Clampdown on renting

[capio]

andypandy said:

Capio,

That's obviously cobblers.

If that is true, then if a friend visits a friend in Croatia and stays overnight (or indeed you have a one-night stand), then you have to pay tax!!!!!

What exactly are the exact max. hours a friend can visit you? Show me the wording in the statute?

Well it seems Andy that my guess work is far more accurate that your obvious cobblers, stop trying to use logic in Croatian and you'll be ok.

[irac]

mark2 said:

every little helps with the rebuilding of a war-torn country.

;D That's a little TOO tongue in cheek Mark! Good one though, I'm disappointed by your cynicism though

4.6million kunas for a fountain that only worked for 2 days and that now has to have ˆ5-10,000 for proper pipes to be laid into it, well, it's proving to be a very expensive paddling pool!

[mrhappy]

Can someone give a clear cut yes or no answer here ? I visit the in-laws (with my Croatian OH) who also rent out apartments in their home to tourists. We stay in one of these apartments but obviously we do not pay anything for this accommodation. Should I/they register my stay and should I/they pay a tourist rental tax or whatever it is actually called ?

Simple answers welcomed !

[valj]

Hi from Korcula - Yes even if you are a relative and not paying any rent etc you have to by Croatian law register at the local Police or Tourist office (depends on area) - if you take passport and proof that you are a relative you do not have to pay the tourist tax - I have had a few realtives visiting me from UK and Norway and this has been OK as we did not have to pay anthing as I knew already the "problem" - hope this information helps

[nikh]

if it is an old slapper he picks up, maybe he'll call the tourist police himself and have her kicked out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nicola]

Does anyone have any feedback on this yet? What are the authorities actually doing when they approach guests? My 70yr old mother is visiting our property next week (unaccompanied by us) and I don't want her harrassed by the Police for staying in our house. We have tried to pay tourist tax for her but are told we cannot unless we accompany them - but we are not holidaying with them!!
Sorry just read back - they can supply 'proof' they are relatives?? -How does my sister do that - we both have married names - this is complete madness!!!

[lojalnost]

...she'll be fine, I've recently spoken to some elderly tourists who've come back from Croatia, and they've had a wonderful time and have said that every Croatian they met was very friendly towards them. Don't worry about it.

[Graham - Bosmere]

Nicola it is not the guests that they are after but the owners. Something to do with a very large 'grey' economy operating in Croatia and the government having pressure put on them by the EU to sort it out.

[ROG]

nicola said:

Does anyone have any feedback on this yet? What are the authorities actually doing when they approach guests? My 70yr old mother is visiting our property next week (unaccompanied by us) and I don't want her harrassed by the Police for staying in our house. We have tried to pay tourist tax for her but are told we cannot unless we accompany them - but we are not holidaying with them!!
Sorry just read back - they can supply 'proof' they are relatives?? -How does my sister do that - we both have married names - this is complete madness!!!

According to low ... www.mmtpr.hr/UserDocsImages/1995-0708.htm

Foreign citizens pay "local taxes" in time-period between 15th July and 15th September under same conditions as Croatian citizens, except in cases defined by Act 5 and Act 12. This acts regulate "who are considered to be members of family" (Act 5) and "under what conditions owner can pay local taxes for family members - at once, and in advance. Considering named categories" (Act 12).

So, you don't need to prove "family membership", because foreign citizens are excluded from acts which are defining "family membership" tax-benefits anyway (so it only depends - for what purpose your real estate is registered during this period of year etc.).

So far, you should "report" your mothers visit to local tourist board, and be fine ...

Considering taxes, it all depends on model of "property registration" you negotiated with local tourist office, so far ... Or if you haven't , I guess it is about time ...

I am not lawyer, but low seams pretty clear on this subject ..

[Nicola]

The point is that we have tried to register our family but were told (after a 2 hr wait) that unless we the owners are physically present they will not accept registration. We must also send a copy of our purchase contract with a letter stating we give permission for them to stay but it must be translated into Cro and signed by a Croatian notary - like we can do that before next week.
(and Graham we are not part of the 'grey' market you refer to - this is not a black and white situation, hence why I am questioning why there are not different levels of control depending on how the house is being used.
As a matter of interest, if a Croatian bought in UK and let his friends and family visit would the police here pay him a visit??

[ROG]

Well, I never take in consideration "artistic impression" when it comes to lows. So I can't really answer any of your questions (if they was addressed on me, anyway).

[lojalnost]

Nicola will anyone know? You are not running it as a business, and they have much bigger fish to fry. Do you really want to bother registering, just so that your relatives can stay for a couple of weeks. As you are not there you can't register them anyway. No one's ever reported me! Its usually jealous neighbours who are trying to run a rental business themselves who would report you, and as you are not doing that, no one will care. Obviously I understand what you are saying that it is better to cross the I's and dot the T's but you won't be able to do that this time.

[Nicola]

The reason I am worrying is because a local friend has just texted to say the police are conducting door to door enquiries near us and 'we should be careful' (her words) It appears that 1st July is the trigger date for this to start and although it does all seem a little over dramatic, to an elderly couple it could be fairly intimidating - we also have friends going later in the season who could potentially face the same situation. It's hard enough as it is convincing people that Croatia is a great place to visit after their recent troubles without police turning up at the door interrogating them

[lojalnost]

sorry but I've never heard of that before. They must have had a reason.

[ROG]

I don't understand few things in your case ...

I guess you don't live in place where your "vacation house" is. So, you must pay "tourist-season local taxes" for each person staying in your house (or they can pay for themselves), during named period. This is not "hidden fact", and it includes everybody in any and every case, except "registered local residents" and members of their closest family (as it is regulated by low) ...

Considering "house or property - in general", you can pay taxes "at once" (or in 3 pieces) for year in advance, and legally define your "ownership status", at same time saving yourself from unnecessary hustle in season period.

If you have guests (everybody who is not registered local resident, including friends and closest family members) staying in house during "season" period, they must pay "individual daily local tax" in any case, and this is very small amount of money.

Otherwise, you are breaking the low and tourist inspection (not police) will take you in consideration for "illegal tourism business", and start monitoring.

I believe, insisting on "family member" in this case made your situation even more complicated. First, because foreign citizens are excluded from such "family members" tax regulation (same as all other "non residents"). And second, because you haven't manged your "per-year season taxes" model last year, and now you have find yourself in "grey zone", without your knowledge (I am just guessing).