What is the tourist tax in Barcelona? (updated 2026)
How many times have you been travelling and, when booking your accommodation, been told that you need to pay a local tax? This situation is very common in many countries, and often tourists don’t receive full information about why they are required to pay an additional amount.
Catalonia was a pioneer in introducing the tourist tax, which was first approved in 2012. Since then, this tax has undergone several changes. For this reason, if you’re travelling to Barcelona or other parts of Catalonia, it’s worth understanding more about this charge.
At AB Apartment Barcelona, we want to make things easier for you. That’s why we’ve put together a complete guide to the different tourist taxes in Catalonia, so you can avoid any surprises during your stay.
What is the tourist tax?
The tourist tax, officially known as the Tax on Stays in Tourist Establishments in Catalonia (IEET), is a regional charge that guests staying in regulated tourist accommodation must pay during their stay.
This tax is levied by the Generalitat of Catalonia and applies to visitors over the age of 16 staying in hotels or apartments across the region. However, it is only charged for the first seven nights of the stay.
It’s also important to note that the amount varies depending on the area. For example, Barcelona has its own rate, which depends on the type of accommodation, while properties in areas such as the Costa Brava or outside the Catalan capital are subject to different charges.
Who should pay this amount?
Any individual or legal entity staying in any of the following types of tourist accommodation must pay the tourist tax: hotels, aparthotels, guesthouses, holiday apartments, campsites, rural tourism establishments and tourist-use properties.
This amount is calculated per person (aged over 16) and per night, provided the stay takes place in the same accommodation and over a continuous period.
Therefore, those exempt from paying this tax include guests under the age of 17, travellers participating in publicly subsidised programmes, and individuals travelling due to force majeure circumstances.
How and when should the tourist tax be paid?
The tourist tax is not included in the final rental price. Guests must pay this amount either before arrival, at check-in or before the end of their stay. In all cases, the accommodation provider is responsible for transferring the payment to the Generalitat de Catalunya.
For example, if you book with AB Apartment Barcelona, you would need to pay the tourist tax before arriving in Barcelona, during the online check-in process. We would then transfer the payment to the Generalitat de Catalunya.
What is the tourist tax in Barcelona in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the tourist tax in Barcelona has been updated, with an increase in both the general rate and the municipal surcharge. Below are the current amounts:
Barcelona (from 1 April 2026)
| Type | Generalitat rate | Municipal surcharge | Total (excluding VAT) |
| Tourist-use property (HUT) | €4.50 | €5.00 | €9.50 |
| Other establishments (AT) | €2.00 | €5.00 | €7.00 |
Resto de Cataluña (a partir del 1 de abril de 2026)
| Type | Generalitat rate | Municipal surcharge | Total (excluding VAT) |
| Tourist-use property (HUT) | €1.75 | €0 | €1.75 |
| Other establishments (AT) | €0.90 | €0 | €0.90 |
Important: A 10% VAT is applied to the total tourist tax.
Please note: For the most up-to-date information on rates, check the website of the Catalan Tax Agency.
Practical example
For example, if you book with us, imagine you are 2 people staying in a tourist apartment for 3 nights.
In this case, the tourist tax would be €62.70
[2 × 3 × €10.45 (VAT included) = €62.70]
How much is the tourist tax in the rest of Catalonia?
As mentioned, if you travel to other areas of Catalonia, such as the Costa Brava, or stay outside Barcelona, for example in Badalona or Santa Coloma de Gramenet, it’s important to know that the tourist tax is different, as it does not include the Barcelona City Council surcharge. In the table below, you can see the current rates depending on the type of accommodation:
| Type of establishment | Total rate (excluding 10% VAT) |
| 5-star hotel, luxury, high-end campsite and equivalent | €1.75 |
| 4-star and superior 4-star hotel and equivalent | €1.75 |
| Tourist-use property | €1.75 |
| Other establishments and facilities | €0.90 |
Practical example
In this case, for example, if 3 people stay for 5 nights in an apartment in Badalona, the tourist tax would be €28.88
[3 × 5 × €1.93 (VAT included) = €28.88]
Why does this tourist tax exist?
Catalonia, and especially the city of Barcelona, welcomes millions of tourists each year. This tax is mandatory and is used to support the preservation, development and promotion of the city’s tourism infrastructure and activities. Many cities across Europe already apply a tourist tax, and the amount varies depending on the city and country.
When it was first introduced, the measure sparked some controversy within the tourism sector. However, many believe it helps promote Barcelona as a long-term holiday destination and maintain its position as Spain’s leading tourist destination.
If you have any questions about how the tourist tax may affect your trip to Barcelona, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to help with any queries you may have!
