Rules to open AIRBNB in Sri Lanka

[Annet1057]

Hi,

I am interested in letting out my property for tourists on air bnb for short term stay's. Can someone tell me what the rules are for doing so, i.e. any licenses I need to obtain or taxes I need to pay on my income? I was unable to find anything online hence why I post here, I have a foreign passport and live abroad whilst I own property in Sri Lanka. 

Thank you 

[Helen3 · Accepted solution]

@Annet1057 

1. You need to check with the Sri Lankan government or area government about STR legislation 

2. for taxes you need to speak to an accountant with experience of taxation in Sweden and Sri Lanka as you will probably need to pay tax in both countries 

[Nuwan15]

@Annet1057

Hi Annet, my name is Nuwan, I am a Sri Lankan and a hospitality professional who has 12+years hotel background. Currently I own my own airbnb place and living a simple but a happy life. 

Since you are a foreigner who own a property in Sri Lanka, you can rent and manage your property while you are out of SL. As long as your accommodation payment received to your non resident bank account ( non Sri Lanakn bank account) you will not be taxed. 

However, you need to find some trustworthy people to maintain your property and host your clients. That's the challenging part. 

Then you can list your property on Airbnb and when you receive bookings, you can do the coordination part with clients and the co-host. 

[Vishva6]

Hey @Nuwan15, Did you have to register the house with the tourism board ? If you did, how long did that process take ? 

Thank you in advance.

[Nuwan15]

https://www.sltda.gov.lk/en

[Nuwan15]

Hey Vishva, I have not registered with tourist board at the moment so I don't have the information. But you can find all information on their official website. Thank you