How to get a CITQ number to rent on Airbnb in Québec
Complete procedure to get the CITQ classification certificate required for any short-term rental in Québec: 5 steps, costs, timelines, official sources.
In Québec, anyone who rents accommodation for less than 31 days must hold a CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec) classification certificate under the Tourist Accommodation Establishments Act (RLRQ E-14.2). Without this number, your Airbnb, Vrbo or Booking.com listings are illegal and subject to fines of up to $50,000 per offence. Here is the complete procedure, current for 2026.
Who needs a CITQ number?
Every owner who offers a residence (chalet, house, condo, part of a residence) for short-term rental to tourists for less than 31 consecutive days. That includes Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and any direct advertising. The rule applies even for a single night per year.
How much does a CITQ certificate cost?
The total cost breaks down into three items: file analysis fee ($170), physical inspection ($180), display and annual rights (variable by municipality, typically $100 to $200/yr). Initial total: approximately $350, plus the recurring annual municipal permit ($160/yr in Sainte-Adèle in 2026).
Procedure in 5 steps
The complete process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks from submission to final certificate.
- Verify municipal zoning — call or visit your municipality's planning department to confirm the "tourist residence" use is permitted on your lot. In Sainte-Adèle, zoning by-law URB-301 defines the permitted zones; at Project Heritage every lot is in zone H-407 western portion, which expressly permits the use. Without this confirmation, do not submit the CITQ application.
- Submit the application on the CITQ portal — create an account on citq.qc.ca, complete the « Tourist Residence Classification Application » form, upload proof of ownership (deed or lease), a description of the dwelling (number of bedrooms, beds, area), and pay the analysis fee online ($170). Keep the file number you are assigned.
- Prepare the dwelling for inspection — equip the chalet to minimum standards: working smoke and CO detectors on every floor, ABC class fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, posted evacuation instructions, water tested if on a well, compliant septic system. The CITQ publishes a detailed inspection grid (5 categories, ~80 criteria) — download it before the inspection to prepare.
- Receive the physical inspection from a CITQ classifier — an independent classifier visits the dwelling (60 to 90 minutes), checks each criterion, takes photos, and assigns a 1- to 4-star rating. The inspection generally takes place within 30 to 45 days after the complete file is submitted. Cost: $180, payable to the classifier.
- Receive and display the certificate — the CITQ emails the official certificate within 2 to 3 weeks after the inspection, with the 6-digit CITQ number. Display it on Airbnb (« registration number » field), Vrbo, Booking.com and any advertising, plus at the chalet entrance on the official CITQ notice (downloadable from your online file). The certificate renews annually.
Realistic timelines (2026 data)
- Municipal zoning verification: 1 to 5 business days (depends on municipality)
- CITQ file analysis: 5 to 15 business days after payment
- Physical inspection: 30 to 45 days after file acceptance
- Certificate issuance: 10 to 20 days after inspection
- Average total: 6 to 8 weeks from submission to display
Common mistakes that fail the application
- Forgetting to verify municipal zoning before submitting — CITQ rejects the file if the municipality does not permit the use
- Smoke detectors with expired batteries or not installed on every floor (#1 reason for non-compliance)
- Septic system without a recent (< 5 years) conformity certificate
- No fire extinguisher or extinguisher not inspected in the past 12 months
- Displaying the CITQ number on listings before official issuance (immediate offence)
What about the municipal permit?
The CITQ certificate is mandatory but not sufficient — most municipalities additionally require an annual municipal permit for tourist residence. In Sainte-Adèle this permit costs $160/yr in 2026 and is requested from the planning department. Apply for it in parallel with the CITQ procedure to avoid delays.
Official sources
- CITQ — Tourist Residence Classification Program (citq.qc.ca)
- Tourist Accommodation Establishments Act — RLRQ E-14.2
- Regulation respecting Tourist Accommodation Establishments — Q-2, r. 21
- Tourisme Québec — Tourist accommodation (tourisme.gouv.qc.ca)
- Revenu Québec — Lodging tax (revenuquebec.ca)
How to get a CITQ number for short-term rental in Québec
Official 5-step procedure to get the CITQ classification certificate required to rent on Airbnb, Vrbo or Booking.com in Québec. Average timeline: 6 to 8 weeks, initial cost ≈ CAD $350.
Verify municipal zoning
Contact your municipality's planning department to confirm the "tourist residence" use is permitted on your lot. Without this confirmation, CITQ rejects the file.
Submit the application on the CITQ portal
Create an account on citq.qc.ca, complete the tourist-residence classification application, upload proof of ownership and the dwelling description, and pay the $170 analysis fee online.
Prepare the dwelling for inspection
Install smoke and CO detectors on every floor, an inspected ABC fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, posted evacuation instructions. Test the water if on a well and obtain a recent septic certificate.
Receive the physical inspection from the CITQ classifier
An independent classifier visits the dwelling (60 to 90 minutes), checks ~80 criteria, takes photos, and assigns a 1- to 4-star rating. Cost: $180, paid to the classifier. Timeline: 30 to 45 days after file acceptance.
Receive and display the certificate
The official certificate arrives by email within 2 to 3 weeks after the inspection, with a 6-digit CITQ number. Display it on Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and any advertising, plus at the chalet entrance on the official CITQ notice. Annual renewal is mandatory.
Frequently asked questions
Is a CITQ number required to rent on Airbnb in Québec?
Yes. In Québec, any tourist-accommodation rental for less than 31 consecutive days requires a CITQ classification certificate under the Tourist Accommodation Establishments Act (RLRQ E-14.2). The rule applies even for a single night per year. Without this number, listings are illegal and subject to fines of up to $50,000 per offence.
Source: Tourist Accommodation Establishments Act (CQLR E-14.2) (LégisQuébec) · CITQ — Quebec Tourism Industry Corporation (CITQ)
How much does a CITQ number cost in 2026?
About CAD $350 in initial fees: $170 file-analysis (CITQ) + $180 physical inspection (classifier). On top of that, the annual municipal permit (variable by municipality — $160/yr in Sainte-Adèle in 2026) and the annual classification renewal.
Source: CITQ — classification fee schedule (CITQ)
How long does the CITQ process take?
Plan for 6 to 8 weeks on average between file submission and official certificate issuance: 5 to 15 days of analysis, 30 to 45 days waiting for the physical inspection, then 10 to 20 days for certificate issuance. Verify municipal zoning in parallel to save time.
Can I publish my Airbnb listing before getting the CITQ number?
No. It is illegal to publish a short-term rental listing in Québec without a valid CITQ number displayed. Airbnb has required the number at listing creation since 2023. Wait for the official number to be issued before publishing.
Source: Bill 67 (Quebec law on tourist-accommodation oversight) (LégisQuébec)
Does the CITQ number replace the municipal permit?
No. The CITQ certificate is mandatory at the provincial level, but most municipalities additionally require an annual municipal permit for tourist residence. The two processes are separate and complementary — apply for them in parallel.