Bilbao tourist stay tax rollout

The Bilbao City Council opened a public consultation on a new tourist‑stay tax slated to begin on 1 January 2027. The levy will range from €1 per night for hostels to €6.50 for tourist apartments, with a six‑night maximum stay. The city projects about €12 million in revenue, though exemptions could lower that figure. Councilor of Finance Carlos Urgoiti indicated the rates might be increased after further review, while EH Bildu’s María del Río called for a regional surcharge that could add roughly €7 million.

Parallel proposals are under discussion in other Basque capitals: San Sebastián plans a €6.50 daily fee for five‑star hotels and short‑term rentals, and Vitoria‑Gasteiz intends a €4.50 rate for comparable establishments. Both cities also contemplate a 75 % surcharge on vacant homes and a matching 75 % rebate for rental properties, reflecting a broader regional effort to regulate short‑term accommodation and raise municipal funds.