How to Get the RNT in Colombia 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you have a cabin, tourist apartment, hotel, travel agency, or any tourism-related business in Colombia, the National Tourism Registry (RNT) is mandatory. Without it, you could face severe fines and won't be able to operate legally.
In this guide we cover everything: what the RNT is, how to obtain it for the first time, how much it costs, how long the process takes, what happens if you don't have it, and how it applies if you want to open a travel agency in Colombia.
What is the National Tourism Registry (RNT)?
The National Tourism Registry is a mandatory registry administered by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MINCIT) of Colombia. Every tourism service provider—from vacation apartment owners to adventure tourism operators—must register before starting their commercial activity.
The RNT certifies that your establishment meets the quality standards and regulations required by Law 1558 of 2012 and Decree 1074 of 2015.
Key fact: The RNT is not an operating permit or a construction license. It's a public registry that informs the State who are the active tourism service providers in the country.
Who is required to have the National Tourism Registry?
According to article 61 of Law 300 of 1996 and its modifications, all tourism service providers are required to register in the RNT, including:
- Accommodation and lodging establishments: hotels, hostels, tourist apartments, farms, inns, campsites, glamping.
- Travel agencies: wholesale, operators, and travel and tourism.
- Tourist transport companies.
- Tourism guides independent or linked to companies.
- Congress, fair and convention operators.
- Timeshare and multi-property companies.
- Vehicle rental companies for tourism.
- Adventure tourism activity operators.
If you have an apartment on Airbnb, VRBO or Booking, you are also required to register. The law doesn't distinguish between platforms: if you charge for accommodation, you need RNT.
How much does it cost to get the RNT?
One of the best news: the RNT process has no direct cost. Registration in the National Tourism Registry is free.
However, there are associated costs you should consider:
Mandatory prior costs
| Document | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| RUT (Single Tax Registry) | Free at DIAN |
| NIT for the first time | Free (obtained when registering the RUT) |
| Commercial registration (Chamber of Commerce) | Varies according to business assets (~$100,000 - $700,000 COP) |
| Certificate of existence and representation | ~$6,000 - $8,600 COP |
When is the RNT paid?
The RNT has no annual registration fee, but it must be renewed annually between January 1 and March 31 of each year. Renewal is also free. What may have a cost is updating the commercial registration with the Chamber of Commerce, which is a prerequisite.
RNT cost summary: The registration itself is $0 COP. The real cost comes from the prior corporate documents you need to have in order.
What is needed to get the RNT? Complete requirements
Requirements vary slightly depending on the type of provider. For tourist accommodations (the most common case), you need:
Basic documents for individuals
- Citizenship card of the owner.
- Valid RUT from DIAN.
- Valid commercial registration from the Chamber of Commerce (if applicable).
- Registration form filled out on the MINCIT portal.
- Number of rooms or units of the establishment.
- Exact address of the property.
Additional documents for legal entities (companies)
- Company NIT.
- Certificate of existence and legal representation (issued by the Chamber of Commerce, no older than 30 days).
- Legal representative's ID card.
- Company RUT.
Where can I get the RUT without an appointment?
The RUT is processed through the DIAN portal (www.dian.gov.co). You can do it completely online:
- Enter the DIAN portal.
- Select "RUT Registration" or "RUT Update".
- Complete the form with your personal and economic information.
- Download the RUT in PDF directly.
You don't need an in-person appointment for the initial registration if you do the virtual process. If there are inconsistencies, DIAN may request an in-person verification.
How can I obtain my National Tourism Registry for the first time?
The process to obtain the RNT for the first time is 100% online. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Enter the official MINCIT portal
Go to www.mincit.gov.co and look for the "National Tourism Registry" section, or enter directly to the portal rnt.mcit.gov.co.
Step 2: Create your account
Register with your email and create a password. You will receive a confirmation email.
Step 3: Choose your provider category
The portal will ask you to select the type of tourism service you offer. The most common categories are:
- Accommodation and lodging
- Travel agency
- Tourist transport
- Tourism guide
Step 4: Fill out the form
Complete the establishment information: name, NIT or ID card, address, number of units or rooms, services offered, and contact information.
Step 5: Upload the required documents
Upload the documents listed in the previous section in PDF format.
Step 6: Submit the application and wait for validation
Once submitted, the system assigns a tracking number. MINCIT or the delegated Chamber of Commerce will review your documentation.
Step 7: Download your RNT certificate
If everything is in order, you will receive your RNT certificate by email. You can also download it from the portal whenever you want.
Who issues the RNT? Who grants the National Tourism Registry?
The RNT is granted by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MINCIT). However, MINCIT has delegated the registry operation in many municipalities to the local Chambers of Commerce, which act as one-stop shops.
This means that depending on the city or municipality where your establishment is located, the process may be managed directly by:
- The Chamber of Commerce of your municipality (most frequent case in intermediate and small cities).
- MINCIT directly (mainly for large cities and special cases).
In cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena and Barranquilla, the Chambers of Commerce have full delegated powers to register and update the RNT.
How long does the RNT process take? How long does it take?
Under normal conditions, the RNT process can take between 1 and 15 business days, depending on:
- The correctness of the documents submitted.
- The workload of the delegated entity in your municipality.
- If additional documents or clarifications are requested.
Actual estimated times:
| Scenario | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Complete and correct documents | 1 to 5 business days |
| Request for additional documents | 5 to 15 business days |
| High demand periods (January-March) | Up to 20 business days |
Tip: Process the RNT before starting operations, not the same day you open. Plan at least 3 weeks in advance.
How long does the RNT last? How often is it renewed?
The RNT does not expire; once obtained, it is permanent. However, you must update it (renew it) annually between January 1 and March 31 of each year.
If you don't renew your RNT within that period, your registry becomes inactive and technically you are operating irregularly.
Renewal is also free and is done on the same digital portal where you first registered.
Where can I download the RNT?
Once registered, you can download or consult your RNT certificate at any time on the official portal rnt.mcit.gov.co:
- Log in with your username and password.
- Go to "My registrations" or "Check registration".
- Download the certificate in PDF.
You can also verify the RNT of any provider using the registration number in the public query of the portal, which is useful for verifying suppliers or agencies before hiring their services.
What happens if I don't have RNT?
Operating without the National Tourism Registry has serious legal consequences. Law 1558 of 2012 establishes the following sanctions:
Economic sanctions
Fines for operating without RNT can reach up to 300 SMLMV (Current Legal Monthly Minimum Wages). In 2025, that equals approximately $375,000,000 COP.
Establishment closure
Tourism authorities can order the temporary or permanent closure of the establishment while it doesn't regularize its situation.
Inability to appear on formal platforms
Some platforms and tourism distribution channels in Colombia (including entities that certify establishments) require the RNT number to publish. Without it, your formal visibility is limited.
Civil liability
In case of accident or incident with tourists, the absence of RNT can aggravate your legal responsibility, as it demonstrates informal operation.
Who is required to have RNT? Everyone who provides tourism services habitually and for remuneration, regardless of business size or if they operate on digital platforms like Airbnb.
What are the 4 types of tourists in Colombia?
From the MINCIT statistical perspective, tourists in Colombia are classified into:
- International tourist: Travels from another country to Colombia, whether for leisure, business or family visits.
- Internal or domestic tourist: Colombian who travels within the national territory.
- Day tripper or day visitor: Person who visits a destination without overnight stay.
- Transit tourist: Traveler who crosses the country to another destination without prolonged accommodation.
This classification is relevant for the RNT because some tax benefits and tourism promotion programs from MINCIT depend on the type of tourist the establishment is targeting.
What are the 4 tourism services?
Colombian regulations recognize four major groups of tourism services:
- Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, inns, glamping, tourist apartments, recreational farms.
- Intermediation: Wholesale travel agencies, operators and mixed.
- Transport: Land, fluvial, maritime or air tourist transport companies.
- Recreation and entertainment: Adventure activity operators, ecotourism, events and congresses.
All these services have a specific category within the RNT and additional requirements according to the type of activity.
How much does it cost to open a travel agency in Colombia?
If your goal is to open a travel agency, costs are higher than for a simple tourist accommodation. Here's a realistic breakdown:
Incorporation costs
| Concept | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| SAS incorporation (deed or private document) | $0 - $500,000 COP |
| Chamber of Commerce registration | $300,000 - $800,000 COP |
| Company RUT and NIT | Free |
| RNT (travel agency category) | Free |
| Civil liability insurance | $800,000 - $2,000,000 COP/year |
Initial operating costs
| Concept | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Commercial premises (first month rent + deposit) | $1,500,000 - $5,000,000 COP |
| Improvements and furniture | $2,000,000 - $8,000,000 COP |
| Management software (GDS, reservation system) | $500,000 - $2,000,000 COP/month |
| Initial working capital | $5,000,000 - $20,000,000 COP |
Total estimated initial investment: Between $10,000,000 and $35,000,000 COP depending on the city, size and business model.
Note: If you operate as a virtual agency without physical premises, costs can be significantly reduced.
What are the 3 types of travel agencies in Colombia?
Decree 502 of 1997 and current regulations classify travel agencies into three types:
1. Travel and Tourism Agencies (AVT)
These are the most common. They can sell directly to the public tourist plans, airline tickets, hotel reservations and packages. They can operate as intermediaries and also as operators.
2. Travel Operator Agencies (AVO)
They design and execute tourist programs within the national territory. They work mainly with other agencies and with foreign tourists who want to tour Colombia. They don't sell directly to the general public.
3. Wholesale Travel Agencies (AVM)
They design packages and programs that they then sell to other agencies, not directly to the final tourist. They are the "wholesaler" of the tourism sector.
Each type has specific RNT requirements, policies and minimum required capital.
What documents are needed to open a travel agency in Colombia?
To register a travel agency in the RNT you need:
- Certificate of existence and legal representation (Chamber of Commerce, maximum 30 days from issuance).
- Company RUT updated with travel agency activity.
- Legal representative's ID card.
- Current extracontractual civil liability policy.
- RNT form filled out on the MINCIT portal with the "Travel Agency" category.
- Technical director's suitability certificate (in some cases).
For Operator Agencies, additionally experience in designing tourist programs must be accredited.
Is it profitable to open a travel agency in Colombia? Is it worth it?
The honest answer: it depends on the business model. The traditional physical agency model has lost profitability due to the emergence of platforms like Booking, Despegar and Google Flights.
Where there is profitability
- Specialized tourism: Adventure, ecotourism, wellness tourism, medical tourism.
- Corporate: Company travel management (travel expenses, events, conventions).
- Receptive tourism: Tour design for foreigners coming to Colombia.
- Rural and experiential tourism: Farms, glamping, gastronomic routes.
How much can a travel agency owner earn?
A travel agency owner in Colombia can earn between $3,000,000 and $15,000,000 COP monthly in a stable business, although in the first 1 to 2 years margins are low while building a client portfolio. Specialized agencies with corporate clients or handling high-value receptive tourism can exceed these figures.
Profitability is directly linked to specialization, differentiation and sales volume through digital channels.
Frequently asked questions about the RNT
Can I operate my Airbnb apartment without RNT?
Technically you can publish on Airbnb, but legally in Colombia you are required to have the RNT if you charge for accommodation habitually. Operating without registration exposes you to sanctions.
Is the RNT the same as the RUT?
No. The RUT is the Single Tax Registry from DIAN and applies to any person or company with economic activity. The RNT is exclusive for tourism service providers.
What happens if my RNT is expired (not renewed)?
Your registry becomes inactive. You must renew it within the established period (January 1 - March 31). If you do it outside the deadline, you may face sanctions and will have to justify the delay.
Do I need RNT to rent seasonally once a year?
If vacation rental is habitual and remunerated, yes. Frequency doesn't exempt from the obligation. An apartment rented through platforms during high seasons continuously is considered habitual provision.
Conclusion: The RNT is the first step to operate with peace of mind
Getting the RNT in Colombia is a free process, relatively fast and done completely online. There's no excuse to operate without it. Beyond legal compliance, the RNT gives you credibility with your guests, protects you from legal eventualities and opens doors to support programs from MINCIT and regional tourism entities.
If you have a vacation apartment, farm or property to rent in Colombia and want to manage it professionally—with direct bookings, fewer platform commissions and automation tools—learn about digitra.rentals, the platform for Colombian hosts who want to grow.
Do you have questions about your tourist accommodation registration process? Write to us or check our resources section for hosts at digitra.news.