Tourist tax in Barcelona is one of the most controversial topics to talk about when it concerns your holiday destination, and this tax is still something we have to get used to. The tax measure came into effect in Catalonia in 2012, and it is still in force today.
Any tourist rental property must apply this tax and add it to its tourist rent, and subsequently it must be paid to the city council. In this article we will explain more on tourist tax in Barcelona, and whether you are a tourist or rental property owner, we hope to take away any doubts or questions on the subject.
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Tourist tax in Catalonia
First and foremost, you must be aware that Barcelona levies a tourist tax, and the main reason for this is that the autonomous community of Catalonia has a tax for all tourist accommodations in the region.
The hight of the tax depends on the type of accommodation your are staying in and the location of the accommodation, and the fee is therefore different in Barcelona compared to the rest of Catalonia. The name of the tourist tax is officially Impuesto sobre las Estancias en Establecimientos TurÃsticos (or IEET).
What does tourist tax in Barcelona mean?
Barcelona’s tourist tax is an extra tax levied on your stay in a tourist accommodation, but only in the city of Barcelona. Prices vary depending on the type of your chosen accommodation.
The tax is, however, limited to a maximum of seven days per person, and the stay must be in the same accommodation and without any interruption.
Children under the age of 16Â are exempt from paying this tourist tax.
Related article:Â Free Tours in Barcelona; Discover The City’s Secrets
How much tourist tax must be paid in Barcelona?
As of April 1, 2024, tourist tax in Barcelona is as shown in the table below.
| Type of accommodation | Tariff by Catalonia province | Surcharge by Barcelona City | Total (per person per night) |
| 5 Star Hotel, luxury camping or similar (EB1) | 3,50€ | 3,25€ | 6,75€ |
| 4 Star Hotel or similar (EB2) | 1,70€ | 3,25€ | 4,95€ |
| Other accommodation (EB3) | 1,00€ | 3,25€ | 4,25€ |
| Tourist rental accommodation (EB4) | 2,25€ | 3,25€ | 5,50€ |
| Cruise ship stay over 12 hrs (CR1) | 2,00€ | 3,25€ | 5,25€ |
| Cruise ship stay less than 12 hrs (CR2) | 3,00€ | 3,25€ | 6,25€ |
Source: GENCAT
As of April 1, 2024, the surcharge by Barcelona City will be 3,25€.
Who pays this tourist tax?
Tourist taxes must be included and shown in the price that is paid by guests. The amount must be mentioned clearly on the invoice. The cost of the accommodation must be stated, and the amount of the tourist tax must be clarified separately. It must include the number of days and the tax code of the type of accommodation.
Pay tourist tax in Barcelona
How and when must tourist tax be settled with the administration?
The tourist tax in Barcelona (or any other Catalan town) must be settled online with the Agència Tributà ria de Catalunya. Tourist tax must be declared and paid every six months, and at the start of every half year you will get 20 days to complete the declaration and payment process.
Tourist tax is levied on customers and guests, but it is ultimately up to the owner of the accommodation to comply with tax regulations and submit corresponding taxes.
Hopefully we have been able to answer all of your questions on tourist tax in Barcelona in 2024. If we haven’t, don’t hesitate and contact ShBarcelona. We are here to help you any way we can.
So what you are saying is an Airbnb host may not demand an extra cash charge not listed in the total invoice?
What an unwelcoming way to greet new tourists to your country. I paid the most I’ve ever paid for accommodations for my family to stay in an Airbnb in Barcelona. After the final payment has gone through, I realize that I will have to pay an extra 150 euros for my family for 5 nights. That’s simply outrageous. A couple dollars a night is one thing, but I’ve never heard of such a gauging tax. Leaves a bitter taste in my mouth regarding ever coming back here again.
Where I can find a territory of Barcelona tax fee? I want to book the property in the nearest place to avoid this tax. And what does it mean “he stay must be in the same accommodation and without any interruption.”? I can`t change my accommodation during 7 days stay?