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Tourist Rental Registry in Spain: What Property Owners & Property Management Companies Need to Know

Spain’s rental market has long been a prime investment opportunity, with one in six properties being rented out in under 24 hours, as we covered in a previous post. Now, the tourist rental market is undergoing a major shift with the introduction of the new Tourist Rental Registry. While the law officially came into effect on January 2, 2025, full enforcement won’t begin until July 1, 2025.

This registry affects property owners, property management companies, and online rental platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com, requiring all tourist rental properties to be registered before they can be legally advertised. But what does this mean for investors and industry professionals, and what steps should you take to comply?

What Is the Tourist Rental Registry?

The Tourist Rental Registry is a nationwide system introduced by the Spanish government to regulate the short-term rental market, ensuring compliance and greater transparency. Its primary objectives are to ensure that all rental properties meet legal and quality standards, create a more transparent and competitive rental market, and strengthen consumer protection by preventing illegal rentals.

For property owners and property management companies, this means that every tourist rental must be officially registered before being listed on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Failure to comply could result in fines or suspension of rental listings.

This regulation also aligns with regional efforts, such as the Junta de Andalucía’s restrictions on tourist rentals, allowing municipalities to have more control over local housing markets.

Tourist Rentals (Viviendas de uso turístico) are properties rented for tourism purposes and are subject to specific regulations by regional governments or municipalities. In contrast, Short-Term Rentals (Viviendas de uso temporal) are intended for non-permanent residential use, such as student housing, temporary work assignments, or medical stays. These fall under Spain’s Urban Leasing Law (LAU) and do not require additional authorization from regional or municipal authorities.

How to Register Your Property for Tourist Rentals

To legally operate a tourist rental in Spain, property owners must complete the registration process and obtain a Tourist Rental Registration Number. The steps involve securing the necessary permits, providing property details, and submitting the application through the official registry platform.

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documentation

Before applying for registration, property owners must gather the following mandatory documentation:

Tourist Use License – Each Autonomous Community in Spain has its own licensing requirements, so it is essential to check local regulations.
Habitability Certificate – Confirms that the property meets safety and living standards.
Property Details – Including the exact address and cadastral reference.
Rental Terms – Owners must specify whether the property will be rented as a whole unit or by individual rooms, and declare the maximum number of occupants allowed under local laws.

Step 2: Submit Your Registration Application

Once the required documentation is prepared, property owners must apply for their Tourist Rental Registration Number through the electronic platform of the Colegio de Registradores.

How to Apply:

Access the electronic registry portal of the Colegio de Registradores.
Log in with a valid digital certificate to verify identity.
Complete the application form with the required property and rental details.
Submit the request and receive a temporary registration number immediately.

The Colegio de Registradores will then review the application and verify the submitted documents. If everything complies with legal requirements, the registration number will be officially confirmed as permanent.

Once the registration is approved, owners must display their registration number on all listings, including platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, to legally operate their rental.

How to Register Your Property for Short-Term Rentals

If you plan to rent out your property for seasonal or short-term stays, you must obtain a Short-Term Rental Registration Number to comply with Spanish regulations. The registration process ensures that all rental properties meet legal and quality standards, providing a secure environment for both owners and tenants.

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documentation

Before applying for registration, property owners must gather and submit the following information:

Cadastral Reference & Exact Address – Confirms the legal identification of the property.
Rental Structure – Specify whether the property will be rented as a whole unit or by individual rooms.
Maximum Occupancy – Declare the number of guests allowed, in accordance with local regulations.

Step 2: Submit Your Registration Application

Once the required documentation is ready, property owners must apply for their Short-Term Rental Registration Number through the electronic platform of th Colegio de Registradores.

How to Apply:

Access the official registry portal of the Colegio de Registradores.
Log in using a valid digital certificate to authenticate identity.
Complete the online application form with the required property details.
Submit the request and receive an immediate temporary registration number.

After submission, the Colegio de Registradores will review the application and verify compliance with regulations. If everything is correct, the temporary registration number will be converted into a permanent one.

Once the registration is approved, owners must display their registration number on all listings, including platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, to legally operate their rental.

Final Thoughts: Ensuring Compliance & Protecting Your Investment

With the new Tourist Rental Registry set to be fully enforced by July 2024, property owners should act now to ensure compliance with Spain’s rental regulations.

At UTRUST, we provide tailored legal strategies for foreign investors in Spanish real estate, ensuring their investments remain legally sound while maximizing rental income.

Contact us at info@utrust.es or schedule a complimentary consultation through this link.