Airbnb rentals in Belgium

What are the rules? (2026 update)

Airbnb rentals in Belgium

What are the rules? (2026 update)
Practical overview per region

Airbnb sounds appealing, right? Choosing when to rent out, nice guests over, and often higher income than with fixed rent. But what about the rules in Belgium?

Because we had to dive into it ourselves, we would like to bundle a clear overview per region below: Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia. This way you know exactly what you need to arrange to rent out carefree.

First of all, this …

Are you a tourist accommodation provider?

Even if you simply rent out your home temporarily via Airbnb (for example during your holiday), you are considered a tourist accommodation according to the law. And so there are some obligations – depending on the region in which your home is located.

1 Rules for Airbnb in Flanders

Reporting via the Accommodation Decree

Since 2022, you no longer need a permit, but you must register your accommodation on toerismevlaanderen.be/logiesdecreet. You will then receive an accommodation number, which you are required to state in your advertisement.

Basic standards

  • At least one smoke detector per floor
  • Fire blanket in the kitchen
  • A visible evacuation plan
  • Everything must be clean and safe
  • Your guests should be able to contact someone in case of problems

Insurance & taxes

  • Provide fire insurance with operation (check with your insurer)
  • Your municipality may charge a tourist tax
  • You declare income through the sharing economy scheme or as movable income
Update 2026

Flanders announced that it would further tighten the rules – soon you would only be allowed on platforms such as Airbnb with a valid registration number, with stricter checks from local authorities. This is not yet definitively in force at the time of writing, but the direction is clear: register anyway, even if you doubt whether it is already mandatory.

Please note: some municipalities (such as Ghent, Bruges, etc.) impose additional rules or work with quotas. Be sure to check out their website.

2 Rules for Airbnb in Brussels

In Brussels, you still need a permit for tourist rentals. Everything is done via visit.brussels.

What you need to arrange:

  • Apply for a permit
  • Fire safety certificate
  • Annual declaration
  • Mention accommodation number
  • Tourist tax: €4 per night per room

Brussels also carries out regular checks, so be prepared. Please note: register your stay even if you rent out for less than 4 months a year – the obligation applies as soon as you rent for periods between 1 night and 90 consecutive days.

3 Rules for Airbnb in Wallonia

Since 1 July 2025, the rules have been simplified in Wallonia. You simply register your accommodation with Tourisme Wallonie via an application form (by e-mail or post), instead of the earlier, more onerous recognition procedure.

More info: walloniebelgietoerisme.be

What is mandatory?

  • Registration as tourist accommodation (“meublé de tourisme” or “gîte”)
  • An urban planning conformity certificate
  • Fire safety in order
  • Mention of your registration number on your listing
  • Possible tourist tax per municipality
How we financed our world trip with Airbnb

When we traveled around the world for 11 months, we rented out our own house in Flanders through Airbnb – and that became one of the best decisions of the entire trip. On average, we raised €2,500 per month with it. With that we could pay for most of our trip ourselves, and our mortgage was paid off while we were on the other side of the world. Win-win.

But to be fair: it is not a complete release. You are not completely free. You really have to remain accessible to your guests – unless you hire someone to do so – and you need a team you can count on: someone who cleans between bookings, someone who can help on the spot with a problem. Without that safety net, long-term remote hosting quickly becomes stressful instead of liberating.

In addition to that big trip, we also registered our own house via the Flemish accommodation decree for shorter rental periods when we are traveling ourselves:

  • Everything filled in online
  • Receiving accommodation number
  • Listed on our Airbnb page
  • Smoke detectors & fire blanket provided
  • Our Nuki system ensures secure, automatic access during the stay

During the Easter holidays 2025, we did a first test period: 3 bookings, €1,200 earned, and immediately 3x a 5-star review. That’s nice to come home, isn’t it?

This blog is informative and based on our own experience. The rules can change – and as you read above, they really do. So be sure to do your own check with the official authorities. We cannot be held liable for errors or outdated information.

Curious about our full experience with Airbnb rentals? Also read our blog: Why we chose Airbnb instead of fixed rentals.

Or start your own adventure right away: become an Airbnb host via our link and receive 56 euros as a new host.

Good luck! And if you have any questions, feel free to send us a message via Instagram or the comments.

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