The whole truth about the tourist license in Spain (2025)

Travel license vs. NRA - not the same thing!

A tourist license is a permit issued by the competent authority of an autonomous community (e.g., Generalitat Valenciana, Junta de Andalucía) that authorizes legal short-term rentals to tourists.

NRA - Número de Registro de Alquiler is a nationwide registration number, required as of July 1, 2025 for all short-term rental listings visible online.

The NRA is not a substitute for a tourist license, but is an additional obligation. In order to obtain an NRA, one must have previously held a license or met the legal conditions for declaring a property as a tourist property.

How to get a tourist license?

Standard steps (may vary slightly depending on the autonomous region):

• Submission of a declaration of responsibility (declaración responsable) to the municipality or regional tourism authority.
• Attachment of required documents:
• Title or lease agreement,
• Cédula de habitabilidad or first use license,
• Energy Efficiency Certificate,
• Liability insurance (mandatory in many communities).
• Awaiting assignment of a VUT (Vivienda de Uso Turístico) registration number.

Some regions additionally require administrative fees, technical inspections or separate approval from the housing community (such as in Catalonia or Valencia).

Owner's responsibilities after obtaining a license

Having a license is only the first step. The owner has a number of operational responsibilities:

• Obtain an NRA Registration Number (Número de Registro de Alquiler) through the CORPME (Registro de la Propiedad) electronic platform. This obligation applies to advertisements published on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking and went into effect on July 1, 2025.
• Reporting visitor data to SES Hospedajes.
• Include the license number and NRA in every advertisement on the Internet.
• In some regions (e.g., Balearic Islands, Valencia), it is also mandatory to display a license number plate on the facade of the building or at the entrance.

Is it necessary to have a license plate?

In some communities, yes:

Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Madrid - a plate with a license number (sometimes with a category such as VUT) at the entrance to the property. In other regions, a number in documentation and advertisements is sufficient.

Which regions have stopped issuing licenses (moratoria)?

• 🚫 Barcelona / Catalonia: no new licenses, plan to abolish VUT by 2028.
• 🚫 Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza): only in designated zones, high fees.
• 🚫 Canary Islands: restrictions according to the development plan.
• 🚫 San Sebastián / País Vasco: only units with independent entrance.
• 🚫 Madrid (center): community building restrictions.
• 🚫 Alicante: two-year moratorium from December 2024, extended to entire buildings, hostels and guesthouses from July 2025. Valid until January 2027.

Is it possible to rent without a license?

Yes, but not to tourists through portals like Airbnb.

✅ Legal alternatives:

• Seasonal rental (arrendamiento de temporada) - temporary contract for students, employees; no hotel services.
• Long-term rental (more than 31 days) - no license required.
• Occasional private rental - theoretically permissible, but risky without registration.

Landlord obligations (as of 2025)

• Obtaining a regional license (VUT)
• NRA registration (from 01.07.2025)
• VUT and NRA number in ads
• Consent of the housing community (min. 60% of votes)
• Documentation of visitors and submissions to SES
• Energy and liability certificate (depending on the region)
• Plaque at the entrance (if required)

Regional differences - examples

Conclusions

Spain is gradually tightening regulations on tourist rentals. As of July 2025, it is not enough to have an apartment and place an ad on Airbnb. It is necessary:

• having a license,
• NRA number,
• community consent,
• knowledge of local regulations.

Before renting a property to tourists, it's a good idea to consult an advisor or gestoría.