Introduction
Tourist rentals in Spain are booming: there are 400,000 legal tourist accommodations, a 15% increase in one year (INE). This profitable activity 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 decrees. Here is the essential information for 2025.
General regulatory framework
Definition: accommodation with a tourist license, furnished and rented repeatedly for short periods (up to 31 days).
Legislation: each region applies its own laws, often supplemented by municipal rules.
Mandatory registration in almost all regions, with a number to be displayed on listings. From July 2025, this registration must be renewed annually via a Digital Single Window. This centralized platform allows for online management of all administrative procedures related to the registration, monitoring, and renewal of tourist licenses, as well as the submission of 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 listings must comply with the regulations, ensuring that the accommodations offered have a valid registration number and meet the legal requirements in force.
General steps to obtain a tourist license:
Details vary by region, but generally:
- Check local regulations (each autonomous community has its own rules).
- Prepare the required documents, which may include:
- Property title
- Certificate of occupancy
- Energy performance certificate
- Liability insurance
- Proof of accommodation equipment
- Submit a responsible declaration (a commitment to comply with the conditions).
- Register with the tourism registry of the autonomous community.
- Possible inspection of the property.
- Pay administrative fees, often between €30 and €120.
Documents to provide to the Single Window
The single window, effective from July 2025, is a national database for monitoring tourist accommodations already authorized by the regions.
- Create an account on the Registro Único platform via la Ventanilla Única Digital.
- Complete a detailed form about the property (address, capacity, usage, etc.).
- Provide the requested documents, such as:
- Property title
- Energy performance certificate
- And the tourist license (already obtained at the regional level)
To learn more, check out the official website dedicated to the Ministerio de Vivienda.
Applicable taxation
- IBI to pay (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 are included.
- Sanctions: up to 25% penalty in case of non-declaration.
Specific regional regulations
| Region | Main obligations and restrictions |
| Catalonia | Mandatory license, 5-year validity, strict quotas, fines up to €600,000, objective of eliminating tourist rentals by 2028. |
| Andalusia | Responsible declaration, safety standards, possibility of freezing licenses in saturated areas, reinforced controls. |
| Valencian Community | Mandatory registration, co-ownership agreement, prohibition of key boxes in the street, max. duration 10 days per tenant, fines up to €600,000. |
| Balearic Islands | Prohibition in certain areas, cap on places, high license fees, no new licenses in residential buildings from April 2025, fines up to €500,000. |
| Madrid | Suspension of licenses until February 2026, platforms are obligated to remove unregistered listings within 48 hours, penalties up to €190,000. |
| Canary Islands | Responsible declaration, strict standards, limit of 10% of the residential area for tourism, tourist tax, decisions at the municipal level. |
Terreta Spain's Advice
- Check with town halls and autonomous communities before investing.
- Choose a strategic area.
- Seek professional support.
- Strictly adhere to regulations to avoid penalties.
- Note that condominium fees may be increased by up to +20%.
Conclusion
Tourist rentals in Spain remain an attractive investment if well managed. With the rise of local restrictions, professional support and regulatory monitoring are essential to secure your investment. Contact our experts.
FAQ Tourist Rentals in Spain (2025)
What is a tourist rental in Spain in 2025?
A tourist rental refers to a furnished accommodation rented for lucrative purposes, repeatedly, for short periods (up to 31 days), often via platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.
Is it mandatory to obtain a tourist license to rent your apartment to vacationers in Spain?
Yes, a tourist license is mandatory in all regions of Spain. Renting without a license exposes you to heavy fines (up to €600,000 in Catalonia) and the removal of your online listings.
What are the new regulatory developments in 2025?
- Mandatory registration of all accommodations in the National Registry of Tourist Rentals via the Digital Single Window, renewable annually.
- Homeowner associations can prohibit or restrict tourist rentals by a ⅗ majority vote.
- Increased controls and increased penalties in case of non-compliance.
What steps are required to obtain a tourist license?
- Submit an application via the Digital Single Window.
- Provide: floor plan of the accommodation, Cédula de habitabilidad (occupancy certificate), owner's contact details, energy certificate, certificate of suitability for tourist accommodation (issued by an architect).
- Display the registration number on all advertisements.
What equipment is mandatory?
The accommodation must be furnished and have basic appliances as well as a Wi-Fi connection. The owner must provide an emergency number to the tenant.
What are the 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 co-ownerships prohibit tourist rentals?
Yes, since 2025, a 3/5 majority vote can prohibit or restrict tourist rentals in the building. Co-ownership fees 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 the license.
- Removal of listings on platforms.
- Risk of criminal prosecution for serious violations.
What advice for investing with peace of mind?
- Check local regulations with town halls and autonomous communities.
- Favor areas where tourist rentals are permitted.
- Seek professional support.
- Strictly adhere to regulations to avoid penalties.
Where to get information and submit your application?
- Single Digital Gateway (national centralized platform).
- Services of the competent regional or municipal registry depending on the location of the property.
