Mandatory Unique Registration for ShortTerm Rentals in Spain

Mandatory Unique Registration for ShortTerm Rentals in Spain

Starting July 1, 2025, anyone listing a property for short-term rental—whether for holiday stays, temporary use, or individual room rentals—must obtain an official identification number. This unique code, managed by the Spanish Land Registry, will allow authorities to monitor and regulate these types of rental activities more effectively.

A Centralized System for Better Oversight

To simplify the process, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda has launched the National Registry for Housing Rentals, a centralized database designed to enhance transparency and oversight of short-term leases. Alongside this, a Digital One-Stop Rental Portal has been introduced to streamline all necessary procedures online in one place.

Key Questions About the New Rental Registry Requirement

What is the Unique Registration Number for Tourist and Seasonal Rentals?

It is a mandatory identification code assigned to each property intended for short-term rental. This requirement

was established under Royal Decree 1312/2024, which came into force in January 2025, but enforcement begins on July 1, 2025.

Who is Affected by This Regulation?

The regulation applies to all property owners who rent out accommodations for short durations—whether for vacation, seasonal use, or by the room—typically defined as rentals of less than 30 days or under one year.

What is the Digital One-Stop Rental Portal?

This is the official online platform provided by the Ministry of Housing where owners can apply for their property’s registration number. The process requires an electronic certificate and submission of details such as the exact address, cadastral reference, maximum occupancy, and whether the rental is for the entire property or individual rooms.

Where is the Unique Registration Number Required?

This number is mandatory on online platforms that allow users to complete bookings and payments, such as Airbnb or Booking.com. However, it is not required on advertising platforms like Idealista, which only serve as listing showcases and do not facilitate online booking or contracts.

Do I Need Multiple Codes If the Property Has More Than One Rental Use?

Yes. If the same property is rented under different categories (e.g., tourist rental, seasonal rental, or by the room), you’ll need to obtain a separate code for each type of rental use.

What Is the Purpose of This Unique Registry?

The main goal is to bring transparency and control to the short-term rental market. It helps ensure compliance with health, safety, tax, and zoning regulations, while protecting the rights of both tenants and landlords.

Which Properties Are Exempt From Registration?

The following are generally exempt from the unique registry:

• Second homes not advertised for rental

• Hotels, hostels, rural houses, campgrounds, and similar licensed businesses

• Long-term rentals (contracts over 12 months)

• Offline-only advertisements (e.g., printed flyers, physical real estate offices)

What Are the Consequences of Not Registering?

Failing to comply may result in:

• Financial penalties

• Restrictions on listing your property

• Revocation of licenses in serious or repeated cases

Owners are strongly advised to stay informed and act in accordance with the new legal framework to avoid any negative consequences.

What If Your Registration Request Is Denied?

If your application is rejected, you won’t be allowed to legally rent the property. It’s important to review the reason for denial and take corrective steps as soon as possible.

Key Figures So Far

Since the registry opened on January 2, 2025, over 215,000 applications have been submitted:

• 78% correspond to tourist rentals

• 22% are for seasonal rentals

• 94,209 registrations have been fully approved

• Over 100,000 are still pending verification by the Property Registrar’s Office

Coastal Regions Lead in Registrations

Spain’s coastal regions dominate the statistics, especially:

• Andalusia (notably Málaga)

• Balearic Islands

• Canary Islands (Gran Canaria and Tenerife)

• Catalonia (Barcelona, Tarragona, Girona)

• Valencian Community (Alicante, Castellón, Valencia)

These areas account for over three-quarters of all approved tourist rental registrations, reflecting their strong reliance on tourism.

The Unique Rental Registration system is not just a legal formality—it’s a crucial tool for professionalizing and regulating the short-term rental sector in Spain.

If you’re a property owner planning to advertise your home for tourist or temporary rental, it’s essential to complete your registration as soon as possible to remain compliant and avoid fines or restrictions.