Overnight Tax Simplification in Greifswald, Effective from 1st October 2025

Starting from the fourth quarter of 2025, all accommodation providers in Greifswald will be required to report the total number of overnight stays quarterly. This change is part of a broader initiative to simplify the handling of the accommodation tax and accommodate the hospitality industry.

In line with this development, the University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald will alter its accommodation tax as of October 1, 2025. The current 5% of accommodation costs will no longer apply after the change. Instead, a flat rate of 3 euros per adult and overnight stay will be implemented.

Institutions operated by or under the sponsorship of non-profit organizations are exempt from the accommodation tax. This exemption applies to facilities that provide basic social services, promote community development, or pursue activities such as alleviating suffering, protecting the environment, or supporting disadvantaged groups. This includes institutions run by NGOs with a non-profit purpose.

Group trips, including group leaders, are also tax-exempt. Furthermore, persons who are in Greifswald for training purposes, such as students, school measures, or internships, are exempt from the tax. Overnight stays of children and young people up to the age of 18 are tax-exempt as well.

The administration will send the corresponding documents to the registered taxable accommodation providers. An adapted form and further explanations regarding the change in the ordinance can be found on the city's homepage under "Pay accommodation tax". The ordinance valid from October 1, 2025, can be found on the city's website under "Finance and Tax Matters".

For any queries, the city's Tax Department can be contacted at 03834 8536-3131 or via email at the provided email address. The first report after the change in the ordinance for the fourth quarter of 2025 must be submitted by January 15, 2026. The adapted form for reporting overnight stays can be found on the city's homepage.

The city's homepage and website contain comprehensive information about the change in the accommodation tax ordinance. Further explanations about the change can be found on the city's homepage under "Pay accommodation tax". The new regulation applies to all accommodation providers, including hotels, pensions, hostels, vacation apartments/rooms, caravan pitches, and camping sites.