Barcelona’s tax now runs higher

Spain raises Barcelona’s tourist tax for nomads and visitors

Barcelona’s tax now runs higher

Barcelona’s tourist tax doubled on April 1, 2026, after Catalonia raised the regional base rate and the city added a larger surcharge. The total can now reach €12 per person per night in 5-star hotels, up from €7.50.

The tax applies to overnight stays in hotels, tourist apartments, hostels, short-term rentals and cruises and it covers up to 7 nights. Current rates include €8.40 for 4-star hotels, €9.50 for tourist apartments, €7 for other establishments and €6 for hostels. Cruise passengers pay €11 for stays under 12 hours and €9 for longer visits.

Who pays more now

Digital nomads staying in hotels or short-term rentals are in scope, along with tourists, expats on temporary stays and other overnight visitors. Children under 17 are exempt.

The higher bill lands fastest on longer stays. A 30-night stay can add more than €240 at base rates, before higher-category lodging is counted. Barcelona’s city surcharge will keep rising by €1 a year until it reaches €8 in 2029.

How to handle the charge

Accommodation providers collect the tax at checkout and it may not be included in the booking price. Travelers should confirm the full total before paying, especially for apartments and other short-term stays.

Catalonia approved the law in February to curb overtourism and direct part of the revenue to housing, while Barcelona has said it plans to phase out short-term rentals by 2028. Read our full Spain guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates for more policy changes.