How to get a tourist license for your apartment in Spain

September 3rd 2025

Thinking about turning your apartment into a vacation rental but worried about the legal side? Don’t stress—it’s completely normal. The process of getting a tourist license in Spain can feel complicated, so we’ve prepared this guide to explain what it is, what you need, and how to apply for it.

What is a tourist apartment license?

A tourist license (also called a holiday rental license) is the official authorization you need to rent your property to tourists on a short-term basis.

It’s the document that proves your home meets all the legal requirements to operate as a holiday rental and allows you to advertise it on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.

Without it, you risk receiving very high fines.

General requirements for holiday rentals in Spain

Each region—and sometimes even each city—has its own rules. Still, there are some common requirements for tourist rentals in Spain you’ll usually need to meet:

Habitability certificate: Confirms the property meets the minimum living conditions.
Liability insurance: Covers potential issues with guests or neighbours.
Basic equipment: The property must be fully furnished and equipped (furniture, kitchenware, bed linen, etc.) so guests can move in right away.
Complaint forms: You must have official forms available for guests who request them.
Guest registration: You’re required to register all guests and send their details to the police.
Community rules: Check your building’s statutes to ensure there are no restrictions against tourist rentals.

Different types of tourist licenses

Tourist rental regulations vary significantly across Spain. The cost of a tourist license, application deadlines, and requirements are not the same everywhere. That’s why it’s essential to check the local legislation before starting.

Here’s a look at two of the strictest cities:

Tourist license in Madrid

Madrid has one of the toughest frameworks for holiday rentals. To operate legally, you need a Tourist Apartment Activity License, obtained through a “Declaración Responsable” (Responsible Declaration) submitted to City Hall.

Since 2019, you also need a Certificate of Suitability for Tourist Use Housing (CIVUT), issued by a qualified technician after inspecting your property. This certificate ensures compliance with safety and habitability standards under Article 17 bis of Decree 29/2019.

Among the requirements checked are:

Independent access from the street
Working heating and hot/cold water supply
Direct ventilation to the outside or an open courtyard
A fire extinguisher within 15 meters of the exit
Emergency signage at exit doors
A visible evacuation plan for the building and the property

Once you submit the Responsible Declaration, you can start operating immediately—but be prepared for possible future inspections.

Tourist License in Barcelona

Barcelona currently restricts new tourist licenses due to the Special Urban Plan for Tourist Accommodation (PEUAT), which divides the city into zones with different rules.

In central areas such as Ciutat Vella, Eixample, and Gràcia, no new tourist licenses are issued. The only legal way to operate is to buy a property that already has a valid license—and check that it can be transferred to the new owner.

In 2023, Catalonia passed Decree Law 3/2023, modifying urban planning rules. Tourist licenses are now valid for five years and renewable, provided urban planning regulations allow it.

This means even if you obtain a license, you’ll need to renew it periodically.

How much does a tourist license cost in Spain?

Once you’ve gathered all the paperwork, the big question is: How much does a holiday rental license cost?

The price isn’t fixed. It depends on local council fees and the technical costs of the process. It usually includes:

Municipal fees for the Responsible Declaration
Cost of the Certificate of Suitability or urban compatibility report (done by a technician)
Cost of liability insurance

Keep in mind: these fees only cover the paperwork. If your property needs renovations or upgrades, those costs will be your responsibility.

At The Home Hunter, we take care of everything for you

We know that selling, buying, or renting a home is a big milestone in life. That’s why at The Home Hunter; we have a specialized team ready to guide you through the entire process—so you can focus on enjoying the results.

If you’re considering selling or renting your property, or if you need more information about the tourist rental license in Spain, don’t hesitate to contact us.

We’ll be by your side every step of the way.