Overview

The Spanish government has delegated the task of regulating the short-term rental industry to its network of 17 regional government departments. This means that each region sets its own distinct laws and regulations. If you want to rent out a holiday property in Spain, your first step is to familiarise yourself with the regulations as they apply to the region where your property is located. 

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in getting a tourist licence in Spain, broken down region by region. 

The UK government provides this guide that sets out essential information for British nationals who wish to buy property in Spain. It includes advice on the legal process, buying in certain areas, complaints and more.

In some areas of Spain, including Barcelona and the Canary Islands, there are very tight restrictions in place. In Palma, new holiday rentals are banned outright. 

Visit your local town hall or Ayuntamiento to find out exactly what they require for tourist rentals in your area (requirements or decrees can vary considerably from region to region, and some are more complex than others). Once your property meets any requirements set by the local authority, you can proceed with applying for your licence.

If you use a local agency to manage your property, then their details must be provided. In some areas, there is a fee involved in issuing the licence number, depending on the size and location of the property. Obtaining your licence number can take months, so it is important to get started with this process as soon as possible.

Once you have obtained your number, this needs to be included on all advertisements for your property, including online listing platforms. It is also a good idea to mention it within the written description of the property as well.