If you’re buying property in Spain with the view to renting it out, you have two options: long-term rentals or holiday lets. Strict legislation applies to both types of rentals, although holiday lettings in Spain are more complex because regional regulations apply rather than national.
This comprehensive guide to holiday lettings in Spain helps you get your head around the legislation and more importantly, ensures that your vacation rental stays on the right side of the law.
In this guide, you’ll find a region-by-region description of everything you need to know to set up your holiday let, whether it’s on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa de la Luz, in Madrid or Barcelona, or any of the islands.
Note, however, that it’s no substitute for professional legal advice, which the Costaluz Lawyers team is happy to provide. Just get in touch for a no-obligation chat.
If you’re buying to let for long-term rentals in Spain, read our complete guide.
Andalucia
One of the most popular regions for buying property in Spain, Andalucía contains the areas of Costa de la Luz, Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical and Costa de Almería plus the major cities of Malaga and Seville.
Applicable legislation
Definition of Holiday Lets (Viviendas con fines turísticos)
- Housing for tourist purposes is understood to be that located in properties situated on land for residential use, where the accommodation services are offered, on a regular basis and for tourist purposes.
- It is presumed that it is a holiday let when the property is marketed or promoted in holiday lettings channels.
- Such channels for holiday lettings in Spain are travel agencies, companies that offer or organize tourist services and those which allow holiday let bookings.
Your responsibility to the tourism administration and guests
The regional authorities assume that you, as the owner of the holiday let, are its operator and are therefore responsible to them and your guests for the correct provision of the service, unless another person or entity appears as the manager in a signed document. In this case, he/she must be duly and legally qualified.
Length of lease
Holiday lets in Andalucia must be for a period shorter than two months.
Types of holiday lets
The following types of property are permitted in Andalucia:
- The entire property, ie the whole property is let.
- By room. Note that in this case, you the owner must live in the property and you may use the internationally recognized designations for this type of accommodation.
Maximum capacity in types of holiday lets
- The entire property – maximum 15 people and no more than 4 beds per room.
- By room – maximum six people.
Note that the maximum permitted capacity of the holiday let will be specified in the occupancy license.
Types of property not subject to this legislation
Different regulations apply to the following types of property:
- Properties that are let for free.
- Rentals for a continuous period by the same user for more than two months.
- Rural properties
- Three or more properties belonging to the same owner or operator and located in the same building or complex.
Essential requirements
Your holiday let in Andalucia must:
- Have an occupation license. If you don’t have one, you must request it from the local council. This is a prerequisite for holiday lets and you cannot rent your property if there is no licence. The property must also comply at all times with the required technical and quality conditions.
- Have windows in all rooms to the outside or onto a patio and a system for darkening the room (e.g. curtains or blinds).
Note that this requirement does not apply to properties listed as Assets of Cultural Interest (BIC in Spanish) and when their level of protection prevents any type of work, modification or intervention. - Be sufficiently furnished and equipped with the necessary appliances and fixtures for immediate use and in accordance with the number of beds available.
- Have cooling and heating systems via fixed elements (e.g. air conditioning) in bedrooms and living areas.
Cooling systems are obligatory for holiday lets from 1 May to 30 September and heating for lets between 1 October and 30 April.
Note that this requirement does not apply to properties listed as Assets of Cultural Interest (BIC in Spanish) and when their level of protection prevents any type of work, modification or intervention. - Provide a first aid kit.
- Provide tourist information, in print or digital form, on the local area, things to do, eating out options, supermarkets and shops, nearest available parking, medical services and public transport services. It must also include a map of the locality and a guide to local events.
- Have a complaints form and you must display a sign notifying guests of this in a visible place inside the property.
- Be cleaned at the start and end of each holiday let.
- Provide two sets of bed linen, towels and household items in general for each guest staying at the property.
- Give guests a telephone number that they can use for instant help in resolving any query or incident related to the property.
- Include information and operating instructions for all household appliances and devices that require it for their correct use.
- Inform guests of the house rules for use of the installations, rooms and equipment as well as information on whether pets are allowed, restrictions for smokers and areas of restricted use.
Liability declaration
Before you can advertise your holiday let through tourism channels, you must present a “declaration of responsibility” to the Andalucian tourism authorities. It must include the following:
- Property Details: Number of beds, according to your occupation licence.
- Your details as the owner
- Details of the person or entity managing the holiday lets. If it isn’t you, details of the contract permitting the management.
The Department of Tourism will include your declaration in the Andalucian Register of Tourism. Once the registration is complete, you will get a registration number that must be included in any advertising material.
Responsibility
The person responsible person before the authorities and guests is the person who appears as the manager of the holiday let in the liability declaration.
Prices and rates
You must display your rental rates on the property. You are not allowed to charge more than your advertised rates or charge for any items not listed in your marketing.
All price conditions, deposits, pre-payments and if applicable, cancellation fees must be as agreed between you and your guests, and you must inform your guests of them in advance of booking confirmation.
When your guests make the initial reservation payment, you must give them proof of their booking. This document must include the full price of the holiday let, advanced payments and penalties.
Holiday let paperwork
- On arrival, guests must receive a contract containing the following:
- Your name or the name of the property manager.
- The registration number.
- The number of people who may stay in the property.
- Dates of arrival and departure.
- The full price of the holiday let.
- Your (or the property manager’s) contact number.
- This document must be signed by the guest and you must keep it and have it available to show if necessary to the regional authorities for one year.
- Guests must provide identification documents so that you (or the property manager) can fill in the corresponding entry form according to current regulations on registration books and entry forms for tourists in accommodation establishments.
- You or your property manager are free to let guests into the property at any agreed time. If there isn’t one, guests may access the holiday let from 4 pm on the first day of their stay to noon on the second.
Fines for non-compliance
From €2,000 to €150,000
Read more about holiday lets in Spain and how to stay on the right side of the law.
Aragón
This region lies in northeast Spain and includes the provinces of Huesca, Teruel and Zaragoza.
Applicable legislation
Conditions for holiday lets
Types of property: Properties allowed for holiday lets must be detached homes or properties within private developments such as apartments. In the latter case, the owners must have given temporary management of their properties for vacation rentals to a third party. You must let the entire house – letting by room is not permitted under this legislation in Aragón.
Properties must be adequately furnished and equipped for immediate use, marketed or promoted through tourist channels and you must let it for profit.
Types of property exempt from this legislation:
- Properties in rural areas.
- Two or more properties belonging to the same owner or managed by the same period and located in the same building.
- Long-term rentals.
Rental period
Holiday lets may be for a maximum of one month.
Maximum capacity for holiday lets
Bedrooms must have the following sizes:
- 1 person – at least 6m²
- 2 people – at least 10m²
- 3 people – at least 14m²
Requirements for holiday lets in Aragón
Your holiday let must:
- Be adequately clean and provide all necessary furnishings, equipment, household items and linen.
- Provide guests with a contact telephone number that they can use to get immediate help with queries and problems.
- Display a list of prices in a clearly visible place.
- Display an identification plaque on the exterior.
- Include its registration number with the Aragón Tourism Registry in all advertising.
How to set up your holiday let
The procedure is as follows:
You first submit a declaration of responsibility. This takes the form of a document containing:
- Information on the property and its maximum capacity.
- Information about you, the owner and if applicable, the manager and include a contact telephone number.
- A declaration stating you comply with current regulations regarding the habitability and safety of your property for holiday lets including drinking water supply and sewage disposal system.
- A declaration stating that using your property as a holiday let is compatible with local planning regulations.
- If your property forms part of a community of owners, a declaration stating that you are permitted to use your property for holiday letting.
- If your property meets all the regional requirements, it is registered and you receive a registration number.
- Establish the conditions under which the activity of the establishment may take place and its corresponding registration.
Fines for non-compliance
The amount depends on the degree of non-compliance and ranges from €60 to €90,000.
Asturias
Asturias is a small region on the north coast of Spain. Its coastal towns and mountain villages are popular holiday destinations.
Applicable legislation
- D Asturias 48/2016 de viviendas vacacionales y viviendas de uso turístico
Types of properties
Asturias has regulations for two types of private tourist accommodation: holiday homes and properties for tourist use.
Holiday homes
This type of property is any type of accommodation that is not a hotel, hostel, tourist apartment or rural lodging. The entire property must be available for holiday lets and have a maximum of 14 beds distributed in a maximum of 7 rooms.
Minimum requirements for facilities and equipment are:
- Hot and cold drinking water supply
- Guaranteed 24-hour electricity supply
- Heating in all rooms
- Effective sewage disposal system
- Refuse collection service authorized by the local council
- First aid kit
- 1 fire extinguisher per floor
- Telephone for use by clients
- The access must be signposted and the access road to the property must be practicable for all kinds of cars up to the immediate surroundings of the property.
In addition, the following requirements are compulsory:
- Bedrooms must have at least 10m² for doubles and 6m² for single rooms.
- Bathrooms must have sufficient direct or mechanic ventilation and be equipped with a basin, bathtub or shower, toilet, mirror, power socket, towel rack and shelf for toiletries.
- The living room must be at least 8m².
- The kitchen must always have direct ventilation.
- All holiday homes must display the regional plaque with their registration number next to the main entrance.
Properties for tourist use
This type of property is an apartment in a residential complex and may be let entirely or by room. If let by room, there’s no obligation for the owner to live in it. The apartment may only be advertised on tourism channels.
They must meet the following conditions:
- Have a certificate of habitability.
- Be adequately furnished and equipped for immediate occupation.
- Have adequate and permanent supplies of hot and cold water, electricity and heating.
- Provide a fire extinguisher and emergency lighting.
- All rooms must have direct ventilation to the outside or unroofed patios.
- Windows must have curtains, blinds or shutters.
- At least one bathroom for every 6 guests.
- The property must comply with the requirements of the regulations governing the technical and quality conditions required for housing and, in particular, the conditions of habitability and safety of housing.
- Display a standardized plaque next to the main entrance, with the VUT icon.
Owner obligations for holiday lets in Asturias
All owners of holiday lets (holiday homes and properties for tourist use) must comply with the following:
- Include the symbol that the tourist administration has assigned to the property on all advertising.
- Have civil liability insurance covering damages and injuries to guests with minimum coverage.
- Prove that holiday letting is not prohibited by the following:
- local planning regulations.
- the community of owners.
How to register your holiday let in Asturias
The procedure is as follows:
Present the responsible declaration to the appropriate tourism authorities. (Note that you may start letting the property as soon as you present the declaration.) It must contain the following information:
- Full name of the owner (individual or company) and, if applicable, of the representative or manager of the holiday let;
- Identity number (NIF or CIF) of the applicant and representative, if applicable, or if you’re not Spanish, a copy of your passport or official ID card.
- If you are operating the holiday let through a company, you must include the type of company, its trading name and details (address and contact) and the date the holiday letting activity starts.
- Information about the let and its maximum capacity.
- Contact telephone number for notifications.
- Contact details for the management company, if applicable.
- If it’s a property for tourist use, proof that the community of owners does not prohibit holiday lets.
You must accompany your responsible declaration with:
Documentation proving you are the owner of the property, e.g. the title deeds.
- First occupation licence and if applicable, licence to let the property for holidays (some councils demand this).
- Plan of the property showing the layout of the rooms.
- A list of rooms indicating the size of each and an inventory of its equipment and fittings.
- Proof that you have contracted a civil liability insurance policy and paid for it.
- Certificate of occupancy.
- If the holiday let is managed by a third party, proof that you have authorized the services.
Once you have submitted the responsible declaration and accompanying documentation, the holiday let will be registered in the Registry of Tourist Companies and Activities in Asturias and you will receive a registration number that identifies the property.
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands include Mallorca, home to the archipelago’s capital Palma de Mallorca and the much smaller islands of Menorca and Ibiza plus the tiny Formentera.
Applicable legislation
Types of properties
Holiday lets can be registered under the categories of tourist stays in properties or rental of the main property.
Note that you cannot let subsidised housing (known as Viviendas de Protección Oficial (VPO in Spanish))or property located on protected rural land.
Tourist stays in properties
This category refers to holiday lets in an entire property for a maximum of one month and for profit.
The types of eligible properties are:
Detached homes – no limit on how many years you can let it for unless it shares a plot with other properties or the building has more than one owner and premises intended for uses other than residential.
Apartments – can be let for 5 years, after which you need to renew your permit.
Note that this category does not permit the letting of rooms.
Rental of the main property
Advertising is only permitted by the owner of the property and for a maximum of 60 days in one year. Properties may be apartments or detached homes.
You may let the property for 5 years, after which time you must renew your permit. And you may not have more than two other properties available for holiday lets on the Balearic Islands.
Requirements are:
- Proof that you own the property.
- The property must be in an area that the authorities have deemed suitable for holiday lets.
Requirements for all holiday lets on the Balearic Islands
They include:
- Residential properties must have been in private residential use for a minimum period of 5 years.
- The properties must have a valid certificate of habitability issued for this purpose by islands’ authorities.
- Holiday lets must have at least one bathroom for every four beds.
- Energy-efficiency certificates with the following minimum ratings are permitted:
- F rating for home built before 31 December 2007.
- D rating for homes built after 1 January 2008.
- Individual control systems for water and electricity supplies.
- Compliance with accessibility regulations.
Civil liability insurance covers personal and material damage suffered by guests during their stay. If your holiday let is part of a community of owners, the policy must cover damage to any communal elements.
Clear information must be given to guests about the prohibitions and Fines for non-compliance in force under the ‘excess tourism’ regulations on the Balearic Islands. Note that as an owner, you must commit to the immediate eviction of any guest(s) who fails to comply with these.
How to register your holiday let on the Balearics
You need to follow this procedure before you can let your property:
- Present a responsible declaration to the Balearic Islands tourism department with the following documentation:
- Proof of your identity.
- Proof of ownership of the property.
- Proof from the local council that your property is in an area suitable for holiday letting and that the maximum capacity for holiday lets in the municipality has not been exceeded.
- If you’ve chosen the main property rental category, a certificate proving you are resident in the area.
- If the property belongs to a community of owners, proof that holiday lets are permitted.
- The authorities register your holiday let in the island register and you receive a registration number for your property.
Fines for non-compliance
Up to €40,000
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Basque Country
The Basque Country is a small region, located in the northeast of Spain on the Cantabrian coast. It is home to the cities of Bilbao and San Sebastian as well as popular holiday letting spots on the coast and in the mountains.
Applicable legislation
- D País Vasco 101/2018 de viviendas y habitaciones de viviendas particulares para uso turístico
Types of property for holiday lets
In the Basque Country, there are two types of properties:
- Properties for tourist use.
- Accommodation in rooms in private properties for tourist use.
Requirements for properties for tourist use
Broadly speaking, any type of property fits this category. However, all must comply with the following:
- Advertising must be directed by the owner, operator or manager, or indirectly, through third parties.
- Holiday lets cannot be for longer than 30 days.
- Properties must have a first occupation licence or similar certificate.
- Properties must comply with local planning regulations and include at least a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.
Accommodation in rooms in private properties
For holiday let purposes, a private property is considered to be the place where the owner usually lives. It must comply with the following:
- You may not offer rooms to let in more than one property.
- The holiday lets may not be owned or run by a company.
- The property must meet regulations for infrastructures, urban planning, construction and building, safety, environmental, health and consumption, hygiene and occupational health in compliance with occupational risk prevention regulations.
How to register your holiday let in the Basque Country
You must first make a responsible declaration to the tourism authorities that includes the following information:
- Your personal details and Spanish tax number (NIE).
- Information about the property including its cadastral reference.
You must accompany the declaration with:
- Proof that you are the owner of the property.
- Proof of it has a first occupation licence.
- Proof that the property conforms with local municipality regulations regarding the use of property in the area.
- Proof that it meets environmental requirements.
- Information on the conditions and type of holiday let you are offering.
- Proof that you have contracted civil liability insurance and are up to date for payments for it.
- A scale plan of the interior of the property showing its layout and a maximum number of beds.
- Photos of the facade and interior.
- Photocopy of passport or identity card of the person signing the responsible declaration.
Once you have presented the responsible declaration and all required paperwork, your holiday let is registered in the Basque Country holiday let registry and receives an identification number.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, consist of seven islands. Those in the east, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, belong to the province of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Those in the west, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, belong to the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The eastern islands plus Tenerife are the most popular holiday destinations and their holiday letting season is year-round.
Applicable legislation
- D Canarias 113/2015 de viviendas vacacionales
General notes about holiday lets in the Canaries
Legislation passed in 2015 declared that you could not let rooms as holiday lets or properties within touristic areas or developments or those located in mixed developments (tourist accommodation and non-tourist accommodation). However, the Spanish Supreme Court has declared these two restrictions null and void.
If you’re thinking of buying property in the Canary Islands with the view to letting it for vacation rentals, get in touch with our legal team for the latest information on regulations.
Requirements for holiday lets
- There should be enough furniture, fittings and equipment (including electrical appliances) in each room for the number of guests.
- Access doors must have security locks.
- Windows must have curtains, blinds or shutters.
- You must provide a first aid kit.
- The property must display a list of holiday let prices and a plaque at the entrance (unless the community of owners prohibits it).
How to set up a holiday let in the Canary Islands
The first stage is to present a responsible declaration to the authorities on the island in question. The declaration must state that you have fulfilled all legal requirements, that the community of owners expressly permits holiday lets and the assurance that you will not exceed the maximum permitted occupancy of the property.
You must accompany this declaration with the certificate of the first occupation and if applicable, the statutes of the community of owners prohibiting the display of the holiday let plaque.
Once you have presented this documentation, the property is registered with the appropriate island authorities.
Wish someone else would take over all the paperwork for registering your holiday let in Spain? Find out how we can help.
Cantabria
Cantabria is a small region that sits in the middle of Spain’s north coast on the Atlantic. Its capital is Santander and has many small towns and villages on the coast and in the mountains, popular with holidaymakers.
Applicable legislation
- D Cantabria 82/2010 de establecimientos de alojamiento turístico extrahotelero
- D Cantabria 225/2019 de actividad de alojamiento turístico en la modalidad de cesión temporal de viviendas de uso
Types of properties
The following types are permitted as holiday lets in Cantabria:
- The entire property.
- Rooms within a property that the owner lives in.
Types of properties that cannot be used for holiday lets
Cantabria doesn’t allow holiday lets in the following:
- Accommodation in rural areas.
- Timeshare (fractional ownership) properties.
Requirements
They include:
- A fire extinguisher per floor, installed in a visible and easily accessible place.
- First occupation licence.
Registering a holiday let in Cantabria
You must first submit a responsible declaration stating that you meet the requirements established to exercise the activity, have the documentation that proves it and that you undertake to comply with the regulations during the time that your property is available for vacation rentals.
You must also provide proof of the following:
- Your ownership of the property
- If it belongs to a community of owners, there are no restrictions on holiday letting in the development.
- Proof that the property is not classified as protected.
Once you have presented the above paperwork, you may commence holiday letting and the property will be registered in the appropriate regional registry.
Castilla-La Mancha
Located in central Spain, this region includes the provinces of Cuenca and Toledo with their historic capital cities.
Applicable legislation
- D Castilla-La Mancha 36/2018 de apartamentos turísticos y las viviendas de uso turístico
Qualifying types of holiday lets
In Castilla-La Mancha, vacation rentals are known as “properties for tourist use” and may be any type of property. However, they may not be used as a permanent home or for any other purpose.
Requirements
Holiday lets must fulfil the following conditions:
- Have a first occupation licence stating the maximum capacity of the property.
- Have at least a living-dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
- Comply with the provisions of current regulations regarding habitability and safety for residential use as a property.
- Comply with the statutes of the community of owners, which must not expressly prohibit holiday lets.
- Have direct ventilation to the outside or to uncovered patios.
- Have blinds or similar on all windows.
- Be furnished and equipped with all the appliances and fixtures necessary for their immediate use and in accordance with the number of permitted guests.
- Have heating and air conditioning in the bedrooms and living room.
- Provide a first aid kit.
- Provide cleaning services at the beginning and end of each let.
- Provide at least two sets of bed and household linen and equipment per guest.
- Have a contact number available to guests to resolve queries and problems. The number must be displayed in a clearly visible place in the property.
- Include operating instructions for household appliances or other devices that require them.
- Provide a wifi internet connection.
- Give guests a list of house rules regarding the use of the facilities, the admission or not of pets, your smoking policy and areas of restricted use.
- Display an identifying plaque at the entrance and include the property’s registration code in all advertising.
How to set up your holiday let in Castilla-La Mancha
You must submit a responsible declaration of the start of activity before the competent tourism body. Once you have done this, your holiday let is registered in the Register of Tourist Companies and Establishments of Castilla-La Mancha.
Castilla-León
One of the largest regions in Spain, Castilla-León is famous for its historic cities of Burgos and Salamanca.
Applicable legislation
- D Castilla y León 3/2017 de establecimientos de alojamiento en la modalidad de vivienda de uso turístico
Requirements for holiday lets in Castilla y León
In general, any type of property qualifies for a holiday let, but you are not allowed to let rooms for vacation rentals in this region. Holiday lets may not be for longer than one month.
Properties must have the following:
- First occupation licence and compliance at all times with technical and quality specifications in place.
- At least one bedroom, living-dining room, kitchen and bathroom. Studios are an exception to this rule.
- A permanent supply of hot and cold water is suitable for human consumption.
- An adequate electricity supply.
- Heating and if applicable, a supply of fuel for it.
- First aid kit.
- Cleaning services and change of all household linen at the start of each let.
- Maintenance and repair services for facilities and equipment.
- A baby cot if requested by the guest.
- An identification plaque at the entrance.
How to set up a holiday let in Castilla-León
The owners of holiday lets submit a responsible declaration stating that the establishment complies with all applicable requirements, has the documents that accredit it and that you undertake to continue to comply with regulations throughout all holiday letting activity.
Once you have presented the declaration, your property is registered for holiday lets in the Tourism Registry of Castilla y León.
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Catalonia
This region lies on Spain’s northeast Mediterranean coast. As well as the city of Barcelona, Catalonia is home to the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, both popular vacation rental destinations in Spain.
Applicable legislation
- D Cataluña 75/2020 de viviendas de uso turístico
General observations on holiday lets in Catalonia
Holiday lets are for entire properties (letting by rooms is only allowed in certain areas – ask us for the latest information) and must comply with regulations in the area that it is located. Vacation rentals cannot be for longer than 31 days.
Requirements
Holiday lets must comply with the following:
- Maximum occupancy is indicated on the first occupation licence and in any case, it may not exceed 15 people.
- Adequate furniture and equipment (including electrical appliances) according to the number of guests. All in perfect working order.
- Provision of a contact telephone number by which guests can resolve queries and problems with the property.
- Guaranteed maintenance.
- If the property forms part of a community of owners, owners must provide guests with a copy of the statutes in Catalan, Spanish, English and French.
- If a guest fails to comply with local regulations on holiday lets, the owner must ensure the guest leaves the property immediately.
- A sign displaying the property’s maximum capacity, registration number and telephone number for assistance and maintenance services.
Latest updates
Holiday letting regulations in Catalonia are subject to frequent changes. If you’re planning to let your property in the region for vacation rentals, contact us to ensure it complies with the latest rules.
Extremadura
This large and mostly rural region lies in the west of Spain on the Portuguese border. It contains the small historic cities of Cáceres and Mérida as well as numerous small towns and villages.
Applicable legislation
Extremadura has no specific laws governing holiday lets, but the articles L Extremadura 2/2011 and D Extremadura 182/2012 apply.
General requirements for holiday lets in Extremadura
Extremadura only permits the letting of the entire property for vacation rentals (letting by room is not permitted) and the property must not be your permanent residence.
Properties must fulfil the following conditions:
- Be located within urban areas.
- Be furnished and equipped for immediate use
Procedure for registering a holiday let
You must present a responsible declaration to the tourism authorities in Extremadura via the official form. Once you have done this, you may let your property indefinitely as long as you continue to comply with official requirements.
Galicia
This maritime region sits on the northwest corner of Spain and has miles of Atlantic coastline. Galicia includes the popular pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela as well as numerous seaside resorts on the coast and on the wide river estuaries.
Applicable legislation
- D Galicia 12/2017 de los apartamentos turísticos, viviendas turísticas y viviendas de uso turístico
Types of holiday lets
Galicia has two categories known as:
- Tourist housing.
- Housing for tourist use.
Tourist housing
To qualify for this category, your holiday let in Galicia must be a detached property for no more than 10 guests and provide adequate equipment and furnishings for immediate use. You may not let the property for longer than three months per stay.
All advertising must include the property’s registration number and its accommodation category.
The holiday let must also have:
- At least a bedroom, living-dining room, kitchen and bathroom.
- Drinking water fit for human consumption as well as wastewater treatment and disposal.
- A heating system.
- An identification plaque at its entrance.
- Civil liability insurance covering personal harm and damage suffered by guests.
Registering a vacation rental for tourist housing in Galicia
You must first submit a responsible declaration and include an inventory of the property, a plan of its layout and proof that its taxes are up to date. The holiday let is then registered with the regional registry of Tourism Companies and Activities of Galicia. Note that before you start letting, you must notify your local council of the commencement of rentals.
Housing for tourist use
Holiday lets in this category are rented out at least twice a year for no longer than 30 days at a time. They must be located on land for residential use, the entire property must be let and provide adequate equipment and furnishings for immediate use.
They must fulfil the following requirements:
- Have a valid civil liability insurance policy.
- Have a first occupancy license or similar.
Registering housing for tourist use in Galicia
You must submit a responsible declaration and include an inventory of the property, a plan of its layout and proof that its taxes are up to date. Once the declaration is submitted, the holiday let is registered and you may start the rentals.
Read our free guide to long-term rentals in Spain
La Rioja
Famous for its wine, La Rioja is a small region in the northeast of Spain, sandwiched between the Basque Country, Navarre, Aragon and Castilla y León.
Applicable legislation
- D La Rioja 10/2017 de ordenación de apartamentos turísticos, viviendas turísticas y viviendas de uso turístico
General notes on holiday lets in La Rioja
You may offer an entire property or rental by room. All holiday lets must be adequately furnished and equipped for immediate use. The maximum number of guests is eight.
If the property belongs to a community of owners and/or is a municipality prohibiting holiday lets, you may not offer vacation rentals. Likewise, you are not allowed to advertise your holiday let for parties, events and similar.
Registering your holiday lets in La Rioja
You must first submit a responsible declaration and accompany it with all the required documentation so that the authorities can verify compliance with local and regional regulations. After you submit the paperwork, the authorities inspect the property to ensure its compliance.
If your property meets your requirements and passes the inspection, it is registered and you may begin letting it for holidays.
Need help and advice on setting up a holiday let in Spain? Get in touch with our friendly expert team for a no-obligation chat.
Madrid
The region of Madrid sits almost in the centre of Spain and includes the country’s capital city as well as numerous outlying towns.
Applicable legislation
- D Madrid 79/2014 de apartamentos turísticos y viviendas de uso turístico
Requirements for holiday lets in Madrid
Note that vacation rental legislation in Madrid is subject to change. Contact us for the latest updates.
In general, any sort of property may be used for holiday lets, but you cannot rent out rooms for vacation stays. Regardless of their type, all properties must fulfil the following conditions:
- Have at least a living-dining area, kitchen, bedroom and bathrooms.
- Be adequately furnished and equipped for immediate use.
- Provide internet access.
- Display an identification plaque at the entrance.
Registering a Madrid holiday let
You must submit a responsible declaration and accompany it with a “certificate of suitability”. This is a document issued by an architect or similar professional guaranteeing that the property complies with the legal requirements for holiday lets such as heating, water supply, ventilation, fire extinguishers, etc.
After you submit the declaration, your holiday let is registered in the Registry of Tourist Businesses.
Murcia
This small region is located in the southeast of Spain on the Mediterranean coast. It includes the popular Costa de Murcia and the Mar Menor.
Applicable legislation
General notes on holiday lets in Murcia
Holiday lets must be rented out at least twice a year and be adequately equipped and furnished for immediate use. You may let an entire property or rooms within one. If you choose to let by a room, the property must be your permanent residence.
Requirements
Holiday lets require at least the following:
- Entire properties – must have at least a living-dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Studios are an exception and their maximum permitted capacity is two guests.
- Holiday lets per room – must have at least one bedroom for lets as well as the one for the owner. They must also have a kitchen, bathroom and living-dining room.
All properties must have:
- Utility supplies (water, electricity and, if applicable, gas).
- Maintenance and repairs.
- Refuse collection services.
- Cleaning before each new set of guests arrives.
- Provision for parking.
Registering a holiday let in Murcia
You must submit a responsible declaration to the tourism authorities via the official form. Once you have submitted this, you may begin letting your property for vacation rentals.
Fines for non-compliance
€10,000 to €150,000.
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Navarre
Another small region in the northeast of Spain, Navarre is most famous for the bull-running festival in its capital, Pamplona, in July.
Applicable legislation
- DF Navarra 230/2011 de apartamentos Turísticos
General requirements for holiday lets in Navarre
Most types of properties qualify in this region, although they must fulfil the following conditions:
- Have a useable area of at least 90m².
- Have independent access.
- Display the regional holiday let plaque at the entrance showing the corresponding category.
Registering your holiday let
You first need to submit a responsible declaration with your personal details. You must accompany the declaration with proof that you are the owner and documentation regarding the property’s location and capacity (e.g. first occupation licence). You must also provide a plan of the layout of the property showing its useable area and proof of up-to-date civil liability insurance.
Comunidad Valenciana
On the eastern Mediterranean coast, this region includes several popular holiday spots such as the Costa Blanca based around Alicante, the Valencian coast and the Costa del Azahar.
Applicable legislation
- L C. Valenciana 15/2018 de turismo
Types of property for holiday lets in Valencia
In broad terms, holiday lets are entire properties in municipalities permitting vacation rentals. Regional legislation distinguishes between urban and rural holiday lets.
Requirements
Urban holiday lets must:
- Have a first occupation licence.
- Fulfil standards requirements for size and facilities.
- Display the official plaque accrediting their registration in a clearly visible place.
- Include the official registration number in all advertising.
- Have an up-to-date civil liability insurance policy.
Rural holiday lets must:
- Have traditional, historical, cultural or ethnographic architectural value, or respond to the architectural characteristics of the area.
- Provide furniture, equipment and fittings in keeping with the authenticity of its location.
Registering your holiday let in Valencia
You must first submit a responsible declaration to the appropriate tourism authorities. It must state that:
- You are the owner.
- The property meets all requirements (and you will continue to ensure this fulfilment).
- You have a favourable report from the municipality allowing holiday lets on your property.
- You have a first occupation licence.
- You have up-to-date civil liability insurance.
Final thoughts
As this guide to holiday lets in Spain has shown, each region has very different requirements and regulations. In fact, no two are alike!
But one thing that they do share is zero tolerance for non-compliance. And all apply high fines for failure to meet regulations. To avoid slipping up with your holiday let and to ensure you stay on the right side of the law, take professional advice from our expert team. Get in touch now.
Table of regional legislation for holiday lets in Spain
| Autonomus Community ( Region) | Legislation | Terminology |
| Andalucía | D Andalucía 28/2016 | Viviendas con fines turísticos |
| Aragón | D Aragón 80/2015 | Viviendas de uso turístico |
| Asturias | D Asturias 48/2016 | Viviendas vacacionales Viviendas de uso turístico |
| Balearic Islands | L Baleares 8/2012 | Estancias turísticas en viviendas |
| Canary Islands | D Canarias 113/2015 de viviendas vacacionales | Viviendas vacacionales |
| Cantabria | • D Cantabria 82/2010 de establecimientos de alojamiento turístico extrahotelero • D Cantabria 225/2019 de actividad de alojamiento turístico en la modalidad de cesión temporal de viviendas de uso turístico | Vivienda de cesión completa Vivienda de cesión compartida Vivienda de cesión completa o compartida |
| Castilla-La Mancha | D Castilla-La Mancha 36/2018 de apartamentos turísticos y las viviendas de uso turístico | Viviendas de uso turístico |
| Castilla y León | D Castilla y León 3/2017 de establecimientos de alojamiento en la modalidad de vivienda de uso turístico | Vivienda de uso turístico |
| Catalonia | D Cataluña 75/2020 de viviendas de uso turístico | Vivienda de uso turístico |
| Extremadura | Sin regulación específica | |
| Galicia | D Galicia 12/2017 de los apartamentos turísticos, viviendas turísticas y viviendas de uso turístico | Vivienda turística Vivienda de uso turístico |
| La Rioja | D La Rioja 10/2017 de ordenación de apartamentos turísticos, viviendas turísticas y viviendas de uso turístico | Viviendas de uso turístico |
| Madrid | D Madrid 79/2014 de apartamentos turísticos y viviendas de uso turístico | Viviendas de uso turístico |
| Murcia | D Murcia 256/2019 | Viviendas de uso turístico |
| Navarra | DF Navarra 230/2011 de apartamentos Turísticos | Vivienda turística |
| País Vasco | D País Vasco 101/2018 de viviendas y habitaciones de viviendas particulares para uso turístico | Viviendas para uso turístico Alojamiento en habitaciones de viviendas particulares para uso turístico |
| C. Valenciana | L C. Valenciana 15/2018 de turismo | Viviendas turísticas |
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