🏙️ Airbnb in Bratislava: the complete guide for beginners
Do you think starting an Airbnb in Bratislava is just about creating a profile and adding photos?
It's not that simple. Successful short-term rentals require thorough preparation, an understanding of the legislation and a strategic approach.
👉 If you're a beginner, this guide will show you the way step by step.
📍 Why is Bratislava ideal for Airbnb?
Bratislava has experienced a huge tourism boom in recent years. The historic centre, rich culture, excellent gastronomy and proximity to Vienna and Budapest make the capital of Slovakia an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world.
Key success factors:
- 🧳 Growing number of tourists
- 💼 Business trips
- 🎭 Cultural events
- 🗺️ Geographical location
✅ Step 1: Legislative requirements and permits
Before you launch your Airbnb, it is essential to meet all legal requirements.
🧾 Registration and permits:
In Slovakia no specific permits or licences are required for short-term Airbnb rentals.
💰 Tax obligations:
Natural person vs. Trade vs. SRO
1. Natural person:
- Income up to €500 per year - tax exempt
- Above €500 - taxation 19 % or 25 %
- Limited spending options
2. Trade:
- 15 % up to €60 000, 19 % above
- Lump sum expenditure 60 % (max. €20 000)
- More deduction options
3. SRO:
- 21 % of profit
- The widest range of expenditure
- Ideal for higher incomes
📌 VAT (from 2025):
- 5 % VAT on accommodation
- Compulsory registration above €50 000
- Airbnb automatically reports data
🏢 Residential houses:
- Consents of co-owners are not required
- Inform the neighbours
- Respect the order of the house
🏡 Step 2: Choosing the right property
Not every property is suitable. Location = the basis for success.
🔝 Best locations:
- Old Town
- Ružinov
- Petržalka
- Karlova Ves
- New Town
💡 What guests are looking for:
- Public transport availability
- Safe surroundings
- Parking
- Wifi
- Comfort and cleanliness
🛋️ Step 3: Property preparation
📦 Basic equipment:
- Quality beds, bed linen, towels
- Kitchen equipment
- Wifi, TV, iron
🔐 Safety features:
- Fire detector
- Fire extinguisher
- Pharmacy
- Contacts + instructions
📸 Step 4: Photos and presentation
🎯 Tips for photography:
- Natural light
- The whole apartment
- Details
- View + surroundings
✍️ Description:
- Clear name
- Benefits
- Practical info
- House Rules
💶 Step 5: Pricing and optimization
📊 Factors:
- Location
- Season
- Events
- Day of the week
- Competition
💡 Strategy:
- Lower start
- Get reviews
- Subsequently increase
- Respond to demand
💬 Step 6: Communication with guests
📩 Before arrival:
- Confirmation
- Info (wifi, address...)
- Tips for the city
🧑💻 During your stay:
- Be accessible
- Solve problems
- Disturb as little as possible
🧹 After leaving:
- Check the apartment
- Rate a guest
- Request a review
💸 Step 7: Operating costs
📆 Regular:
- Cleaning: 40-60 €
- Bed linen
- Cosmetics
- Energy + internet
🛠️ Disposable:
- Equipment: 3 000-8 000 €
- Photos: 200-500 €
- Equipment: 500-1 000 €
📑 Tax recognition of expenses
🧾 Without trade:
- Basic expenses
- Exemption 500 €
🧾 With trade:
- Wide range of expenditure
- Lump 60 %
- Tax depreciation
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Ignorance about taxes
- Weak photos
- Too high prices
- Slow answers
- Poor maintenance
- Ignoring the laws
👨💼 When to entrust the management to professionals?
Advantages:
- Full service
- 24/7 communication
- Optimising your income
- Legal advice
- Higher ratings
🗂️ Registration and registration
Duties:
- Registration with the tax office
- Records of receipts and expenditure
- Tax return by 31 March
🧠 Conclusion
Run a successful Airbnb in Bratislava is possible even without experience - if you prepare yourself. The Slovak market is favourable so far.
Key points:
- No special permits required
- 5 % VAT from 2025
- Option in apartment buildings
- Advantageous tax structure



