Hosting rules in Spain - Andalucía

Indroduction

To list your property in Andalucía on booking channels and reach millions of potential guests, you must apply for a Tourist Licence from the regional government and display this licence number wherever your property is advertised.

This guide explains how to apply for a licence, what documents you’ll need, and how to keep your Travelnest account compliant.

Obtaining a tourist licence

Install your digital certificate

The application process is fully electronic. You must have a digital certificateto access the Junta de Andalucía’s online submission portal.

If you do not already have one, follow the instructions in the Junta de Andalucía’s digital certificate guide and install it on your device.

Applications must be submitted from a device that has your personal digital certificate installed.

We recommend using a Windows or macOS device, as some hosts experience difficulties when applying via mobile.

Gather your documents

Before applying, ensure you have the following details ready:

• Referencia Catastral — A unique 20-character code (letters and numbers) identifying your property in the national Cadastre registry. You can find it on your property deed, IBI receipt, or through the Cadastral Search Portal.
• Personal identification number  —  You'll need your NIF number.      
  • Spanish citizens: Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI).
  • Foreign residents: Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE). 
  • A DNI looks like 12345678A, while an NIE follows a format such as Y1234567B.
• Licence of first occupation (Licencia de Primera Ocupación – LFO) — This confirms that your property is legally fit for habitation. If your property lacks an LFO, your application may be rejected, and you could face fines.
• Information about you — Provide your full name, nationality, and ownership details. If the property is jointly owned, declare all owners.
• Information about your property — Select the property type that best describes your listing. Most properties are registered as Vivienda con fines turísticos (Housing for tourist purposes). Different rules may apply to rural or temporary structures.If you are unsure, contact the Junta de Andalucía for clarification.

Apply online

Once your documents are ready, submit your application through the Tourism Register of Andalucía website.

• Once you’re on the Tourism Register of Andalucía website, click Link for document submission. 

• Log in using your digital certificate and complete the online application form.

• An inspection of your property may be carried out before you are granted a tourist license; the inspector will contact you to arrange this and may wish to inspect either the property or your documentation. 

If you have issues using your digital certificate or completing the application form online, be sure to contact the office of the Territorial Delegation of Culture, Tourism and Sport - you can find the closest office using this guide. This form can be manually downloaded here.

Receive your registration number

Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email containing your Tourist Registration Number in one of the following formats:

• VFT/MA/00000 – for tourist dwellings
• VUT/MA/00000 – for urban tourist properties

If you are issued a reference number beginning with CTC- (for example, CTC-2023001234), note that this is not a valid registration number and cannot be used to list your property on booking sites.

Update your Travelnest account

To remain visible across booking channels, update your Travelnest account with your registration number:

• Log in to your Travelnest account, and go to the Local Licence and Tourist Tax section.

• Enter your registration number and any other local licensing details. 

• Double-check your information and click Save changes.

Travelnest automatically shares your registration number with booking platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, ensuring your property remains compliant and visible.  

Displaying your registration number

You must display your registration number alongside any advertisements for your property. We'll automatically share your registration number with any booking sites you use through Travelnest, but take care to add it yourself to any direct listings or personal websites that you manage yourself.

Who needs a tourist licence? 

All residential properties which wish to host stays of two months or less must register for a tourist license. Stays of two months or longer are considered to be residential lettings and are outside the scope of this registration process.

Potential penalties

Failure to comply with local regulations can result in severe fines. Fines can be awarded for:

• Advertising without your registration number
• Hosting without registering for a tourist licence.

Other important information

• In Andalucía, licenses lapse upon the sale of a property. If you have recently purchased a property which was historically used as a vacation rental, you will need to reapply as the new owner. 
• Municipalities can enforce limits on the number of vacation rental properties in a certain area and your application could be rejected at the discretion of the local authority.
• The Tourism Register of Andalucía requires that you display your registration number anywhere that you advertise your property. Booking channels regularly restrict the visibility or deactivate properties that do not submit their registration number.

Need help?

If you need any assistance with the application process, the following resources are available. 

• Online contract form: You can use this form to contact the Tourism Register of Andalucia.
• Regional delegation: Use this guide your local branch of the Tourism Register and speak to local contract.
• FAQs: Visit the Ministry of Tourism's website for detailed FAQs on tourist licences. 

For additional support, feel free to contact Customer Support team – we're here to help you navigate the process.