In recent months, information about the so called “OIB for apartments” has been appearing more and more frequently. Although the name sounds dramatic, it actually refers to the introduction of a mandatory registration number for each accommodation unit, which will become a requirement for legally advertising accommodation in Croatia.

The goal of this change is not to place additional burdens on accommodation owners, but to introduce order and clear records into a system that has been insufficiently connected for years.

What is the registration number for accommodation?

The registration number is a unique identifier for each accommodation unit, apartment, room, or holiday home.

It is used to:

• clearly identify a specific accommodation unit
• connect data from the eVisitor system, advertising platforms, and competent authorities
• enable verification of whether the accommodation is legally registered

It is important to emphasise:

• this s is not a tax identification number, although it is often referred to as such colloquially
• it is a technical and administrative identifier
• each accommodation unit has its own number, not one number for the entire property

Why this system is being introduced

Currently, it is possible to:

• advertise accommodation without a valid permit
• have inconsistencies between listings, the eVisitor system, and tax records
• make illegal advertising very difficult to control

With the introduction of a registration number:

• every listing must be linked to a specifically registered accommodation unit
• platforms will be able to automatically verify data
• unregistered accommodation will gradually disappear from the market

In other words, legal accommodation owners gain an advantage, while the grey market is reduced.

When does the obligation apply

According to currently available information, the system will be introduced during 2026, with clearly defined technical steps and a transition period.

It is important to note:

• the obligation is linked to advertising accommodation, not merely holding a valid permit
• the exact start date has not yet been officially confirmed
• a reasonable adjustment period is expected

In other words, there will be no overnight penalties, but the rules are changing.

How the registration number will be obtained

According to current announcements, the procedure should be:

• free of charge
• fully online
• without visits to the tax office, municipality, or tourist board

The most likely solution is the assignment of the number through the eVisitorsystem, based on existing data.

If the accommodation has:

• a valid permit
• correctly entered data in eVisitor

the registration number should be assigned automatically or with minimal confirmation from the owner.

What accommodation owners should do now

At this moment, there is no need to submit any new applications.

What makes sense to do:

• check that you have a valid permit for accommodation
• verify that all data in the eVisitor system is accurate
• align the actual condition of the property with what is officially registered

If the documentation is in order, there is no reason for concern.

How this will affect advertising

In practice, it is expected that:

• advertising platforms will require the entry of a registration number
• listings without this number will be rejected or removed
• it will become impossible to advertise unregistered accommodation in the long term

For legal accommodation owners, this means:

• a cleaner market
• less unfair competition
• clearer rules of the game

Conclusion

The registration number for accommodation units will not change the day to day operations of accommodation owners who already operate legally. It is not being introduced to punish anyone, but to finally stop tolerating the advertising of unregistered accommodation.

If you have a valid permit and up to date data in the eVisitor system, this change will be a technical detail for you, not a problem. Those who have been operating outside the rules for years will have something to worry about.