Introduction
Tourist rentals in Spain are booming: there are 400,000 legal tourist accommodations, an increase of 15% in one year (INE). This profitable business attracts many investors, but is now subject to increasingly strict regulations.
Each autonomous community (17 in total) applies its own rules, often reinforced by municipal bylaws. Here's what you need to know in 2025.
General regulatory framework
Definition: accommodation with a tourist license, furnished and repeatedly rented for short periods (up to 31 days).
Legislation: each region applies its own laws, often supplemented by municipal rules.
Registration compulsory in almost all regions, with a number to be displayed on ads. From July 2025, this registration must be renewed annually via a Digital One-Stop Shop. This centralized platform makes it possible to manage online all the administrative procedures involved in registering, monitoring and renewing tourism licenses, as well as submitting the required documents.
Condominiums: they can now prohibit or restrict tourist rentals by a 3/5 majority vote.
Role of rental platforms: platforms that publish tourist or seasonal rental advertisements must comply with regulations, ensuring that the accommodation offered has a valid registration number and meets current legal requirements.
General steps to obtain a tourist license :
Details vary by region, but overall :
- Check local regulations (each autonomous community has its own rules).
- Prepare the required documents, which may include :
- Title deeds
- Certificate of habitability
- Energy certificate
- Liability insurance
- Proof of home equipment
- Submit a responsible declaration (a commitment to respect the conditions).
- Register with the Autonomous Community's Tourism Registry.
- Possible inspection of the property.
- Pay administration fees, often between €30 and €120
Documents to be submitted to the Guichet Unique
The one-stop-shop, in force from July 2025, is a national database for controlling tourist accommodation already authorized by the regions.
- Create an account on the Registro Único via Ventanilla Única Digital.
- Fill in a detailed form about the property (address, capacity, use, etc.).
- Provide the documents requested, such as :
- Title deeds
- Energy certificate
- And the tourism license (already obtained at regional level)
To find out more, visit the official Ministerio de Vivienda website.
Applicable taxes
- IBI payable (local tax).
- Taxable rental income(IRPF for residents, IRNR for non-residents).
- Deductible expenses: insurance, condominium fees, repairs, loan interest
- VAT: not applicable unless hotel services included.
- Penalties: up to 25% penalty for non-declaration.
Specific regional regulations
| Region | Main obligations and restrictions |
| Catalonia | Compulsory license, valid for 5 years, strict quotas, fines of up to €600,000, target to eliminate tourist rentals by 2028. |
| Andalusia | Responsible declaration, safety standards, possibility of freezing licenses in saturated areas, tighter controls. |
| Valencian Community | Mandatory registration, condominium agreement, ban on on-street key boxes, max. 10 days per tenant, fines up to €600,000. |
| Balearic Islands | Prohibition in certain areas, maximum seating capacity, high license fees, no new licenses in apartment buildings from April 2025, fines of up to €500,000. |
| Madrid | Suspension of licenses until February 2026, obligation for platforms to remove unregistered ads within 48 hours, penalties of up to €190,000. |
| Canary Islands | Responsible declaration, strict standards, limit of 10% of residential area for tourism, tourist tax, decisions at municipal level. |
Advice from Terreta Spain
- Check with town halls and autonomous communities before investing.
- Choose a strategic area.
- Get professional help.
- Scrupulously comply with regulations to avoid penalties.
- Note that condominium charges can be increased by up to +20%.
Conclusion
Tourist rentals in Spain remain an attractive investment if properly managed. With the rise of local restrictions, professional guidance and a regulatory watch are essential to secure your investment. Contact our experts.
FAQ Tourist rentals in Spain (2025)
What will it mean to be a tourist rental in Spain in 2025?
A tourist rental refers to furnished accommodation rented out for profit, repeatedly, for short periods (up to 31 days), often via platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.
Do I need a tourist license to rent out my apartment to holidaymakers in Spain?
Yes, a tourist license is required in all regions of Spain. Renting without a license can result in heavy fines (up to €600,000 in Catalonia) and the deletion of your online ads.
What's new in regulations for 2025?
- Compulsory registration of all accommodation in the National Register of Tourist Lettings via the Guichet Unique Numérique, renewable annually.
- Condominiums can prohibit or restrict tourist rentals by ⅗ majority vote.
- Tighter controls and increased penalties for non-compliance.
How do I obtain a tourism license?
- Submit a request via the Guichet Unique Numérique.
- Please supply: floor plan, Cédula de habitabilidad, owner's contact details, energy certificate, certificate of suitability for tourist accommodation (issued by an architect).
- Show registration number on all ads.
What equipment is mandatory?
The accommodation must be furnished and have basic appliances and a wifi connection. The owner must provide the tenant with an emergency number.
What are your tax obligations?
- Payment of IBI (local tax).
- Declaration of rental income: IRPF for residents, IRNR for non-residents.
- Penalties of up to 25% for non-declaration.
Can condominiums ban tourist rentals?
Yes, since 2025, a 3/5 majority vote has made it possible to prohibit or restrict tourist rentals in the building. Co-ownership charges can also be increased by up to 20%.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
- Fines ranging from €2,000 to €600,000 depending on the region.
- Suspension or withdrawal of license.
- Remove ads from platforms.
- Risk of criminal prosecution for serious violations.
What tips do you have for investing with peace of mind?
- Check local regulations with town halls and autonomous communities.
- Choose areas where tourist rentals are permitted.
- Get professional help.
- Scrupulously comply with regulations to avoid penalties.
Where can I find out more and submit my application?
- Guichet Unique Numérique (centralized national platform).
- Regional or municipal registry services, depending on the location of the property.
