Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mozambique Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Mozambique Property Pack
Wondering if running an Airbnb in Mozambique is worth it in 2026? You're in the right place.
We've pulled together the latest data on nightly rates, occupancy, regulations, and profitability to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
This article is regularly updated to reflect the most current information available on the Mozambique short-term rental market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Mozambique.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Alexia Vieira
Founder and President of Fundacion Khanimambo and Humbi Farm
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Mozambique in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is broadly allowed in Mozambique, but it falls under the country's tourism accommodation regulations rather than being treated as a simple rental arrangement.
The main legal framework governing short-term rentals in Mozambique is Decree No. 74/2022, which regulates tourist enterprises, restaurants, and "alojamento local" (local accommodation), establishing registration and operating requirements for anyone hosting paying guests.
The single most important condition hosts must comply with is registering their property as tourist accommodation through the appropriate government channels, as operating without registration can trigger enforcement action from tourism authorities.
Penalties for operating an unregistered short-term rental in Mozambique can include fines and orders to cease operations, though enforcement intensity varies significantly by location and visibility of the operation.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Mozambique.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Mozambique.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Mozambique as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Mozambique does not have a widely documented nationwide minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap like you see in many European cities, with the regulatory focus instead placed on registration and operating standards for tourist accommodation.
These rules do not differ based on property type or the host's residency status in Mozambique, meaning there are no distinct caps for apartments versus houses, or for residents versus non-residents, anywhere in the country.
However, in practice, many hosts on the Mozambique coast (particularly in places like Tofo Beach) voluntarily set minimum stays of 2 to 7 nights, or even 30+ nights, to reduce turnover and operational complexity rather than because of legal requirements.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Mozambique right now?
Mozambique does not have a "primary residence only" rule at the national level for short-term rentals, so you are not required to live in the property you list on Airbnb.
Owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals in Mozambique, provided they comply with the tourism accommodation registration and operating requirements under Decree No. 74/2022.
There are no additional permits or conditions that apply specifically to non-primary residence short-term rentals at the national level, though individual condo buildings or gated communities may have their own internal rules restricting such use.
The main practical difference between renting out a primary residence versus a secondary home in Mozambique is not legal but operational: secondary homes often require property management arrangements, which adds cost and complexity to the hosting business.
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Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Mozambique right now?
In principle, you can operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Mozambique, as the regulatory framework is activity-based rather than limited to a single property per person.
There is no documented maximum number of properties one person or entity can list for short-term rental in Mozambique at the national level, though operating multiple units increases your profile as a tourism accommodation operator.
Hosts with multiple listings should expect stricter compliance expectations and may need to ensure each property is properly registered under the tourism accommodation framework, as scaling up moves you from "casual host" to "accommodation business" in the eyes of regulators.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Mozambique as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, hosts operating guest accommodation in Mozambique should expect to need tourism-sector registration under Decree No. 74/2022, and the government maintains an online tourism management system (eSGT) for this purpose.
The process typically involves submitting documentation about your property and intended use to the relevant tourism authorities, though timelines can vary depending on your location and the complexity of your setup.
Required documents generally include proof of property ownership or authorization to use the property, identification documents, and information about the accommodation facilities you plan to offer guests.
Exact costs for registration are not widely published in a standardized format, but hosts should budget for administrative fees and potential inspection costs as part of the compliance process.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Mozambique as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there is no well-publicized nationwide map of "Airbnb-banned zones" in Mozambique like you might find in highly regulated European cities.
The practical constraints on short-term rentals come more from building-level rules (especially in condo buildings in prime Maputo neighborhoods like Polana and Sommerschield) and local enforcement intensity rather than formal neighborhood-wide bans.
Some buildings in Maputo's upmarket areas have internal regulations that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals due to security concerns or neighbor preferences, so checking building rules before purchasing is essential.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Mozambique compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Mozambique in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price on Airbnb in Mozambique is approximately $80 (around 5,100 MZN or 75 EUR), with Maputo averaging $64 per night and coastal leisure markets like Tofo Beach commanding around $103 per night.
The typical nightly price range that covers roughly 80% of listings in Mozambique falls between $40 and $150 (2,550 to 9,600 MZN, or 37 to 140 EUR), depending on location, property type, and amenities offered.
The single factor with the biggest impact on nightly pricing in Mozambique is location, specifically whether the property is in a prime urban area like Polana in Maputo or a beachfront position in coastal destinations, which can swing prices by 40% or more in either direction.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mozambique.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices in Mozambique can vary by 60% or more between the most expensive neighborhoods (like Polana Cimento in Maputo at $85 to $95 per night, or 5,400 to 6,100 MZN, 79 to 88 EUR) and more peripheral areas (around $40 to $50, or 2,550 to 3,200 MZN, 37 to 46 EUR).
The three neighborhoods in Mozambique with the highest average nightly prices are Polana Cimento (approximately $90 per night or 5,750 MZN), Sommerschield (around $85 per night or 5,430 MZN), and prime beachfront areas in Tofo Beach (approximately $120 per night or 7,670 MZN, 111 EUR).
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices include Matola (around $40 per night or 2,550 MZN, 37 EUR), peripheral Maputo areas like Zimpeto (approximately $35 per night or 2,240 MZN, 32 EUR), and inland locations in Inhambane Province (around $45 per night or 2,870 MZN, 42 EUR), though demand is also significantly lower in these areas.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mozambique is approximately 44%, based on AirDNA data showing Maputo at 45% and Tofo Beach at 43%.
The realistic occupancy rate range that covers most listings in Mozambique falls between 30% and 55%, with significant variation based on seasonality, location quality, and operational reliability.
Mozambique's 44% average occupancy rate sits somewhat below African coastal tourism averages, reflecting the country's emerging market status and the operational challenges that can affect guest satisfaction.
The single factor with the biggest impact on achieving above-average occupancy in Mozambique is operational reliability, meaning properties with backup power, water reserves, fast response times, and strong reviews consistently outperform those without these features.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Mozambique is approximately $560 (around 35,800 MZN or 520 EUR), based on Maputo averaging $417 per month and Tofo Beach averaging $700 per month.
The realistic monthly revenue range that covers roughly 80% of listings in Mozambique falls between $250 and $900 (16,000 to 57,500 MZN, or 232 to 835 EUR), depending on location, property quality, and operational consistency.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Mozambique can achieve $1,200 to $2,000 per month (76,700 to 127,800 MZN, or 1,115 to 1,855 EUR), particularly in prime coastal locations during peak season, meaning a well-optimized beachfront property could generate $14,000 to $24,000 annually.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Mozambique.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical monthly revenue during low season in Mozambique ranges from $250 to $450 (16,000 to 28,750 MZN, or 232 to 418 EUR), while high season can push revenues to $700 to $1,400 (44,730 to 89,460 MZN, or 650 to 1,300 EUR) depending on location.
Low season for Airbnb in Mozambique typically runs from March through May and again in October through early November, while high season spans mid-December through February (summer holidays and beach weather) and June through September (South African winter escape and good diving conditions on the coast).
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a realistic monthly expense range for operating an Airbnb in Mozambique is $220 to $600 (14,060 to 38,350 MZN, or 204 to 557 EUR) for self-managed properties, and $350 to $950 (22,370 to 60,700 MZN, or 325 to 882 EUR) if using a property manager or co-host.
The single expense category that typically represents the largest share of monthly costs in Mozambique is cleaning and turnover management, which can run $60 to $250 (3,830 to 15,980 MZN, or 56 to 232 EUR) per month depending on guest frequency and property size.
Hosts in Mozambique should typically expect to spend 40% to 65% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with higher percentages for coastal properties that require backup power systems, water storage, and more intensive maintenance.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Mozambique.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Mozambique ranges from approximately $0 to $170 (0 to 10,860 MZN, or 0 to 158 EUR) for self-managed Maputo listings at market-average performance, while coastal properties like Tofo can achieve $50 to $350 (3,200 to 22,370 MZN, or 46 to 325 EUR) per month, translating to roughly $5 to $20 profit per available night.
The realistic monthly net profit range that covers most listings in Mozambique spans from breaking even (or slight losses for managed properties) to approximately $400 (25,560 MZN, 371 EUR) for well-optimized properties in prime locations.
Net profit margins for Airbnb hosts in Mozambique typically fall between 10% and 35% of gross revenue, with the wide range reflecting differences in management approach, operational efficiency, and location quality.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Airbnb listing in Mozambique is approximately 30% to 35%, meaning hosts need to fill roughly one-third of available nights just to cover operating costs before generating any profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Mozambique, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mozambique versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Mozambique as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Mozambique as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 1,200 active short-term rental listings across Mozambique, with verifiable data showing 419 listings in Maputo and 134 listings in Tofo Beach through AirDNA's tracked markets.
The number of active listings has grown moderately over the past year, with the long-term trend showing steady expansion as Mozambique's tourism sector recovers and international visitor numbers increase, particularly following the 311,740 tourist arrivals recorded during the 2025 festive season.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Mozambique as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Mozambique are Polana Cimento, Sommerschield, and Baixa in Maputo, along with the walk-to-beach zones in Tofo Beach where the majority of coastal supply concentrates.
These neighborhoods became saturated because they combine the factors guests prioritize most heavily in Mozambique: perceived safety, walkable access to restaurants and services, expat familiarity, and in coastal areas, proximity to beaches with reliable road access.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities for new hosts include Costa do Sol and Triunfo areas in Maputo (which combine beach access with urban convenience), Matola (for budget-conscious domestic travelers), and secondary coastal towns like Xai-Xai and Vilankulo where supply has not yet caught up with tourism development.
What local events spike demand in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Mozambique include FACIM (Maputo International Trade Fair, typically held in late August), the Azgo Festival (held in May in Maputo), and the festive season period from mid-December through early January.
During these peak events, hosts in Mozambique can typically see bookings increase by 30% to 50% and nightly rates rise by 20% to 40% compared to normal periods, with the strongest effects concentrated in central Maputo neighborhoods and coastal resort areas.
Hosts should adjust pricing and availability settings at least 4 to 8 weeks before major events like FACIM and the December holiday rush, as business travelers and vacation planners in Mozambique tend to book earlier than casual tourists.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Mozambique achieve occupancy rates of approximately 60% to 70% during workable seasons, while average hosts sit at around 44% occupancy.
This creates a 15 to 25 percentage point gap between top performers and average hosts, with the difference driven largely by operational reliability, review quality, and responsiveness rather than just location or price.
New hosts in Mozambique typically need 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, as building a strong review profile and establishing operational systems takes time in a market where trust signals matter significantly.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Mozambique.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Mozambique right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of listings in Mozambique is $45 to $80 (2,870 to 5,110 MZN, or 42 to 74 EUR) in Maputo, and $70 to $130 (4,470 to 8,310 MZN, or 65 to 121 EUR) in coastal areas like Tofo Beach.
The most crowded price points where competition is fiercest are the $50 to $70 range in Maputo (where many "fine but generic" apartments cluster) and the $90 to $120 range on the coast, while "white space" opportunities exist in the $100+ business-traveler segment in Maputo and the "reliability-focused mid-range" segment ($150 to $200 per night, or 9,590 to 12,780 MZN) on the coast.
Property characteristics that would allow a new host to successfully compete in underserved segments include reliable backup power and water systems for coastal properties, dedicated workspaces with fast Wi-Fi for Maputo business travelers, and clear security and access instructions that reduce guest anxiety.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Mozambique right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Mozambique as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, two-bedroom properties get the most bookings for Airbnb in Mozambique, representing the sweet spot between guest group size and operational simplicity.
The estimated booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Mozambique shows studios and 1-bedroom units capturing approximately 25% of bookings (mainly solo and couple travelers), 2-bedroom properties taking around 40% of bookings, and 3-bedroom or larger properties accounting for roughly 35% (with stronger performance in coastal family markets).
Two-bedroom properties perform best in Mozambique because they accommodate the most common booking scenarios: couples traveling together, business colleagues sharing accommodation, and small families, while remaining manageable for cleaning and turnover compared to larger units.
What property type performs best in Mozambique in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the best-performing property types for Airbnb in Mozambique are well-located apartments and townhouses in Maputo for the urban market, and standalone houses or villas on the coast for the leisure market, with the key differentiator being operational reliability rather than property label.
Occupancy rates across property types in Mozambique show apartments averaging 45% to 50% occupancy in Maputo, townhouses achieving similar rates in secure urban settings, and coastal houses/villas ranging from 40% to 55% depending heavily on utility reliability and beach proximity.
Apartments and townhouses outperform other property types in Maputo because they typically offer better security infrastructure and are located in walkable neighborhoods that business travelers prefer, while coastal houses win when they solve the reliability challenges (power, water, access) that frustrate guests in more remote locations.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Mozambique, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Boletim da República (INM) - Decree No. 74/2022 | This is the official gazette publisher, making it the legal source of truth for Mozambique's tourism accommodation regulations. | We used it to anchor what Mozambique formally requires to operate tourist accommodation. We also used it to avoid guessing about licenses, registration, and who is legally allowed to operate. |
| English Translation of Decree No. 74/2022 | It's a direct translation of the official decree text, useful when you're not reading legal Portuguese day-to-day. | We used it to interpret the decree in plain English and cross-check key terms like "local accommodation." We still defer to the official gazette link for legal authority. |
| AirDNA - Maputo Market Overview | AirDNA is a widely used STR analytics provider with transparent definitions and consistent methodology across markets. | We used it as the core dataset for pricing, occupancy, revenue, and active listing counts in Maputo. We then built conservative "realistic host" scenarios around those baseline market averages. |
| AirDNA - Tofo Beach Market Overview | It's the same standardized STR dataset as above, but for Mozambique's most visible beach market. | We used it to quantify coastal leisure-market performance and seasonality signals. We then translated those numbers into monthly revenue and profit ranges for common residential property types. |
| AirDNA Help Center - Active Listings Definition | This explains exactly what AirDNA counts (and what it doesn't), which matters for accurate competition estimates. | We used it to interpret "how many listings" as bookable and actually active, not just "exists on Airbnb." We also used it to keep competition claims honest and comparable. |
| FACIM Official Website | This is the official site for Mozambique's biggest trade fair, so dates and location information are dependable. | We used it as a concrete example of a recurring demand spike around Maputo for business travel. We also used it to translate "events matter" into something hosts can plan pricing around. |
| Knight Frank - Mozambique Research | Knight Frank is a major global real estate consultancy with established research practices. | We used it to validate what "prime Maputo" means in real housing economics. We then used it to explain which neighborhoods and property features tend to attract higher-paying guests. |
| Airbnb Mozambique Stays Page | It's Airbnb's own platform view, useful for confirming that STR supply is meaningfully present across the country. | We used it as a qualitative cross-check that STR supply extends beyond just Maputo. We did not use it as a quantitative dataset because Airbnb doesn't publish a clean "active listings" count. |
| AirROI - Maputo Province Report | AirROI provides STR analytics with regulatory monitoring and top performer benchmarks. | We used it to cross-check performance metrics and regulatory status indicators. We also used their top performer data to estimate the performance gap between average and excellent hosts. |
| Travel and Tour World - Mozambique Tourism Report | It's a reputable travel industry publication reporting official Ministry of Economy tourism data. | We used it to confirm strong tourism demand signals during the 2025 festive season. We also used the 311,740 arrivals figure to contextualize Mozambique's accommodation market potential. |
| The Africanvestor - Maputo Rental Analysis | It's our own research platform with consistent methodology and Mozambique-specific market expertise. | We used it to anchor neighborhood-level rental rates and vacancy patterns. We also used it to validate pricing differentials between prime and peripheral areas in Maputo. |
| The Africanvestor - Maputo Rental Yields | It provides detailed yield calculations by property type and neighborhood with transparent methodology. | We used it to understand which property types deliver the strongest returns in different Maputo neighborhoods. We also used it to estimate operating cost structures. |
| Arts Connect Africa - Azgo Festival | It's a reputable African arts and culture platform covering major festivals across the continent. | We used it to document the Azgo Festival as a Mozambique-specific demand spike event. We also used it to explain how cultural events can drive short-term rate increases. |
| Music In Africa - Azgo Festival Directory | It's the leading pan-African music industry platform with verified event and venue information. | We used it to confirm the annual timing (May) and location (Maputo) of the Azgo Festival. We also used it to understand the festival's scale and cultural significance. |
| Wise Currency Converter | Wise provides mid-market exchange rates with transparent, frequently updated data. | We used it to convert all USD figures to Mozambican Meticais (MZN) and Euros (EUR) using the current exchange rate of approximately 64 MZN per USD. |
| The Global Economy - Mozambique Tourism | It compiles World Bank tourism data with historical trends and international comparisons. | We used it to contextualize Mozambique's tourism recovery trajectory. We also used it to compare pre-pandemic and current visitor arrival figures. |
| AirROI - Praia de Bilene Report | It provides market-specific STR data for secondary coastal markets in Mozambique. | We used it to understand performance patterns in markets beyond Maputo and Tofo. We also used their seasonality data to estimate low-season versus high-season revenue variations. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Mozambique. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.