10.10.2024 
What is a tourist license in Spain and why is it needed
Tourist license in Spain is a mandatory document for property owners who plan to rent out real estate in short-term tourist rental. Without this license it is not possible to post listings on popular platforms such as Booking, Airbnb, Tripadvisor and other similar websites.
Who needs the tourist license
The license is required for all owners of residential properties who want to rent out their property to tourists for short periods. This can be an apartment, a house, suites or other types of accommodation. Regardless of the region, obtaining the license is a mandatory condition for legal activity in the field of tourist rentals.
General requirements for obtaining the tourist license
- At least one bedroom, one bathroom and one kitchen.
- Full furnishing and the presence of the necessary household electrical equipment.
- A telephone number for round-the-clock emergency contact with the owner.
The process of obtaining the license takes from one to three months. Afterwards the registration number of the license must be provided when posting listings on tourist platforms.
Process for obtaining the tourist license
The process varies depending on the autonomous community, but the main steps remain similar:
- Submission of the application and declaration of the start of activity.
- Submission of the required documents: identity document of the owner, cadastral number of the property, technical report confirming the property meets the requirements, energy certificate.
- Payment of fees and charges if required.
Tourist license in different regions of Spain
Each autonomous community has its own specific requirements and restrictions. For example:
- Andalusia: Rental for a period not exceeding two months; renting rooms is allowed if the owner lives on the property.
- Catalonia: The maximum rental period is 1 month; there are zones with a moratorium on the issuance of new licenses.
- Madrid: The Certificate of Suitability for tourist use of the property (CVUT) is required.
It is important to review the specific requirements of the region where the property is located to correctly complete all the documentation.
Changes in the 2024 legislation
In August 2024 significant changes were made to the legislation on tourist rentals in Spain:
- Limitation of rental periods to 10 consecutive days.
- New validity period for licenses: 5 years.
- Mandatory registration of all guests with the police.
- Prohibition of renting out individual rooms.
- Requirement of neighbor consent for renting out the property.
- Compliance with equipment and safety standards.
- Prohibition of using electronic locks.
- Fines of up to 600000 euros for violations of the legislation.
Consequences of not having a license
Renting out a property without a tourist license can result in significant fines and legal consequences. In some regions fines can reach up to 60000 euros. In addition there is a risk of the license being revoked and a ban on further rentals.
Is a license required for posting on Airbnb
Yes regardless of the platform used for renting out the property the tourist license is mandatory. Every listing must include the registration number of the license which confirms compliance with legal requirements.
Conclusion
Tourist license in Spain is an essential document for legal and safe activity in the field of short-term rentals. Despite the complexity of the process and the variety of requirements in different regions obtaining the license protects the owner from sanctions and increases tourists confidence in the properties offered.
It is recommended to carefully review the requirements of the specific autonomous community and seek professional assistance if necessary to successfully obtain the license.
