Barcelona families and small businesses won’t see tax rises next year. Mayor Jaume Collboni’s administration presented its 2026 budget proposals on Thursday, freezing levies whilst increasing the tourist tax.
The city’s 2026 budget hits a record £3.5 billion. Housing gets the biggest slice at £206 million.
Local property tax (IBI) stays at current levels. However, the Barcelona tourist tax increase forms a key part of the council’s fiscal strategy.
The idea originated with ERC, but PSC has adopted it. The municipal surcharge will rise by £0.86 each year from 2026 to 2029. That takes it from the current £3.43 to £6.86 over four years.
Right now, tourists pay £3.43 per person per night across all Barcelona accommodation. Next year, if approved, they’ll pay £4.29 for each night in a hotel or tourist flat.
There’s a catch though. The surcharge increase needs Catalan Parliament approval first. Without the regional government raising the base tourist tax for all of Catalonia, Barcelona’s municipal surcharge can’t go up.
Economic deputy mayor Jordi Valls reckons Parliament has enough votes to modify the tourist tax. However, it probably won’t happen before 1 April. If that timeline holds, Barcelona’s municipal surcharge could kick in between May and June 2026.
Another major change targets construction tax (ICIO). The council plans 95% rebates to encourage housing renovation and reduce residents’ fiscal burden.
The council wants an extraordinary Economics and Finance committee next week. The goal is initial approval of the 2026 budget and fiscal ordinances.
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