Before you welcome your first guest, it's worth getting your obligations in order. This guide summarizes the key requirements — RNT, TRA, SIRE, FONTUR, taxes and ESCNNA prevention — and how to set them up step by step.
Comply with TRA & SIRE automaticallyThese are the points most hosts in Colombia need to cover. Some depend on your situation, so when in doubt consult an accountant or lawyer.
RNT (National Tourism Registry)
Mandatory registration for every tourism service provider, and it is filed per property: three apartments means three RNTs. It's filed online and renewed every year. Without an active RNT you cannot operate legally.
RNT guide: register, renew and reactivateTRA (Accommodation Registration Card)
Mandatory registration with MinCIT for every guest, local or foreign. It's one of the most commonly skipped obligations because it's done by hand.
Read the TRA guideSIRE (foreigner reporting)
Report to Migración Colombia of the entry and exit of foreign guests. It applies only when you host non-Colombian guests.
Read the SIRE guideFONTUR (parafiscal contribution)
A parafiscal contribution for tourism promotion paid by certain providers. Check whether it applies to your activity and at what rate.
Read the Fontur guideTax obligations (VAT and income)
Lodging services may be subject to VAT (the general 19% rate) depending on your tax regime, in addition to income tax filing. An accountant can tell you what applies to your case.
ESCNNA prevention (Law 1336 of 2009)
Accommodation establishments must adopt and post a code of conduct to prevent the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.
Read the ESCNNA guideCivil liability insurance
You must hold an extracontractual civil liability policy covering damages that guests and third parties may suffer during their stay. Keep it active while you operate your lodging.
Register or verify the RNT for each property and keep it renewed each year.
Decide how you'll report the TRA for each booking (by hand or automated).
If you host foreigners, prepare the SIRE report to Migración Colombia.
Review your tax obligations (VAT and income) with an accountant.
Adopt and post your ESCNNA code of conduct.
Take out an extracontractual civil liability policy and keep it active.
Confirm the short-term rental rules of your building or HOA (if applicable).
Renting by the day (short-term rental) in buildings or complexes may be subject to the condominium bylaws and to specific regulations that have changed in recent years. Before operating, review your HOA bylaws and the current regulation; in some cases authorization is required or there are restrictions. When in doubt, get advice from a lawyer.
Not legally. The RNT is mandatory for every tourist accommodation provider in Colombia. Operating without an active RNT exposes you to penalties and closure. Also, without an RNT you cannot properly file the TRA.
Renting by the day in a condominium may be governed by your building's bylaws and by regulation that has changed in recent years. Check your HOA rules and the current regulation before operating; when in doubt, consult a lawyer.
It's highly recommended. Tax obligations (VAT, income, FONTUR) depend on your regime and income, and an accountant helps you comply without overpaying or risking penalties.
Yes. The TRA (for every guest) and SIRE (when you host foreigners) are reporting obligations every RNT-registered lodging must meet. Rapitra automates both so you don't miss them.
Keeping your RNT and taxes up to date is your part; the TRA and SIRE can be handled by Rapitra for you, on every booking. Free 30-day trial.
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