Tourist Rental Licences in Spain 2025: New Regulations on the Costa del Sol
Tourist Rental Licences in Spain 2025: Key Legal Requirements for Property Owners on the Costa del Sol.
Short-term holiday rentals remain one of the most profitable sectors of the Spanish real estate market. Due to strong demand in Andalusia – especially on the Costa del Sol – the regulatory framework has tightened significantly. The year 2025 introduces new registration rules, stricter compliance requirements and higher penalties for non-compliance.
1. Mandatory Regional Registration: VFT / VUT
In Andalusia, any property rented for less than two months must be registered as a Vivienda con Fines Turísticos (VFT / VUT).
Owners must provide:
- proof of ownership,
- cadastral reference,
- first occupation licence (LPO),
- confirmation of compliance with technical and safety standards.
The registration number must be displayed on all advertising platforms. Renting without a licence is subject to fines.
2. New National Holiday Rental Registry 2025
As of January 2025, Spain has introduced a national holiday rental registry, complementing regional registrations.
Owners are required to:
- register the property in the national system,
- obtain a National Rental Authentication (NRA) code,
- display this code in all listings and online advertisements.
Penalties for non-compliance have increased significantly, reaching tens of thousands of euros in serious cases.
3. Community of Owners Approval
A recent amendment to the Horizontal Property Law (2024–2025) states that:
- residential communities may prohibit holiday rentals in their statutes,
- in most cases, a 3/5 majority approval is required to activate a tourist licence.
Without community approval, a licence cannot be issued or renewed. This is essential to check before purchasing an investment apartment.
4. Restrictions on New Licences in Selected Areas
Several municipalities in Andalusia have introduced limitations on new tourist licences, especially in:
- historic districts,
- central urban zones,
- saturated tourist areas.
Some neighbourhoods now have full moratoriums or require urban planning approval.
5. Obligations for Holiday Rental Operators
Property owners must:
- register all guests over 16 with the police within 24 hours,
- maintain insurance and safety compliance,
- keep reservation and payment records,
- ensure transparent pricing,
- provide a 24/7 contact number.
If a management company is used, it must be registered as an empresa explotadora.
6. Recommendations for Investors
- Review the community statutes before purchasing.
- Choose locations where new licences can still be obtained.
- Consider professional property management for legal compliance.
- Factor administrative and licensing costs into your yield calculations.
The year 2025 marks a turning point in Spain’s holiday rental regulations. With the introduction of the national registry, stricter compliance requirements and increased community authority, property owners must approach short-term rentals with greater diligence. Despite the stricter framework, demand for legal holiday rentals on the Costa del Sol remains strong, making properly licensed properties highly valuable.
