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Vacation Rental Laws in Faroe Islands

Vacation Rental Laws in Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands

Introduction
Introduction to Vacation Rental in Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands, an enchanting archipelago nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a rising star in the global travel industry. With its breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages, and unique culture, the islands attract thousands of visitors annually. Popular destinations like Tórshavn, the capital city, Gjógv, a picturesque village, and the dramatic cliffs of Vágar Island have become hotspots for tourists. Short-term rentals have significantly contributed to the country's tourism infrastructure, offering travelers cozy, authentic experiences. Short-term rentals, commonly found on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, contributed significantly to government revenue in 2024 through taxes and fees. Short-term rentals have not only bolstered the local economy but also provided Faroese property owners with supplementary income while supporting the island’s hospitality sector.

Overview

The Faroe Islands, an enchanting archipelago nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a rising star in the global travel industry. With its breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages, and unique culture, the islands attract thousands of visitors annually. Popular destinations like Tórshavn, the capital city, Gjógv, a picturesque village, and the dramatic cliffs of Vágar Island have become hotspots for tourists. Short-term rentals have significantly contributed to the country's tourism infrastructure, offering travelers cozy, authentic experiences. Short-term rentals, commonly found on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, contributed significantly to government revenue in 2024 through taxes and fees. Short-term rentals have not only bolstered the local economy but also provided Faroese property owners with supplementary income while supporting the island’s hospitality sector.

Property
Overview
Property
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short term rentals
What is Vacation Rental in Faroe Islands?
What are short Term Rentals in the Country?

In the Faroe Islands, short-term rentals are commonly referred to by several local terms, reflecting the nature and purpose of the accommodation. The term "stutttíðarleiga" translates directly to "short-term rental," encompassing a broad range of temporary lodging options available for brief periods. Another prevalent term is "feriubústaðir," which translates to "holiday homes" or "vacation cottages," indicating properties specifically intended for tourist use during holidays.

On international booking platforms such as Airbnb and

Is Subletting Legal?
Is Subletting Legal in Faroe Islands?
National Association for STR Owners
What is the maximum length of stay in Faroe Islands?
What is the maximum length of stay?

As of now, the Faroe Islands do not have specific national regulations that define or restrict the maximum length of stay for short-term rentals. The absence of such legislation means that, in theory, guests can book short-term rental properties for varying durations without encountering legal limitations.

Is there any National Registration Requirement or Permit?

As of now, the Faroe Islands do not have specific national legislation or regulations governing short-term rentals. This means that hosts are not required to register their properties with a central government database, nor are they obligated to obtain a special permit to operate short-term rentals. Unlike neighboring countries, the Faroe Islands have not established formal guidelines for these accommodations.

Is there a need for Permission from Landlord/Local Council/Neighbors?

As of now, the Faroe Islands lack specific national legislation regulating short-term rentals. This absence of formal regulations means that there are no explicit legal requirements for hosts to obtain permission from landlords, local councils, or neighbors before offering their properties as short-term rentals.

Is Short-term rental Income taxable?

In the Faroe Islands, income earned from short-term rentals is subject to taxation. Hosts must report this income to the Faroese Tax and Customs Authority, TAKS, and it is taxed as part of their personal income. The specific tax obligations depend on the nature of the rental arrangement and the total income earned.

Is there any National Tourism Fund or Tourist Tax?

As of January 2025, the Faroe Islands have introduced a tourist tax, effective from

Is there any Guest Registration and Reporting Requirement?

As of January 2025, there are no specific legal requirements in the Faroe Islands for short-term rental hosts to register or report guest information to national authorities, such as immigration or local police.

Is there any National Health and Safety Requirements?

As of January 2025, there are no specific nationwide health and safety standards mandated for short-term rental properties in the Faroe Islands.

Is there any Platform Accountability Requirement?

Currently, the Faroe Islands do not have specific national laws requiring online platforms to ensure that short-term rental listings comply with national regulations. However, hosts can ensure their properties adhere to health and safety regulations, and they fulfill their tax obligations.

The Municipality of Tórshavn has expressed concerns over the surge in short-term rentals and is advocating for the authority to set conditions and regulations for such accommodations.

Anti-Discrimination Laws in the Faroe Islands

In the Faroe Islands, anti-discrimination legislation is designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment across various contexts, including housing and accommodations such as short-term rentals.

Is there any Anti-Discrimination Law?
Is there any Data Sharing Requirements?

As of now, there are no specific mandates requiring short-term rental platforms to share data with national government authorities in the Faroe Islands. Unlike some countries that have implemented regulations obligating platforms like Airbnb to report listing information or host data to governmental bodies, the Faroe Islands have not established such requirements. Consequently, there is no designated authority demanding this data, and no legal basis has been set for such data-sharing practices.

Is there any National Insurance Requirement?

Currently, there is no national legislation in the Faroe Islands mandating hosts to obtain liability insurance for short-term rental properties. While having liability insurance is considered a best practice to protect hosts against potential claims from guests, it is not a legal requirement. Hosts should assess their individual circumstances to determine the necessity of such insurance, especially in cases where the property is frequently rented out or if it is located in areas with higher risks.

Is there any National Zoning law/Cultural Heritage law?

As of January 2025, the Faroe Islands do not have specific national zoning laws or cultural heritage regulations that directly address the operation of short-term rentals in culturally or historically significant areas. However, there is growing concern among local authorities and communities regarding the impact of increased tourism and short-term rentals on these sensitive areas.

Is there any Environmental Regulations that affects STR?

The Faroe Islands have implemented environmental regulations that indirectly impact short-term rentals (STRs), emphasizing sustainable tourism and environmental protection.

Is there any National Tenant Protection Law?

As of January 2025, the Faroe Islands do not have specific national tenant protection laws that address the eviction of long-term tenants in favor of short-term rentals. However, general landlord-tenant regulations exist to safeguard tenant rights and outline the responsibilities of both parties.

Is there any Reporting Requirements for Foreigners?
Is there any Digital Platform Regulation Compliance?

At present, digital platforms facilitating short-term rentals in the Faroe Islands are not legally required to verify hosts' compliance with national regulations before listing properties. This absence of mandatory compliance checks places the responsibility on individual hosts to ensure their rentals adhere to existing laws and guidelines. Platforms like Airbnb operate without a legal obligation to enforce regulatory compliance among their users in the Faroe Islands.

Reporting Requirements for Foreign Guests

As of January 2025, there are no specific national requirements in the Faroe Islands mandating hosts to report foreign guests to immigration authorities for short-term stays.

While there is no legal obligation for hosts to report the presence of foreign guests to national immigration authorities, it is advisable for hosts to:

Is there any Consumer Protection Law that affect STR?

Currently, the Faroe Islands do not have specific national laws directly addressing consumer protection standards in short-term rental (STR) contracts. However, general principles from consumer protection guidelines can be applied to ensure fair practices in the STR market.

Although there are no specific consumer protection laws tailored to STRs, general consumer rights in the Faroe Islands emphasize fairness, transparency, and the right to accurate information. Hosts should provide clear terms and conditions, accurate property descriptions, and disclose any fees upfront to align with these principles.

Is there any Law that applies to Non-resident Owners?

Currently, the Faroe Islands have limited regulations specifically targeting non-resident owners of short-term rental (STR) properties. However, certain considerations apply:

Is there any classification of STR in the country?

The Faroe Islands currently lack a formal classification system specifically tailored for short-term rentals (STRs). Unlike many other countries where STRs are categorized based on property type, duration of stay, or amenities provided, the Faroe Islands do not impose such detailed classifications. Short-term rentals generally operate under the same framework as other rental accommodations, with few distinctions or requirements for categorization.

Are there Special National Event Regulations?

There are no additional regulations imposed during national events or holidays in the Faroe Islands that affect short-term rentals. Standard laws and guidelines remain in effect, and no changes are made to maximum length of stay, ID verification processes, curfews, or noise restrictions during such times.

Is there any Penalty for Violating National Rules?
Are there National Rules or Regulations Governing Short-Term Rentals in Faroe Islands?
Are there National Rules or Regulations Governing Short-Term Rentals in the Country?
Is there any National Tax that affects short-term rental?
permits, license
Are there any Permits, Licenses, or Registrations for Vacation Rental in Faroe Islands?
Are there any Permits, Licenses, or Registrations for Short-term Rentals in the Country?

As of now, the Faroe Islands do not have specific national legislation or regulations governing short-term rentals. This means that hosts are not required to register their properties with a central government database, nor are they obligated to obtain a special permit to operate short-term rentals. Unlike neighboring countries, the Faroe Islands have not established formal guidelines for these accommodations.

Is there any National Association for Vacation Rental owners in Faroe Islands?
Is there any National Association for STR owners in the Country?
National Association for STR Owners
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Disclaimer

Lodge compliance is not a licensed tax or financial advisor. Therefore nothing in the above article should be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact your local tax office for information regarding your personal circumstance.

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