Culture Tax Köln 2026 — rates, exemptions, calculation
How much is the Culture Tax (visitor / accommodation tax) in Köln? This page shows the current rate, who is exempt and how the amount is calculated — with a free calculator to try right away. Kölner Kulturförderabgabe: 5 % vom Übernachtungspreis (brutto, inkl. USt). Seit 01.07.2024 auch für beruflich veranlasste Übernachtungen — keine generelle Geschäftsreise-Befreiung mehr.
Calculate the visitor tax in Köln
Required because this municipality charges the tax as a percentage of the room price.
Result
10,00 €
City tax for 2 nights in Köln (2 people)
That is 2,50 € per person and night.
Kulturförderabgabe (5,0 % vom Brutto) 23.06.2026–25.06.2026
1 × 10,00 € · Pauschal
10,00 €
Researched orientation value — Kulturförderabgabe-Satzung Stadt Köln (Fassung 2024), as of 2026-06. No guarantee.
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Note: the calculated values are non-binding estimates without guarantee and do not replace legal advice. The current statute of the respective municipality always applies.
Worked example
Example for Köln: 2 adults and 1 child (age 10), 3 nights. Assumed lodging price: 120,00 € per night.
Kulturförderabgabe (5,0 % vom Brutto) 15.07.2026–18.07.2026
1 × 18,00 € · Pauschal
18,00 €
Source: Kulturförderabgabe-Satzung Stadt Köln (Fassung 2024) · as of 2026-06. Without guarantee.
Frequently asked questions about the visitor tax in Köln
How much is the Culture Tax in Köln?
Culture Tax: 5% of gross lodging price.
Is the Culture Tax waived for business trips?
No — in Köln professionally motivated stays are also liable. There is no general business-trip exemption here.
Who collects the Culture Tax in Köln?
Accommodation providers collect the Culture Tax together with the stay and pass it on to the municipality. On the guest invoice it is shown as a separate item without VAT.
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