In this article, we will discuss the different steps required to apply for a rental licence in Spain. Applying for a rental licence is mandatory for holiday rentals and is regulated by both national and regional legislation. Spain consists of 17 autonomous regions, each of which has its own rules. Therefore, we provide an overview of the general seven steps that apply across the country. The exact details of these steps depend on the region in which your property is located.
What is holiday rental?
Holiday rental involves renting out a fully furnished and equipped property for short periods on a regular basis, for profit. The autonomous regions decide for themselves how this definition is filled in.
For instance, a short rental period in Andalusia is defined as a rental of less than two months, while in the Comunitat Valenciana (Costa Blanca) a period of 10 days (nights) or less is considered a holiday rental. The frequency of rentals also plays a role. If you advertise your accommodation, it is usually assumed that you rent out the property on a regular basis.
Applying for a rental licence in 7 steps
Step 1: Meeting habitability standards
The first step in the process is meeting habitability standards. Your property must be safe and suitable for rental, which involves specific requirements for each region.
In the Comunitat Valenciana, for example, a certificate of conformity is required, which also specifies the maximum number of tenants. For new-build properties, this certificate is standard, but for existing properties, you need to check whether it is still valid. If it is not, an architect must inspect the property. Applying for a rental licence in Andalusia is not even possible if building violations have been established.
It is therefore appropriate to have the necessary legal checks carried out at the time of purchase.
Step 2: Meeting comfort and safety conditions
Besides habitability, your home must meet safety and comfort requirements. Each region sets its own rules for this. For instance, there may be specific requirements on the number of air conditioners, the minimum thickness of mattresses and the placement of household appliances such as a coffee machine. There are also guidelines regarding fire safety, such as the mandatory presence of fire extinguishers and an evacuation plan.
Step 3: Get permission from the Co-owners' Association (VME)
If your property is part of a Joint Owners' Association (VME), from 4 April 2025, permission is needed from this association to allow holiday rentals. The general assembly must decide on this with a 3/5 majority. Currently, some regions already require a certificate from the VME confirming that no restrictions apply. In the future, this attestation may have to explicitly state that rentals are actually allowed.
Read more about the necessary consent of the VME here.
Step 4: Taking out civil liability insurance
To comply with legal requirements, you, as a landlord, must take out civil liability insurance. This is because you are responsible for the safety of your guests and should protect them from both physical and psychological harm in case of an accident. This insurance can often be added as an additional cover to your existing fire or building insurance. Without this cover, you cannot apply for a rental licence.
Find out more about compulsory insurance in Spain here.
Step 5: Obtain municipal permission
Depending on the region, municipal approval may also be required. Some local authorities operate a system where each application is assessed individually, while others set general guidelines for specific zones. In the Comunitat Valenciana, for example, you are not guaranteed to get approval, while in Murcia, no municipal approval is currently required. As a result, applying for a rental licence is currently easiest in Murcia.
Step 6: Registering your property with the local autonomous region
If you meet all the previous requirements, you can apply for the rental licence from the autonomous region in which your property is located. Essentially, this amounts to officially registering your property as a tourist accommodation, after which you will receive a registration number. The conditions attached to this licence vary by region. In some regions, the licence is transferable, while in others it is only valid for a certain period of time.
Step 7: Register your property on the national register
In addition to regional registration, from 1 July 2025 it will be mandatory to apply for a national registration number through the property register. This is basically a formality, provided all the previous steps have been completed correctly. Eventually, you will receive at least two identification numbers: the regional rental number and the national rental number.
Find more information on the national registration requirement here.
Conditions after obtaining the rental licence
Obtaining the rental licence does not mean that your obligations end. Depending on the region, you will have to comply with additional rules regarding, for example, publicity and check-in procedures. A national duty to report to the police, requiring tenants to be registered.
Want to know more about the specific regulations in your region? Then take a look at our overview of blog articles About holiday rentals in Spain.
