Tourist license in Spain – Key information

How to legally rent property in Spain?

Renting out holiday properties in Spain is becoming an increasingly popular form of investment, offering owners the opportunity to generate a steady passive income. Spain, a country with a rich culture, beautiful beaches and tourist attractions, attracts millions of tourists every year.

For investors and property owners, short-term rentals can be significantly more profitable than traditional long-term rental options. However, in order for this operation to be legal and bring the expected benefits, it is necessary to obtain a tourist licence.

Tourist license (licencia turística)

A tourist licence, known in Spain as a “licencia turística“, is an official document issued by the Town Council (Ayuntamiento) which authorises the owner to rent out their property for tourist purposes. The process of obtaining such a licence can take between 1 and 3 months, although sometimes it can take much longer, and in some cases it may prove impossible.

Why is a tourist license so important?

This is because penalties for renting without a proper licence are severe and vary from region to region – from EUR 150 in Andalusia to as much as EUR 600,000 in the Valencian Community. What is more, booking platforms such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor and Airbnb require a licence number to be provided when adding an advertisement, and more and more tourists are asking for it in order to avoid legal problems.

Requirements and procedure for obtaining a tourist license

In order for a property to be rented out to tourists, it must meet certain criteria, such as having at least one bathroom, a kitchen, a bedroom and a living room with a dining area. It must be fully equipped, provide access to Wi-Fi and an emergency number. Access cannot be denied on the basis of gender, race or religion. The licence application must also include the contact details of the person managing the rental.

Regional restrictions on granting licenses

It is worth noting that each autonomous community in Spain has its own regulations regarding the granting of tourist licences. Some regions, in order to control the number of tourists and protect the environment, may impose restrictions or completely ban the issuance of new licences.

Buying property with a tourist license in Spain

Purchasing a property that already has a tourist licence may seem like an easier option, but it does not guarantee that the licence will automatically be transferred to the new owner. Furthermore, changes in regulations or community statutes may make it difficult or impossible for the new buyer to obtain a licence.

Investing in tourist property in Spain offers attractive earning opportunities, but it also requires strict compliance with local regulations and legal obligations. Failure to comply with these rules can result in serious financial and legal consequences. Therefore, before starting a short-term rental business, it is essential to obtain a tourist licence and ensure that the property meets all the required standards.