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Legal requirements to run an aparthotel or vacation rental in Colombia

To run an aparthotel or vacation rental legally in Colombia you need, at minimum: register each property in the National Tourism Registry (RNT) and renew it every year between 1 January and 31 March; report every foreign guest to Migración Colombia through SIRE; complete the Accommodation Registration Card (TRA) for every guest, Colombian or foreign; issue DIAN electronic invoices if you are required to invoice; pay the FONTUR tourism contribution; and comply with land use, condominium, safety and child-protection rules. This checklist shows each obligation, who enforces it and how often, with a link to the official source.

This is general information: always check with your local accountant and with current regulations.

Vivienda turística (vacation rental): a dwelling offered to tourists for stays of less than 30 days in exchange for payment. Whoever offers it is a tourism service provider and needs an RNT. The definition rests on Law 2068 of 2020 and Decree 1836 of 2021.

Reviewed on 16 October 2026 against official sources.

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My property is in a condo building or complex (propiedad horizontal) I run properties I do not own, or they have a mortgage or subsidy I host foreign guests There is music or TVs for guests I have employees or contractors I have signs visible from the street There is a pool

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Colombia legal checklist for aparthotels and short-term rentals. Generated at holasixto.com/en/tools/legal-checklist

Getting started

What you need before your first guest arrives.

Before opening

Decide how you will operate: individual or company, and your categoryOnce

What it is: Before you register anywhere, decide whether you operate as an individual (persona natural) or through a company (for example an SAS), and whether your business is an aparthotel (an establishment with a permanent lodging offer) or a vivienda turística (apartments, houses or farms rented for less than 30 days). That choice changes your registrations, taxes and obligations.
Who it applies to: Everyone. The law presumes that anyone renting out more than one property, their own or someone else's, for periods under 30 days is a tourism service provider.
When: Once, before you start.
Authority: Your accountant or lawyer; MinCIT defines the tourism categories

Official sources

Done

Register in the RUT with the right activityOnce

What it is: The DIAN tax registry (RUT) identifies you for tax purposes and sets your responsibilities, for example income tax, VAT (IVA), withholding and invoicing. Register the lodging activity that fits; for aparthotels MinCIT lists CIIU code 5512. Registration is free.
Who it applies to: Everyone, individual or company.
When: Once, before you start. Update it when your activity, address or responsibilities change.
Authority: DIAN

Official sources

Done

Commercial registration at the Chamber of CommerceOnce, then yearly renewal

What it is: If you are a merchant, individual or company, register in the commercial registry and register your business establishment. The Police Code requires a current commercial registration (matrícula mercantil) to run the activity, and the RNT requires prior commercial registration when you are a merchant.
Who it applies to: Companies and individuals who are merchants.
When: Once, before opening. It is renewed every year.
Authority: Your city's Chamber of Commerce
If you skip it: Operating without the requirements in article 87 of the Police Code can lead to corrective measures by the Police.

Individual (persona natural): If you are an individual with one vacation rental, ask your accountant whether you count as a merchant.

Official sources

Done

Confirm the land use (POT) for your propertyOnce

What it is: Your city's land-use plan (POT) sets where tourist lodging is allowed. Before opening, confirm with the mayor's office, the planning office or a curaduría that the activity is allowed on that property. It is a prior requirement of the Police Code, and MinCIT confirms it applies to vacation rentals too.
Who it applies to: Everyone, aparthotel or vacation rental.
When: Once, before opening. Also check before you buy or lease a property for this business.
Authority: Mayor's office (planning) or curaduría urbana
If you skip it: Breaking land-use rules is a behaviour enforced by police inspectors (Law 1801, article 92).

Medellín: In Medellín, the city says vacation rentals must be in a medium or high mixed-use zone of the POT.

Bogotá: In Bogotá, the planning office has issued an opinion on vacation rentals in residential buildings under the POT (Decree 555 of 2021). Confirm your case with planning.

Cartagena: In some island areas of Cartagena (for example Barú, Islas del Rosario or Tierrabomba), the Chamber of Commerce checks land use with the city before registering the RNT.

Official sources

Done

Medellín: building permit with a lodging useOnceMedellín only

What it is: The city of Medellín lists a building permit (licencia de construcción), issued by a curaduría urbana, confirming the property is designated for short-stay lodging, among its requirements.
Who it applies to: Vacation rentals and short-stay lodging in Medellín.
When: Once, before opening.
Authority: Medellín curaduría urbana; Secretaría de Turismo y Entretenimiento (inspections)

Official sources

Done

San Andrés and Providencia: tourism office permitOnceSan Andrés only

What it is: If your property is in the department of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, you must register with and get a permit from the departmental tourism office before registering with the Chamber of Commerce.
Who it applies to: Providers with an establishment or property in San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina.
When: Once, before commercial registration and the RNT.
Authority: Departmental tourism office (Secretaría de Turismo)

Official sources

Decreto 1836 de 2021 (RNT y plataformas, modifica el Decreto 1074 de 2015)

Done

Condo (propiedad horizontal) approvalOnceIf it applies

What it is: If your unit sits in a building or complex under a condominium regime, the building rules must expressly allow vacation-rental use. If they do not, the owners' assembly has to approve an amendment by the majority the rules require, and the amendment is recorded in a public deed and registered. When you register in the RNT you declare that you have this approval, and a false declaration can lead to the registration being cancelled.
Who it applies to: Vacation rentals and aparthotels inside condo buildings or complexes.
When: Once, before opening. Check again if the assembly amends the bylaws.
Authority: Owners' assembly and building administration; Public Instruments Registry Office
If you skip it: Operating without approval in the bylaws can bring the sanctions of article 59 of Law 675 of 2001, and the building administrator must report it to the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC).

Official sources

Done

Owner authorization and a check on your loanOnce per ownerIf it applies

What it is: If you operate a property you do not own, get the owner's written authorization (for example a management agreement or mandate) and check that your lease does not forbid subletting. If the property has a mortgage or was bought with a housing subsidy (VIS or VIP), check with the bank or a lawyer whether there are limits on using it as a vacation rental.
Who it applies to: Managers running owners' units, tenants who sublet and owners with a mortgage or subsidy.
When: Once, before listing the property, and with every new owner.
Authority: Private contract; your bank or lawyer

Official sources

Airbnb: Guía Anfitriones Responsables Colombia 2026

Done

Register each property in the National Tourism Registry (RNT)Once per property

What it is: The RNT is mandatory before providing tourism services, including vacation rentals offered for less than 30 days. You do it online on the chambers of commerce platform; it is free and declarative: you do not upload documents, but you must have them ready if an authority asks. Each establishment or property is registered separately. When you register you adhere to the code of conduct against child sexual exploitation (ESCNNA) and, if it applies, declare the condo approval.
Who it applies to: Every aparthotel and vacation rental. MinCIT says a vacation rental needs an RNT whenever it is offered on a permanent, that is commercial, basis.
When: Once per property, before your first guest.
Authority: MinCIT, through the chambers of commerce (Confecámaras)
If you skip it: Operating without an RNT is an infraction sanctioned by the SIC; the Police can check it, and platforms must take down listings from providers without an active RNT.
How Sixto helps: Sixto stores the RNT for each property and reminds you before the yearly renewal.

Official sources

Done

Code of conduct against child sexual exploitation (ESCNNA): adhere, post it, trainBefore opening and with every new hire

What it is: Every tourism provider must adopt the code of conduct to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents (ESCNNA). In practice: adhere when you register or update the RNT, post it somewhere visible, train your whole team (MinCIT offers a free online course), keep an internal policy, tell guests it is a crime and report any case.
Who it applies to: Every provider, including vacation rentals.
When: Before opening, and whenever someone new joins the team.
Authority: MinCIT; reports to the Police, ICBF or the Attorney General's Office (Fiscalía)
If you skip it: Law 679 of 2001 provides for fines and suspension or cancellation of the RNT, and Law 1336 of 2009 allows asset forfeiture of properties where child sexual exploitation happens, on top of criminal penalties.

Official sources

Done

Liability insurance for guests and third partiesBefore opening, then yearly

What it is: Law 2068 of 2020 requires every tourist lodging provider to hold a liability insurance policy covering damage to guests and third parties. At a minimum it must cover death, permanent disability, temporary disability, injuries, damage to third-party property and medical expenses. If you rely on a platform's protection, check whether it meets those minimums: Airbnb says its protection does not replace other insurance.
Who it applies to: All tourist lodging, including vacation rentals. MinCIT only exempts hourly lodging.
When: Before opening (required since 1 January 2022). Keep it current and renew it before it expires.
Authority: MinCIT; your insurer
How Sixto helps: Add the policy expiry date in Sixto and it reminds you before it lapses.

Official sources

Done

Show your RNT in listings, on your website and at the propertyWith every listing

What it is: Include the RNT number in all your advertising and on every platform where you list the property, and display the current certificate somewhere visible. Airbnb has an RNT number field in the listing settings, and Booking.com asks for licences or registrations when you add the property. Platforms must not publish, or must remove, listings from providers without an active RNT.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
When: When you publish each new listing and whenever your RNT changes.
Authority: MinCIT; SIC
If you skip it: Misleading advertising is a tourism infraction sanctioned by the SIC.
How Sixto helps: Sixto keeps the RNT for each property at hand when you create or review a listing.

Official sources

Done

Sign up for SIRE (Migración Colombia) before your first foreign guestOnceIf it applies

What it is: SIRE is Migración Colombia's system for reporting foreign nationals. Anyone lodging them must sign up on the SIRE portal. MinCIT says Migración has up to three business days to answer the request; confirm activation before the first arrival.
Who it applies to: Any lodging that hosts foreign guests, even if the person who booked is Colombian.
When: Once, before your first foreign guest.
Authority: Migración Colombia
How Sixto helps: Sixto connects to your SIRE account and gets every report ready for you to approve.

Official sources

Done

Set up the TRA in the MinCIT systemOnce

What it is: The lodging registration card (TRA) is filed in MinCIT's tourist lodging information system (SIAT), with the same username and password as the RNT. Choose your mode: with management software (PMS), online or offline.
Who it applies to: All tourist lodging with an active RNT.
When: Once, after registering the RNT and before the first guest.
Authority: MinCIT
How Sixto helps: Sixto is your management software: with your RNT connected, it prepares the TRA for every guest without anyone typing it in, and it goes out when you approve.

Official sources

Done

Get enabled for DIAN e-invoicingOnce

What it is: If you are required to invoice, enable yourself as an electronic invoicer with DIAN, choose a technology provider or DIAN's free solution, and request your authorized numbering range before your first sale.
Who it applies to: Anyone required to invoice according to their RUT, for example companies and individuals registered for VAT. Confirm your case with your accountant.
When: Once, before your first sale.
Authority: DIAN
How Sixto helps: Sixto prepares the DIAN e-invoice for every booking with your numbering, ready to approve.

Official sources

Done

Register on the FONTUR tourism contribution platformOnce

What it is: Tourism providers pay a parafiscal contribution for tourism promotion, sustainability and competitiveness, collected by FONTUR. The first step is to register on FONTUR's filing and payment platform and attach your RUT.
Who it applies to: Every tourism provider, whatever its sales. MinCIT lists tour guides and vacation rentals offered only occasionally as exempt.
When: Once, before your first quarterly filing.
Authority: FONTUR

Official sources

Done

Register for the municipal business tax (ICA)Once

What it is: The industry and commerce tax (ICA) is municipal. Register in your city's taxpayer registry (called RIT in Bogotá and Medellín). The signage tax (avisos y tableros) may also apply if you have signs visible to the public, plus property tax on the building.
Who it applies to: Everyone carrying out the activity in the municipality.
When: Once, when you start.
Authority: Your municipal finance office (Secretaría de Hacienda)

Bogotá: In Bogotá, new businesses must register in the RIT within two months of starting.

Medellín: In Medellín you register in the RIT through the tax portal. The signage tax only applies if you have signs visible to the public.

Official sources

Done

Personal data policy and every guest's consentOnce, then with every guest

What it is: You collect personal data from every guest: ID, date of birth, nationality and contact details. Law 1581 of 2012 requires you to adopt a data processing policy, inform guests with a privacy notice and get prior, express and informed consent when you collect the data, and to answer data subjects' requests and complaints.
Who it applies to: Anyone collecting guest or staff data.
When: Once for the policy and notice; consent with every guest.
Authority: Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC)
If you skip it: The SIC can investigate and sanction breaches of the data protection rules.
How Sixto helps: Sixto's online check-in shows your privacy notice and stores each guest's consent with their registration.

Official sources

Done

National Database Registry (RNBD), if your company must registerOnce, then yearlyCompanies only

What it is: Companies and non-profits with total assets above 100,000 UVT must register their personal databases in the SIC's RNBD. Individuals are not required to.
Who it applies to: Companies with total assets above 100,000 UVT.
When: Once when you register. Then update it every year between 2 January and 31 March, and within the first 10 business days of the month after a substantial change.
Authority: SIC

Official sources

Done

Notify the Police that you are openingOnce

What it is: The Police Code requires notifying the commander of the local police station or substation that the establishment is opening, through the channel the National Police sets. MinCIT lists it among the operating requirements for lodging.
Who it applies to: Lodging establishments, such as aparthotels.
When: Once, when you open.
Authority: National Police (your local station)

Vacation rental (vivienda turística): For vacation rentals without an establishment open to the public, confirm with your lawyer whether it applies.

Official sources

Done

Music and TV: OSA (Sayco Acinpro) licence or non-user certificateBefore opening, then yearlyIf it applies

What it is: If music plays anywhere in your property, or you play it to guests through TVs, speakers or streaming in common areas, reception, lifts, the gym or at events, you need a licence from the copyright and related-rights holders. In practice you get it through the Organización Sayco Acinpro (OSA). Colombia's National Police and Coexistence Code requires premises open to the public that use music to keep proof of payment up to date. If you do not use music, you do not pay, and OSA will issue a non-user certificate. TVs inside private units are a grey area: confirm your case with OSA and your lawyer.
Who it applies to: Aparthotels and lodging with music or TVs for guests.
When: Before opening, and every year.
Authority: OSA (Sayco and Acinpro); National Copyright Directorate (DNDA)
If you skip it: Not having an up-to-date payment receipt, when it applies, breaches the Police Code requirements, and rights holders can sue to collect.
How Sixto helps: Add your licence or certificate date in Sixto and it reminds you before it expires.

Vacation rental (vivienda turística): In a vacation rental, confirm with OSA and your lawyer whether TVs inside the unit count as public communication.

Official sources

Done

Fire safety: fire department, extinguishers and emergency planBefore opening, then yearly

What it is: Meet life-safety and fire-protection conditions: current, signposted extinguishers, marked evacuation routes, emergency lighting and an emergency plan. Fire departments carry out inspections and issue a technical certificate; MinCIT says it is valid for one year. In Bogotá, the fire department clarifies the certificate is not a requirement to open, but authorities can ask for it to check you comply, and it is free.
Who it applies to: All lodging. The city of Medellín lists it among the safety requirements for vacation rentals.
When: Before opening, and every year.
Authority: Your municipal fire department (Bomberos)
How Sixto helps: Add the certificate expiry in Sixto and it reminds you in time.

Official sources

Done

Health inspection certificate (concepto sanitario)Before opening, then yearly

What it is: Your municipal health department inspects establishments open to the public, including lodging, and issues a health certificate: favourable, favourable with requirements or unfavourable. It checks, among other things, water, cleaning, waste, pests and room conditions. MinCIT says it is issued yearly. In Bogotá you request it on the Negocios Saludables, Negocios Rentables platform, at no cost.
Who it applies to: Aparthotels and lodging establishments.
When: Before opening, and every year.
Authority: Your municipal health department
How Sixto helps: Add the date of the last visit in Sixto and it reminds you before the next one.

Vacation rental (vivienda turística): If you run vacation rentals, ask your city's health department whether they inspect them.

Official sources

Done

Outdoor advertising permit for signsOnceIf it applies

What it is: If you put up signs, boards or billboards visible from the street, get the outdoor advertising permit from your municipality. Signs can also trigger the signage tax (avisos y tableros).
Who it applies to: Anyone with signs visible to the public, especially aparthotels with their own facade.
When: Once, before installing the sign.
Authority: Your mayor's office

Official sources

Done

Pool: safety measures under Law 1209 of 2008Before opening, alwaysIf it applies

What it is: If your lodging has a pool, Law 1209 of 2008 on pool safety applies: among other things, fencing, signage, rescue equipment and rules for use and supervision. Check with your municipality what it requires of you.
Who it applies to: Lodging with a pool, its own or a building pool used by guests.
When: Before opening, and always.
Authority: Your mayor's office and health department

Official sources

Done

House rules: noise, smoking, cameras and neighboursOnce

What it is: Publish clear rules before booking and inside the property: quiet hours, maximum guests, visitors, pets and no smoking indoors. Follow the noise rules (Law 2450 of 2025 and the Police Code), the smoke-free spaces law (Law 1335 of 2009) and the condo bylaws. If you use cameras, keep them outdoors and disclosed; Airbnb bans cameras in indoor spaces.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
When: Before opening. Update them when building rules change.
Authority: Police; building administration
How Sixto helps: Sixto includes your house rules in the arrival message and uses them to draft replies to guests.

Official sources

Done

Clear prices and consumer rightsOnce, then always

What it is: Show the price in Colombian pesos with all taxes and charges included, the service conditions, payment methods and cancellation policy before booking. If you sell online, publish your general terms, offer a channel for requests, complaints and claims, and add a visible link to the SIC. If a guest does not show up, MinCIT says you may charge 20% of the price or keep the deposit, if that was agreed.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
When: Before you publish, and always.
Authority: SIC
If you skip it: The SIC sanctions misleading advertising and failing to deliver the services offered. If you cannot deliver the service, you must offer another of equal quality or refund, at the guest's choice.
How Sixto helps: Sixto answers guests with your cancellation policy and terms, so the information is the same on every channel.

Official sources

Done

Contracts and social security for your team (cleaning, maintenance, front desk)When hiringIf it applies

What it is: If you hire staff, use a written contract and enrol them in health (EPS), pension, occupational risk (ARL) and a family compensation fund (caja de compensación). Set up the occupational health and safety system (SG-SST) to the minimum standards, which include an emergency prevention, preparedness and response plan. If you work with independent contractors, check that they pay their own social security.
Who it applies to: Anyone with employees or contractors, individual or company.
When: When each person joins, and the SG-SST on an ongoing basis.
Authority: Ministry of Labour

Official sources

Done

Staying compliant

What repeats: with every guest, every month or quarter, every year and when something changes.

With every guest or sale

Report every foreign guest's arrival and departure in SIREArrival and departure, same dayIf it applies

What it is: Each foreign guest is reported to Migración Colombia in SIRE with their ID details and arrival and departure dates. For hotels and similar lodging, the official FAQ says to report arrival and departure on the day they happen. The person who booked does not cover everyone: report every foreign national who stays.
Who it applies to: Any lodging with foreign guests.
When: With every arrival and every departure, the same day.
Authority: Migración Colombia
If you skip it: Migración Colombia carries out verification visits, and failing to report leads to sanctions.
How Sixto helps: Sixto prepares the SIRE report for every foreign guest from the details verified at online check-in, and alerts you before the end of the day. Your team reviews and approves it before it is sent.

Official sources

Routine in place

File the TRA for every guest, Colombian or foreignWith every stay

What it is: The TRA registers every guest, main guest and companions, Colombian and foreign, with their details, origin, purpose of travel and dates. It is proof of the lodging contract. In online mode you register each stay; in offline mode you keep the register daily and report the month's consolidated file on the first business day of the following month.
Who it applies to: All tourist lodging.
When: With every stay.
Authority: MinCIT
If you skip it: Failing to meet obligations to tourism authorities is an infraction sanctioned by the SIC.
How Sixto helps: Sixto completes the TRA for every guest, main guest and companions, from online check-in data where every guest and every document is verified. Your team reviews and approves it before it is sent.

Official sources

Routine in place

An e-invoice for every bookingWith every sale

What it is: If you are required to invoice, issue an electronic sales invoice for every lodging service, with the buyer's details and the applicable taxes, and deliver it to whoever pays.
Who it applies to: Anyone required to invoice.
When: With every sale.
Authority: DIAN
If you skip it: Not invoicing, or invoicing without the requirements, can lead to DIAN tax penalties.
How Sixto helps: Sixto prepares the DIAN e-invoice for every booking. Your team reviews and approves it before it is sent.

Official sources

Routine in place

Minors: only with, or authorized by, a parentEvery arrival with minors

What it is: Lodging minors under 18 who are not accompanied or authorized by at least one parent or legal guardian is prohibited. If you are unsure of someone's age, the law presumes they are a minor. If you see signs of a possible crime or a risk to a child, report it to the authorities immediately.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
When: With every arrival that includes a minor.
Authority: ICBF (child welfare) and Police
How Sixto helps: Sixto's online check-in asks for each guest's ID and date of birth, so your team knows before arrival if a minor is coming and can ask for the authorization.

Official sources

Routine in place

VAT and foreign guests: check whether the exemption appliesEvery sale to non-residentsIf it appliesAparthotels only

What it is: Tourist lodging is a VAT-taxed service for anyone registered for VAT. The Tax Code (article 481, literal d) exempts hotel services provided to non-residents by providers registered in the RNT, subject to the supporting requirements of Decree 297 of 2016. DIAN has said this exemption does not extend to vacation rentals, hostels or lodging other than hotels. Check with your accountant whether your aparthotel qualifies and how to document it.
Who it applies to: VAT-registered aparthotels hosting non-resident guests.
When: With every sale to a non-resident guest.
Authority: DIAN
How Sixto helps: Sixto stores each guest's country and ID from online check-in, so your accountant has the support for every invoice.

Official sources

Routine in place

Every week, month or quarter

Support document for purchases from people who do not invoiceEvery purchase or weekly

What it is: If you buy goods or services from people who are not required to invoice, for example an independent technician, the support document (documento soporte) lets you claim them as a cost or deduction. If you are an e-invoicer, income-tax payer and VAT-registered, you generate it and send it to DIAN for each transaction or, if you group transactions with the same supplier, by the last business day of the week at the latest. Others generate it on paper and keep it.
Who it applies to: Anyone buying from suppliers not required to invoice who wants to support costs, deductions or VAT credits.
When: With every purchase, or weekly if you group transactions.
Authority: DIAN

Official sources

Routine in place

Pay your team's social security and payroll every monthMonthlyIf it applies

What it is: Calculate and pay health, pension, ARL and compensation fund contributions every month through the integrated contributions form (PILA), together with payroll and, on their dates, mandatory benefits (prestaciones sociales).
Who it applies to: Anyone with employees.
When: Every month.
Authority: Ministry of Labour; UGPP

Official sources

Routine in place

File your taxes on your calendar (DIAN and municipality)On your calendar

What it is: File and pay on time whatever your RUT and municipality require: income tax, VAT if you are registered, withholding tax if you are a withholding agent, and ICA on your city's calendar. Some clients or platforms may withhold tax from you, including ICA withholding (Rete-ICA), and if your municipality designates you as a withholding agent you must withhold and file it. According to DIAN, tourist lodging does not benefit from the VAT exclusion for residential leases.
Who it applies to: Everyone, according to their responsibilities.
When: On the DIAN and municipal tax calendar dates.
Authority: DIAN; your municipal finance office
If you skip it: Late or wrong filings bring tax penalties and interest.
How Sixto helps: Sixto gives you income by booking and by channel for each period, so your accountant can file without digging through every platform.

Bogotá: In Bogotá, ICA is filed yearly if the previous year's tax did not exceed 391 UVT, and every two months if it did; new taxpayers file yearly in their first year.

Medellín: In Medellín ICA is filed yearly; dates follow the last digit of the NIT on the city tax calendar.

Official sources

Routine in place

File and pay the FONTUR contribution every quarterQuarterly

What it is: The contribution is 2.5 per thousand of the quarter's operating income: January to March, April to June, July to September and October to December. You file your return and pay within the first 20 business days of the month after the quarter; FONTUR publishes the exact dates (for example, Q3 2026 is due on 29 October 2026). If you had no income, you still file a zero return. With several establishments, you file one return that breaks them down.
Who it applies to: Every tourism provider, except the exemptions MinCIT lists.
When: Every quarter.
Authority: FONTUR
If you skip it: Late or inaccurate filings bring Tax Code penalties.
How Sixto helps: Sixto reminds you before each date and shows the quarter's booking income by property.

Official sources

Routine in place

Every year

Renew each property's RNT between 1 January and 31 MarchYearly: 1 Jan to 31 Mar

What it is: The RNT is renewed every year, for each property or establishment, from 1 January to 31 March, whatever date you first registered. Renewing updates your information. Before renewing, bring your FONTUR contribution up to date. If you do not renew, the RNT is suspended automatically from 1 April and, to reactivate it, you must pay a fine to FONTUR and request reactivation.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
When: Every year, 1 January to 31 March.
Authority: MinCIT, through the chambers of commerce
If you skip it: With a suspended RNT you cannot operate: the establishment can be closed until you reactivate, and platforms must take down your listings.
How Sixto helps: Sixto tracks each property's RNT deadline and reminds you from January, before the window closes.

Official sources

Done

Renew your commercial registration by 31 MarchYearly: by 31 Mar

What it is: The commercial registration (matrícula mercantil) is renewed every year within the first three months, that is by 31 March, for the individual or company and for each business establishment.
Who it applies to: Merchants, individuals or companies.
When: Every year, by 31 March.
Authority: Chamber of Commerce
If you skip it: Late renewal can bring fines and other consequences your chamber of commerce will explain, and the Police Code requires a current registration to operate.
How Sixto helps: Sixto reminds you before 31 March, together with the RNT renewal.

Official sources

Done

Renew the permits and certificates that expire every yearYearly

What it is: Schedule the yearly renewals: the OSA licence or non-user certificate, the fire department certificate, the health certificate and the liability policy when it expires. Keep current copies at hand: the Police can check the requirements at any time while you operate.
Who it applies to: Everyone, depending on what applies to you.
When: Every year, on each document's date.
Authority: OSA, fire department, health department and your insurer
How Sixto helps: Add each expiry in Sixto and it reminds you in time.

Official sources

Done

When something changes

Keep your registrations current when something changesWhen something changes

What it is: Update the RNT, RUT and commercial registration when your address, number of units, legal representative or activity changes. Every new property needs its own RNT before you list it. If you stop operating a property, suspend or cancel its RNT on the chamber of commerce platform instead of letting it lapse.
Who it applies to: Everyone.
When: Whenever something changes.
Authority: Chamber of Commerce; DIAN

Official sources

Done

Get deadline reminders

We email you before the key dates: RNT and commercial registration renewal (1 January to 31 March) and every FONTUR quarter. You can ask us to stop at any time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an RNT if I only have one apartment on Airbnb?

If you offer it as a vacation rental for less than 30 days on a commercial basis, yes: MinCIT says you need an RNT, and you must show its number in the listing. The law also presumes that anyone renting out more than one property for less than 30 days is a tourism service provider.

Do I have to pay Sayco Acinpro?

Only if you make music available to the public, for example in common areas, at reception or through TVs or speakers for guests. If you do not use music you do not pay; in that case OSA offers a non-user certificate. If you are unsure about TVs inside the units, confirm with OSA and your lawyer.

Do I have to report Colombian guests?

Yes, in the TRA: the lodging registration card covers every guest, Colombian and foreign. Migración Colombia's SIRE is only for foreign nationals.

When is the RNT renewed?

Every year, from 1 January to 31 March, for each property. If you do not renew, it is suspended automatically from 1 April and, to reactivate it, you must pay a fine to FONTUR.

Do my foreign guests pay VAT?

It depends. Tourist lodging is a taxed service for anyone registered for VAT. There is an exemption for hotel services provided to non-residents, with specific requirements, and DIAN has said it does not extend to vacation rentals. Check with your accountant.

Is the fire department certificate mandatory?

Fire safety conditions are mandatory. Whether the certificate is required to open depends on the city: in Bogotá the fire department says it is not, although authorities can ask for it; in Medellín the city lists it among the requirements for vacation rentals.

Does this checklist replace my accountant or lawyer?

No. It is general guidance so nothing slips through. Confirm each item with your accountant or lawyer and the official authority.

What do I need for a legal Airbnb in Colombia?

Register the property in the RNT before you list it and show the number on the listing, confirm that land-use rules and the building rules allow it, report foreign guests in SIRE, complete the TRA for every guest, invoice if you are required to, and pay the FONTUR contribution. Renew the RNT every year before 31 March.

Does an aparthotel have different requirements from a vacation rental?

The per-guest duties (SIRE, TRA, invoicing) are the same. What changes is the RNT category, the land-use rules and, in some cities, the fire and health certificates. Filter the list by your property type.

This checklist is general guidance based on laws and official sources reviewed on 16 October 2026. It is not legal, tax or accounting advice. Before you decide, talk to your accountant or lawyer and confirm each item with the official authority.

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