQ

Do I need a license to run an Airbnb in Berlin?
Yes, Berlin requires a license or permit to operate a short-term rental.
How many nights can I rent my Airbnb in Berlin?
Berlin caps short-term rentals at 90 nights per year for entire homes.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy in Berlin?
Active Airbnb listings in Berlin run at ~38% occupancy (up 1.8 points year over year). Source: Inside Airbnb.
What is the median daily rate for an Airbnb in Berlin?
The median Airbnb daily rate (ADR) in Berlin is approximately $120.96, up 0% year over year. Based on listings with at least one review in the last 12 months.
How many active Airbnb listings are in Berlin?
There are approximately 7,246 active short-term rental listings in Berlin (listings with at least one booking in the last 12 months).
Is Airbnb income growing or shrinking in Berlin?
Compared to a year ago, Berlin short-term rental performance has shifted: occupancy +1.8 pts, daily rate +0%. Underlying data comes from the latest Inside Airbnb snapshot vs the closest archive ~12 months prior.
Beyond the rules

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Source: https://www.berlin.de/sen/finanzen/steuern/zweckentfremdung/ · Last verified July 2026