Tourist Rental License in Spain

✅ Situation Overview

If you purchase a property in Spain and want to rent it out as a tourist accommodation (Vivienda Turística), you must comply with regulations on two levels:

• Regional level → Comunidad Valenciana (Alicante, Valencia, Castellón)
• National level → Spain (tax and registration obligations)

🌟 1. If the property already has a tourist rental license

🔗 Possibility of transferring the existing VT license (cambio de titular)
A. Regional: check VT number, urban compatibility report, submit Declaración Responsable
B. National: tax registration (Modelo 179 or 210), register in the censo de empresarios

❌ 2. If the property does not yet have a tourist rental license

A. Regional: request compatibility report and apply for a VT number via Turisme GVA
B. National: register for tax purposes, possibly request an opening license, Modelo 210, censo

📊 3. Additional obligations as operator

- Publish VT number
- Liability insurance
- Keep income/expense records
- Periodic tax returns
- Business registration

🧭 4. When is tourist rental applicable?

Tourist rental is regulated when:
- Rental < 2 months
- Rental via platforms such as Airbnb
- Renting multiple units in one building

🆕 5. National requirement: Número de Registro de Alquiler (NRA)

Since late 2023 / early 2024, a national obligation was introduced: registration of every tourist rental property in the national register managed by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. This results in a unique NRA number.

Requirements:
- Register NRA via https://sede.mincotur.gob.es
- VT number required
- NRA must be shown in ads
- Fines possible if not respected

Applies across all of Spain, regardless of the region.

🔹 Practical tips

- Keep all documents digitally (PDF)
- Consult a gestor or legal advisor
- Follow updates on www.turisme.gva.es

📎 Annex: Conditions for the Property and Co-ownership (Homeowners’ Association – VVE)

1. Technical and Structural Requirements

• The property must be legally registered and habitable according to Spanish standards.

• An Informe de Compatibilidad Urbanística is required from the municipality.

• The property must hold a valid occupancy permit (licencia de ocupación).

• Full furnishing and equipment are mandatory for immediate habitation.

• Safety requirements (such as smoke detectors, contact details, etc.) must be met.

2. Co-ownership and VVE Permission

If the property is part of a building with a Homeowners’ Association (VVE), it is important to check whether the statutes allow tourist rentals:

• The community may restrict tourist rentals with a majority (3/5) of the owners.

• Municipalities may require a written confirmation from the VVE.

• It is recommended to request a declaration of consent from the property manager or administrator.

3. Local and Legal Considerations

• Municipalities may apply additional rules per zone or impose a maximum on VT registrations.

• Some areas have a moratorium or waiting list for new licenses.

• Liability insurance is mandatory before registration.

• A local contact person must be appointed, available for issues or inspections.

⚠ Always consult the municipal Urbanismo department and a certified gestor before submitting an application.

📎 Annex II: When is rental considered tourist rental?

According to Decreto 10/2021 of the Generalitat Valenciana, a property is considered a 'Vivienda Turística' (tourist rental) when it is made available temporarily and for payment to third parties, with promotion through public or commercial channels.
 

Tourist license is required when:

- Rentals shorter than 2 months, especially if repeated or to different users
- Advertising on rental platforms (Airbnb, Booking, etc.)
- Rentals offered commercially through private websites or social media
- Rentals with services such as check-in, cleaning, linens, etc.

License is NOT required when:

- Rental to the same person for longer than 2 months
- Occasional rental to friends or family without advertising
- Non-commercial, cost-sharing arrangements (rare)

⚠ Note: The often-mentioned '10/11 day rule' is NOT an official limit in the Comunidad Valenciana. The key criteria are intent, recurrence, and publicity.

📎 Annex III: First or Second Occupancy License

The 'Licencia de Ocupación' is an official document issued by the municipality certifying that the property complies with urban standards and is suitable for habitation. It is required before applying for a tourist rental license (VT).
 

Types of occupancy licenses:

- First Occupancy License: for newly built properties
- Second Occupancy License: for existing properties, resale, or after renovation

Conditions and process:

- Proper connection to water, electricity, and sewage
- Compliance with town planning and cadastral data
- Apply through the local Urbanismo office
- Municipality may request technical documents or inspections
- Timelines and requirements vary by town

💡 Tip: Check if the license already exists before buying. If not, apply for or renew it promptly.